[Rhodes22-list] Need tow vehicle recommendation

[The Rhodes 22 Email List]

Rummy, what you have written is good advice.  I have a 2003 4-Runner with V-6 and 4WD.  The 4-Runner is a body on frame vehicle and handles towing very well. I installed Air Lift air springs to help level the vehicle when towing or carrying a load.  They work great and I would recommend them.  They mount inside the coil springs and are straight-forward to install.

The longest trip i have made with it is when I picked up my Rhodes (with a twin axle trailer) in Minneapolis and towed it to upstate, NY.   All in all, the V6 4-Runner could use a little more power, but is a solid vehicle for towing.

Don
Ithaca, NY 
--------------------------------------------
On Sun, 7/12/15, The Rhodes 22 Email List <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org> wrote:

 Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Need tow vehicle recommendation
 To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
 Date: Sunday, July 12, 2015, 1:05 PM
 
 Steve,
 There are many aspects of a tow vehicle which one must
 consider before  
 making that leap. Towing capacity is just a number and
 doesn't account for all  
 the other things you must consider. Every vehicle has a GVWR
 which is the  
 vehicle gross weight rating. This includes the boat and
 trailer and also the 
 tow  vehicle and all occupants. Things that are
 important for towing are 
 the  transmission (automatic preferred by every
 manufacturer) tranny cooler, 
 brakes,  springs and shocks, tires, engine size and
 radiator cooling 
 capacity. Some  towing packages come with a larger
 alternator to power trailer 
 lights.
 A vehicle with a 3500 lb towing capacity IS NOT sufficient
 to tow a R22.  
 You want something with around 5,000 pounds, factory tow
 package and the 
 longer  the wheel base the better the ride. I'm
 extremely partial to Michelin 
 tires  also. Always try to imagine the worst case
 scenario, such as having an 
 accident  and ending up in a court of law and
 explaining the use of a 3500 
 lb towing  vehicle to tow a 4,000 pound trailer and
 boat. Consumers reports 
 is not a good  authority on tow vehicles in my opinion.
 Use your own 
 judgement and pick one  that suits your needs the best.
 My first tow vehicle was a 
 dodge ram 1500 long  bed, two wheel drive, V6 and
 factory tow package. It was 
 rated at 5000 lbs and  did an admirable job. My current
 vehicle is a Dodge 
 Ram 1500, 4 x 4 with a small  V-8 (burns E-85) and I
 prefer this one by 
 quite a lot. Four wheel drive is nice  to have on steep
 and slippery ramps if 
 for no other reason than peace of mind. I  have only
 used it on one occasion 
 at a ramp.
  
 Rummy
  
  
 In a message dated 7/12/2015 12:44:16 P.M. Eastern Daylight
 Time,  
 rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
 writes:
 
 Thanks  for all the input. I am getting a short list
 together and looking at
 local  vehicles. Subscribed to Consumer Reports online.
 Part of me wants
 another  pickup with shell but some SUV's like Durango
 have great towing
 specs and  would be easier to park. Still kind of in
 sticker shock since I
 keep a  truck for like 20 years. Come on - 40k for a
 pickup?   -- Steve  
 Raye
 
 
 
 -----
 Fair winds and following seas .....  Steve  Raye
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