Towing a Car Trailer
Ok, I'm giving up on the idea of towing with my Lexus. I'm starting a search for a trk. This is not going to make the wifey very happy. I googled towing with my Lexus. It weighs 3950 with a gross weight of 4500 lbs. towing capacity. I may just decide to borrow as many friends have offered to lend their truck. Just hate doing this. It's not an issue I need to address before next spring so I'll keep my eyes open. I checked used trucks and the dodges seem overpriced compared to Ford and Chevy for same capacity. Thanks for everyone's thoughts and suggestions. They have been greatly appreciated.
Rodney
Good decision, Rodney.
Buy a truck, and rent a trailer when needed. For most of us, a car trailer sits in the yard for more than 90% of it's life.
You can get away with a fullsize half ton truck, any brand, and body configuration.
I recommend at least an extended cab, if not a crew cab. The extra room in the cab is priceless.
A small V8 will do what you need.
If you buy a Dodge, stay away from the 4.7 Liter, look for a Hemi truck. PERIOD.
If you look at GM truck, the 4.8 L is a 300HP engine and will work fine for you, but the 5.3L V8 is perfect for towing.
If you look at Ford, the 5.4 and the 5.0 are the engines to look for. The 4.6L V8 is a good little engine, but it's also a little underpowered. It will tow your car well enough, but the lack of power could be bothersome, and the MPG's fall off rather quickly when that engine is taxes.
Toyota V8 trucks will work fine, but they are overly expensive, even used.
Nissan V8's have plenty of power, and are available for far less than Toyotas.
I would steer clear of V6 trucks of ANY Brand for towing. Yes, I see the advertisements for the Fords and Rams v6's,
DON'T DO IT! While they will do the job, they work excessively hard, even the turbo engines, especially in hilly country, and the MPG's go right out the window.
If I had to recommend something I would say the
5.7L Hemi Ram, or a
Chevy/GMC 5.3L Both are excellent for towing, and are available
(even used) with active fuel management, meaning they will both give you all the power you need and still pull close to 20 mpg in the interstate (when not towing).
What ever you decide, don't let brand loyalty get in your way.
Best of luck to ya, and keep us up dated on your progress. :thumbup: