Towing a Car Trailer

[Muslca]

Your life is worth doing it right.......

 

[Frankie]

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:

 

[Oklacarcollecto]

If you are only pulling about 60 miles and a half dozen trips a year maybe consider an 80s motor home. I see nice ones cheap that have very few miles on them. Mine had about 31K on it and I paid $2750 for it. Insurance for a year is about a $100 from State Farm. Mine is a 1 ton so it has a dual wheels. I have owned it since 2007 and it would still bring a couple of thousand. The beauty part is when I go someplace I have all the conveniences and a place to hang out should I need to.

 

[rod7515]

LOL, I cant imagine what my wife would say if I came home with a 80's camper to use to pull the race car and park it in our driveway! Thats a face that would be priceless!
As far as brand loyalty yes I agree. I will be very open minded in my search. I already own the trailer so the need to rent is not a worry. This car has really stretched my needs to more then just building a nice car! I hope this all turns out well.
Rod

 

[Oklacarcollecto]

LOL, I cant imagine what my wife would say if I came home with a 80's camper to use to pull the race car and park it in our driveway! Thats a face that would be priceless!
As far as brand loyalty yes I agree. I will be very open minded in my search. I already own the trailer so the need to rent is not a worry. This car has really stretched my needs to more then just building a nice car! I hope this all turns out well.
Rod

I am glad my wife isn't like that. Mine would say "When are we going to the lake?" or "Let's go for a trip."

1983 $4700 and that is on the high side of what they are bringing. 72000 original mi no leaks new tires all around fully self contained roof air 28' roof air 3 way frig full bed in rear sleeps 6-8 no leaks strong motor great shape all tanks 4700.oo roof air is combo heat/ air water heater is gas or elect bed above cab is full table makes bed also Onan gen no leaks

View attachment 00a0a_6Dj4RkxTzFc_600x450.jpg

Little newer and nicer. 1992 $7900. 56,000 Original Miles. Runs Great! 4 beds, Flat Screen Tv, Kitchen, Bathroom, Living and Dining area. 1992 Ford Flair Fleetwood

View attachment 00X0X_7XqCGlkgkHu_600x450.jpg

 

[sireland67]

Glad you already have a trailer.
I was going to mention that u-haul will not rent you a car trailer around here unless you have at least a 3/4 ton truck.
Might check into renting a u-haul box trailer to pull your car trailer when needed instead of buying a truck.