different ideas for tow vehicles

[Sunbeam]

Your comment on the rain and carrying stuff around in a van versus a truck is right on. I've always used a fiberglass cap or tonneau because of that. However with the truck, one suddenly realizes all of the BIG stuff that you find needs hauling around that really requires an open truck bed. For example, the motorcycle or 4 wheeler bug could hit you, or how about your aunt fannies fridge or if you have kids, moving their households around year after year, etc. etc.

That is a consideration. Back in early days I had an open pickup truck, and it was very handy for just tossing stuff in/hauling. But then I found that 99% of the time I wanted to travel/camp in it. What I did at the time was get a large topper that was almost like a camper (what I mean is, it had no "bottom" and simply fit on the rails like a topper, but it was a foot or two higher than the truck cab). I built two long narrow modules that slid in and formed a bed/storage-under/table platform, but that could be removed without too much trouble. It had a smaller, vertical "house" door in the back to use when campering, but then the entire back panel (that the door was in) came off with a few bolts leaving a huge opening. Between that opening and the high topper, I could haul nearly as well as the open truck (in some cases better because rain and wind were not a factor then). I really liked that combo.

Next for years I had station wagons. They were more useful than regular cars for hauling stuff, and I could use an open trailer for dump runs, buying bigger things, helping folks move, etc.

Now, as mentioned above, I have a camper van. There's no way it's as good for hauling as the truck was, but one thing I did that makes it as good as it can be was to get a layout wherein there is an open aisle right down the middle all the way to the back doors (another popular layout has a couch running across the van amidships, so no open aisle runs the length - it's a nice layout but just different). In addition the storage cabinet just inside and to the rear of the side door is removable, for getting large/square things in the side door. So I can still haul long pieces of lumber (such as my new trailer bunks), a washing machine, etc. And I could still use a separate trailer if not towing the boat. Still not like an open truck, but just another option.

Seems to end up being like boats.... one has to know one's self and purposes, and then choose the best compromise (of course the hard part is when you're not sure what your uses might all be, but you need to know your uses to make a decision :crook).

Sunbeam

 

[KickerDRB]

I tow with a '12 F350 4dr short bed with the 6.7 powerstroke. It is overkill most of the time. I sold the 1/2 ton 6.0 chevy after a weekend of high cross winds while pulling the camper. The chevy would get 17/13 then 10/8 (boat / camper). The powerstroke gets 19/15 then 14/13 (boat / camper).
It is also a blast to drive. The engine design with the turbo between the heads eliminates turbo lag. 800ft/lbs of torque will really put you in the back of your seat if you are feeling froggy. I doubt i will ever go back to a gasser. It will probably take me 4-5 years to break even on the diesel vs gas incrimental cost, but after i drove it I knew i would not be happy with anything else.

Nothing to be scared about with all the EPA rules, no smoke or stink. I can even park in in the garage without smelling diesel.
regards,
Dave

 

[thataway]

I don't think anyone should go away from this thread thinking that you need to have a full size pickup, let alone a 350, to tow a 4000 lb C Dory. Nothing wrong with that if you have a camper or trailer to pull. I drive a 40,000# Diesel RV and tow a boat, but that is a choice I have made.

Many of us get thru life (77 years in may case) with out owning a pick up. I have rented a few trailers and even rented a 1 ton truck form Home Depot for $19 an hour to pick up some concrete blocks last year.

Each of us looks at that what is available, fits our needs and budget, than pulls the trigger.

 

[Arend]

A 2000 Chevy Astro Van is what I use, and It pulls the boat just fine all the way to Port Hardy for the last three years.
larger pickups and SUV's will tow it easier and more comfortable, but the Astro does the job.

The rear suspension on these vans do benefit from airbags or
heavier leaf springs to prevent them from looking overloaded.
I did substitute the 3 leaf standard springs with 5 leaf springs on the rear axle.

 

[ssobol]

The rear suspension on these vans do benefit from airbags...

I did put air bags in the rear suspension of my Sienna. I did it before I did a lot of towing the CD this because I read it would help with the ride.

 

[Aurelia]

Here is another light option recently released and rated for 5000lbs and seems to feature the towing package standard. I have driven the shorter sport version with just the standard engine and was very impressed with the ride comfort and feel of the vehicle. It lept truely far ahead of the last version.

https://www.hyundaiusa.com/santa-fe/

If we get another Dory it will be a 19 towed with one of these most likely.

Greg

 

[RobMcClain]

We tow with a 2008 Toyota Sequoia SUV. It tows easily and is truly cavernous inside. My wife didn't really want a truck and now after owning the versatile Sequoia I'm really glad we got it (just don't tell her she was right). It is built on the rugged Tundra truck chassis and they make it with and without a tow package. Without it you can still tow up to roughly 8,000 pounds and with it you get another 1,500 added to that - so either way you are very good for a C-22 or a Venture 23.

Rob