Posted 2012-08-23 1:45 PM (#146566) Subject: Best towing vehicle??
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Ocala, Florida
I have to buy a new vehicle as my current one has finally given up on life and died. I've been doing some research and am finding conflicting information on what vehicles are best to pull, mpg, safety etc. The problem is I commute to work over 40 miles each way every day so I REALLY need something that gets good gas mileage but has the capabilities to safely pull a small aluminum 2H with one 1000lb horse. I don't haul often, maybe once or twice a month, but I live out in the boonies so every haul is 20 miles or more each way. Do they make any SUV's or trucks that can both haul a small trailer AND get good gas mileage?? I've found several SUV's that get around 20mpg but they all have tow capacity's of 3500 lbs and that might be pushing the limit. I'd hate to buy a new car only to have to replace a transmission in the near future. Anyone have any advice??
Posted 2012-08-23 3:43 PM (#146569 - in reply to #146566) Subject: RE: Best towing vehicle??
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 385 Location: high desert, CA.
Dodge, Chevrolet, and Ford ALL buildf some fairly economical 1/2 ton trucks that will do what you ask. I tow my 2 horse aluminum slant load with my 97 Dodge 1/2 ton 4x4, and we always have to go up to about 6000 ft in summer to get nice temps. The Ole Dodge has been doing this for 14 yrs, and with normal maintenance, has never given us a burp. When you talk tires, the trailer goes through tires rather quickly, as between the 105 temps for 4 months of the year, then 0*f to 20* F in winter, along with the constant desert sun, we are buying tires every two years! The truck has had the same tires for almost 4 years, and next spring will get new shoes. What ever you buy, get the extracab, or 4 doors, you will use them, and although it means a short bed, will be easy to park. Trucks today drive like cars, and are sooo comfortable.
Posted 2012-08-23 5:13 PM (#146571 - in reply to #146567) Subject: RE: Best towing vehicle??
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Originally written by Painted Horse on 2012-08-23 2:27 PM
I'm sure there are numerous trucks that can do what you are asking.
The new Ford F150 Supercab for example can tow up to 9600 lbs with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine
Which is rated at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg hiway.
That should easily tow one horse in a two horse aluminum trailer.
X2.... I'm a GM guy and if I were looking at a new half ton pickup, I would have to look real close at the F-150 "EcoBoost". That is, if it still come as a super cab with the suicide rear doors.....
Posted 2012-08-23 10:09 PM (#146572 - in reply to #146566) Subject: RE: Best towing vehicle??
Elite Veteran
Posts: 714 Location: Minnesota
My nephew has had the Ecoboost for about eight months. He is thrilled with it. Pulled his boat about 300 miles for the fishing opener this spring, left it up there and got 22 mpg for the round trip. Drives it to work 35 miles each direction instead of his Impala because it gets about the same mpg and is more comfortable. Has also used it to pull a gravity box with 600 bushels of corn (about 35,000 lbs) to the elevator in town. No lack of power. If I were looking for a 1/2 ton truck, that would be it.
Posted 2012-08-24 9:01 AM (#146577 - in reply to #146566) Subject: RE: Best towing vehicle??
Regular
Posts: 88
I'll chime in on the F150 Ecoboost. It would be one of your better options. I would look for one with the Max Tow package. It increases the towing capacity along with upgrades on brakes, tranny cooling, suspension mounts, etc. Be careful as when I was searching for a used 2009 F150 sales people are not very knowledgeable about their products. I don't know how many times they would tell me it had the toiwing package...but when ask to check if it was the "Maxtow" they would check and call me back that it wasn't.
Posted 2012-08-25 12:23 AM (#146585 - in reply to #146566) Subject: RE: Best towing vehicle??
Member
Posts: 13
Location: Massachusetts
I drive a 2010 silverado with a 3.08 axle ratio and 5.3L with max tow package installed, 99% of my miles are city and I average 18.5 to the gallon. It pulls a 2 horse trailer with no issue (I forget I'm towing, sometimes). Honestly, I feel like I'm driving a Cadillac most of the time....and every single one of my Ford super duty friends drool over it when they hop in the cab. In the Ford vs. Chevy debate, a comparable F-150 will run you over 5-6k more, plus the bumper to bumper and power train warranties are better with Chevy. Those are the facts for me, the styling and band preferences will differ. Almost all half tons (with the exception of the teeny engines in the work trucks) will pull the max 4000 pounds you want to tow....when properly equipped. Just check tow ratings in the owner's manuals and DO NOT ever believe the sales person trying to make his commission
That would make a so so grocery getter, but with only 269 ft. lbs. of torque... You'll have to keep it wound up pretty tight to move a two horse trailer with a couple fat horses in it...
That would make a so so grocery getter, but with only 269 ft. lbs. of torque... You'll have to keep it wound up pretty tight to move a two horse trailer with a couple fat horses in it...
C'mon...you know as well as I do that almost anything can tow a two horse bumper pull...
Posted 2012-08-27 8:32 AM (#146620 - in reply to #146566) Subject: RE: Best towing vehicle??
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Ocala, Florida
Thanks everyone for all the imput! I'm planning on going and test driving some trucks this week. It sounds to me from your comments that most of you are getting better gas mileage on these trucks then what is typically advertised.
Posted 2012-08-27 4:08 PM (#146632 - in reply to #146566) Subject: RE: Best towing vehicle??
Member
Posts: 37 Location: Upstate NY
gas mileage is how/where u drive.
i have an 08 duramax towing it's 10-13 all day every day doesn't matter what trailer or where I go
but for a road trip from northern NY to centeral PA to visit my parents I can get 22 round trip and thats without any alterations.
I would make sure to check where it was assembled no matter what truck you go with, i have seen both Ford and Dodge trucks assembled in Mexico, you want American assembly it makes a HUGE difference
Posted 2012-08-28 5:14 AM (#146639 - in reply to #146566) Subject: RE: Best towing vehicle??
Member
Posts: 15
Location: pefferlaw ontario
If they ever had to actually drive on the road to establish fuel ratings I believe they would drop 20%. But at least then you might be able to achieve what they say you can. Don't know anyone who drives to work on a dyno.
Best towing vehicle??
What ever you buy, get the extracab, or 4 doors, you will use them, and although it means a short bed, will be easy to park. Trucks today drive like cars, and are sooo comfortable. 
