Quote:
Originally Posted by ED-n-KEL
I guess my first suggestion is for you to decide how you will use your TV.
You mention having a motorcycle so a PU sounds right for you.
Personally I like a van... many like SUVs, etc.
How many people will be with you? What type of gear?
I think I would first decide on the type of vehicle that you want/need, then go to capacity, and/or brand, especially if you're buying new and can configure the vehicle the way you want it.
Buying used can reap a great bargain, but you should be educated on what/how to look for on such things as engine type, tranny type, rear axle ratios, etc. These variables can change the TC of a given vehicle drastically.
I totally agree with what Bill was saying in that a bare minimum of 5000 lbs be the low end on the tow capacity. Personally I would shoot for something even higher if my main territory was going to be the mountains.
Keep in mind that you loose HP in your TV for every foot of elevation into the mountains. You can find yourself lacking upwards of 30-40% of your engine power at some of the higher elevations visited at some of the most popular NPs. If you attempt this with a V6 that's already marginal, you're going to be in trouble.
Diesel is the way to go for towing... no question about it... but personally I would never own one, so I accept the idea of paying more for the use of gas.
A small V8 through the right tranny and rear axle will surprise you on the MPG and the towing capacity.
Basically, make some decisions and do some homework as you are doing now before buying your TV.
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Thank you Ed & Kelly for the recommendations.
I have a good idea how I plan to use the TV and it may not be how most may think. I only want to have one vehicle and I want it to be fuel efficient. I first thought it would be possible to perhaps meet this criteria by towing the TM with an efficient TV such as a new V6 Rav4 or even perhaps a new Hybrid Highlander. This all came to an end when it became clear that the TM I want cannot be safely towed with a 3500lb capicity TV. I have now changed course from buying a new vehicle for a TV and I am now looking for the most efficient vehicle that will do the job and will buy it used. This will allow me to get rid of the TV as soon as I no longer need it(after I part with the TM) for towing without loosing too much on depreciation. I would then get a new very fuel efficient car for my daily use.
Yes I own a Yamaha XJ650 motorcycle which I would love to have along but I have pretty much given up on pratically taking it with me. I really cannot have a truck as a TV since besides my wife and I we plan to frequently have two other friends with us - sometimes a few kids(grandchildren) so a truck will not work.
I have considered a used Jeep Grand Cherokee(V8) but have now shied away from them since the durability of them is less that I like. I am now focusing on a used Toyota 4-runner. From what I have learned on this forum and elswhere about towing, I am leaning toward the V8 version even though the V6 has a TC of 5000lb. I would love to have an experienced persons comments on using the 4-runner with V6 in the mountains as I plan. I could get a much better price on a V6 4-runner if it was up to the task I require. I actually think that there would be very little difference in MPG between the V6 and V8 in the tow mode with the 4-runner.
Once again, I want to thank you and all others for the help given me in solving my TV problems.
Phil