Tow Vehicles

[kwhizz]

Just looking to get some input into a good Dual purpose (if there is such a thing) tow vehicle.....I have a 24' enclosed trailer and pull it with 2005 Yukon 1500 4 wheel drive.........The Yukon rides nice, has all the bells and whistles, gets 16 MPG on the highway, etc........pulls the trailer very well .......except for fuel mileage.....8-9 mpg.....
Took a new Duramax Diesel crew cab for a test ride ....it has all the power in the world ......but rides like a "Truck"......Maybe I'm looking for that Happy medium that's just not there..........
Any input??????

Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[70 copo]

I tow with an older 1500 C/K with no problem. It seems that they all ride like a truck to some extent. I guess the best way to get the ride smoothed out is to balance the load to the fullest extent. How much weight have you got on the front of the trailer??

Too much and the tow vehicle will bounce more than normal. Try to get the weight on the axles of the trailer.

Phil

[MosportGreen66]

I have a 2003 Yukon with an electric brake/tow package... Never had an issue hauling...

[Pantera]

I tow with a '97 Dodge 6 cyl diesel and love it. Great power and rides nice too. Of course I don't have a 4 wheel drive model. I have never been stuck with a dually truck before so see no need for the extra rough ride on the frontend with one.

I did run a wrecker service for a few years back in the 70's. Of course our weather here in Okla is not that bad for more than a week at a time. You may need 4wd in more northern states. If I am towing a trailer there is no way that I am about to drive out onto a empty grassy field in the winter anyway. As long as you stay on payvment you will not have a problem. Go test drive a 4dr Dodge Diesel and you will be impressed I bet.


Pantera

[CamarosRus]

1) Is it difficult to find 2WD Dodge Cummins Extended Cab 2500's(3/4T)???

2) How can I learn which years/models/transmissions of previously owned Dodge P.U. to buy and NOT buy?????

This would be for pulling 20-24' Enclosed Trailer on open road???

[kwhizz]

[ QUOTE ]
I have a 2003 Yukon with an electric brake/tow package... Never had an issue hauling...

[/ QUOTE ]

Got the same set-up and for Local towing, it's perfect........but.....for long distance Highway towing, the Yukon leaves a lot to be desired...(Lack of power).......I would love for GM to offer the DuraMax in the Yukon..........Anyone out there have a Big Block Yukon or Suburban that they tow with ????

Ken

[crash]

Ken, I've got a 2004 2500HD GMC ext. cab Dura-Max (not a dually) I pull my 26' enclosed trailer with and drive it to work every day... If your around the end of the month I'll have it loaded up for Jefferson if you would like to see how it pulls... Crash

[kwhizz]

Thanks......I'm sure the set-up is perfect for Towing.....but I need something with a little softer ride for daily (read the little lady drives it) use........

Thanks
See you at Jefferson

Ken

[Belair62]

Try an 07 Escalade...she be stylin too !

[bilede]

you let the "little lady" driver "your" truck?? whats the world coming to? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[kwhizz]

[ QUOTE ]
Try an 07 Escalade...she be stylin too !

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah!!! Just read in the Paper today that they now have a higher H.P. engine w/ 3 valves per cylinder for 07............Yeah......."That's the Ticket".......

Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Can-I-Have-It.gif

[wheelhop]

Ken,
I heard Nissan is entering the Diesel market soon with their Titan P/U truck. I have a friend at Harvester who told me about it. That would sound like a great all around vehicle that's not too big.

Jim

[Pantera]

[ QUOTE ]
1) Is it difficult to find 2WD Dodge Cummins Extended Cab 2500's(3/4T)???

2) How can I learn which years/models/transmissions of previously owned Dodge P.U. to buy and NOT buy?????

This would be for pulling 20-24' Enclosed Trailer on open road???

[/ QUOTE ]

Chuck,

1. No it is not that hard to find, at least around here. Not sure what is popular where you live.

The Cummings Diesel is prety much bulletproof up to 170,000 then it wll need a fuel pump usually. They go easy over 400,000 mi with regular and proper care. I know a guy here in the swimming pool business like I am in that has over 300,000 on his '96 two door 3/4 ton.

They changed it to computerize it in about 1998 or 99 I think if I am remembering right. They will get better mileage than the earlier ones. I like mine (97). The power is unbelieveable. Feels like a stock car when the blower kicks in about 45. it will outrun most cars if it is already rolling. Loaded or empty when we towed the Motion to ST Louis as soon as we got a little speed up you would forget that the car and trailer were behind you. By thge way mine is a automatic too just in case you didn't know. I find no problems with this setup. Just have to let it get rolling some before you get down on it too hard. Sweet rig.


2. Any of the 97 and up are good. Cummings are one tough motor and reliable as hell. I would like to trade up to a 01 myself. did you know they can turn 13's in the quarter with just a little hop up done to them?

3. I doubt that you would be disapointed with one towing that size trailer.

Pantera

[71-LS6]

If you get a Cummins diesel Dodge, 03' is the best year to get by far. After my son accidentally torched my 03' I picked up an 05', only to learn that I should have gotten another 03'. Something to do with updated emissions on the 04' and up models.

[MosportGreen66]

[ QUOTE ]
After my son accidentally torched my 03'

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif I think we need a new forum for this... "Member's Mistakes..." http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[Pantera]

Glad to know that. Thanks

Pantera

[L78biscayne]

ken go look at 06 yukon or escalade with a 6.0 same ride more power
then put a blower on it for the big hills http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif

[kwhizz]

[ QUOTE ]
ken go look at 06 yukon or escalade with a 6.0 same ride more power
then put a blower on it for the big hills http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah.....I looked into a Magnacharger, Decided against it.....
.
Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Chevy454]

[ QUOTE ]
Anyone out there have a Big Block Yukon or Suburban that they tow with ????


[/ QUOTE ]
My wife drives an '01 K2500 Sub with the 8.1L (that's 496ci for you old school folks!)...pulls like a MOTHER...everything but moon roof. Will absolutely FLY with/without a trailer...right now our tag trailer is a 24ft, and whenloaded with our 3800 pound Camaro, a quad, multiple tool boxes, spares, jacks, etc., I would safely say it would hang with ANYTHING out there, even our Dmax dually...it's an animal. I would guess the mileage would be comparable to what your current Yukon gets, considering it has a smaller engine pulling around a large vehicle...I've talked to a few folks who have the 8.1's in duallys and even a couple 4500s and 5500s and they swear by them.

[Canuck]

I have an 03 Yukon 2500XL with Quadrasteer. It has the 6 litre engine and it tows a 24 ft enclosed great. Only time I felt I needed more power was climbing to a 5500 Ft pass in the Rockies. Of a 10 day trip there was only 15 minutes when i wished I has the 8.1 or a diesel.
I evaluated the Yukon against the Ford Excursion with a diesel and decided I wanted the manouverability and stability of 4 wheel steering.
Too bad GM killed the Quadra steer. I am going to keep it a while. It does everything I want.

[ORIGLS6]

I considered a Yukon/Tahoe this time but opted for another ext. cab truck. I love the extra seating and interior room of the Yukons but was a little fearful of towing a trailer with the shorter wheelbase. The Suburban/Yukon EXTs are a Great Choice but a little too much vehicle for me as a daily driver. (Not hauling kids anymore.......... at least not right now!)

[Allen]

[ QUOTE ]
Anyone out there have a Big Block Yukon or Suburban that they tow with ????

Ken

[/ QUOTE ]

I have a '99 GMC Suburban K2500 (3/4-ton, 4x4) with a 454 big block. It does a fine job!

Allen

[crash]

Ken, Did you know you can get an 8.1 big block in an Avalanche??? I was talking to a buddy in Milwaukee that has one, and he loves it... You also get the 4L80 trans in it(turbo 400 w/O.D.)... Crash

[Motion Camaro]

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suv/112_0507_ss_trailblazer01_l.jpg

<font color="blue">Check out the Chevy Trailblazer SS.
Good price, good towing &amp; fast!!!!

2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer SS
Base price $34,500 (est)
Vehicle layout Front engine, RWD or AWD, 4-door, 5-pass SUV
Engine 6.0L/391 hp/395 lb-ft OHV 16-valve V-8
Transmission 4-speed automatic
Curb weight 4550 lb (mfr est, RWD)
Wheelbase 113.0 in
Length x Width x Height 191.8 x 74.6 x 67.8 in
0-60 mph 5.8 sec (est)
1/4 mile 14.0 sec @ 100.0 mph (est)

http://automobilemag.com/auto_shows/2005_new_york/0505_trailblazer_1.jpg

The main selling point is the installation of the Corvette's LS2 6.0-liter V-8 engine, making a solid 391 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque--enough to motivate the truck from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. To make sure that the truck isn't just about straight-line go, GM's High Performance Vehicle Operations tuned the suspension and upgraded the brakes. The SS features stiffer springs, an inch lower ride height, and thicker anti-roll bars, as well as standard StabiliTrak stability control. Larger, 12.8-inch diameter front brake discs are fitted, allied to new iron twin-piston calipers, while the monster twenty-inch aluminum wheels have 255/50 V-rated tires. The SS actually looks pretty mean and serious, thanks to more aggressive fascias, a black mesh grille, body color trim, and removal of exterior cladding. Inside, the SS gets a new instrument cluster, front bucket seats, a T-shaped shifter, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Cloth seats are standard, while leather is optional. The SS comes with rear-wheel drive--a limited slip differential is standard--or with available full-time all-wheel drive.



My co-worker pitted next to one at the NMCA race in Bradenton, Fl.
He said it ran high 13's - low 14's on motor &amp;
High 12's on a 125 shot of nitrous.
Not bad for a tow car. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

BTW: What's all this cr*p about wheelbase &amp; handling, nothing but a dually will tow good.
Didn't we used to flat tow with NMW's &amp; I only remember praying a couple of times like that.
"MAN UP" guys, it's all about fun. </font>

[CamarosRus]

Figured Someone here would get a kick out of these pics and my brief text.
On July 3rd, this past Monday I drove out to a old friends home and shop 50 miles east of Downtown Seattle in the Cascade Mountain foothills.
He had Emailed me about selling a 67 Camaro, that I wanted to check out buying for myself.
This man Jeff and my high school friend Jerry, his partner campaign two NHRA sportsman cars....one in Comp and the other a Corvette stocker, not there to photograph.
They used to tow with Ford Diesel Pick-ups and 36' Trailer
but were using up the pick-ups.......and so
last year he bought this truck/motorhome used for $79K with 90K miles out of South Dakota. I didnt get the specs, but was loaded with EVERYTHING!
Then he designed and had built in Kentucky this trailer, with ALL the goodies. Both Race Cars go on top layer with Scion support vechicle, golf cart, mopeds etc on lower....
They are currently leading Div6 NHRA in Comp Elim and #3 in USA for points.....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/CamarosRus/LaneJeffJuly3rd2006/tn_IMG_0913.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/CamarosRus/LaneJeffJuly3rd2006/tn_IMG_0914.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/CamarosRus/LaneJeffJuly3rd2006/tn_IMG_0921.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/CamarosRus/LaneJeffJuly3rd2006/tn_IMG_0924.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/CamarosRus/LaneJeffJuly3rd2006/tn_IMG_0925.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/CamarosRus/LaneJeffJuly3rd2006/tn_IMG_0926.jpg

[Salvatore]

Hey Chuck, One of my favorite eliminators, Competition Eliminator. DIV. 6 cars? Bob Panella Racing Engines. How about Joint Venture, is he still racing? I think his name is Waters. Thanks for the pictures. Sam

[kwhizz]

As "Crocodile Dundee" would say..........Now, That's a Trailer............Wow!!!!!

It's Amazing.......Go to a Regional event and just look at the Rig's in the Pits........the cars that race are the "Cheap" part of racing.......Go Figure

Ken

[Salvatore]

BBBenny's truck seems to tow fine. 6.0liter with a 373 rear I believe. Problem with the Dodge diesels (older versions) are they are way to noisey. Every time my buddy and I go through McDonalds with his 1995 Dodge they ask us to shut it off. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[CamarosRus]

Jim Warter and his many associates raced a Variety of "Joint Venture" cars in Div 6 for MANY years.
My friends above with the B/SR have a relationship with
Panella Racing Engines in Calif. My friends bought one Panella's eng intially, but are now building there own engines. The one in above street roadster is 316 CI and reportedly showed 840HP on DYNO ........with single 4779 Holly.....
Jeff Lane started out many years ago as a Hardwood Flooring apprentice........now has his own LANE Hardwood Floors Company with misc trucks and employees.....

[70 copo]

Front end of the rig just got new shoes...

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y226/70COPO/Cnv1301.jpg

Phil http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[ss427copo]

Dad always said to me, Jeff, if you're going to be a bear, you might as well be a grizzly" With that in mind, I crossed that "which truck to buy to pull my 36' trailer" I didn't want to make a 40-50k mistake on a truck I THOUGHT would work.....IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT...BUY THE BIGGEST S.O.B. your pocket allows. I was not sorry buyiny this used to do the job.....WELL WORTH IT.

Jeff x2 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[ss427copo]

........pulling this

[kwhizz]

Boy.........you guy's are serious......lol

Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Xplantdad]

Cool rig Jeff! No tow rig for me though...I just have to drive mine! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[njsteve]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Wow, now THAT's a roomy trailer!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/CamarosRus/LaneJeffJuly3rd2006/tn_IMG_0921.jpg


[/ QUOTE ]

[CamarosRus]

Steve, Ya got me on this one....I just included the one picture I took of part of Jeff Lane's shop as I looked around. These "amatuer" sportman racers as NHRA would have you believe are about as serious as they come.

[LVCamaro]

pull-pull-pull http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/220266-puller_1.jpg

[LVCamaro]

pull-pull-dump http://www.yenko.net/attachments/220268-puller_2.jpg

[camarojoe]

Now thats a pickup! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

[Xplantdad]

Steve...what's it say in the back window?

I like the graphics, too!

[LVCamaro]

"CXT"...it's International's heavy duty pickup/puller truck. I had the dealer adjust the turbo to make 1,050 TQ and 340 HP. Also, replacing the pickup bed with a 5th wheel/gooseneck type puller bed for my 2-car transport trailer.

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/220289-puller_bed.jpg

[Xplantdad]

Very Cool http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I'm going to be in your neck of the woods tomorrow for a wedding. Any good cruises in LV this time of year? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[LVCamaro]

not til later in Sept...too hot for us here now.

[Xplantdad]

Yep...sounds familiar http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Thanks anyways, Steve!