Advice on a Tow Vehicle

[reelnmn]

I'm currently in the market for my first tow vehicle and would like some input from those with more experience.  I just bought my first boat, an 18' fiberglass ProCraft in excellent condition, and now need something to tow it with.  Currently I'm deployed to Afghanistan for the summer, so I can't test drive anything yet.

Preferably I'd like a midsize SUV, less than 4 years old and 4WD is a must.  I'm currently looking at 4Runners, Pathfinders, Xterras, Tahoes, and Trail Blazers.

Any advice?

[zerofivenismo]

Are Tahoes considered mid-size suv's?  Being a Nissan guy, I'd recommend the Pathy or a...370Z  8-)

[Under the Radar]

I know you said not more than 4 yr old & I understand.

I'm pulling a Stratos 176XT with an '02 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. 4.7L V-8. Really nice. Don't know 'bout the newer Jeeps tho.

Thanks for Serving,

'Nam  '65

Nick O

[Crestliner2008]

I've always liked having more power than what is necessary to get the job done. You won't need it....until you need it! Minimum 6 cyl.....8 cyl., 350 c.i. is better. J.M.O.

And yes....THANKS for serving!

'67 Vietnam, DD-790

[shootermcbob]

I can't comment on the towing part as I don't have a boat. I did use my nissan patherfinder (1991) to tow my brothers 22 FT? bayliner boat for a couple summers. It handled the boat just fine.

As a side note, We put 292,000 miles on that pathfinder, with nary a problem. It always started, went through snow like a tank, and came through 4 deer, three rear end collisions ( we got hit), and an explosion in a car next to it. If not for the rust taking over, way over, I would still be driving that Nissan. Great Vehicle.

[skunked_again]

ford explorer V-8. mine did me very well.

[KU_Bassmaster.]

2006 Toyota 4Runner V6.  She does the job, but she does not like it much.

[Crestliner2008]

Remember one other thing, as I haven't seen it covered here. You can tow just about anything with a Volkswagon. It's the stopping that you have to worry about! Your vehicle weight is just as important as power and 4WD.

My brother towed a 22' Larson Cruiser with a Jeep Cherokee for about a month. He sold it after backing his boat down to launch one day, he couldn't stop! Wheels were locked up and emergency brake on and he was still going backwards down the ramp. Fortunately, the braking stopped the boat when it got to the water, but it scared the living daylights out of both of us. We pulled out immediately and never launched that day - or any other day with that vehicle. The next week he bought an F-250 with a big V-8 engine, which he successfully towed the boat with for many years.

So matching vehicle weight to your boat's weight is every bit as important as power. And also, using a light weight vehicle in an emergency braking situation, you are going to have to allow twice or three times the braking distance than you would if properly matched up. Just some things to think about.

[NateFollmer]

I'm sporting a 96 jeep cherokee. That baby has some power for how small it is.

Don't get the xterra, its a friggin gas hog. I realize suv aren't normally gas friendly vehicles, but that thing will put you in debt haha.

Stay safe over there and thanks for your service!

[Chaz Hickcox]

07 avelanche and my silverado have been working real well for me. V8 is a must otherwise you will actually burn more gas because of way higher rpms. When I was a kid we had fords and they worked well too, but trannys would go out too soon. They may have fixed that since I started buying gm, but I dunno.

I got my silverado while I was in Afghan in 08.  Look for dealerships online that are close to your house and if you have access to an iridium or something like that call and let them know where you are, obviuosly not specifics.  If they're worth anything as Americans they should be able to help you find what you're looking for.  Semper Fi.

[BigMouthBasstard]

Look at the jeeps with the diesel. 4X4, great torque, great gas mileage towing downside is the price of fuel but they last longer than gasoline motors. otherwise id say toyota hylander v6.  pulled a 19'6" triton with a 200 through the mountains better than my smallblock Silverado did. personally, i buy American if I have the choice.

[Diablos]

If you're not too concerned with whether it's foreign or domestic, the Toyota Highlander, 4Runner or Honda Pilot are good reliable choices with fairly strong engines.

My boss has a 2005 Pilot and tows a 3000lb Sailfish boat and hasn't had any service issues.

If I was in the market for a tow vehicle I would probably buy a certified used GMC Terrain with the 3.0liter 264hp engine with the 3500lb tow capacity.

[CKFishin]

I pull race car trailers with my truck but those are like 10k-15k lbs lol I use a 07 Silverado 2500HD diesel.... id bet a boat would be a laugh for it

[Tuckman]

For an 18'-19' boat I would highly recommend a Silverado with the 4.8liter  or the 5.3 V8.(or a similar truck) If you need room get one with an extended/crew cab. I tow(and I tow a LOT) a Tr186 with an 2005 1500 with the 4.8 liter. Tows the rig great and I get 18+mpg towing on the highway. My buddy tows another 18.5 foot boat with his 5.3 liter and gets 18+ mpg as well. We both get 20+ when not towing.

  If you tow with a midsize SUV you may end up getting pushed around by the boat and thats a bad situation. I've also seen smaller SUV's/Trucks just plain cr@p the bed after a year or two towing boats that they are not made to handle.

Good Luck! 8-)

[burleytog]

No matter the size of the boat, go with a full-size vehicle.  You'll get better mileage while pulling.

When I bought my Blazer, I chose it over a full-size pickup thinking it would get better mileage.  And while it does do pretty well empty, it sucks when pulling.  And the GM 4.3L engine has plenty of power.

[mrclean77]

(Don't mean to hijack)

How important is 4WD? My concern is trying to get back up a wet ramp in my 2WD (if/when I ever get a boat, lol)

[reelnmn]

Thank you all for the support and help.  I'm still a long way from making a decision but your responses have definitely narrowed the field.

This will be my first used vehicle purchase...what should I look for when inspecting the vehicle?  I plan on getting a carfax report before I buy, but is there anything specific I should look at or have someone look over before buying?

[Frogman]

Come on man!  Your in the desert about to come home...you can't be thinking midsize!  Grow up!  Get you an F-150 and tow any boat you want!  I can tow any bass boat....ANYWHERE ANYTIME!  FORD TOUGH (and not government owned)

Once again!  Thanks man.... while your headin home I'll be headed over!  I'm leaving around Dec for 2nd tour

[skunked_again]

No matter the size of the boat, go with a full-size vehicle. You'll get better mileage while pulling.

When I bought my Blazer, I chose it over a full-size pickup thinking it would get better mileage. And while it does do pretty well empty, it sucks when pulling. And the GM 4.3L engine has plenty of power.

my explorer got better mileage over my F-150. in fact i might go back to pulling the boat with that truck full time.

[Strike King]

can i piggyback this topic?

I currently tow my Nitro 882 with my 1987 Astro with a 305 V8. terrible on gas, about 11 mpg and seems not alot of power.

From what im reading here im guessing i'd get much better mpg and easier (power) towing with a older 350 2wd Tahoe? I've been thing of getting about a 90's model.

[CAdeltaLipRipper]

CUMMINS.Dont get a powerjoke.Ford Tough my butt lol.

Oh you said an SUV lol. Well idk i like Tahoes theyre pretty cool

[CAdeltaLipRipper]

Look at the jeeps with the diesel. 4X4, great torque, great gas mileage towing downside is the price of fuel but they last longer than gasoline motors. otherwise id say toyota hylander v6. pulled a 19'6" triton with a 200 through the mountains better than my smallblock Silverado did. personally, i buy American if I have the choice.

They make diesel jeeps????

[Grey Wolf]

CUMMINS.Dont get a powerjoke.Ford Tough my butt lol.

Oh you said an SUV lol. Well idk i like Tahoes theyre pretty cool

HOW WOULD YOU KNOW , YOU'RE NOT OLD ENOUGH TO HAVE A LICENSE ?

[Stasher1]

Ya know, I was going to post something very similar.  ;D

You'll have to excuse us if we ignore the advice of a 15 yr old when it comes to vehicle durability and longevity, especially since some of us are driving trucks older than you are.  :

[jeremyt]

Thank you all for the support and help. I'm still a long way from making a decision but your responses have definitely narrowed the field.

This will be my first used vehicle purchase...what should I look for when inspecting the vehicle? I plan on getting a carfax report before I buy, but is there anything specific I should look at or have someone look over before buying?

Carfax is a start, but they are sometimes over rated. If something happens and it wasn't reported then the carfax is useless. I have heard of instances where someone gets in an accident and a shadetree mechanic fixes it up and the next owner has nothing but problems. I think the biggest thing to look for is a reputable dealer and don't jump on the first one that catches your eye.

Comparative SHopping!