Best Vehicle or Truck for Towing.

[Dan Fahey]

Looking to replace the 1994 Caprice Wagon for Towing.
It is a good tow car and versatile for just about everything.
Too bad automakers do not make a wagon platform.

Has the comfort and power for get to Pittsburgh and Empire.
Only problem uses up a 4L60E transmission every 18 months.
Also constant upgrades as things wear out.

Recently installed PerformaBuilt Towing Trans that uses a Truck Casing.
Did remarkably well on the 90 degree weather to Empire.

The Wagon is 26 years old needing constant fixes to maintain reliability.
Fine for back up or less stressful terrain.

So what would be a comparable replacement?
Looked at all the Toyota, Chevy/GM, Dodge and Ford trucks.

So far like the Canyon Denali Turbo Diesel best.
Mid sized, nimble, 7700 lbs tow rating and wife can drive it.
Impala SS, Featherlight Open Trailer, stuff weights under 6000lbs.
Current configuration capability of the Caprice Wagon is 7000lbs.
Canyon has excellent daily fuel economy.

Not ready to buy an enclosed an Enclosed Trailer.
That will require a Truck with tow capability around 10K lbs.
The selection here is more confusing.
Seems the Duramax Trucks are best overall.
But Ford and Dodge have great offerings too.

Your 2 cents is valued.
OR
Feel free to PM me directly your advice.

Dan

[1legjerry]

Just about any 1/2 ton V8 or V6 turbo pickup/SUV with the tow package will get the job done. Me personally I would get a Chevy/GMC with 5.3 and the tow package 3.42 or 3.73 gear ratio. you can get the same in a Tahoe and have the wagon feel. Look at spend some $$$$$ for a new one. To me towing with a full size truck is just safer.

http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/...erado1500.html

[Jim Kaekel]

I started with a Chevy station wagon, then progressed to Ford F250 pickup and finally to Chevy 3500 duallys over the years. I would at least get a 3/4 ton pickup. No disrespect meant to guys using 1/2 tons, but a 3/4 ton has better suspension and brakes. Do remember, you may have stop you're trailer in a hurry on occasion and safety should be the #1 priority. I see way too many cars and trucks on the highway nowadays pulling trailers that they surely couldn't stop if they had to. My 02.

[Lee Valentine]

Minimum 1/2 ton ext. Cab p.u. to pull open trailer, wheelbase on little trucks makes them jackknife easily when braking aggressively. I used to tow with 3/4 ton suburbans and a few motorhomes both class C and A was always a white knuckle ride. Bought a crew cab diesel 3 years ago and would never tow with anything else.

[1legjerry]

Originally Posted by Jim Kaekel

I started with a Chevy station wagon, then progressed to Ford F250 pickup and finally to Chevy 3500 duallys over the years. I would at least get a 3/4 ton pickup. No disrespect meant to guys using 1/2 tons, but a 3/4 ton has better suspension and brakes. Do remember, you may have stop you're trailer in a hurry on occasion and safety should be the #1 priority. I see way too many cars and trucks on the highway nowadays pulling trailers that they surely couldn't stop if they had to. My 02.

Totally agree!!! I wouldn't use anything put a 3/4 myself but for what he is towing a new 1/2 has plenty of stopping power way more then his wagon ever had. If he was going to go with an inclosed trailer then 3/4 or 1 ton would be the best choice!

[Steve Polhill]

If I was looking to buy a Truck to tow a rig like yours. I would be looking at a Chev/GMC 1500HD extended or crew cab short box, 5.3L 4L80E trans. You see many of these trucks out there with 250,000 + miles on them.

Stay the hell away from the Ford Ecoboost. I've done many $3000 timing chain/Cam Phaser jobs on those. If you are looking at a ford the only engine I'd get is the 5.0L. So far they seem pretty reliable.

I'm not sure I'd go with a Canyon for a towing situation. the towing capacity might be good but I've found with the smaller trucks the rear suspension gets mushy when towing aka the trailer pushes you around a lot. I'd want to do a Test tow before committing to buy one.

[SSDiv6]

Consider a Dodge Ram 2500 or 3500 single wheel diesel truck.
Lots of pulling power, great mileage and lots of reliability.
If you don't like diesel, then a Ram 2500 with the 6.4L Hemi, not the 5.7 Hemi.

[jmcarter]

Originally Posted by SSDiv6

Consider a Dodge Ram 2500 or 3500 single wheel diesel truck.
Lots of pulling power, great mileage and lots of reliability.
If you don't like diesel, then a Ram 2500 with the 6.4L Hemi, not the 5.7 Hemi.

X2. And yes, once you tow with a diesel you'll never go back. Might negotiate with the wife and get a crew cab short bed but of course the long bed offers more flexibility.

[Dan Fahey]

Wow thanks for the feedback.
The wagon has been reinforced with Tahoe Springs, Airbags and air compressor.
Added Metco Lower arms and installed a SS Roll bar.
Front end completely rebuilt, new gear has, pump, brakes front and rear.
Moser axles and studs.
Stops good with electric brakes and using 275/5017 tires with a 3.08 gear.

YouTube did comparison where Canyon with the mini Duramax.
It performed better than several other trucks including a Jeep.

Jerry thanks for the link.
Lots of good information.
Now have a few questions to sort.


D

[SSDiv6]

From my personal experience, I had a Dodge Ram 3500, single wheel, powered by the 5.7 Hemi.

I towed different types of trailers, including an open trailer several times.
One typical issue when towing with gas engines is the lack of torque when going uphill. I have friends that have towed with both GM 5.3 and Dodge gas 6.4 engines and they have all said the same.

When I switched to a Cummins Diesel Dodge Ram, it was night and day pulling uphill, with the exhaust brake, there is no effort while going downhill and you have much better control when braking.

As regards to reliability, torque and power, the Cummings engine outperforms both the Duramax and Ford engine. This is not only from my own experience, but also from other racers that tow and from friends with diesel shops.