Help me find the best tow vehicle please

[SilverGhost]

Hmm, I fall into the group that is mechanically inclined and can outfit their TUG.

The way I look at it is to look at my dad's '72 C10. I have bigger brakes, ABS and ESP, about the same HP and more torque (in current tune) then his truck. And we did weight his truck once - my car is within a couple hundred pounds of his truck (VW's a little porky). I added appropriate upgrades such as airbag helper springs, custom receiver hitch in the location specified by the manufacturer, and trailer brake controller.

The trailer axle is 3500lb for a 2000lb trailer. Brakes are a little over kill also - it will lock the tyres at 30 MPH with the trailer loaded (I know that from being cut off in traffic).

And for the work I put into it I get 28 to 33 MPG depending on tow speed, headwind, slope of the road, when towing.

That said, there are people who want "turn key" and this won't work for them. I, on the other hand, don't like anything "off the shelf" and prefer to build my vehicle to my specification.

And as far as legal concerns, if you can be sued by the thief that just fell through your sky light, then I'll save the fuel from my higher MPG to a legal fund.

Jason

PS; the Touareg is on my wish list to replace my Golf down the road.

[Francesca Knowles]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Someone over @ Escape tows a 19' with a Pilot, not sure if a w/d is used.

I've been following discussions on this subject at a Pilot owners' forum...

Opinions on the utility/ "necessity" of a W/D hitch are predictably mixed. My impression has been that those pushing the outer edges in terms of weight/speed etc. are more inclined to think of adding W/D than those a bit more conservative in their overall approach to towing.

Prior experience also seems to operate as a factor- those who've always towed big trailers behind trucks using W/D systems seem to automatically presume that it's just standard practice.


Francesca

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by P. Raz

I'm disappointed in you Carol. You were suppose to point out that if you can afford the 60k price tag for the Touarag, the mpg is probably not a big concern. Raz
p.s. That's 60 k U.S. I'm sure in Canada it's more. A lot more.

Dont know if you have noticed RAZ but the Canadian dollar is doing very well against the US$ for the last year or so, some days better than others so the price is about the same, although it would have higher taxes levied on it.

But the Touarag's price is the reason I have been buying a Lotto Max ticket every Friday.. but your right the cost savings is going to take awhile ... ummmm many many years to pay off so I dont look at it as being the best for cost effective towing due to fuel savings but for being the best in small city parking size tug that has the most torque to pull a 16' trailer on the big west coast mountains. But of course that only rings true if you happen to have money burning a hole in your pocket from a Lotto win Dreaming costs nothing!

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by P. Raz

I... the 60k price tag for the Touarag...

p.s. That's 60 k U.S. I'm sure in Canada it's more. A lot more.

Originally Posted by Carol H

Dont know if you have noticed RAZ but the Canadian dollar is doing very well against the US$ for the last year or so, some days better than others so the price is about the same, although it would have higher taxes levied on it.

We can wildly speculate, or make vague assertions... or look at the facts:

current Touareg pricing
from VW.ca (for Canada) and VW.com (for the USA)
base prices for range from lowest to highest trim level
trim level details may vary
currency conversion by OandA.com

Gas
in Canada: CA$49,675 (US$49,947) to CA$59,500 (US$59,825.50)
in USA: US$43,425 to US$55,155

Diesel
in Canada: CA$53,975 (US$54,270) to CA$63,800 (US$64,149)
in USA: US$46,925 to US$58,655

So in reality, the Canadian prices are roughly $5,000 higher in Canada for the same model - that's about 10%, which I would consider significant.
The diesel is roughly $4,000 extra over gas in Canada, $3,000 extra in the USA.

These are all before taxes, which vary by country but also by area within each country.

It seems strange to spend sixty thousand for a huge tank of a wagon to tow a "lightweight" travel trailer that's probably worth a small fraction of that, but if considering it, one might as well use facts.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

We can wildly speculate, or make vague assertions... or look at the facts:
<cut>
It seems strange to spend sixty thousand for a huge tank of a wagon to tow a "lightweight" travel trailer that's probably worth a small fraction of that, but if considering it, one might as well use facts.

No worries Brian when I win the the lotto I do intend to use the factual price as provided by the local dealer rather than internet list pricing. . The Canadian prices you have quoted are BTW a bit higher than what the local dealer was talking when I was in to see them a couple of months back. As you know most things in life are negotiable, especially cars when it comes to a dealer with to many on the lot and more on their way.

As far as "strange" for some to want to spend $60,000 on a car they want goes. If you can afford the toys you real want why not buy them. You sure cant take it with you. I don't think I am alone here in suggesting that many of us would love to be so lucky in life as to be so strange.

[cpaharley2008]

At least the disagreement is north of the border

[Thomas G.]

Anyone else notice that this was the OP's first post and has never been back?

[Francesca Knowles]

Originally Posted by Thomas G.

Anyone else notice that this was the OP's first post and has never been back?

Poor schmo can't get a word in edgewise...

Francesca

[rgrugg]

Besides, if you don't spend it, the kids will eventually get it.

[honda03842]

Diesel fuel???

We're in South Carolina tonight. Gas is as low as $3.01 and diesel as high as $3.99, never less than an $0.80 diference

That is the highest difference we've seen in any state

[Pam Garlow]

Tom, LOL! They've gotten all their questions, concerns, and any uncertainties answered without even logging in again... luv this group!

[ImbyRick]

The All new Ford Edge for 2013 has a 4 cylinder 2.0 Ecoboost engine available with 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Epa Rating of 22 city / 30 Highway.
3500 pound towing capacity. I would also assume a 20 to 30% drop in mileage while towing which would still bring it down to 20 ish. The New Escape looks much more like the Honda CRV and the Ford Edge. Starting price with this motor is around $30k. It is also available with a 1.6 Turbo with 23/33-- 3500 towing capacity--173 horspower with 184 Torque.

The original question was about a towing vehicle that got good mileage as they were retiring. Would not it make more sense to get a great tug and since they are going to be retired have the second car as a Very High mileage vehicle? They will probably not be doing lots of separate driving now.

[honda03842]

Karen,

If I were just starting out and wanting a fuel efficient tow vehicle that could also be an every day high mileage drive, I would contact Can-AM RV in Ontario. I am certain they can set up a tow vehicle for you that gets good mileage.

If you want information on them send me a PM and I'll followup with info.

[cpaharley2008]

You guys are getting way off topic and too personal, thread is closed