Towing Capacity

[Raspy]

Originally Posted by ZachO

Yeah, I'm probably young enough that I'll live to see the day where we're riding along on a road trip, reading and talking and taking naps, and say "wow, remember when we used to have to drive?"

I wonder what the test drive will be like when it comes to buying a self driver? I can see telling it an address to take me too, but how do we test the performance? 0-60, cornering G force, panic stop? If it's a Jeep, can we take it off road and over a couple of jumps? How far will it burn rubber?
Without having to drive, think how much extra time we'll have to check out babes and flip off other drivers, etc!
Of course we'll need reclining seats to accommodate naps, and serious connectivity so we can concentrate on the laptop.
What happens when it's time to re-fuel? Can it pull up to the appropriate pump too?

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Raspy

I wonder what the test drive will be like when it comes to buying a self driver? I can see telling it an address to take me too, but how do we test the performance? 0-60, cornering G force, panic stop? If it's a Jeep, can we take it off road and over a couple of jumps? How far will it burn rubber?
Without having to drive, think how much extra time we'll have to check out babes and flip off other drivers, etc!
Of course we'll need reclining seats to accommodate naps, and serious connectivity so we can concentrate on the laptop.
What happens when it's time to re-fuel? Can it pull up to the appropriate pump too?

I'm sure that it will have a demonstration mode, which will tell you all that you allowed to know. you might be able to choose the destination but probably not the route.
I'm still worried about it getting a DUI since it drinks E-10 R-BOB with 10% alcohol, some even E-85!
A drunk car is not only dangerous but you might end up in someone else's garage.
And then there is always this problem....

[frank_a]

I like the Escape cartoon above!

Getting back to the intent of this thread, we tow our Parkliner with our 2013 Escape. While it's fine for most trips, it's under-powered for steep mountain climbs and long hills on hot days. I'll be getting another truck in a year or so.

Frank

[ZachO]

Well I'd guess very few Jeep buyers actually get a chance to test drive a new Jeep off road before buying it even today. And probably quite a few never test it off road after buying it, either For people who spend a lot of time off road, they know there are a lot of great options other than Jeep. For people who just want to look cool, there's a couple options, Jeep among them.

I assume the transition will be pretty slow. For dirt roads, self driving cars may still be a ways off. There will probably be highway lanes like the carpool lane for self driving cars, and slowly but surely, driving of ones self will be phased out.

Except maybe for old beaters laying around the farm or ranch, and "recreational" driving. I heard a news story about the possibility of highways being more or less "self driving car only", with parkways set aside for people who want to actually drive their vehicle, "for fun".

[David Tilston]

Back off topic, A self driven tow vehicle would not need have any seats. You could just ride in the trailer. Might be kinda bumpy though.

[Raspy]

Originally Posted by David Tilston

Back off topic, A self driven tow vehicle would not need have any seats. You could just ride in the trailer. Might be kinda bumpy though.

That's an idea!

I wonder how the self driving vehicle (SDV) will handle sway? If you walk to the rear of your 13' trailer while underway, will it become unstable? Does it know the speed limit is lower when towing?

Or you could just meet your SDV and trailer at camp. Ride with someone else or fly part of the way, etc. Just meet it there. You could send it early to get a spot before the weekend rush, or have it drop off the trailer and come back to pick you up. Can it back the trailer into a spot?

Send it home to get something you forgot; "Hey Bill, I'm sending the car home to get my wallet. Toss it in through the window when it pulls up, will you?" And then have it stop for milk on the way back.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by frank_a

I like the Escape cartoon above!

Getting back to the intent of this thread, we tow our Parkliner with our 2013 Escape. While it's fine for most trips, it's under-powered for steep mountain climbs and long hills on hot days. I'll be getting another truck in a year or so.

Frank

In the mean time you better keep your garage locked!

[ZachO]

I didn't read the whole thread, but there's definitely a balance to be found. Nothing wrong with overkill for a tow vehicle. Gives you a big safety margin, and less wear on the vehicle. Too small a tow vehicle, you're killing the vehicle and risking your safety.

My truck is definitely a safe, adequate tow vehicle, and I like that I'm "getting away" with using about the smallest tow vehicle which is safe. But that means a lot of wear and tear on my truck. I'm definitely shortening its life.

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by ZachO

I didn't read the whole thread, but there's definitely a balance to be found. Nothing wrong with overkill for a tow vehicle. Gives you a big safety margin, and less wear on the vehicle. Too small a tow vehicle, you're killing the vehicle and risking your safety.

My truck is definitely a safe, adequate tow vehicle, and I like that I'm "getting away" with using about the smallest tow vehicle which is safe. But that means a lot of wear and tear on my truck. I'm definitely shortening its life.

By your statement I conclude that your tow vehicle is a small truck ,which is safe and adequate for towing.
The only trucks that fit your criteria / description are the Ford Ranger or the Chevy Colorado , both excellent choices.
I realize there are other small trucks on the market but they don't fit your narrative or qualifications !

Happy Holidays

[ZachO]

I see you're fishing for something here. I'll play along anyways.

Toyota Tacoma. 5,000lb towing limit, 500lb tongue weight limit. Bigger in size, anyway, than a Ford Ranger. Not sure of the specs of the Ranger. The Colorado and Canyon are bigger than my truck. Not sure of their specs either.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by ZachO

I see you're fishing for something here. I'll play along anyways.

Toyota Tacoma. 5,000lb towing limit, 500lb tongue weight limit. Bigger in size, anyway, than a Ford Ranger. Not sure of the specs of the Ranger. The Colorado and Canyon are bigger than my truck. Not sure of their specs either.

I doubt that the Tacoma is larger than the Ranger will be. I know we will have to wait for it to come out, but the specs do make it seem to be of a considerable size, if it is to be the same a the one now sold in Australia and Europe.

[ZachO]

Sorry I mean my actual truck, and all the models up to the present day. Rangers are tiny. Even my 98 Tacoma is a larger truck. The post '05 Tacomas are way bigger.

I don't know anything about brand new models, but every Ranger I've ever seen (except the really old ones that were F-150 size) has been smaller than even a little Toyota pickup.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by ZachO

Sorry I mean my actual truck, and all the models up to the present day. Rangers are tiny. Even my 98 Tacoma is a larger truck. The post '05 Tacomas are way bigger.

I don't know anything about brand new models, but every Ranger I've ever seen (except the really old ones that were F-150 size) has been smaller than even a little Toyota pickup.

I have a "tiny" 2001 Ranger regular cab which had the cab enlarged in 1998. Except for width, the cab matches or exceeds the room provided by its full sized contemporary counterpart.
Even the smallest first generation Ranger matches a 1956 in cab size and the box has more floor space than the standard box.

Comparing the 1998 Tocoma to the 1998 Ranger in basic size....
______Toyota______Ranger
Width... 66.5_________69.4

Height... 61.2________ 64.

Length... 178.7______ 187.5

WB... 103.3 ________ 111.6

Which one is tiny?

[ZachO]

I'm talking actual size, while you're talking individual measurements of certain parts of the truck. What I mean is that if I park my truck next to a Ranger, my truck is physically bigger. I like Rangers and looked into buying one when I was truck shopping, so "small" is not a criticism here. One thing I was always struck by (and attracted to), was just how darn tiny Rangers are.

Now I've been in vehicles bigger than my truck, with cabs that were more cramped than mine. If that's the comparison you're making, then we're talking different measurements. I simply can't believe that a Ranger is a bigger truck than a full size truck. Right?

I swear I've seen a Ford with "Ranger" badging on it, that was a true full size truck. I'll see if I can find any info on that.

[ZachO]

Here's what I must have seen

[ZachO]

What models are you comparing, Floyd? The measurements I find online are:

Tacoma -------------------- Ranger
Length- 179-203" -------- Length- 188-203"
Width- 67-70" ----------- Width- 69"
Height- 62-69" ----------- Height- 64-68"

So I'll say my perception was off. The bigger Tacoma is only very slightly larger than a comparable Ranger, in width and height. The 2wd Tacoma is quite a bit shorter than 2wd Ranger, and slightly smaller in h and w.

I'd measure my actual truck but it's really cold and frosty out right now! I apologize if my use of "tiny" struck a nerve.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by ZachO

I'm talking actual size, while you're talking individual measurements of certain parts of the truck .

You mean like ...overall length, width, height, and wheelbase?

[ZachO]

This is what I was referring to.

"cab matches or exceeds the room provided by its full sized contemporary counterpart."

In comparison to my Tacoma, the Ranger is smaller. But before you edited your post, you were comparing the Ranger to full size trucks.

I know your job here is to be contrary and right, but come on.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by ZachO

What models are you comparing, Floyd? The measurements I find online are:

Tacoma -------------------- Ranger
Length- 179-203" -------- Length- 188-203"
Width- 67-70" ----------- Width- 69"
Height- 62-69" ----------- Height- 64-68"

So I'll say my perception was off. The bigger Tacoma is only very slightly larger than a comparable Ranger, in width and height. The 2wd Tacoma is quite a bit shorter than 2wd Ranger, and slightly smaller in h and w.

I'd measure my actual truck but it's really cold and frosty out right now! I apologize if my use of "tiny" struck a nerve.

No nerve struck here, just responding with the facts.

I used the base trucks because I don't think fender flares, rear bumpers, or offroad tires actually increase the size of the truck.
High heels and falsies may lead to unfulfilled expectations

These trucks are essentially the same size and designed to compete....
which was my point to begin with.

[Mike Magee]

Boys, boys! "My truck is bigger than your truck...". Really?