If you had an extra 35k what kind of tow vehicle would you buy... We're having some difficulty choosing.

I would put that 35K down on a crew cab, diesel, long bed, 4x4, and make payments on the balance (because 35K won't cover it). <BR> <BR>Or you can buy a nice used diesel for about that amount. <BR> <BR>Nothing pulls like a diesel.

a used bmw x5 4.4 or a used denali. <BR> <BR>I have no idea how they tow but they are my fav suvs. the x5 would have to go out to Hamann or AC Schnitzer. with 35k its possible. <BR> <BR>best of luck with your choosings

usa, japan, or europrean ?

You could get an '06 Dodge Ram Quad-Cab Diesel 2500/3500 fully loaded for that price. 325 hp and 610 ft/lbs of torque! I've got an '05 Dodge Ram Quad-Cab 3500 and I'm getting 21 mpg on freeway trips with 34" tires and 17-19 mpg around town. Towing is around 10-15 mpg pulling my Bobcat wich weighs about 12,000 pounds with the trailer and attachments! <BR> <BR>Jared

<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/rofl.gif" border=0> Great post David. Highly useful information.

loaded Nissan Titan.

just got my new tow vehicle 06 ram 2500 diesel 4x4. 35k out the door. i will get some better pics up soon.<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/385804.jpg" alt="Upload">

I'm with Jared and Pete! If you can't dodge it, RAM IT!

your welcome jarrod. but its 1 am in indiana and i am trying to avoid my homework and going through as many ww posts as i can is the only thing i can think of.

Go test drive all the ones you are thinking about, then pick the color you like and buy it. Brand is unimportant, it is just a personal choice. They all come with warranties.

I like your truck Pete! That's the color I should've went with! I have the same rims as you but I powder-coated them black. <BR> <BR>Staying with the topic...you don't need a huge SUV to pile the people in. I had 6 adults in my truck for the 5 hour drive to Vegas last week. It was a fairly tight squeeze but I didn't hear any complaints. For an even roomier fit, you could check out the Mega-Cab but that's gonna add about 4-5,000 to the sticker price! <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/385837.jpg" alt="Upload">

How much towing are you doing? 25+ miles every day on the highway, 1 mile twice a year to the ramp? What's the condition of the ramp you regularly use. Too many variables still. Oh yeah, see the post about Jeep Wranglers for more opinions. I had no problems with an F-150 or Explorer (Sport Trak) with the Supra. Now I have the Chevy 1500HD and no complaints with the Bu. I'm partial to pickups over SUVs, but that's personal preference. <BR> <BR>Also look at off-lease vehicles. You know the original lessee has to keep it in good condition otherwise the get screwed when they turn it in. Certified pre-owned gives some reassurance too.

Any thoughts on a Durango?

That new Chrysler Aspen (Durango) looks nice and i think they said it was priced at around 35K. <BR>A friend of ours just got a Chevy duramax 2500 2wd quad cab with leather for right around 38K.

You wouldnt buy a Durango, or any Dodge for that matter. They are great vehicles until you get high miles on them in my experience. If you are not going keep it and put high miles on a diesel, the cost basis is not worth it....Chevrolet 2500HD all the way you can get a nice used non-diesel for mid $20K. Let someone else take the depreciation hit. Use the extra $10k putting tires and accessories on it. I never buy new, always buy with 10K-20K miles on them. Unless you are towing big stuff or long distances, a diesel is overkill. Plus with gas at $2.15 a gal and diesel at $2.65, unless you NEED it buy a gas truck. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>(Message edited by byrd on November 01, 2006)

Here is mine I bought for $27,500 with 11.5K miles on it a year and a half ago... <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/385845.jpg" alt="Upload">

Although I currently drive a 6.0L Powerstroke, the cost of fuel is getting too crazy on diesels. I would buy a F150 4 door short box.

Get something that can handle both people,and towing. Here's mine left over 06 so they gave it away. <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/385853.jpg" alt="Upload">

I a fan Chevy/GMC Great gas mileage, great ride, great towing and no other Full size Suv can touch a Tahoe/Yukon Suburban/Yukon XL on their space and ride. Their interiors are plain compared to others, but they serve their purpose very very well. Owned 6 different ones so far and never one problem Put over 70k on all of em. <BR> <BR>There are def things that pull better, but guess it comes down to what you're more concerned with. I have fam so these are the perfect middle ground for hauling my wife, 2 daughters and our trhird baby (the boat of course). Also gets freezing here and I do alot of boarding/ skiing. Sucks grabbing your cold boots out of the back of a freezing pick up. Had an Avalanche for a bit, but got rid of that withing 5mos for tose reasons. Not a pick-up guy I guess. <BR> <BR>(Message edited by r3612 on November 01, 2006)

Dodge has come a long way with long terms of reliability. I've been very impresed with how well the newer trannies are holding up. If you like the new Durango, it's not a bad choice. Looks a bit too much like a school bus for my tastes but at least they're trying to improve it some. It'll tow a 5000ish lb boat just fine. And you can get a loaded Durango for less than $35K if you shop hard enough. If you don't want all the options, you can get away with spending far less. <BR> <BR>If it were me, I'd take GM up on their 100K mile warranty right now assuming your local GM service department isn't as bad as mine is (then again our Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep isn't much better).

Down payment on a nice Ford F450.

Diesel - Can tow the whole house. <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/385858.jpg" alt="Upload">

Down pmt. on the Duramax/Allison GM...

I really like my Sequoia. Tows great, lots of room./ Seems like foreign car makers have really stepped it up in the last few years. So i would have to drive a newer Toyota before i decide. Like Byrd said, don't buy new. and prob not an X5 unless you want to feel like a tool driving a tricked out roller skate.

And let's not for get if you want to load out a Tahoe or Yukon They are offerenig 0.0%(at least here in IL)

I love my F-250 diesel crew cab 4x4. Tows a boat like it ain't even there. Fits 5 in the cab very comfortably, leather interior, yep.

Bryan - how does that work in Cali? do you have to have a special drivers lic?

3/4 or 1 ton longbed 4x4 crew cab diesel <BR> <BR>simple as that <BR> <BR>i just sold my V10 to get a diesel, I got tired of the 7 mpg<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/crazy.gif" border=0>

06 Duramax.... <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/385989.jpg" alt="Upload">

<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/386030.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR>For 35k you get the scooter and the 5 detailers, and still have enough cash leftover for a 2 inch hitch.

2004 Long Bed, four door, manual six speed. I put 35/12.5's and a two inch coil spacer kit on it. <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/386060.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>I paid $33.5 for it new. After pulling my boat with a diesel for the past couple years, I'd never even consider owning a gasser again.<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/wink.gif" border=0><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/386061.jpg" alt="Upload">

Seriously, Diesel trucks love to pull and running em empty on the highway is just pure joy. <BR> <BR>If you simply want a tow rig, get a diesel. The full size pickups will outweigh your boat, come with oversize brakes, and will get better MPG's than a gas engine while towing. <BR> <BR>I don't think I will ever not have a diesel truck. You pay extra up front, but the power is just awesome, and that's only the stock power. <BR> <BR>I looked at an F-250 vs an F-150 and by the time I priced them out with options, the difference is basically the price of the upgraded engine and trans. I went with Ford because of the dealership, I would be just as happy in a GMC or Dodge Diesel.

Chevy's riding hot!

Calif requires a class A with doubles endorsement. Length of the "moble condo" is 75'. According to the law 65' if the center 5th wheel is over 28'6" but 75' if the center 5th wheel is at or under 28'6".

No pics but I tow with a 2000 F350 crew cab long bed. Had it about 4 years and still tows like a dream. Diesel's the only way to go.

With my 2500HD gasser, it tows my boat as good as it would if it were a diesel. I dont feel it back there now, just like I wouldnt feel it back there if I had the 2500HD diesel. BTW with a diesel, you pay more up front, it costs you more to maintain, and diesel fuel is more expensive, which makes the added MPG about even. Do the math, I did when I bought my truck. <BR> <BR>You can try and justify why, but it really comes down to what you prefer to drive. Unless, of course, you are towing a lot of weight for a lot of miles, then you would be crazy not to buy the diesel.

Byrd - You're in Florida, Correct? Highest point in the state a hilltop in Walton county (345 ft.). The gasser may be enough for your needs, but in places like California where you may have to regularly tow up a 15 mile/3000' grade to get to your riding spot, the diesel would run away from it.

I have an 06 Nissan Armada loaded with Nav, dvd, every option.. bought it new for 40k, i bet you could find a used one with all the bells and whistles for 35k. It has a 9100lb towing capacity and rides sweet. It's a great truck, great stock stereo, i've been very happy with it.

2 year old F-250 or F-350 Power Stroke.

Dodge diesel! The other diesel's can't touch it in reliability. Yeah, in the past the automatic's haven't been all that great. Ok, they sucked, but the manuals kick, and now the new 48re auto transmission is solid. I've been hauling around 21k on my 06 and it has worked really well. You can add a factory exhaust brake on the 06 auto as well, and it's also pretty cool. Really comes down to personal preference though. Ya just can't talk a ford or chevy guy into a dodge or vise versa.

I got rid of my gasser 2500 hd crew cab 4x4 for the Duramax. I doubled my mileage. I'am real happy with mine. <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/386135.jpg" alt="Upload">

<i>BTW with a diesel, you pay more up front, it costs you more to maintain, and diesel fuel is more expensive, which makes the added MPG about even. Do the math, I did when I bought my truck. </i> <BR> <BR>Ah, but what about resale?

I towed my boat this summer with my half ton Z71 which does pretty well but, I also had the opportunity once to tow it with a friends '06 3/4 ton Duramax and all I can say is WOW. What a huge difference. I have been wanting to upgrade to the Duramax and now I am completely sold. <BR> <BR>While the diesel is more expensive up front, you make the money back in gas mileage if you plan on putting a lot of miles on the truck before you get rid of it. Also, like evilone said, the resale on the Diesel is much higher than the gasser.

Where i live diesel is about the same. Especially at the CFN. Gas is expensive in the mountains.

If you don't need (or just WANT more likely) a big ass truck for a daily driver, I'd take 5k and buy a used truck. I bought a 96 Bronco on Ebay four years ago for 4500$, it still tows great. Use the rest as a down payment on a piece of lake property. <BR> <BR>Or get one of these..<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/386153.jpg" alt="Upload">

Tackleberry, you are right and I did not take that into consideration with my post. It's hard for us Floridians to know what mountains are.... <BR> <BR>evilone, When I buy depreciating items, I usually dont take resale value into consideration. I drive my vehicles over 100K miles and when I traded my old 91 Prostar, it had 1100 hours on it and was 14 years old.

there aint' no comparison between a gasser and diesel. I dont' want to ruffle any feathers. but a diesel will just flat out pull a gasser period. I pass people on the highway 4 at a time with my diesel and boat in tow where I would hesitate to even make the pass with an empty gasser. it does suck that diesel fuel has gone up, but i would never ever go back. I picked this truck up for 33500 5 months ago.<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/386159.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/386160.jpg" alt="Upload">

Does anyone tow with a Land Crusier? I would rather ride in comfort and still have the towing capacity also. I am not in any race when towing my boat somewhere!

My cousin has a 2000 Discovery he tows a SAN with. He says it tows a lot better than his Grand Cherokee did. He has a short trip to the lake but it's full of hills and tight turns. He's really happy with it.

Another vote for a diesel, but I will also say that mine doesn't have to be my daily driver. I usually choose to drive it, but I've got a car to take places where parking/driving the monster is out of the question. I do love driving it, though. Both loaded and un-loaded. As far as the added expense of both the truck and the fuel.... My F250 gets double the mileage I used to get with my lifted Tahoe. That more than makes up for the cost of fuel. Additionally in 2 years of normal driving the savings in fuel cost pay for the upgraded engine for me. Totally worth it. IMO <BR> <BR>If I was looking for a daily drivers that tow on a limited basis I'd look at Chevy Tahoes or VW Tourag's. Both are good daily drivers. All depends on the size vehicle you are looking for. The Tourag even comes with a diesel as of this year.

ryan, nice red truck, what size of rims and tires are those? I pull an 04 Malibu with a crew cab GMC sierra, even though its a half ton, it pulls really well, its comfortable, and has decent mileage, and is great as a daily driver!!!

Go test drive the brands you like and narrow it down to two. Then, drag your boat back up there and ask to take the vehicle for 10-20 mile drive ask them to fill it up (yeah right) and then fill it back up and get the gas mileage and see how it tows. I have a new F-150 towed great but I didn't realize that I'd only get 7-8 mpg pulling the boat! This might not be a factor if you tow short distances but that's really not my case. Wish I would have sprung for the F-250 diesel. Don't think you can go wrong with those. Might need to shake the piggy bank a little harder or choose a super cab rather than the crew because 35K won't be enough. This is my two cents.

You know, I didn't think about MPG issues. I already had the truck when I upgraded the boat. If I needed to tow distances regularly, things would be different. Gas mileage was horrible. I also use it as a daily driver, so that's definitely an important question to answer.

I agree nothing pulls like a diesel but I drive my truck so infrequently I could not justify the price. I think you have to consider the use of the vehicle. I have a '97 F250 Crewcab 4X4 with a 460ci. It gets about 7 miles to the gallon towing and maybe 10 empty but I bought it used for a damn good price and have only put about 14K miles on it in just shy of three years. So I would consider what the use is going to be and go from there. For my situation the truck sits most of the time and I drive my car.

here is mine it's gas but pulls the boat great hardly even know it's back there<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/386533.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/386534.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/386535.jpg" alt="Upload">

We have an 05 f-150 gasser but it tows just fine generally but it does struggle a bit uphill sometimes

If you want to ride in style mercedes G 500 or G 55 we have a G 55 and it is great.

forget mercedes, i will sell you something much better<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/386618.jpg" alt="Upload">

a little more than 35k though, but worth every penny

That is nothing but an overpriced suburban with less towing capacity &amp; less interior room. Seriously they tow less than some 6 cylinders and get horrible gas mileage.

2500 HD!!!

So what? Its a Hummer.

gene are you an idiot, the h1 is built by am general not gm like the suburban, they do not share one part, can you name one towing capacity without looking it up online

I recently towed a 2006 Centurion Typhoon (23 footer around 5,000lbs) with a 2006 Land Cruiser. It has the power and the luxury. side covered it just doesn't handle the weight of the boat well at all when going around turns or slowing down. If you want a luxury tow vehicle try a two or three year old diesel Excursion.

here is a good video of the hummer towing <BR><a href="http://www.hummertuff.com/87searayboat.wmv" target="_blank">www.hummertuff.com/87searayboat.wmv</a>

I think it's the H2 that has a Suburban chassis. Now that really is a useless vehicle - they have less space in them than most SUVs cos everything is built so bulkily (although it's mostly cheapo plastic, nothing that's gonna help in a crash). <BR>H1 is a beast but not an ideal tow vehicle. <BR> <BR>How about a mod'd Land Rover? You don't have the inconvenience of having to reverse the trailer in, just drive in forwards and the boat will float off. <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/386656.jpg" alt="Upload">

Idiot? Who me? <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/biggrin.gif" border=0> Thanks! <BR>Yea I didn't even look at the picture I was talking about the H2. That being said. Who is the idiot with the big mouth. The original AM General is out of business. GM makes all Hummers now! Oh and by the way... towing capacity on the H1 started at LESS than 5000lbs. For the newest (GM product) with the big diesel in it soemwhere around 17000lbs.<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/smile.gif" border=0> <BR> <BR>(Message edited by gene3x on November 04, 2006) <BR> <BR>(Message edited by gene3x on November 04, 2006)

By the way I my 04 Land Cruiser doesn't have very much HP but loads of torque for such a small engine. I towed my 24SSV loaded down with fuel &amp; gear (avg. ~ 7000lbs) &amp; averaged 10.5 to 11mpg. <BR> <BR>It seemed to handle the trailer weight fine. Other than straining bad to climb big hills I could hail ass with it. I think your trailer makes a big difference.

My Benz can go up far steeper grade than that hummer though. And its narrow enough that I can still drive it around the city and actually park.

One other cool thing about a diesel, when hurricane Rita looked like it was heading straight for Houston, and all gas stations had lines waiting to get gas, I could pull right up to the diesel pump without a problem, and people would look at you with envy.

the only guy that need a diesel here is biran. The new Denali, or go with a 2004 used denali for around 30k. The most a boat is going to weigh on the trailer even if you through all of your gear in it is 7000#. Why go with the noise, extra maintaince cost and more expensive fuel for 7000#.

This works well for me . <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/386859.jpg" alt="Upload">

"forget mercedes, i will sell you something much better" <BR> <BR>Well, where is it? All I see in that picture is a Hummer <IMG SRC="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=0>

Towed all summer with a Nissan Titan, just bought a Dodge Diesel to make up for what the Titan lacked. Towes better, gets better mileage, etc. Looking forward to pulling all next summer.

I tow with 2000 Ford F350 Crew Cab Long Bed V-10. <BR>Best truck I've ever owned. Down fall is it get 10 miles to the gal. towing or not.

gene yes, you are an idiot, am general is not out of bussiness go to their website, gm never built the h1 they only own the marketing rights for hummer <BR>ps towing capacity 9000lbs, get your facts straight <BR>here is a little help b/c you probably can't find it <BR><a href="http://www.amgeneral.com" target="_blank">www.amgeneral.com</a>

gene, sorry for being so harsh <BR>your facts are off but many think the same as you, it is just not true, if i did not own one and love the h1's i probably would think the same, since i bought mine I take it as a winter hobby while the lake is cold <BR>have a good one

2005 F150 <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/387997.jpg" alt="Upload">

Jim, what did you think the Titan lacked? My dad has an '06 and it definately tows better than my F150 did. The thing has crazy power. I wouldn't think your Supra is much heavier than his Centurion. I've towed with a diesel (04 Duramax) and it's great, but to me, it's just really overkill on most of the boats we pull, except maybe the 24s. The Titan easily pulled hills in the Ozarks at 80, what more could you want? I don't want to come off as harsh, but I'm still trying to buy in to the diesel hype on this site. I know they are great tow vehicles and last forever, but a lot of people on this site seem to be towing smaller boats and trading every couple of years, losing most of the benefit IMO.