Recommend a towing truck

I'm looking to get a different towing vehicle. Currently, I am driving a 99 Durango, but I'm ready to switch back to an almost-new truck.
The boat it will be towing is a 98 MasterCraft ProStar 205. IIRC, boat and trailer weigh about 2500lbs. It's going to be a daily driver and I would like for it to be a 4-door, so I can take a few people with me. I'd really like to stay away from the full-size trucks and go for a mid-size, like the Colorado's, Tacoma's, etc.

What vehicle do you tow with? Is there a particular truck that you would recommend or discourage?
Thanks!

I am a big GM fan and would go for a Duramax..but if I was to buy a mid size truck I would get Toyota V6 5 speed 4x4.

Wow....I assumed most 21' boats with a tandem trailer were about 4K lbs?

I tow with a 2007 Dodge 3500 CTD(5.9) crew cab. Sure, I would recommend it for towing....but it is not exactly a GREAT daily driver.

It gets FAR better gas milage than my previous 2002 Dodge 1500 with the 360 gasser, though I am not sure with the increased diesel prices, if I am really saving money.... I wouldn't go back though, it is nice to tow our area with a diesel....

My buddy has a 4 banger colorado that can tow up to 4K no problem. Pretty fuel efficient and a good all around little truck. His is an 07 and I believe they offered a 5 cylinder too, and for 09 they're offering the 5.3 liter v8 in there as well if you're wanting more power.

That boat is way more than 2500 lbs. The boat alone is probably 3000 lbs & the trailer another 1000 or more.

I had a 98 Dakota with 5.2 & a 94 205. The truck towed the boat great. But it got lousy mileage, like 12 or 13 mpg not towing. And less than 10 when towing.

I bought an 05 Chevy Avalanche. Seating for 6. And the biggest locking trunk in the market. Plus the tonneau & rear wall all come out & it's a fun summer rig, and great for the dogs. Mileage is around 16 or 17 mixed city & highway. 20+ on the highway. And about 13 mpg when towing.

You can buy an avalanche cheap right now. I have thought about buying something different and no one wants avalanches or tahoes.

yea. the 205 was 2660 LBS in 1998. Add 1000-1200 LBS for the trailer, and a few hundred for fuel and gear. I second the Tacoma 4 dr. Sweet little truck.

I'm probably off on the weight and it is a single-axle trailer.
The reason why I'm leaning towards the mid-size truck is I work in downtown KC, drive about 30 minutes to work, and parking is a little cramped in the parking garage with the Durango. As long as it would pull the boat, I would like a smaller vehicle.
I noticed that the Colorado's and those type of mid-size trucks have the 5-cyl motors. I'm a little wary of trying new things. I like to wait a couple of years so the bugs get worked out. For instance, it wasn't until after I bought the Durango that I found out about the Dodge transmission problems they were having for a range of years. That's the kind of input I'm looking for - what to stay away from.
Jon - When are we going to hit the cable park?

2005+ Toyota Tacoma 4.0L V6 4x4 with towing package can handle 6500lb

(Message edited by deafgoose on July 31, 2008)

Diesel: Chevy/GMC Duramax

Gas: Toyota Tundra

Dan - I didn't even realize I was talking to you. Sometime this summer I hope. I started a new job and my wife just got a new 1st grade teaching job and has 2 weeks to put together her class room so I am not to sure about when I am going to have time.
I will let you know.

Do I know you?

Yea, remember we met at the star trek convention last year. You were the one dressed like spak weren't you.

No I don't know you but the original posters first name is the same as yours.

lol
Yeah, mine name is Dan also. Small world...

HAHAHA! Too funny.

Skinny,
I love my 04 ram 2500 w a cummins. Runs on WVO (waste veggie oil) so the fuel is near free. 95000 on the truck with no problems!!! I pull an 08 xlv, snowmobile trailer and a car hauler. This truck is well taken care of and has taken care of my family as well. Good luck in your search.

DO NOT BUY AN INLINE 5 COLORADO!! The i5 engine option is junk. No power and poor fuel economy. If it is midsize your looking for, get the Tacoma hands down. It will be the most expensive but will outperform the rest and resale will be hands down better.

Thanks for all your opinions. It's great to hear everyone's thoughts. It sure helps me to make a better decision.

I have an '07 Tacoma six speed 4.0. The gearing is perfect for towing. I could run 70 in sixth with my boat and gear. No issues, great truck and tons of cool aftermarket goodies. You'll get a good deal too. I picked up mine in February for just under 23k.

I towed a 23ft Malibu the other day with a 08 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 V6. It impressed me a lot. Plus they have a cool back up camera that pops up in the mirror. My dad has an 07 V6 and gets 17/21 mpg's

They do? I didn't even know that was an option!
I get an average 18 with a ton of city driving.

Dodge Dakota 2000 or newer with the 4.7 V8. I get about 18 on the highway not towing. Its got balls dude!

We have an 02' Montero Limited with V6 pulling at our 5klbs limit. Upgraded the suspension to 'old man emu' and now no sag with the boat attached. Pulls great unless you are in a mountain area and want to keep hwy speeds uphill. Has the autostick 5-speed, so you can work the gears the way you need to. Interior is just like the landcruiser and has a fold in the floor 3rd row.
We want to tow to the mountains, so we are looking to upsize. MPG is 20 on highway, 15 around town, 9-10 when towing. Pulls great at the steepest boat ramps, just not fast up mountains. Can be had on the cheap. We got 128k miles and very tight truck. You have to get the limited for the 5-speed and autostick, XLS doesn't have it.

Avalanche all the way

Go for a newer tacoma...full cab..you wont regret it! Im 16 and the paying for the gas bill is not an issue for me. 18/21 mpg city/hwy and it has one beast of a v6.

David - That looks almost like my boat, minus the tandem trailer.

After reading all the posts, I'm starting to lean towards a newer Tacoma. It seems to fit what I'm looking for.
Please let me know your opinions.

i have a question normally i tow my boat ( 08 VLX with tandem trailer) with my 07 F-150 5.7L but i want to know if i need to tow it with my 03 Kia Sorento is it possible ?? or i will bust the transmission and engine out for sure ? its a 4x4 sorento with the 4x4 low available on it

radikal, your f-150 is a 5.4 but Im sure you can pull it with your Kia, and if it's 4x4 the ramp shouldnt be any trouble...

My friend just pulled his '00 Nautique 210 from Miami to SF with his 07 Tacoma (4 door long bed) and he had nothing bad to say about it.