QuestionWe have had numerous issues with our tow vehicles in the past. we are looking to purchase a new tow vehicle and want to be absolutely certain its capacity is ample. The boat spec's say bare weight of the boat is about 6000lbs although when we tow it it is of course loaded with life vests, skis, ice chest, not to mention 120 gallons of gas. What is a safe limit to look for in a tow vehicle, to avoid any future capacity issues. Or even a suggestion on a vehicle itself? Thanks
AnswerI think I would get at minimum a vehicle with 8500 pound capacity. But let me amend that and say if in doubt, go for something with 10,000 pound ability. More on that in a bit.
For example our 1/2 ton 2003 Silverado with the 5.3, tow package and 4WD has an 8800 pound capacity. This package for 2007 has more hp and I have towed a 3000 pound trailer with a 4000 pound car all over the place. I use a load equalizing hitch. It does a great job. I prefer the 1/2 ton because we drive the pickup most of the time without the trailer. If we only towed with it like some, and let it sit the rest of the time, I might go with a 3/4 ton or a dually.
In your instance, does the 6000 pounds include the trailer? If not, then add another couple thousand pounds at least. Also, that gas will weigh about 800 pounds, and right there you are past 8800. If the trailer is included, then an 8800 pound capacity would be the minimum.
So in your case, go 3/4 ton at least. In the case of a Silverado, when you go 3/4 ton and the bigger 6.0 L engine, you get up to 12,000 pound capacity. This is without going dually.
If you tow a LOT, then I might recommend you get a diesel.
the Super Duty Powerstoke will get you about 5-8 more mpg on the highway and last a long time. Same with the Chevy Duramax or the Dodge Cummins diesel.
All these can be had with a big gas engine too. If you don't tow a lot of miles, the extra cost of the diesel will not be made up in the extra mileage. It is hard to put numbers to it, but right now diesel fuel is the same or slightly lower in price than regular unleaded. If you get 6 more mpg, you go from about 8 towing to 14. Our silverado won't do better than 10 loaded. If anyone quotes a gas engine towing 5000+ pounds getting much more than 10, I think they are not figuring it right, or may just be not telling the truth.
So at 100,000 miles, at 8 mpg, you will burn 12,500 gallons of gas, at $3.50 that is $43.750.
With a diesel at say just 12 mpg, you burn 8333 gallons, at $3.50 that is $29,166. That is more than $14,000 savings! That will pay for the optional engine for sure. But that is towing the entire 100,000 miles and most people only tow a small percentage of the time. and the diesel advantage isn't quite as great unloaded. For example, our 5.3l pickup gets close to 20 mpg cruising with no trailer and a light load. A diesel would do a little better, but at these bigger numbers, the advantage isn't as great.
I know that every MPG saved is HUGE when you are getting only 10 or so miles per gallon!
So to summarize, evaluate your use. If you will tow a lot of miles, consider a diesel 3/4 ton. If you will tow a few miles or short distances, a gas engine truck will be best. But I think I would stay with a 3/4 ton vehicle at least. and get the long wheelbase version. With a heavy 30 foot long load, a long wheelbase is a big help. I would even consider a dually (dual rear wheels) but be sure to drive one because the last one I drove rode like a log wagon without a load on it. They are pretty much one trick trucks at that 1-ton level.
Don
