Overwhelmed Choosing a Tow Vehicle
We're hoping to hit the road full-time this November. We don't have an RV or a vehicle to tow it with yet, but we need a new car soon, so we'd like to buy the tow vehicle now. We're just overwhelmed...
Forum Discussion
Raidra wrote:
Thanks for all the responses, guys! A few comments/answers:
We are not doing a large 5th wheel and big truck - we don't have that kind of cash on hand, and we're not financing that much.
Income: my husband is able to work remotely, he has a well-paying job.
We're not comfortable transporting the kids in a motorhome. Safety is our priority.
I have thought about an E350 passenger van, but have not found any capable of towing what we need, in our area.
They are out there, as are 3/4 Suburbans and Excursion...those who
'know' scoop them up in an instant...what is left are generally beat
up from 'work'...
BenK, thanks so much for the detailed info. We'd also be open to a Suburban, but haven't found any that can tow what we need. I'd always heard that diesels last longer, which is why we're interested in going that route when we're talking about a 15-year-old vehicle. We've never had a car over 10 years old, and while we do put a lot of miles on them (my husband currently commutes 2+ hours daily), towing a trailer around the country is a whole 'nother ball game.
You are most welcome!
Basically, we're just not sure how to weigh the risks of a 15 year old V10 Excursion vs my 10 year old Freestyle.. it sounds like a game show, "Which will break down first?" ;)
Everything WILL breakdown...and those who drive them HARD will accelerate
that and those who push the limits (either by always being there and/or
exceeding) will likewise will accelerate that potential breakdown...even
brand new can break down if driven HARD, exceeding ratings and poor
maintenance (both materials and mechanic)
Why having an auto club card is important...like any insurance whatever
is all about. Likewise have a much bigger TV, as there is a larger
safety factor (us engineering types call it design margin). It will
NOT have to work as hard, therefore last longer
This is the part I dislike so much...folks like you looking and not
knowing how the previous owner drove and/or took care. Too many today
just buy new...consume the design margins...sell/trade it in for new
to repeat that consumption of design margins....and why am here trying
to help with info for your decision(s)
The peace of mind comes from knowing your vehicle and/or trusting
your mechanic.
And then separately we have to decide whether the benefits to having a second vehicle (more storage space, better gas mileage when not towing) outweighs the costs.
IMHO, again...decide on which is more important and in this case, the
safety of the family while out there enjoying your RV'ing events
Why, I'd keep the 'car' for car usage (commute, groceries, etc) and
have a 'truck' (TV) for recreational things. This also reduces the
wear and tear on that TV...
My Suburban will last much longer not using it as my daily commuter,
of which it was while still working. Now it is only run on weekends
to keep the fluids and stuff up to snuff...and to refresh myself to
'know' the vehicle and catch anything needed attention
