Toad Advice

[budbon]

We traded our fifth wheel in for a Winnebago Vista 27'. I bought an 87 (nice) Suzuki Samurai for a tow vehicle. I would like to sell my Dodge diesel, and the Samurai and get a 2008 - 2012 pickup as a tow vehicle. I need at least a 1/2 ton 4X4. Here in Colorado, 4X4 is a necessity. I also need something under 5000 pounds (Vista tow weight limit). Are there any suggestions for such a pickup that can be towed 4 on the ground?

[Effy]

docj wrote:

Effy wrote:
Given the vista 27 Specs, GVWR = 18k and GCWR = 23k. Hitch is 5k. GCWR - GVWR = 5k. SO at the very Maximum you can tow 5k, but that's dry off the shelf. You add fuel, water, people, gear, food etc and you lessen that number.

NO! The GVWR is the maximum his MH should weigh loaded with everything (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The dry weight number is a lot less. The GCWR-GVWR=5,000 won't change.

What he does have to concern himself with is the fully loaded weight of the toad which will be more than its dry weight but should still be less than its GVWR.

Thanks for the clarification. Always wondered why my coach weighed much less than the GVWR. Learn something new every day.

[docj]

Effy wrote:
Given the vista 27 Specs, GVWR = 18k and GCWR = 23k. Hitch is 5k. GCWR - GVWR = 5k. SO at the very Maximum you can tow 5k, but that's dry off the shelf. You add fuel, water, people, gear, food etc and you lessen that number.

NO! The GVWR is the maximum his MH should weigh loaded with everything (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The dry weight number is a lot less. The GCWR-GVWR=5,000 won't change.

What he does have to concern himself with is the fully loaded weight of the toad which will be more than its dry weight but should still be less than its GVWR.

[Effy]

Given the vista 27 Specs, GVWR = 18k and GCWR = 23k. Hitch is 5k. GCWR - GVWR = 5k. SO at the very Maximum you can tow 5k, but that's dry off the shelf. You add fuel, water, people, gear, food etc and you lessen that number. So you need to know how much your stuff weighs then do 5k - stuff, and that is your tow capacity. Likewise with your toad, dry weight is one thing, add fuel, gear etc and you add weight to your toad. As others have mentioned, weigh your coach like you are traveling. Then you will know what you can tow. But getting a vehicle in excess of 5k simply makes no sense. Others will tell you it can handle it. But the numbers don't lie and they exist for a reason. Plenty of lawyers out there waiting for the fool who knowingly exceeds the capabilities of the defined parameters. Do it right.

[bigdog2]

Budbon, lot of folks here read a little and become arm chair quarterbacks. As an old trucker also I researched truck towables and bought a Ram 1500 4x4. It has the neutral button and does not need any modifications. I weighed it yesterday. 5,060 lbs. Yes, it will be a little over the limit by the time I put a little 'stuff' in it. I'm going to Iola Kansas friday for a baseplate, 8,000 lb towbar, breakaway kit, etc.

[budbon]

Somehow this thread has become a discussion on allowable tow weights. I posted this thread to get ideas on what model of 4X4 pickup that could be towed with all four wheels on the ground, that met the 5000 pound weight restriction.

[Seattlepirate]

Somewhere in your coach is a sticker that shows what the maximum combined towing and coach weight are.

[budbon]

My Vista is a 2014. The reason for the desire for a pickup is I would like to sell the Dodge 1 ton and Suzuki and only have one power unit to replace the two.

As far as all of the weight limit discussion, I spent most of my life driving truck (2,000,000 plus miles). I am no stranger to weight limits. My question is what 4X4 pickups that weighs 5000 pounds or less are suitable for flat tow. I'm not interested in something new. All of the input has been appreciated.

[zman-az]

budbon,

What year Vista. I have a 2011 Vista 27'. Mine has the dual slides. I loaded it with fuel (80G) and water 55G. With all my gear (and I have a lot)and the wife and I we weighed in at 16,400 lbs. 400 over capacity of the RV. The nice thing with my short Vista is it can tow well over 5,000lbs but you are limited to the receiver which is at 5,000lbs.

I would probably consider holding on to that Sammy for awhile, even if you do get a truck. That thing would tow nice behind a RV and can be fun to drive, consider it a toy.

[JoeH]

I had a Geo Tracker as a toad ( pretty much the same as your Suzuki) -- I went with a 4x4 Ford Ranger. Have towed it to Maine, South Dakota, NC. etc. and have had had no issues. As FireUp said, it does need the Neutral Tow Kit-- which is reprogramming and a indicator light. I picked the ranger due to the weight restriction I had on the gas coach .... we now have a diesel and I could move up to a larger truck, but the Ranger works fine... I load the Harley in the back and off we go.

[Blaster_Man]

Executive wrote:

Blaster Man wrote:
5,000 might not be your actual tow capacity. It's been on here before, but here it is again:

Work the numbers:

1. GCWR minus tow vehicle's actual weight.

2. Hitch capacity.

3. Coach tow rating.

4. Chassis maker's tow rating.

Remember too, it's the LESSER of any of the above......Dennis

Correct...forgot to put that in.

[Executive45]

Blaster Man wrote:
5,000 might not be your actual tow capacity. It's been on here before, but here it is again:

Work the numbers:

1. GCWR minus tow vehicle's actual weight.

2. Hitch capacity.

3. Coach tow rating.

4. Chassis maker's tow rating.

Remember too, it's the LESSER of any of the above......Dennis

[Blaster_Man]

5,000 might not be your actual tow capacity. It's been on here before, but here it is again:

Work the numbers:

1. GCWR minus tow vehicle's actual weight.

2. Hitch capacity.

3. Coach tow rating.

4. Chassis maker's tow rating.

[D_E_Bishop]

budbon,

I know you said you said you wanted a pickup and I'm wondering why, I have had pickup for a DD almost all my adult life and bought a Mazda B4000 w/stick shift and 4wd. Great towed, AC went out cost more for repair than selling price of another. I settled for a 1995 Sidekick and now have a Grand Vitara. I miss the bed of the pickup often but really love the GV. On top of all else it is a real kick to drive off road. It is a real 4wd but I hardly ever get to the point where I need it. It's not as versatile as a pi8ckup but it well under 5k and tows great.

[CA_Traveler]

Furthermore do not believe anything someone tells you especially a seller. Read it in the owners manual.