Wanted: tow vehicle that gets 20 mpg and pulls 5k#

[tombro]

I want to pull a boat weighing 5000 lbs (doesn't include dual axle trailer wt), and use the vehicle economically for a daily work commute of 100 miles round trip. The towing would be only one road trip per year, and back and forth to the marina slip in the spring and the fall. Ideally I would like an SUV that can safely pull the boat AND get 20 mpg on the highway for my work commute, sans trailer. I am not concerned with trailering mpg, and expect no more than 12 or so. Thanks!

[arlon]

I pull 5k with a 2003 dodge cummins quad cab (low mileage used truck was a bargain). 20-21 highway empty (3.73 gears) 13-14mpg towing the boat. 65-70mph. No power issues towing. Truck is currently not chipped but I plan to add one of the towing type chips soon. Supposed to get mpg up around 23 highway and 15 towing.. Ride of the 3/4ton is harsh until you get used to it (I did add 300lbs of weight to the bed that seems to slow down the "chop" a little). Diesel fuel costs what they are these days does diminish the ecenomy of the diesel a little too but the pulling power isn't diminished one bit! Arlon

[jethro1]

People in hell want ice water too. Unless it is a diesel, or you are driving downhill both ways, I don't believe there is any truck out there that can reasonably (yea, what does that mean) tow over five thousand pounds plus get 20 MPG on the highway without the trailer.

I have an F-150 with the small V8 and it rarely ever gets 18/19 MPG on the highway. That motor is not adequate for towing the boat. I am soon upgrading to the larger engine but the highway mileage will only get worse.

[tightwads]

I've heard good things about the Chevy Avalanche with the standard V8 (5.2 or 5.3 liter?) regarding mileage and towing.

Honestly, I don't know of anything that will routinely exceed 20 mpg, AND tow 5K lbs WELL.

Luis

[ReelWork]

One trip per year, how far is the dock/slip?

Sounds like a Chevy Trailblazer/GMC Envoy/Ford Explorer/Toyota 4Runner would fit the ticket..

Granted, you did say basically 2 tows per year with a road trip once..

[tombro]

About 50 miles to the slip. And I was thinking of maybe a slightly smaller rig like you suggest, ReelWork, given the limited nature of towing I anticipate. Bottom line, I am wondering if it's cheaper just to winter store at the marina, rather than pay an increased fuel bill every single week, for something so rarely needed. I'd skip the vacation tow in that case.

[GSGamecock]

I've got a similar issue. What I have decided to do is keep my commuting vehicle (Toyota Avaon) and buy an older truck just for pulling my boat and doing things around the house. Cheaper than getting a new truck payment wise and gas milage wise.

[Afishinado]

Reel work hit it on the head IMHO
However, the the concensous here will be you need atleast a 3/4 ton diesel with 4 wheel drive to pull 5,000lb boat/trailer.

[JoeyM]

i towed 6800 lbs with a dodge dakota with the 4.7 v8 and would regularly get 20-21 mpg on the highway.

but i only towed twice a year and it was only 7 miles of slow backroads. i dont think i would want to tow 50 miles. i think the limit is right around 7000 lbs for the dakota.

probably the best thing for you to do would be to hire boat movers twice a year and drive a civic.

[bpevans]

I bought an 05 Frontier Crew Cab. Rated for 6300# towing. I get around 17-19mpg around town & commuting. It's 4wd and has an electronic locker in the rear.

[dor]

Get a friend to tow or hire someone. Thats the way to do it. Get a kid with a truck, pay gas and $50.00 and ride with him.

[FASTFJR]

05 Tundra. It will tow 7000lbs and I'm getting 19-20mpg on the highway

[tombro]

Hot topic, and good answers, thanks. Seems it can be done. I currently get just shy of 21 mpg on a 1998 Explorer Sport, which is rather tired at 174k, and much too small for this type towing, hence my query for the 2006 season. Want to be ready if I need to make a quick vehicle purchase.

[Seacat FL]

How about an 05 V8 Explorer? 7200 lbs tow raing with the HD package and close to 20 mpg highway.

[helpu2c]

I pull the same rig as Arlon in his post above. I tow with a 2004 4Runner with the v8. It pulls the rig quite well. Milage while towiing is about 11 mpg. When on the highway without the boat I get 18-22 mpg.
Ron

[luresdouble]

04' Toyota Tundra w/ V8. Handles 7k lbs and will get you right around 18-20 by itself highway driving.

[RI Builder]

The Tundra will do it '04 or '05. However, I for one, fail to see the point in buying a vehicle strictly for 2-3 tows per year; unless you have another reason for a truck.

I would winbter store at the marina or hire some one to move it.

[Pelagic Act]

I have a 00' Ford Excursion with the PSD 7.3 liter. I get 18-22 mpg highway (depending upon speed) and when towing a 6k boat/trailer 11.5 mph or a 3k boat/trailer and 15 mpg.

Good Luck.

[Brewhedd]

I have a chevy 1/2 ton V6 and it pulls my 23' WA just fine. I wouldn't head for the mountains in it, but it gets 20 hiway.

[Undaunted]

I have a 2001 Dodge Cummins HO with 6 speed trans. and 3.54 gears.

on the highway I typically see around 21 if I keep it around 70 and that is with a 60 HP Edge box.

Tiger Rag has the same truck with 4.10 gears and I believe he is seeing similiar numbers.