Tow vehicle
12-02-2011, 10:44 AM
#61
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I'm currently using a Tundra with a topper and I hate crawling in and out of it to load stuff. I'm glad I can (sort of) lock stuff up and keep things dry but if I was going to the track more than 4 times a year I would want a van. Or if I was regularly loading or unloading anything I would want one. Most days the bed is empty so it matters not.
As for trailer brakes I am certain you don't need them unless your trailer weighs a lot more than your Miata. When I lived in Colorado, a state known for its flat mountains and flat ravines we would often pack camping gear floor to ceiling in the back of the Astro and pull a boat full of fuel and gear and its trailer all through the flat mountain passes on weekend expeditions seeking out rainbow trout and the like.
You see, the secret to towing a trailer is driving as if you are towing a trailer. It's not a Miata. You can't tailgate or drive as fast. You actually have to pay attention a little further up the road and begin slowing earlier for turns and stops. You have to take corners slower, moreso when it is wet out. You must go slower than you would like when going down steeper grades and select a lower gear to provide engine braking. It will try your patience if you are not used to it. It is just different. It requires more judgement, patience, attentiveness, and responsibility. Much like track driving, it is a different skillset than standard driving. Not everyone does it well.
As for trailer brakes I am certain you don't need them unless your trailer weighs a lot more than your Miata. When I lived in Colorado, a state known for its flat mountains and flat ravines we would often pack camping gear floor to ceiling in the back of the Astro and pull a boat full of fuel and gear and its trailer all through the flat mountain passes on weekend expeditions seeking out rainbow trout and the like.
You see, the secret to towing a trailer is driving as if you are towing a trailer. It's not a Miata. You can't tailgate or drive as fast. You actually have to pay attention a little further up the road and begin slowing earlier for turns and stops. You have to take corners slower, moreso when it is wet out. You must go slower than you would like when going down steeper grades and select a lower gear to provide engine braking. It will try your patience if you are not used to it. It is just different. It requires more judgement, patience, attentiveness, and responsibility. Much like track driving, it is a different skillset than standard driving. Not everyone does it well.
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12-02-2011, 11:01 AM
#63
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You see, the secret to towing a trailer is driving as if you are towing a trailer. It's not a Miata. You can't tailgate or drive as fast. You actually have to pay attention a little further up the road and begin slowing earlier for turns and stops. You have to take corners slower, moreso when it is wet out. You must go slower than you would like when going down steeper grades and select a lower gear to provide engine braking. It will try your patience if you are not used to it. It is just different. It requires more judgement, patience, attentiveness, and responsibility. Much like track driving, it is a different skillset than standard driving. Not everyone does it well.
I've been looking at older Cummins trucks today, this is not good.
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12-02-2011, 02:28 PM
#64
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As for trailer brakes I am certain you don't need them unless your trailer weighs a lot more than your Miata. When I lived in Colorado, a state known for its flat mountains and flat ravines we would often pack camping gear floor to ceiling in the back of the Astro and pull a boat full of fuel and gear and its trailer all through the flat mountain passes on weekend expeditions seeking out rainbow trout and the like.
You see, the secret to towing a trailer is driving as if you are towing a trailer. It's not a Miata. You can't tailgate or drive as fast. You actually have to pay attention a little further up the road and begin slowing earlier for turns and stops. You have to take corners slower, moreso when it is wet out. You must go slower than you would like when going down steeper grades and select a lower gear to provide engine braking. It will try your patience if you are not used to it. It is just different. It requires more judgement, patience, attentiveness, and responsibility. Much like track driving, it is a different skillset than standard driving. Not everyone does it well.
You see, the secret to towing a trailer is driving as if you are towing a trailer. It's not a Miata. You can't tailgate or drive as fast. You actually have to pay attention a little further up the road and begin slowing earlier for turns and stops. You have to take corners slower, moreso when it is wet out. You must go slower than you would like when going down steeper grades and select a lower gear to provide engine braking. It will try your patience if you are not used to it. It is just different. It requires more judgement, patience, attentiveness, and responsibility. Much like track driving, it is a different skillset than standard driving. Not everyone does it well.
The whole argument is moot anyway, he's in NC. No brakes, no tow over 4k. 3k in the states that actually have tracks around here, SC and DC require all axles to have brakes. Also don't forget you're going to have to get weighted tags on your truck. I think I pay ~90/yr for my tags for 9000# gross.
On the loading up pain, get a camper top for the truck. Mine came with one and it makes loading/unloading so much easier. Leer doesn't have the height listed but I've never had to get on my hands and knees to load up. I've never had one before but for sure the next truck I get will have one. I might get the next one smaller as I'm sure I take a MPG hit with this cap on.
Mine looks like this except on an older, rustier F150.
I know this sounds totally retarded, but is there anything more epic and relaxing than leaving early everytime, turning up the music, and pulling the car to the track? That is "America". That time I pumped gas while urinating as a cop drove by, genitals hidden by the Miata...that was "America" too.
I've been looking at older Cummins trucks today, this is not good.
I've been looking at older Cummins trucks today, this is not good.
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12-02-2011, 04:54 PM
#67
But even more in a bus. You do get 8mpg though and have the possibility to pay out the *** to tow it if anything happens to it, but that won't happen right? We picked up ours for $2000 and I know that it can tow at least 20,000 lbs, as they regular use one bus to tow another.
Bonus is if the track has water/electrical hookups you can fill your jacuzzi and set some mood lighting. Just make sure you drain the jacuzzi before leaving the track. That can make a real mess in the bus.
Bonus is if the track has water/electrical hookups you can fill your jacuzzi and set some mood lighting. Just make sure you drain the jacuzzi before leaving the track. That can make a real mess in the bus.
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12-02-2011, 06:57 PM
#70
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This guy came in today to pick up one of our boats. 2006 Dodge Dually Cummins. 573,000 miles. Truck looks and runs great. Helluva Hauler.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1322870051
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1322870051
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12-03-2011, 06:29 PM
#73
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The whole argument is moot anyway, he's in NC. No brakes, no tow over 4k. 3k in the states that actually have tracks around here, SC and DC require all axles to have brakes. Also don't forget you're going to have to get weighted tags on your truck. I think I pay ~90/yr for my tags for 9000# gross.
) tag.And yeah, the weighted tag bullshit is just that, bullshit. I have our truck tagged for 14k, which comes in at $168 a year IIRC. More impetus for buying the van, they don't have to register with a weighted tag because they aren't a "property carrying vehicle". If you buy a truck, you'll be buying the weighted tag. Also realize that by picking up the weighted tag, you open yourself to be weighed at any time, you have no right of refusal. I can tell you areas to avoid if you dont want to be weighed. Also, if you go the truck and enclosed route at some point, plan on spending some cash for "NOT FOR HIRE" to go on the sides of the trailer.
Oh, the stories I could tell about sitting on the scales...
Last edited by cucamelsmd15; 12-03-2011 at 09:09 PM.
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12-03-2011, 08:53 PM
#74
Tour de Franzia
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I bet my apartment complex would really appreciate a bus on their hands, lol.
There's some drama right now over payload weight stuff in Krum, TX which is near a local track. Apparently lots of guys in AI were stopped at the NASA race, it seems they paid for 3000lb payload permits and most of their lightened Camaros and Mustangs are under 3000lb. The local police decided to go buy OE wet-weight instead.
There's some drama right now over payload weight stuff in Krum, TX which is near a local track. Apparently lots of guys in AI were stopped at the NASA race, it seems they paid for 3000lb payload permits and most of their lightened Camaros and Mustangs are under 3000lb. The local police decided to go buy OE wet-weight instead.
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12-04-2011, 10:58 AM
#75
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Late to the party, but $5k will buy you a 5.4 F250 or Excursion. Go with a 3/4 ton over the Expedition--everything is bigger which makes towing easier and more reliable without a major impact on cost of ownership.
I recommend 2wd and the 3.73 diff for economy, which is how mine is set up. I have a 99 supercab. Last trip to Florida and back I averaged 13 mpg with the Miata on my open 18' tandem @ 78-80 mph. Great truck, but I'm starting to itch for the supercrew (which is not happening at $5k).
I recommend 2wd and the 3.73 diff for economy, which is how mine is set up. I have a 99 supercab. Last trip to Florida and back I averaged 13 mpg with the Miata on my open 18' tandem @ 78-80 mph. Great truck, but I'm starting to itch for the supercrew (which is not happening at $5k).
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12-05-2011, 09:58 AM
#77
I found my gas Excursion to be really gutless, the diesel was amazing.
In Canada, a low KM Excursion in gas and say 05 goes goes around $12,000. A diesel is around $30,000. Again, thats if you can find a low mileage Excursion in gas or diesel. Most on the market here are off duty service trucks (ie: police).
In Canada, a low KM Excursion in gas and say 05 goes goes around $12,000. A diesel is around $30,000. Again, thats if you can find a low mileage Excursion in gas or diesel. Most on the market here are off duty service trucks (ie: police).
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12-05-2011, 10:12 AM
#78
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I found my gas Excursion to be really gutless, the diesel was amazing.
In Canada, a low KM Excursion in gas and say 05 goes goes around $12,000. A diesel is around $30,000. Again, thats if you can find a low mileage Excursion in gas or diesel. Most on the market here are off duty service trucks (ie: police).
In Canada, a low KM Excursion in gas and say 05 goes goes around $12,000. A diesel is around $30,000. Again, thats if you can find a low mileage Excursion in gas or diesel. Most on the market here are off duty service trucks (ie: police).
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