Yeah they are. Everyone I know who had one (to be honest was only 2) said it was worthless for towing as it had NO power.

If I were looking for a cheap tow vehicle for a dual axle open hauler, then I would really look at an f250 with a gas engine. I have customers that come in with either those or Chevy 2500 gas and they say they never really have problems with them. The work hands are unbelievably harsh on them and they basically live on a right of way. Any issue you would have would be fairly easy and cheap to fix. Parts are dirt cheap for them. That is if you were only looking for a tow vehicle and not a DD replacement.

If I were looking for something that was going to replace a DD with something I could tow with and leave some room for a nice 20' enclosed, I would probably get the new Tundra. Smooth as butter on the highway and tow very well. Rated for 11,000 lbs.

 

Lots of really nice tow vehicles up in hurr. But he is only hauling a gutted 2000lb Miata. Lots of overkill up in hurr.

 

Id much rather opt for a bit of overkill when it came to stopping or turning a couple thousand pounds of dead weight behind me...

 

Americans will tell you that a:

• Twin axle car hauler is for loads no larger than a Hot-Wheel
• 1-ton dually on a triple-axle goose neck is required to pull a lawn mower
• BNSF train engine is required for a Miata, and you'll need a Sikorsky Sky Crane to get it to the train yard

Reh reality is that I've pulled lots of vehicles with small trucks and SUVs and done just fine. I want a Cummins and I'd commit murder for one.

 

The Ex and F250 are the same truck--also nearly identical to F350 SRW (minor changes to rear suspension based on options and model year--my F250 has the optional heavy duty suspension and is exactly the same as F350 except for badging). Base engine makes 350 ft-lbs torque. Perfectly fine to do what we're talking about.
The diesels make a lot more torque down low and feel a lot snappier, but the gasser will rev up and get the job done with these small trailers. If you were pulling a huge box or equipment around all the time, the diesel is better.

 

...or "roll coal".

 

I was horribly unclear with what I was saying. The gas excursion can be had for cheap comparatively to the diesel variant, but a gas f250 can be had for even cheaper. If I was looking for a cheap tow to the track and back vehicle, it would be an older f250. I know they are the same frame and the same suspension is available. I was just trying to say that for a cheap a-b track hauler, I would go with the F250 for even less money. It all made sense in my head. The people I knew thought that it could be a replacement for their 7.3L powerstrokes and they were wrong. For simple stuff like this it is no sweat.

Having said that, if anyone is looking at new trucks for pulling a lot of weight, I LOVE my 6.7L Diesel. I have had a 7.3, 6.0, 6.4, and now the 6.7L. We put about 200,000 miles on the first 3 and have 60,000 on the 6.7L. The truck pulls great and is way better than the 6.4 that it replaced. Avoid the 6.4 like the plague.

 

Around here, gas F-series supercrew will sell for the same or more than the Ex. Regular cab F series however can be had dirt dirt cheap, especially in XL trim. Generally the gas trucks are a bit tough to find, especially in 5.4. The diesel trucks are everywhere. It's complete opposite with the SUV, gas is everywhere but diesel is rare and still fairly expensive.

We just took the boss' 6.7 to Florida pulling a 24' box. That truck is amazing and has sooo much power.

 

I would have given a left nut if we could have found an 2011 F250 King Ranch when we were shopping. Had to settle for the F150 instead.

 

I'm considering paying someone to severe my vas deferns, maybe we can work a deal.

 

WOOT, just saw on cl what looks like a good deal on a diesel supercrew less than half an hour away. They're meeting me after dinner. We shall see...

If I get it, I'll have my supercab gasser for sale, which is a great tow vehicle for what we do. I've just been itching for a crew.

 

Best tow vehicle ever!

 

Anybody have any experience with the 2001-07 Toyota Sequoia? They have a 4.7L V8,the 2WD can tow 6500lbs, and I'm finding decent ones in my budget ($6-8k).

I'm considering a 14-18' (ideally aluminum) car hauler, and would like a tow vehicle that a) I won't detest driving every day (not really into pick ups or vans) and b) I can sleep in at the track.

 

From what I've read the tow capacity of 6500 pounds is only 05+ when it got VVT

 

yep, I had a chance at this very nice e-150 van, but I had to pass after seeing how difficult (impossible) it would be to work on and the fact that I can't imagine myself driving around in it all the time, I had to pass.

I think they would do fine, I have seen plenty of people towing boats with those.

 

I have a trailex open aluminum trailer and have been my Miata for years with a 2000 Olds Bravada. 170,000 and still running strong.

 

Everywhere I've looked says 6500lbs for the 2WD (6200 for 4WD).

This is a good reference - there is a PDF for each model year with towing capacity. It's crazy how complicated it gets for the Ford/GM/Dodge lineups given that capacity is different depending on differential gear, transmission, conventional vs fifth wheel, etc.

http://trailmanor.com/WebDocs/Campin...FTgrOAodiUvBXw

2001 model year
http://trailmanor.com/WebDocs/Campin...ngPDF/2001.pdf

 

nickt93, I hauled with a 01 4x4 Sequoia the entire 2010 season. Its a great SUV and you can sleep in the back when at the track. The rear third row seats make great track couch and the middle row folds forward.

 

Thanks for the feedback - it's looking like the Sequoia is my top choice at this point. Why'd you get rid of it? Did you upgrade to something bigger?

 

Sequoia in action