Tow truck talk

Leelover · 12-25-2006, 01:30 AM

Well, just got back to Florida (but not yet home

) from a trip to Kansas in the Excursion.

Once again, I am questioning keeping this thing. Overall trip mpg average 12.1

on the trip comp thing. Yes, it has a V10. Yes, I know I should have got the diesel

.
So now I am considering my options for a different tow/work vehicle.
I need something to haul a medium amount of tools (from a construction perspective), pull a trailer, probably a 6x12 V nose enclosed single axle. And carry at least 3 people with gear while pulling said trailer.
I am thinking of a large SUV, but would not rule out a pickup. I have owned a variety of pickups, vans, and SUV's in the past, both diesel and gas powered. My last diesel was a 95 F350 crewcab dually with a 7.3 powersroke. I got an average mpg of 15 almost all the time. Dropped to 10-11 when pulling a 4 horse trailer.
What do you all use and what kind of mpg are you getting?
What features do you like and dislike about your rigs?
Any info would be appreciated, even weirdo Canadian stuff in that metric stuff they use!

CBRVFR · 12-25-2006, 11:33 AM

Bigass van with a deisel. The ultimate trackday vehicle.

Hammer · 12-25-2006, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

Bigass van with a deisel.

High Tech Hippie vehicle

seamus · 12-25-2006, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leelover

What do you all use and what kind of mpg are you getting?
What features do you like and dislike about your rigs?

1. Jeep Wrangler, 4.0L, 5" lift, 35" tires: ~11.5 mpg towing 5x10 open trailer. For reference, it only gets about 14.5 mpg without the trailer attached.

Like:
It's AWESOME.

Dislike:
Still looking for a deal on an LS2 engine so I can do the swap.

Can't put much in it.

2. Dodge Caravan, 3.6L: ~18mpg towing same trailer.

Like:
Lots of stuff fits.
It's not as uncool as I originally thougt.
Great gas mileage.

Dislike:
Wife won't let me buy a second LS2 so I can do a swap.
Wife won't let me lower it an inch and put some real tires on it.
It could be sooo much cooler.

Leelover · 12-26-2006, 12:40 AM

Thanks guys!

seamus, jeeps are COOL! I have 2 old 350 4bolt main small blocks sitting around...

Any one have any mpg numbers on newer diesels?

G-ForceJunkie · 12-26-2006, 02:20 AM

How long do you keep your vehicles? The cost of new diesel versus what your excursion will probaly buy a hell of a lot of gas. Unless you keep your vehicles well past 100K miles, your probaly better off running the Excursion untill you wans to sell it because its old or worn out. Then decide how long your going to keep the new vehicle to make the diesel/gas decision. I dont know about where you live, but diesel is is the same price as gas around here, so your Your 12 mpg in the excursion vs say an average of 15 in the diesel (which I think is pretty average, I have seen 17-18mph highway, 13 mpg towing as typical on modern diesels) your going to have to be around 75k miles before the extra cost of the diesel motor even brakes even.

phobe · 12-26-2006, 02:53 AM

From what I have seen, pretty much any gas truck driven 75 with a utility trailer is gonna get about 8MPG. COrrect me if I'm wrong BWhip but both your F150 and F350 get about 8 with your 6x12' trailer.

When Purpdust and I drove a 2006 GMC LBZ Diesel (bone stock) down to SLC we averaged about 11MPG. (mind you this is with Purp's 8x20 trailer) You'd have to drive a hell of a lot of miles for the diesel to pay for itself... also, diesel isn't as readily available in the USA and often costs more than premium gas.

However

The nicest thing about the diesel was the power. Even through the Cascades in Montana that thing almost never shifted down out of 6th, just rumbled along, smooth and quiet and you could barely tell the trailer was there. So if you can afford to spend the extra dough for running a diesel (don't forget maintenance is pricier too) then I think it's justified based on the luxury of power, all other cost arguments notwithstanding.

evl_twn · 12-26-2006, 04:39 AM

2004 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4, 5.7L 345hp.

15-15.5 mpg towing a 5x8 open trailer at 75mph.

It's been a good truck so far. The only thing I might consider replacing it with would be a Scooby Legacy GT, WRX STi, or the 2008 Challenger.

HondaGalToo · 12-26-2006, 06:41 AM

I get about 10 mpg with my F150 when towing my 7x14 enclosed trailer (dual axle). I'd love an F250 diesel instead, but it's too much truck since my truck is also my daily driver. The F150 is a crew cab. I just got it this past June and so far I really like it. Gas mileage is about 14 around town, to work, etc. I don't know highway mpg, because when I do long highway trips, I usually have the trailer!

bda116 · 12-26-2006, 09:28 AM

Although the Stabbin' Cabin is an old POS, it is by FAR the most convenient bike transport vehicle I have ever used. The bike and all needed sundries all fit right inside, no need to worry about the trailer, etc.

phobe · 12-26-2006, 01:37 PM

If cost were no object I'd have a long wheelbase high-roof Sprinter van.

seamus · 12-26-2006, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phobiaphobe

If cost were no object I'd have a long wheelbase high-roof Sprinter van.

Nice choice of vans but I've never seen one this side of the border.

phobe · 12-26-2006, 02:54 PM

Don't they have them in the States? They're getting increasingly common here. People who own them seem to love them.

seamus · 12-26-2006, 02:58 PM

I got to drive them a bunch while I was in Germany but I've never seen a single one in the US.

I liked them a lot because they had so much room yet it didn't feel like I was sitting on top of a balance beam waiting to tip over while going through turn like the Ford and Dodge vans I have to drive now.

edit: just googled Sprinter Van and it shows as Dodge Sprinter Van. The ones I drove were made by Mercedes. The ones in the pics look exactly like it but are rebadged as Dodge.

Hammer · 12-26-2006, 03:01 PM

Alot of the Sprinter vans are here in the states. Mostly hot shot freight companies are using them along with several mobile service units.

Dodge actually sells them now.

phobe · 12-26-2006, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seamus

edit: just googled Sprinter Van and it shows as Dodge Sprinter Van. The ones I drove were made by Mercedes. The ones in the pics look exactly like it but are rebadged as Dodge.

That's exactly what they are. With a little MB 5-cyl diesel.

Hammer · 12-26-2006, 03:03 PM

When they first came over here, they were badges as Freightliner and then changed to Dodge.

seamus · 12-26-2006, 03:14 PM

I stand corrected. They are here.

I like them. The Sprinter diesel engine is one of the smoothest commercial-type diesel engined vehicles I've driven.

ND4SPD · 12-26-2006, 03:37 PM

FedEx uses them around here quite a bit. Even UPS has a few. My dad was thinking about getting one before he got his E350, but they were too expensive.

Leelover · 12-26-2006, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-ForceJunkie

How long do you keep your vehicles? The cost of new diesel versus what your excursion will probaly buy a hell of a lot of gas. Unless you keep your vehicles well past 100K miles, your probaly better off running the Excursion untill you wans to sell it because its old or worn out. Then decide how long your going to keep the new vehicle to make the diesel/gas decision. I dont know about where you live, but diesel is is the same price as gas around here, so your Your 12 mpg in the excursion vs say an average of 15 in the diesel (which I think is pretty average, I have seen 17-18mph highway, 13 mpg towing as typical on modern diesels) your going to have to be around 75k miles before the extra cost of the diesel motor even brakes even.

This is all good advice.
Before I got the Excursion I made endless calculations regarding cost of diesel fuel vs gasoline, maint cost comparisons, lentgh of ownership, resale values, and added purchase price.
I ended up deciding that gas was the way to go for me now. And I was probably right overall. I am back to leaning towards keeping it, and making some mods. Free up the exhaust some, new intake, and some kind of chip with a custom tune.
And some new shocks, this thing has the worst ride of just about anything on 4 wheels!
I do have to say that even though the tow rating is not that much different from an oil burner, it sure doesn't do as well as the old powersrtoke when pulling a trailer!

Heavy-Dee · 12-27-2006, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leelover

This is all good advice.
Before I got the Excursion I made endless calculations regarding cost of diesel fuel vs gasoline, maint cost comparisons, lentgh of ownership, resale values, and added purchase price.
I ended up deciding that gas was the way to go for me now. And I was probably right overall. I am back to leaning towards keeping it, and making some mods. Free up the exhaust some, new intake, and some kind of chip with a custom tune.
And some new shocks, this thing has the worst ride of just about anything on 4 wheels!
I do have to say that even though the tow rating is not that much different from an oil burner, it sure doesn't do as well as the old powersrtoke when pulling a trailer!

I don't know dude. That sounds like putting off the inevitable. Some mods into a truck that isn't what you really want, will still be a truck that you don't really want. *If* you can swing it, just get the darn diesel. They're so damn cool.

HD

Leelover · 12-27-2006, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heavy-Dee

I don't know dude. That sounds like putting off the inevitable. Some mods into a truck that isn't what you really want, will still be a truck that you don't really want. *If* you can swing it, just get the darn diesel. They're so damn cool.

HD

Ahah! Finally someone who understands that what I really want is justification!
Thanks HD!

Heavy-Dee · 12-27-2006, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leelover

Ahah! Finally someone who understands that what I really want is justification!
Thanks HD!

Hey, if there's one thing I'm good at it's spending other people's money.

HD

RedRider · 12-27-2006, 11:15 AM

Get a Yukon Valdez and wave at all the SUV bashers as you pass by...

EDDIE110171 · 12-27-2006, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leelover

I do have to say that even though the tow rating is not that much different from an oil burner, it sure doesn't do as well as the old powersrtoke when pulling a trailer!

I used to pull my 8.5'x20' enclosed trailer with my 4.6 F-150 and it did it @ +/- 65 MPH at 10-12 MPG. But nothing pulls like a diesel.

G-ForceJunkie · 12-27-2006, 03:50 PM

You guys make good points, but he was not complaining about towing power, spee, handling, unhappy with current ride, simply the $$$ that went in the fuel tank. $$$ out of his pocket willnot be solved by spending $50+k on a new diesel.

12-25-2006, 01:30 AM	#1
Leelover Remembering RAH-VFR...RIP #20 Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Fort Myers, FL Bike(s): 06 FJR1300 & 01 GSXR 750 Posts: 1,473	Tow truck talk Well, just got back to Florida (but not yet home ) from a trip to Kansas in the Excursion. Once again, I am questioning keeping this thing. Overall trip mpg average 12.1 on the trip comp thing. Yes, it has a V10. Yes, I know I should have got the diesel . So now I am considering my options for a different tow/work vehicle. I need something to haul a medium amount of tools (from a construction perspective), pull a trailer, probably a 6x12 V nose enclosed single axle. And carry at least 3 people with gear while pulling said trailer. I am thinking of a large SUV, but would not rule out a pickup. I have owned a variety of pickups, vans, and SUV's in the past, both diesel and gas powered. My last diesel was a 95 F350 crewcab dually with a 7.3 powersroke. I got an average mpg of 15 almost all the time. Dropped to 10-11 when pulling a 4 horse trailer. What do you all use and what kind of mpg are you getting? What features do you like and dislike about your rigs? Any info would be appreciated, even weirdo Canadian stuff in that metric stuff they use! __________________ "The Father wove the skein of your life a long time ago. Go and hide in a hole if you wish, but you won't live one instant longer. Your fate is fixed. Fear profits a man nothing." Herger the Joyous

12-25-2006, 11:33 AM	#2
CBRVFR Godspeed, #20 Join Date: 12-13-2006 Age: 55 Bike(s): VFR750 SV650 TZ250 Posts: 5,022	Re: Tow truck talk Bigass van with a deisel. The ultimate trackday vehicle. __________________ "...the TV also never took away the screwdriver and shoved it up the repairman's ass." Our own Mr.2nd Amendment, explaining the difference. Perfectly. Rich Herald, the Gentle Giant

12-26-2006, 12:40 AM	#5
Leelover Remembering RAH-VFR...RIP #20 Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Fort Myers, FL Bike(s): 06 FJR1300 & 01 GSXR 750 Posts: 1,473	Re: Tow truck talk Thanks guys! seamus, jeeps are COOL! I have 2 old 350 4bolt main small blocks sitting around... Any one have any mpg numbers on newer diesels? __________________ "The Father wove the skein of your life a long time ago. Go and hide in a hole if you wish, but you won't live one instant longer. Your fate is fixed. Fear profits a man nothing." Herger the Joyous

12-26-2006, 02:20 AM	#6
G-ForceJunkie Who's driving? Join Date: 12-15-2006 Location: Valencia, CA Bike(s): BMW GS1150 ADV, DRZ400 Posts: 624	Re: Tow truck talk How long do you keep your vehicles? The cost of new diesel versus what your excursion will probaly buy a hell of a lot of gas. Unless you keep your vehicles well past 100K miles, your probaly better off running the Excursion untill you wans to sell it because its old or worn out. Then decide how long your going to keep the new vehicle to make the diesel/gas decision. I dont know about where you live, but diesel is is the same price as gas around here, so your Your 12 mpg in the excursion vs say an average of 15 in the diesel (which I think is pretty average, I have seen 17-18mph highway, 13 mpg towing as typical on modern diesels) your going to have to be around 75k miles before the extra cost of the diesel motor even brakes even.

12-26-2006, 02:53 AM	#7
phobe circa 1960 Join Date: 12-17-2006 Age: 26 Bike(s): 600RR, 125R Posts: 4,629	Re: Tow truck talk From what I have seen, pretty much any gas truck driven 75 with a utility trailer is gonna get about 8MPG. COrrect me if I'm wrong BWhip but both your F150 and F350 get about 8 with your 6x12' trailer. When Purpdust and I drove a 2006 GMC LBZ Diesel (bone stock) down to SLC we averaged about 11MPG. (mind you this is with Purp's 8x20 trailer) You'd have to drive a hell of a lot of miles for the diesel to pay for itself... also, diesel isn't as readily available in the USA and often costs more than premium gas. However The nicest thing about the diesel was the power. Even through the Cascades in Montana that thing almost never shifted down out of 6th, just rumbled along, smooth and quiet and you could barely tell the trailer was there. So if you can afford to spend the extra dough for running a diesel (don't forget maintenance is pricier too) then I think it's justified based on the luxury of power, all other cost arguments notwithstanding. __________________ Cum hoc, ergo propter hoc

12-26-2006, 04:39 AM	#8
evl_twn CAN CRUSHER Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Central Illinois Age: 40 Bike(s): worm gear Posts: 1,646	Re: Tow truck talk 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4, 5.7L 345hp. 15-15.5 mpg towing a 5x8 open trailer at 75mph. It's been a good truck so far. The only thing I might consider replacing it with would be a Scooby Legacy GT, WRX STi, or the 2008 Challenger.

12-26-2006, 06:41 AM	#9
HondaGalToo ...into the 30s Join Date: 12-16-2006 Location: New Jersey Age: 48 Bike(s): '01 929, '07 gsxr 600 Posts: 1,730	Re: Tow truck talk I get about 10 mpg with my F150 when towing my 7x14 enclosed trailer (dual axle). I'd love an F250 diesel instead, but it's too much truck since my truck is also my daily driver. The F150 is a crew cab. I just got it this past June and so far I really like it. Gas mileage is about 14 around town, to work, etc. I don't know highway mpg, because when I do long highway trips, I usually have the trailer! __________________ “I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center.” ~Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

12-26-2006, 09:28 AM	#10
bda116 Done. Join Date: 12-17-2006 Bike(s): . Posts: 2,113	Re: Tow truck talk Although the Stabbin' Cabin is an old POS, it is by FAR the most convenient bike transport vehicle I have ever used. The bike and all needed sundries all fit right inside, no need to worry about the trailer, etc. __________________ "Islam isn't in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become dominant. The Koran should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only accepted religion on Earth." - Omar M. Ahmad, founding chairman of CAIR.

12-26-2006, 01:37 PM	#11
phobe circa 1960 Join Date: 12-17-2006 Age: 26 Bike(s): 600RR, 125R Posts: 4,629	Re: Tow truck talk If cost were no object I'd have a long wheelbase high-roof Sprinter van. __________________ Cum hoc, ergo propter hoc

12-26-2006, 02:54 PM	#13
phobe circa 1960 Join Date: 12-17-2006 Age: 26 Bike(s): 600RR, 125R Posts: 4,629	Re: Tow truck talk Don't they have them in the States? They're getting increasingly common here. People who own them seem to love them. __________________ Cum hoc, ergo propter hoc

12-26-2006, 02:58 PM	#14
seamus is feelin alright Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Rocket City Age: 34 Bike(s): 1KRR; VFR; FMX650 Posts: 5,451	Re: Tow truck talk I got to drive them a bunch while I was in Germany but I've never seen a single one in the US. I liked them a lot because they had so much room yet it didn't feel like I was sitting on top of a balance beam waiting to tip over while going through turn like the Ford and Dodge vans I have to drive now. edit: just googled Sprinter Van and it shows as Dodge Sprinter Van. The ones I drove were made by Mercedes. The ones in the pics look exactly like it but are rebadged as Dodge.

12-26-2006, 03:01 PM	#15
Hammer For Sale Join Date: 12-17-2006 Location: Indiana Age: 39 Bike(s): 05 Suzuki 600 Posts: 4,889 Images: 1	Re: Tow truck talk Alot of the Sprinter vans are here in the states. Mostly hot shot freight companies are using them along with several mobile service units. Dodge actually sells them now.

12-26-2006, 03:03 PM	#17
Hammer For Sale Join Date: 12-17-2006 Location: Indiana Age: 39 Bike(s): 05 Suzuki 600 Posts: 4,889 Images: 1	Re: Tow truck talk When they first came over here, they were badges as Freightliner and then changed to Dodge.

12-26-2006, 03:14 PM	#18
seamus is feelin alright Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Rocket City Age: 34 Bike(s): 1KRR; VFR; FMX650 Posts: 5,451	Re: Tow truck talk I stand corrected. They are here. I like them. The Sprinter diesel engine is one of the smoothest commercial-type diesel engined vehicles I've driven.

12-26-2006, 03:37 PM	#19
ND4SPD I'm BATMAN!!! Join Date: 12-12-2006 Bike(s): Trek Posts: 8,025 Images: 25	Re: Tow truck talk FedEx uses them around here quite a bit. Even UPS has a few. My dad was thinking about getting one before he got his E350, but they were too expensive. __________________ "This is your life - are you who you want to be?" Learn all you need to know about Mac OS X

12-27-2006, 11:15 AM	#24
RedRider Join Date: 12-13-2006 Age: 49 Bike(s): 929 Posts: 2,380	Re: Tow truck talk Get a Yukon Valdez and wave at all the SUV bashers as you pass by...

12-27-2006, 03:50 PM	#26
G-ForceJunkie Who's driving? Join Date: 12-15-2006 Location: Valencia, CA Bike(s): BMW GS1150 ADV, DRZ400 Posts: 624	Re: Tow truck talk You guys make good points, but he was not complaining about towing power, spee, handling, unhappy with current ride, simply the $$$ that went in the fuel tank. $$$ out of his pocket willnot be solved by spending $50+k on a new diesel.