towin'

northmichigan · #1 (**permalink**) 10-22-2005, 08:49 AM

hello
i'm in the process of buying a vehicile for towing my landscape trailer gvw 7200 lbs. the choices could include suv's if they can tow safely. i would not mind having a multi-purpose vehicile as i have had trucks for the last 22 years i have been in business. the other interesting option is the toyota tundra when it comes out in electric-gas option.
any ideas on an economic to run ,comfortable, and safe tow vehicile?
thanks in advance for any replies.
mj

Green4Me · #2 (**permalink**) 10-22-2005, 10:44 PM

You might want to rethink your options. Personnally I am more comfortable with a tow rig that out weighs the trailer so as to be safer in stopping, and on slippery roads.
Not the least of which is the image you present to your customers and the public and for me an SUV towing a tool trailer says your mind is focused elsewhere that getting the job done and done right.
And as far as the hybrids, they are too new to prove day in day out reliable production vehicles.

My best pick is a Dodge pickup with a Cummins diesel, reliable, economical, powerful, and runs forever. Best truck on the road.
Good Luck.

Bill Schwab · #3 (**permalink**) 10-23-2005, 10:28 AM

If you are looking for a hybrid truck, Chevy has been making one for the past year. The Tundra is way too small to do any serious work such as pulling an 8,000lb trailer on a daily basis. In all reality, you want a one ton minimum for your truck. Not only do they have the suspension to pull your trailer, they have the brakes to stop it. Plus, the hybrid trucks are barely hitting 15MPG, while the diesels are going over that mark and have heavy enough stuff to handle all your needs.

SUV's and landscapers....I'm reminded of the guy who just lost his corporate job, pulls his 401K to buy equipment and makes double duty out of mama's soccer mobile.

northmichigan · #4 (**permalink**) 10-23-2005, 09:27 PM

thanks for the replies. i am in the thinking stage of getting a new truck and i'm considering my options.
the toyota tundra is rated to tow trailers at 6000lbs. gvw. currently i'm using a gmc 1500 and getting as many things delivered as is practical. if i was to buy something i would like it to be an improvement on what i have.
i look at all the trucks i have owed and was wondering about the multipurpose suv as more versitile but safety is a major concern.
mj

cutntrim · #5 (**permalink**) 10-24-2005, 10:39 AM

Step up to a 2500 quad cab. Get diesel if you can.

mrusk · #6 (**permalink**) 10-24-2005, 01:00 PM

Always buy bigger then you think you will need. I bought a 3/4 ton Ram cummins. I figured it would be enough truck for me. However, i started doing more and more block and now i'm buying a skid steer and possible a minx in the spring. Now i wish i had atleast a 1 ton dually. However, i will not be over the recommened towing weight for my truck, it will just be within 1000lbs of it.

In a year or two, i plan on adding a single axle or a tandem axle roll off truck to the fleet. Always buy bigger then you need, because in this business its easy to grow and move into more things then you orginally planned.

Matt