tow vehicle

[nostatic]

the wife and I are pondering the possibility of a camping trailer for weekend getaways with the 7 year old. We'll likely rent an rv for a weekend to see if the concept works (I grew up doing the camping in a camper/trailer thing, she didn't), and while the new class C vehicles are scary expensive, seems that trailers can be had for much less (although what we really like are Airstreams...so much for the budget). For doing it on the cheap a Westy is a possibility.

So the possible plan would be to get rid of the 4-runner and replace it with a general use vehicle that could also two a fairly small trailer (target 3K-4K lbs). I know the classic answer is an F150 or Tahoe, but I'd like something a bit different. The Toureg looks nice, and it alledged can tow that much. The quad cab Dakota also is in the ballpark. The ideal would be a Cayenne, but that ain't in the budget unless we use the trailer in a series of bank robberies across the country...

Any insight?

[surflvr911sc]

Decide on one or the other. If the type of tow vehicle is more important, get what you want and buy a trailer that is w/in it's capabilities. If the trailer is more important...

Also, just because a vehicle is rated to tow 5000lbs, doesn't mean it should. You'll want brakes and a stabilizer bar too.

That's all I have.

[cstreit]

Few quick thoughts...

We towed our race car and all equipment for 3 years in our 4-runner...

Used low-mileage class C's go for a LOT less than a new SUV...

A trailer will hold it's value better than an RV, but the cost of a nice trailer AND an SUV will be a lot more than other options

[nostatic]

we were smitten with one of these (although haven't seen one in person yet):



if only my 911 could tow 4K lbs...

[nostatic]

here's a thought that I had earlier. I did a search and although most sites don't list a towing capacity, an Australian site says an Audi A8 has a 2300kg towing capacity.

hmmm...if the wife's car could tow the trailer, no need to buy a new truck/suv. Anyone know about towing capabilities of an A8?

-edit- another site says 750kg, which sounds more in-line with reality. oh well...

[jrdavid68]

Early ads for the Touareg showed one towing an Airstream. Those ads had to be pulled as it is technically not possible with the Touaregs towing capacities. Those capacities are 7700 lbs with 616 lbs at the tongue. Turns out an Airstream, while under 7700 lbs, apparently puts more than 616lbs at the tongue.

I don't know anything about the Airstreams, but apparently the largest version, which VW showed in the early ads, puts too much weight at the tongue.

Here's a link to a story on the Touareg and the Airstream snafu:
http://cbsnewyork.com/shamestories/local_story_303155456.html

On the other hand, we absolutely love our T-reg.

[rammstein]

I know that at some point the Touareg should be available with a diesel engine, which might fit the bill. I think it was a V-10 with 500+ torque?

[Z-man]

Have you seen the camper-vans they have these days?
Check out the 'Westy:'

Click here for more info.

They are built on an E-250 / E-350 Ford Econoline chassis, so they should be able to tow your 911!

An aquantance of mine has a Westy, and he absolutely loves it! The interior is well designed, and I believe that car is perfect for weekend camping and as a track support vehicle!

-Z-man.

[motion]

You can pick up a really nice 5-6 year old Class C for around $15k. Not too hard to find them with low miles. If you have a place to store them, its a great way to go.

[JavaBrewer]

Rent at least a few times before you buy, ideally a different class each time. That way you can first verify it's something the family wants to do and also gives a taste of what each class offers, from the little tent trailers to the 500 hp diesel pushers.

Given that you are debating on a tow vehicle, the trailer idea doesn't sound all that economical. I think motion makes the best suggestion yet.

[Burnin' oil]

If you decide on the Cayenne. I would not recommend "bank robberies across the country" because The Man would be able to track your movements by your crimes, which may ultimately lead The Man to your home. Instead, limit your burglaries to a specific area, preferably on the east coast. You can always use us on the board as alibi witnesses. Trust me, it will work out.

[vash]

is that an AIRSTREAM? those retro trailers are nice. except for my 911, i like vehicles that are multitaskers. i would get a used toyota tundra V8, decent towing capacity and it holds alot of yard debris. do you have a bunch of kids? if so, forget the tundra.

i will get an airstream oneday. i like to leave the outside stock looking, but update the insides into this decade. like a rolling IKEA display. haha

[nostatic]

yeah, I'm thinking rent a few times...camping is a lot of work.

Actually, what I really want to do is buy a second place in the sticks and just go there on weekends. Either in the mountains or central CA coastal. Anyone know of reasonable places in Ventura or SB county? Maybe Ojai (Jaime Summers was from there ya know...)

[vash]

who the heck is jamie summers? the bionic woman?!

[JavaBrewer]

Originally posted by nostatic
yeah, I'm thinking rent a few times...camping is a lot of work.

Actually, what I really want to do is buy a second place in the sticks and just go there on weekends. Either in the mountains or central CA coastal. Anyone know of reasonable places in Ventura or SB county? Maybe Ojai (Jaime Summers was from there ya know...)

Oh yeah, SB and Ventura county are dirt cheap right now. I'll bet that MJ will soon be a distressed seller, maybe pickup Neverland Ranch for a song?

[nostatic]

yeah, I just did a quick search. Gotta go further north to find anything that isn't insane expensive (kinda suspected).

So off to rent we go. I think we'll do a class C from rentamerica unless anyone else has good places they know of.

[911Rob]

rent, sment.

The true luxury of this sort of thing is the luxury of having everything ready to go, when you are.

Renting is just one more (or several more) steps to the going concern of trying to get out and relax. You come home and feel more tired than relaxed.???

My fam and I did this for years and loved it. We had a 19ft travel trailer all loaded up with non-perishables, kitchen supplied, bedding, bikes, BBQ and stuff. The weekend would arrive and we'd throw in the clothes and perishable food and be gone. Come home and drop the trailer off the truck and go to bed.

Next day or so, unload the fridge and laundry, get things ready for next time. Too easy and made things very enjoyable.

I also modified mine from a Double master bed, to a King, which made sleeping better too.

As for the vehicle. I'd pick the Tahoe if I had my choice. Good all round vehicle too.

Good Luck and have fun!

[surflvr911sc]

Check out San Simeon State Park.

[B D]

Anyone looking for the ultimate camping/towing/track support van I know of the ultimate one for sale and it's only $13K. It's a Ford van conversion built by an astrnomer to take down to South America he never made it, I guess chicken or to smart. It has 4WD, forced induction heat, 5 batteries (system is like a boat so you never have a dead battery), winch, refrigerator, roof rack, the list goes on and on. It seems to have everything. Painted green with black stripes and black steel accesories, looks like a Mad Max vehicle. I will post a pic when I get home.

[Schrup]

Just bought a truck today for towing, hauling building materials for my new garage, & rainy day driver. I had a $3k budget, but picked this beaut up for $1200, more money for 911 parts. It's a chevy 3/4 ton with a fresh 350 in it, drives great, only needs a gun rack & a redneck bumper sticker. Here's some pics