[VAC] Re: Tow vehicle advice

["Scott Scheuermann" <s.l.scheuermann@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Rick,

For a couple of years I towed my 1960 Overlander (a 26 footer that weighs in
at about 5000 pounds when loaded) with a '93 Dodge Dakota extended cab.

The Dakota had a 318 V-8, automatic 4 spd tranny, but not a heavy duty tow
package. I added a tranny cooler.

The Dakota had plenty of power for the mountains. However it did not have
the wheel base and weight to properly control my 26 foot single axle
trailer. After the maiden voyage I purchased a pull-rite hitch to help
correct the problem. I initially tried a Reese with a dual cam sway control.

I purchased the truck thinking that a mid sized vehicle would be a more
economical choice for daily commuting and for towing. I was sadly mistaken.
Solo I got about 12 mpg. Towing I got anywhere from 8 to 10 mpg. I have had
two full sized pickups since then. I have been happier with them both with
and without the trailer. My last one had a 460 V-8 with 4:10 rear end. I got
10 mpg with or without the trailer. I now have a used Dodge with the Cummins
diesel engine. I get nearly twice the mpg's. Each vehicle had a purchase
price of under 10K.

Both of the full size pickups tow my trailer without hardly noticing that it
is there. I currently use my old Reese hitch setup. My wife feels much more
confident and safe behind the wheel of either of these full size trucks than
the Dakota.

In short, the Dakota did the job. I just found something else that did the
job better for the same money.

Scott Scheuermann