No Tow Beast! What to do?

[Paulieb]

I need some opinions and ideas. I am thinking I need to get a new car. My Nissan Xterra is on its last legs and costs a fortune in gas.

Does anyone who keeps ther boat in a slip rent a tow beast to get to the boat to/from the marina?

I would like to get something more economical, but it won't be able to tow the boat.

What do you guys think?

Paulieb

[Highlander]

Well I went this route down from two vehicles to one Fuel cost works out the same really when ur now not filling up two but one & my ford ranger was not really any better on fuel mileage

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... 11&t=18231

J

[GaryMayo]

As dangerous as they are, a motor scooter or motorcycle may just be the ticket for those times you need to get around without towing.

I have two cycles, and I am selling one. The one I am selling is not a commuter vehicle. LOL

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... AMESE%3AIT

Putting a boat in water without 4WD is not something I would want to do. I drop er in 4WD LOW to make sure I have the moves I need when the ground is wet and slipperly.

[mastreb]

I recommend getting a 6-cyl diesel. I have a 3.5 liter V6 that gets 26MPG highway, 21MPG around town and while towing the boat (as reported by the onboard EMM). It's 4x4, has a 7500 lb. towing capacity, and uses urea injection to meet 50-state emissions (no smoke!). It's a MB 350GL, but any 3.5L diesel should have similar performance.

I couldn't be happier with it.

[Catigale]

Paul

you can rent a small truck from Uhaul for <100 USD a day that you could easily use once a month for less cost than running a truck

If its just season in season out, then this will be a huge win.

You generally cant tow with a rental car from the usual agencies like Hertz Avis national since the contracts preclude towing.

I brought my boat home from MA to NY (150 miles) with a Uhaul one way that cost me about 90 USD in 2002

[NiceAft]

Paul,

If you are only moving the boat twice a year, you are correct, you don't need to own a tow vehicle. The U-Haul suggestion seems best.

Now, as to an everyday car, there are some very economical hybrid's out there. 50+mpg in city traffic is not hard to take. When we bought our Prius five years ago, we didn't have any other choices. Today you have them.

Ray

[Tomfoolery]

My Prius won't pull my , but its lease is up in a month, so I need a new vehicle, too. The Honda Odyssey has about 100k miles on it, and tows the boat fine (long wheelbase and wide track helps), but I don't know how long it will last doing that. FWD could be interesting on a slippery ramp. I had two 4Runners in a row until I got the Prius, and probably will go back to another 4Runner.

For twice a year, I'd just rent a tow vehicle. For more than that, I'd buy a beater, if I could store it (I can't). For regular trailering, I'd get something late model (or new), and well capable.

[Russ]

For twice a year, I'd just rent a tow vehicle. For more than that, I'd buy a beater, if I could store it (I can't). For regular trailering, I'd get something late model (or new), and well capable.

Just go to a local car dealer and "test drive" a nice truck. If you bring it back wet, tell 'em you don't really like this one.

[mrbillfll]

pretty sure uhaul doesn't want you to tow with their 19/ day truck, so you'll need to do that on the down low, and hope you don't have any problems.

what kind of vehicles have v6 diesels? pickups? (dodge?) I'm due to replace my expedition.

a V6 jeep would do the job, but the short wheelbase will make it a rough ride..

fwiw, I have never had 4wd, and haven't missed it once.

ps: I considered 2 vehicles but the insurance costs made it un economical.

[raycarlson]

all the Home Depots out here rent 1 ton ford p/u's that have reciever hitches for 19.95 an hour you might check your local home depot.

[robbarnes1965]

Paul,

If you are only moving the boat twice a year, you are correct, you don't need to own a tow vehicle. The U-Haul suggestion seems best.

Now, as to an everyday car, there are some very economical hybrid's out there. 50+mpg in city traffic is not hard to take. When we bought our Prius five years ago, we didn't have any other choices. Today you have them.

Ray

I had a Toyota Highlander Hybrid that towed the boat fine although a bit light. It had great gas mileage.

[bscott]

what kind of vehicles have v6 diesels? pickups? (dodge?) I'm due to replace my expedition.

a V6 jeep would do the job, but the short wheelbase will make it a rough ride..

I've towed heavier boats=including my with a Jeep Grand Cherokee and never had a problem with the ride or short wheelbase--tandem axle is the answer.

Bob

[mrbillfll]

^ what year did they offer a diesel in the Grand Cherokee ?



that could work for me... mid suv w. diesel...

the 3.6? or the 5.7 ?
http://www.jeep.com/en/towing_payload/2 ... d_cherokee

[SkiDeep2001]

mrbillfll, I don't know if Broad form Insurance is available in Florida but if your vehicles are paid off you can get a Broad form (liability) policy that covers your license and all vehicles you drive. After paying for separate policies for 4 cars, 2 full size P/U's, a motorcycle, motor home and 2 boats, once they were all paid off I switched to a Broad form policy, plus extra insurance on boats and motorhome and save a boatload (literally) of ca$h. I just have to keep from getting hit by some uninsured yahoo It works for me, may not be acceptable to others not to have comprehensive coverage but when you have lots of vehicles and can only drive 1 at a time it works for me, so far it has been 5 years with no mishaps. (Knock on wood) Rob PS: I know, I need to have an auto auction PPS: I also like some of the ideas already posted.

[Paulieb]

Guys,

Thanks for all the ideas. Your suggestions and comments are much appreciated.

Thanks,
Paulieb