Need Suggestions on a Vehicle that Will Tow

[takenoprisoners]

I have a question. First, to set it up...

I've got a 14' Alumacraft. After researching, I felt my 2000 Sienna could tow it no problem. Well, after towing it three times, the Sienna's transmission is now revving to 5k RPM before changing gears. So it's now at a transmission shop, where the mechanic said that van isn't made to tow anything.

So now I am in the market for something that will tow.

Now my question...

What should I get? I need something that at least seats 5 people, so a pick-up truck with no extra cab space won't work. Also, I am looking for something that doesn't cost a ton and maybe I can even fix easily if something goes wrong.

I've considered a Jeep Wrangler or Cherokee and a pick-up truck with a second row that normal people can sit in. I feel like I need something with 4WD also.

Thoughts? Suggestions? This issue is complicated by the fact that my wife and I are attempting to save money for adoption and the house needs painting. So...yeah, I'm looking for the most reliable, tow-worthy vehicle for the best price possible.

 

[takenoprisoners]

Hate to bump, but I'm all kinds of stressed out over this... Just found out the transmission has to be rebuilt, which I'm not going to do, since it'll cost about as much as the van's worth.

 

[derek81]

A four door full sized truck would be where my money is spent. My dodge will hold 5 adults with ease and 6 if you want to pack three up front, I've been towing boats and hauling our motorcycles since I bought it on 06 and never had a single issues with it 170k miles later.

 

[takenoprisoners]

Thanks. Think that's where I may be leaning. You would recommend a Dodge? An older (late 90s, early 2000s) model?

 

[derek81]

Mine is a 2006 and I love it, probably the longest I've ever kept a vehicle. I've driven it from coast to coast and pulled my boat up and down the east coast and other than normal maintenance, tires and suspension I've never had to fix anything. We also have a GMC 2500 we use from time to time for work and it's a 98 with 295k miles on it and it's uglier than sin but still runs like a champ. I'm not biased about one company but I think all manufacturers make a POS from time to time, I've heard horror stories about dodge transmissions but never had the first problem with mine.

 

[Oldman]

i have a ford explorer that i pull my boat with.(98)my bullet is 900 pounds and it has a 200 mercury.it pulls it just fine.u don't need any thing special to pull that light load.any size truck should do the trick.make sure it is at least a v-6.

 

[takenoprisoners]

Thanks to both. Sounds like all I need is a truck and...well...a truck.

 

[derek81]

Oldman - 4/15/2013 1:55 PM

i have a ford explorer that i pull my boat with.(98)my bullet is 900 pounds and it has a 200 mercury.it pulls it just fine.u don't need any thing special to pull that light load.any size truck should do the trick.make sure it is at least a v-6.

Oldman, that boat motor and trailer way A LOT more than 900lbs. You pull a 20 foot book with a 6cyl eventually you will run into problems, especially if you're going to the lake 3 and 4 times a week.

 

[SNUFFY]

you could pull that little aluminum with a VW. Small pickups will handle it but I prefer a full size. If you need passenger room something in the Explorer class will pull it too. And they come in 4WD too. I used too pull my little aluminum with 86 F150 2wd short bed. Biggest problem I had was seeing it behind the truck and forgetting it was back there.

 

[Oldman]

i can hardly tell that it is behind me.(it is 4x4)but never had to use.u r right SNUFFY.

 

[Oldman]

maybe twice a month if i am lucky.

 

[bullshot]

SNUFFY - 4/15/2013 6:45 PM

you could pull that little aluminum with a VW. ....

yeah, I agree. I think you had pre-existing condition with your van.

 

[Smalliefan2]

I've used two Chevy's in the last 11 years to pull a Ranger. One had the big V-6, 4.3, and my current is the 53 V-8. Both had good torque and the V-6 could get 24 mpg w/o towing. I would buy another Chevy with either of those two motors, just pick the body /chassis that fit your needs.

 

[takenoprisoners]

Question: just found an 2WD Explorer at a good price that comes with a tow package. Should I go for it? Yes or no. Reminder: I'm pulling a 14-foot Alumacraft.

 

[Fixxxer93]

The Explorer should be fine.

 

[takenoprisoners]

Thanks! Now to see if the guy will take my offer. Hahaha...

 

[takenoprisoners]

Thanks! Now to see if the guy will take my offer. Hahaha...

 

[Oldman]

just make sure the transmission is in good shape.that is a noted problem on them.well heck all ford trucks.

 

[takenoprisoners]

Yeah. Never had a ford and am thinking I'm not going to start. They have always made me nervous. Just worn out on trying to find something.

 

[Fixxxer93]

The way it is today, everything makes me nervous when I'm buying anything lol Just get a mechanic to check it out. You sound like me so I know this purchase has to be a good one that will last and I understand you being skittish. Just trust your gut.