towing--mid-sized trucks

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adamwstewart

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I'm just curious if anyone regularly tows a boat with something the size of a Nissan Frontier or Dodge Dakota. I'm thinking of upgrading to something newer (not brand new). I've really liked the look of the newer Frontiers, mainly because one can apparently get their big V-6 hooked to a 6-speed manual (I prefer manual trannies to autos). Anyone with any input on either of these two (or something similar). My auto experience is limited to Volvos and various GM vehicles.

Thanks,

AWS
 
If you are towing relatively short distances you will be fine with the midsized trucks. I pulled at Z-20 with my 2006 Tacoma with a V-6. My second choice would be the Nissan and that is a distant second. I wouldn't even consider anthing else. I traded my Tacoma for a new Tundra with the 5.7 litre V-8 and I love it. Only 1 mpg gas mileage loss when not towing (better when towing) and a hell of a lot more power and room.

BS
 
beetlespin - 8/18/2007 2:07 PM

If you are towing relatively short distances you will be fine with the midsized trucks. I pulled at Z-20 with my 2006 Tacoma with a V-6. My second choice would be the Nissan and that is a distant second. I wouldn't even consider anthing else. I traded my Tacoma for a new Tundra with the 5.7 litre V-8 and I love it. Only 1 mpg gas mileage loss when not towing (better when towing) and a hell of a lot more power and room.

BS
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What he said...I only pull at most 30 miles.
 
I pull a 18 ft HydraSport with a 99 Dakota with a 318 V8.  I used to pull the same boat with an S-10 with a 2.8 V6.  Even the S-10 pulled OK.</p>

The concern is not pulling but <font color="#ff0000">stopping</font>.  The S-10 was an adventure especially on a wet road.  The Dakota is better, but still not great, especiallly as the tires get some wear.</p>

Please don't get a manual transmission.  An automatic is way better at getting a boat up a ramp.</p>
 
Just my 02 cents worth. When considering a tow vehicle that is somewhat under sized always consider the towing weight. As stated the stopping plays a good size part in this equation to. I like the auto tranny for towing. Its easier for me out of the ramps and also I am getting a little lazy and don't like shifting gears. In todays trucks you need to get the pulling package or add an after market one and don't ever tow with the over drive on.
If you are pulling mtns or big hills always keep and eye on the over drive light. If it goes to flashing it is telling you that the tranney is overheating.
I pulled with a dodge Dakota for a long time and bought a travel trailer so I had to up grade. I was concerned about fuel mileage but needed the weight of the truck and the power of the eight. I found out that my fuel mileage is less the 1 mph average different then the mag v6
 
I drive a Ford Ranger 4WD with a V6. The package weight of my G3 is app. 1,350 lbs. The Ranger handles it with no problem.
 
I went from a Ranger with a 4 litre V6 to a full size F-150 with a 5.4 litre V8. Both pull fine but the bigger truck stops way better and there is less than 1 mpg difference in gas mileage. I'll never go back to a small or midiszed truck. About the only advantage to a less than full size truck is they manuver a little better in tight places.
 
cheez - 8/19/2007 3:47 PM

I went from a Ranger with a 4 litre V6 to a full size F-150 with a 5.4 litre V8. Both pull fine but the bigger truck stops way better and there is less than 1 mpg difference in gas mileage. I'll never go back to a small or midiszed truck. About the only advantage to a less than full size truck is they manuver a little better in tight places.
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I have never understood why gas mileage isn't better on smaller trucks... why is that?
 
I just sold my 06 Frontier for the reason that it didn't stop very well pulling a 19 ft boat OR a 16 ft atv trailer , even under 1/2 load . It pulls good , Nissan has one of the highest towing capacities of the midsize trucks , reason I got it .

But after almost eating it coming out of a side road , thank goodness for anti locks ! , I just got a titan last weekend . If all you do is pull around here , your probably going to be ok , but my Frontier just didn't stop worth a crap , I'm glad I never had to pull anything in the rain !!

Steve
 
rsimms - 8/19/2007 4:28 PM



I have never understood why gas mileage isn't better on smaller trucks... why is that?
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Its the gearing Richard. To make a mid size truck and apple in the buyers eye is to have it do what the big truck does. To do that they sacrificed some fuel mileage to have pulling a load and maneuverability.
 
I HAVE A 97 FRONTIER 4X4 PICKUP WITH THE 4 BANGER IN IT. IVE TOWED UP TO 21FT BOATS TO AREA LAKES ONLY SET BACK IS YOU CANT GET THERE FAST DUE TO LACK OF POWER BUT I WOULD NOT TRADE IT FOR ANYTHING ELSE EXCEPT A TITAN. THERES MY 02
 
Bubbakat - 8/19/2007 6:46 PM

rsimms - 8/19/2007 4:28 PM



I have never understood why gas mileage isn't better on smaller trucks... why is that?
Click to expand...


Its the gearing Richard. To make a mid size truck and apple in the buyers eye is to have it do what the big truck does. To do that they sacrificed some fuel mileage to have pulling a load and maneuverability.
Click to expand...

Ditto,bingo and I had to learn it the hard way. I bought the Ranger about 2-1/2 years ago thinking it would really save when the gas started jumping up in price. My wife has a new high top full size conversion van. It has the big V8 and every option you can get and is a land yacht. It gets 16 mpg with her driving back and forth to work and running around town. When I got the Ranger she thought she would save a bunch on gas and keep the mileage down on her van. NOT, the Ranger got 15 mpg for her so after a week or so she quit driving it and went back to the van.
 
I've seen a ton of people pull big boats with smaller trucks. I know that Mr.Whiskers pulls a 20 foot Triton with a Frontier. Heck, years ago I hauled a 17ft Tracker around with my Honda Accord, no problems at all. Now, I just use a gas hog Nissan Titan and forget that I have a boat behind me.
 
I have a 1992 Dodge Dakota that pulls great. It has the V-8 in it. I knew it had the power but was worried about the weight of the boat pushing to much on the light body. But it does great, I have pulled boats that are 18 and 19 feet without a problem.
 

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