What to use to tow?

[jayhaitch]

Depends on how old you'll go and what you want to spend. I have an 01 Expedition Eddie Bauer 5.4, fully loaded, leather, Mach 1 stereo, tow package, 4x4, etc. Tow rating is 6900 lbs. I've hauled 6400 lbs of gravel/trailer with it, no problems. I have a 6x12 aluminum tandem axle 7000 lb GVWR landscape type trailer, both axles braked. I love my Expedition. But it's now depreciated to ridiculously low numbers, Low: $9,860.00 High: $12,110.00. This is the Canadian Black Book value, the amount a dealer would give me in trade. It listed at $53,000 Canadian when new. I bought it at 6 months old for $39,500. This series Expedition is the most reliable, 1997-2002. It would suit your needs well. Unless you decide you need a pickup box for hauling stuff. I find I can use the trailer for many things I'd use a pickup, though with a pickup not having to remember to hitch up a trailer has it's benefits. But like my father in law says, retirement: no money, lots of time

 

[ultrarunner]

The most comfortable and best handling tag trailer tow vehicle I've ever used was a diesel Ford Excursion. It was a delight to drive on non-stop 12 hour runs, decent mileage, great engine braking and plenty of room for gear.

Never needed to touch the brakes on I5 from Sacramento to Medford...

 

[Rara Avis]

But like my father in law says, retirement: no money, lots of time

Gee my Dad says...PLANNED RETIREMENT...lots of money AND time to spend it...

 

[rutwad]

Just remember, you have to be able to STOP IT trailer brakes can fail!
Too small a tow vehicle is not safe!!!

As long as you are within the manufacture's rated towing capacity, I would not worry about it too much. The manufactures are not going to put an unsafe capacity rating on a vehicle, but this is assuming everything (trailer brakes included) is in good working order. Tow ratings can be easily found on
the web, so good luck on making your decision.

 

[jayhaitch]

PaulChristenson: yes, I am planning carefully for retirement. If I plan to have money when I retire, I have to keep working My retirement calculations work well, if I retire at 70. Hence my moniker.....

 

[Rara Avis]

Ora et labora

Gee, since I'm not a Benedictine monk, I have no idea what that means...







pray and work...indeed...

 

[MrJimi]

Gee, since I'm not a Benedictine monk, I have no idea what that means...







pray and work...indeed...

I think it means THIS and I could be wrong again
Jim

 

[Harold_J]

A full-size van from one of the big-3 with V8 is good for towing also. They have less overhang behind the rear axle than a pickup so will tow a receiver hitch trailer better. Just don't get an "extended" van like some of the Ford and Dodge products where they added on to the body for more passengers/cargo but didn't increase the wheelbase. If you have need for a pickup then get that, if your primary need is to move people with the 2nd vehicle then get a van, suburban, expedition or excursion. I would stay away from short wheelbase SUV's like Explorers and Tahoes.

 

[unreconstructed]

My 2 bits:

After owning a 3/4 ton, don't think I ever want anything smaller--to me the 1/2 tons just don't feel right. I towed my JD5203 with FEL many a mile with an F250, 5.4 with 6 speed manual. The 5203 weighs about 4,800. I don't know what the loader weighs. For my 200 mile trip that was enough truck to get the job done. I did not need the 4WD so I did not spend the money on one. I have been buying the cheapest Ford body style--XL without 4 WD and with a stick. I know you aren't looking for new but just as a point of reference I just bought an F350 with V-10 in XL 2WD for 24,300 before tax and before allowance for trade in. I am on the brink of retiring also and thought I would start with a new truck with the idea that this may be the last one I ever buy--who knows. Maybe I should have kept my F250--had a 100,000 miles on it about a third of it towing the JD.

I had rather have a heavier duty truck without all the bells and whistles than a half ton with 4wd and all the goodies.

Its hard to find used basic model trucks that aren't wore out. Hardly anyone buys them new except maybe industry . Seems like most of the market out here is for $55,000 King Ranch (or brand equivalent).

One thing I do like and is worth every penny to me is the extended cab. That's my luxury.

Good luck on your search.

 

[unreconstructed]

Oh yeah--long wheel base for sure.