[VaSteve]

I have done 3 away event this year ("away" being not Summit) and keep thinking about trailering. I have been spoiled to have some kind folks (thanks, Michael!) drive me in their tow vehicle to and from the track. Too spoiled in that every time I get back from an event, I'm cruising the sites for a tow vehicle. But, I don't know what to get. (This is not one of those TD threads where I already have something in my driveway and I need you all to validate the purchase. .

I think that I want an SUV vice a big pick up since this would also be my DD. I have a short commute to the VRE, so I actually drive about ~10 miles a day. On the weekends, most of the big driving is done by my wife's Sienna minivan but I keep thinking I would like a (well?) used X5 to replace my DD BMW 325. I'm not enamored by a significant drop in MPG just to tow a few times a year. I think to pull a car trailer I would have to get the 4.4 V8 over the 3.0 I6. I have seen guys at PCA events towing with those so I know it's possible.

In reading, I have seen that the open steel trailers are cheaper than aluminum, but weigh more. So what I save in trailer $$, I make up in buying a bigger engine truck/SUV. I also must add in the cost to store a trailer since I don't have a place, but there are a couple of lots near me. I have heard tales of aluminum trailers stolen for their recycle value.

I'm no entirely wed to any of this, so I thought I would throw this out for local opinions. In reading Rennlist, they have some super F350 Diesel tow rigs and enclosed behemoths and I think they cross the Donner Pass or something. I don't need a massive truck for work, the Sienna does most of the rest of the family hauling (tires to Radial, etc) an X5 would get me a little more comfort around town and still fit in the garage.

I think there are other SUVs that size that would/could tow...but that's my first choice. Other considerations (all used): XC90 V8, Toureg, Cayenne S V8, Grand Cherokee (2005-2010 model, even the >2004 model), 4Runner (maybe). I have also seen some chatter on Rennlist of people renting a big pickup to tow a trailer. But the concept of buying a trailer that I would have to rent a truck everytime I wanted to move it seems ridiculous.

Towing profile: VIR, Mid Ohio (mountains), Watkins Glen (mountains), NJMP (I95), maybe some southern tracks (CMP, Roebling, etc.)...figure flat.

There's no shortage of opinions here, let's have some...I don't even know where to begin thinking about this.

[arob]

I was in the same boat at the end of last year, Steve. I too, have a very short drive to the bus stop, so fuel economy wasn't too big of an issue here. A lot of our weekend driving is done in my wife's A6, and we use the Yukon for our annual OBX trip.

I considered a Touareg at one point, but I just couldn't bring myself to bring another VAG car into the household (unless I get another allroad, of course ).

So, I decided on the Yukon because:
a) they were within my cheap budget
b) easier to work on
c) parts are readily available at Advance Auto
d) I can run 87 octane gas in it

I've towed to VIR very easily in it, and even towed to Mid-Ohio. The truck had to "work" a bit through the mountains, but it didn't "struggle". It's a very comfy ride, and I'm happy with it.

I have a 16ft. Dively, and have free parking for the time being. My only issue I had with the trailer was a fried bearing on the way to Mid-Ohio in May. I'll make it a point to service the bearings EVERY season.

Good luck with your search. The trailer has saved me once this season already.

Here's my setup:

[antonioconceicao]

Between a ford Turbo Diesel, Cayenne Turbo, Mercedes ML 450 and Toyota Tacoma, I use my Ridgeline for towing this year. A little underpowered but it does the job very well. I got it in 2006 and drove 187 K miles since then, the only time went to the dealer was to replace the timing belt and my first set of rotors was at 150K.

[markwemple]

I love my F250 diesel as a work vehicle but I wouldn't want to DD it around here. Massive brakes but still not the best for our stop and go. As a back-up and work truck, however, I love it.

[Vicegrip]

Get the Trailex that is on sale right now and then find a smaller SUV to pull it with. You can sell the Trailex for what you bought it for later and not be stuck with a bigger truck than you need for 99% of the time it is being driven.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by Vicegrip

Get the Trailex that is on sale right now and then find a smaller SUV to pull it with. You can sell the Trailex for what you bought it for later and not be stuck with a bigger truck than you need for 99% of the time it is being driven.

Yeah, that would have had to pop up.... I'll probably miss out on this one, due to timing, but you summed up a good bit of my post in 1 line. LOL

Do you know offhand the weight difference between the two? I know you're pulling similar with that V6 pick up...what's that got in it HP/displacement wise?

[Vicegrip]

3.3L V6 pulls the trailer car and gear just fine. Used to pull an enclosed too. The key is setting it up right. Sold off tire tire rack / sail.

Screw timing. "Eat cake when cake is offered"

[Dr K]

Trailex without tire rack is about <800 lbs. Dively (Econotrailer) is double that. Listen to Kurt on this one, Steve--much more choice for an acceptable tow vehicle.

[Toby]

I held out for a long time before getting a trailer, until I was stranded near Albany (coming back from Mont-Tremblant) with a broken CV joint. Don't do what I did...

Agree with everyone above you should seriously consider the open Trailex. You can easily tow it with any SUV with 5000 lbs towing capacity, even if you bring the whole family.

The 700-800 lbs weight difference make a big difference. You can see that a 5000 lbs towing capacity doesn't give you much margin for a steel trailer:

• Steel Trailer w/ tire rack 1800 (1500 w/o)
• 1 spare set of tires 200
• Empty Car 2500 (don't even think anything heavier)
• Tools, driver and passengers, etc.

And did anyone mention it holds resale value, and that you don't have to worry about rust?

IIRC X5 has 5900 towing capacity which gives you a little more margin of error. I tow my enclosed with a 4Runner V8. It has the same towing capacity (7000 lbs) and much more comfortable and practical around town than my old Tundra.

I would also suggest you to consider the two cross-cross-over vehicles (?): The Explorer Sport Trac and the Ridgeline. They are good in-between size, as comfortable as an SUV, slightly longer wheelbase for towing, and the truck bed is very convenient to haul dirty tires, and much more importantly, full jugs of fuel.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by Toby

The Explorer Sport Trac and the Ridgeline.

I have heard good things about the Explorer Sport Track as a tow vehicle. I don't care what Antonio says (while he tows to Mid Ohio) the Ridgeline is a girl's truck.

If it weren't for already having the 325 that I would certainly miss hence leanings towards the X5, any of the vehix is a toss up, with preference for the Jeep...I had a regular Cherokee...what a great vehicle.

I have to laugh, as buying a tow vehicle is like finally admitting I'm addicted to this hobby.