Need advice on towing vehicle - please

[gillenkl]

my father passed away earlier this year and now we are at a loss with vehicle advice.

We need to purchase a new vehicle because our lease will be up on our current vehicle. Mostly it will be used to tow from to the Fort every year plus additional trips, and my DH would drive to work daily (20 min drive) - we have another vehicle that I would use for running kids around, etc..... Right now we own a popup but want to upgrade in the next 1-2 years. We want to pay outright for the vehicle and not have a loan - so price is important.

This is what my DH is suggesting which he found at a local dealership:

1995 Dodge Ram B3500 Series (a huge van)
5.9L, 8cyl
22,400 miles
$4500
in excellent condtion - this vehicle was used by a golf course to transport players during the LPGA in our area

Any thoughts and comments would be appreciated.

 

[Old Snipe]

Gillen,

That van should be able to handle a pop-up trailer with no problem. What I would do is contact a Dodge dealer and see what the maximum tow weight that van can handle. I tried finding out that info via Google but I didn't come up with anything.

I would think it would be able to handle a larger trailer, but remember weight is an issue, so that is why you need to see what it can haul for your future purchase.

Also, maybe ask that question on the RV.Net forum, it's free to join and you may find someone who has the exact answer to your question.

Best Reggards!

 

[LarryJ]

my father passed away earlier this year and now we are at a loss with vehicle advice.

We need to purchase a new vehicle because our lease will be up on our current vehicle. Mostly it will be used to tow from to the Fort every year plus additional trips, and my DH would drive to work daily (20 min drive) - we have another vehicle that I would use for running kids around, etc..... Right now we own a popup but want to upgrade in the next 1-2 years. We want to pay outright for the vehicle and not have a loan - so price is important.

This is what my DH is suggesting which he found at a local dealership:

1995 Dodge Ram B3500 Series (a huge van)
5.9L, 8cyl
22,400 miles
$4500
in excellent condtion - this vehicle was used by a golf course to transport players during the LPGA in our area

Any thoughts and comments would be appreciated.

Almost anything will tow a PU, but your comment about upgrading makes selecting a TV now for current and future use important depending on what you might be looking to upgrade to. The Van you quoted might be O.K. for a full sized TT up to around 25', but much larger and you would need something different.

Larry

 

[LONE-STAR]

Almost anything will tow a PU, but your comment about upgrading makes selecting a TV now for current and future use important depending on what you might be looking to upgrade to. The Van you quoted might be O.K. for a full sized TT up to around 25', but much larger and you would need something different.

Larry

I agree with larry. The only thing I will add is if its the extra long model where the van extends past the rear tires a long way. People I know have found them not to be as stable when towing a heaver load as a regular length van
(like Larry J). If you are looking for the longer 1ton type vans I would look at GMC or Chevy where the rear axle is located closer to the rear of the van. My parents tow with a 3/4 ton GMC van the long model. It has a 5.7 liter v8 in it. With that van they pull a 30' TT about 5000 pounds with no problems using the proper hitch.

 

[mjwolfe]

you can find towing tips here:

http://www.rvtowingtips.com/index.html

it includes info on how to select the tow vehicle based on what you are wanting to tow.

 

[69RoadRunner]

How many kids and how big will your new TT be?

Would you rather have the open bed capability of a half ton truck, or put a cap on one?

If you buy your TV now, that will set the limits on the size TT you buy later.