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joeg
05-14-2004, 03:23 PM
2004 Chevy 2500 HD Duramax/Allison and a trailex.

This ought to be a real speed deamon down the Interstate.

tac911t
05-14-2004, 03:37 PM
1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (V8) with a $750 used open deck steel trailer (with $300 in maintenance, and counting)

Jon Nelson
05-14-2004, 03:44 PM
1995 Chevy Caprice wagon.

Single axle open trailer just big (and heavy) enough for a CRX.

Under construction. The pictures worth a look, though:

http://www.warezstein.com/~jon/wagon4.jpg

emwavey
05-14-2004, 04:45 PM
Nothing yet... we're looking at mid-nineties Suburbans, late nineties Durangos, and mid-nineties diesel trucks.

m glassburner
05-14-2004, 04:46 PM
DODGE 2500 cummins 4x4 tow package pace 20ft inclosed we get about 10-11mpg when towing. mike g. p.s. thats an 03 dodge

planet6racing
05-14-2004, 05:36 PM
1992 Ford E150 Van with 20' open trailer (brand spanking new last year). Trailer brakes make all the difference...

------------------
Bill
Planet 6 Racing
bill (at) planet6racing (dot) com

CaptainWho
05-14-2004, 05:59 PM
2000 Dodge Ram 1500 V8 with dual axle open trailer.

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Doug "Lefty" Franklin
NutDriver Racing (http://www.nutdriver.org)

BMW RACER
05-14-2004, 06:04 PM
2003 Ford E250 6.0 Powerstroke diesel, pulling a 20' box TPD with ITS BMW 325 inside, probably weighs about 7000 lbs. I can go up the Grapevine at 70 on cruise control and still get 11MPG! Did I say I love this truck?
P.S. This is a great addition to the chat site.
John

BEMorton
05-14-2004, 10:16 PM
2001 Chevrolet Tahoe LS with a burnt orange U-Haul Auto Hauler as I have no room for my own trailer!

lobster
05-15-2004, 09:21 AM
Ok I got all you guys beat with our custom trailer... its a converted dual axle semi flat bottom boat trailer.... what a gem... well it tows good with our 98 Exploer V_8 Glenn

lobster
05-15-2004, 09:22 AM
P.s. I am looking for a dual axle duck tail dont tell the wife!!! Glenn

ITSRX7
05-15-2004, 10:53 AM
2001 EB Expedition 5.4. Open, full deck Brimar 18-footer. Tows like a dream. 12MPG.

Will go 6.0 Powerstroke when I get a box.

AB

------------------
Andy Bettencourt
06 ITS RX-7
FlatOut Motorsports
New England Region
www.flatout-motorsports.com (http://www.flatout-motorsports.com)

Greg Amy
05-15-2004, 11:31 AM
1993 Ford E-350 cargo van, non-turbo diesel 7.3L. Dual-axle 15' open trailer. Plenty o' torque: pulls the 2300-pound car and at least 500 pounds of "stuff" with no problem, getting 13mpg. Plenty o' space: it's my warehouse, repair shop, changing room, and sleeping quarters all in one.

Unfortunately, we now have two race cars and three bodies to carry, so we're looking for an E-350 extended passenger van with a Powerstroke, plus a two-car open trailer...

pgipson
05-15-2004, 02:29 PM
A 96 Chev 2500 extended cab with a 350 and a 16 ft open trailer (steel) that is at least 20 years old, but upgraded to 4 wheel electric brakes. The off season task is to re-wire the lights.

My heart desires an enclosed trailer but I wonder if my truck has the power to handle it?

JeffYoung
05-15-2004, 02:44 PM
1999 Suburban 2500, 454

18' open trailer, steel

2600 lb race car.

Will tow 80 mph on the highway, 10 mpg. Decent rig, I like it.

chuck baader
05-15-2004, 02:48 PM
2002 GMC DENALI, 16' open all steel w/tire rack and minibike rack. 12mpg on flat, 10mpg on hills.

------------------
Chuck Baader
E30 ITA under construction
Alabama Region Divisional Registrar

Dick Elliott
05-15-2004, 02:50 PM
85 GMC burb with 500 inch CAD and turbo 400. 18 foot Trackmaster open trailer. Tows like a dream. Stops like every other 80s GMC (like s**t) Needs a country mile to stop. Time to up grade.

racer_tim
05-15-2004, 06:51 PM
1998 Dodge 2500 Turbo Diesel, 4x4, quad cab, short bed, open dual axle trailer to haul my LP GP Wabbit.

Towing back last year from the Portland Rose Cup, I got 16 mpg. 2,000 rpm at 68 mph is the sweet spot.

Truck

http://linerud.myvnc.com/Personal/truck.jpg
http://linerud.myvnc.com/Personal/truck-1.jpg
Trailer

http://linerud.myvnc.com/racing/trailer/



------------------
Tim Linerud
San Francisco Region SCCA
#95 GP Wabbit (Bent)
http://linerud.myvnc.com/racing/index.html

philstireservice
05-15-2004, 09:46 PM
97 Ford F-250 7.3L powerstroke diesel

18' Trailerworld all aluminum open trailer

13.5 mpg @75 mph avg

looking to sell this set-up at the end of the season


------------------
Phil Phillips
94 Acura Integra GSR #4
ITS/H3/ST1
www.philstireservice.com
Official Independent Amsoil Dealer for the East Coast Honda Challenge
distributor for FireCharger AFFF fire systems
Hoosier Tire Dealer
Toyo Tire Dealer

nlevine
05-15-2004, 11:47 PM
1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 5.2 liter V-8 and two-axle open deck steel trailer (18' I think). Trailer has tire rack over the front of the car. Used to have a big pickup truck tool box bolted to the front of the trailer when I had my CRX, but the new Z3 is longer, so the box had to come off. With the CRX, and the weight distributing hitch, I could tow at 75mph no problem.

Now I need to find a bigger tow vehicle to carry the stuff that used to go in the tool box (jack, jack stands, etc) and in the hatchback of the race car (canopy, beach chairs, tarps). Thinking about a late-90s 'Burb.

Would consider selling the whole rig - great for CRX/Golf/Rabbit or similar short IT car. That way I can upgrade to a 'Burb and enclosed trailer.

-noam

Richy Gonzalez
05-16-2004, 03:41 PM
LOWERED FORD SUPERCREW with airbags towing a CRX on a open deck trailer. Here's an old pic put you get the idea.

http://groups.msn.com/thegonzalezfamilyrichysheilaandnyah/projectitac rx.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=165://http://groups.msn.com/thegonzalezfa...oto&PhotoID=165 (http://groups.msn.com/thegonzalezfamilyrichysheilaandnyah/projectitacrx.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=165)

------------------
Richy Gonzalez
GB Racing - #24 ITA CRX (http://groups.msn.com/TheGonzalezFamilyRichySheilaandNyah/projectitacrx.msnw)
LAMIN-X Protective Films (http://www.lamin-x.com)


[This message has been edited by Richy Gonzalez (edited May 16, 2004).]

lateapex911
05-16-2004, 04:20 PM
2001 GMC w/ a 5.3 and a 22' Enclosed Pace. Air bags and shocks needed. Brakes ok, the wireless controller is way cool.

But I saw this setup last week.

spotted at Lime Rock: Accord wagon towing...thats right, towing, an ITA CRX on an open trailer.

Who's walking who??

------------------
Jake Gulick
CarriageHouse Motorsports
ITA 57 RX-7
New England Region
[email protected]

x-ring
05-17-2004, 09:47 AM
'97 F350 Powerstroke crewcab 4x4 pulling a 20' Wells Cargo box.

The Wells is heavy, around 3300 empty and probably over 6000 loaded, but the Ford still gets 11/12 mpg pulling around here. I suppose the fuel mileage would be better if I lived somewhere flat.

No complaints.



------------------
Ty Till
#16 ITS
Rocky Mountain Division

tdw6974
05-17-2004, 09:50 PM
2003 2500HD Crew Cab 4X4 Hemi Pulling 24Ft Haulmark Elite Race trailer With 1980 RX-7 Race car and Equpment. "Hemi Haulin'Rotary" Don't know the Company that comes up with the ads for dodge but it sure works. Truck does a great job towing as fast as you dare go. The 34 Gal tank is a little exciting to fill these days but Mileage wise towing I usually get between 11 to 12 miles to gallon. Something about the exhaust note with the cat back has a tendency to catch yourself making heavier throttle application for the rumble effect. Think at 61 I'd out grow that stuff http://Forum.ImprovedTouring.com/it/biggrin.gif

almracing
05-17-2004, 11:03 PM
1999 GMC Suburban 2500 w/454 engine, pulling a 24' Millenium Select enclosed trailer. Sometimes I have to remind myself that there is a trailer behind me.

Anthony R.
NER ITA #86
Honda CRX Si

Marcus Miller
05-17-2004, 11:52 PM
Damn; I feel inadeqquate with this 1 ton crew http://Forum.ImprovedTouring.com/it/wink.gif

2000 Tundra, 4.7 Liter, 14 foot trailer with a nearly spec ITA Rx7.

It tows all right, except for the rear suspension. With any weight in the bed, its on the bumpstops. Some air bags, and deent shocks and it wil tow just fine.


M.

joeg
05-18-2004, 07:42 AM
Marcus--Forget the air bags. Check out a set of TIMBREN Load boosters.

Theses are simple and work great.

I have had them on all my tow vehicles since 1988 because when you tow at night I like my headlights to point down the road and not up to the sky.

Cheers.

JohnRW
05-18-2004, 04:45 PM
2003 F350 crewcab diesel dually, heated leather seats, AC, cruise, CD player. I'm in heaven. 24' enclosed, for all the crap.

But...I still miss my '95 E350 7.3 PSD turbo diesel Supercargo van. If you're a typical club racer with an open trailer, a van or stretch van is what you really need, even if you don't know it. It's a hotel room/cabana/mobile cabin at the track, you can fill it with 5x more crap than you could ever get in a pickup or Suburban or Extrusion. Entropy Racing bought my old diesel van, and some days I just want it back.

Joe Camilleri
05-18-2004, 10:56 PM
1 ton '88 GMC van, 350 throttle body with a single axle open trailer.

Scott Nutter
05-18-2004, 11:43 PM
Since no one else has spoken for us RV'rs

1998 32' Gulfstream Motorhome on f55? chassis, Ford 460 V8. OK I only get 7mpg with or without the 18' open trailer loaded with the ITA Rx7, but once I get to the track there are no more expenses because food and lodging arrived with me, that is of course excluding any on track mayham.

Or a 1994 E150 Conversion van 351V8, 14Mpg without the trailer I'm guessing If I did a full tank of pulling around 12.

Oh and the 33 Gallon tank on the van is big but 75 Gallons on the Motorhome, plus the race car and gas cans.... Sheez... Sombody get me a beer.

Marcus Miller
05-19-2004, 01:35 AM
Originally posted by joeg:
Marcus--Forget the air bags. Check out a set of TIMBREN Load boosters.

Theses are simple and work great.

I have had them on all my tow vehicles since 1988 because when you tow at night I like my headlights to point down the road and not up to the sky.

Cheers.

Thanks for the tip Joe, What are they? I've never heard of them (I'm, *really* new to the towing thing...)

Marcus
Edit: typing

[This message has been edited by Marcus Miller (edited May 19, 2004).]

joeg
05-19-2004, 07:39 AM
Originally posted by Marcus Miller:
Thnkas for the tip Joe, What are they? I've never heard of them (I'm, *really* new to the towing thing...)

Marcus

[This message has been edited by Marcus Miller (edited May 19, 2004).]

joeg
05-19-2004, 07:43 AM
Marcus-They are thick rubber tubes that look like air bags, but they are simply huge bump stops that replace the stock bump stops.

Just google them; they are sold by many truck equippers. The front end ones are used a lot by snow plow pick-ups.

The rear package keeps the rear of your truck from sagging under load.

apr67
05-19-2004, 04:57 PM
I have a 2000 Dodge Datkota 3.8 L V6, extended cab 2 wheel drive. I have a 18foot trailer with 1/2 wood deck (other half open). I have a hoppy brake-force brake controller.

When towing the Spec Miata, tools and spares the truck is pretty nice. It gets 18 without trailer, 11 or so with. The secret is to load the truck more than the trailer.

Tristan Smith
05-19-2004, 04:58 PM
2001 Ford F-350 Super Duty CrewCab. Sweet ride. So much better than my old 78' Ford Pickup, and it has AC that works! Pulls a open dual axle steel trailer with large tool box and custom tire rack. Round trip to VIR from Atlanta averaged 14 mpg. Well worth the trips to Afghanistan, Israel and Iraq to pay for it. I plan on getting a enclosed trailer of some sort hopefully next year, so I went with the biggest truck that I could afford and made sense. With the open trailer, I have to look back there sometimes to see if I am actually pulling something!

------------------
Tristan Smith
Buffalo's Southwest Cafe
ITA Nissan 240sx #56

[This message has been edited by Tristan Smith (edited May 19, 2004).]

cherokee
05-19-2004, 05:16 PM
I think I have the oldest so far:
1976 Dodge RV 18 foot Cobra towing a 20 foot Haulmark. Yep about 6-7mpg...or would that be gpm. But I do have the only wind powered RV that I have seen so far. It has a 400W wind turbine that I mount on a 20+ foot pole that hooks up to the batts on the RV.

Greg Amy
05-24-2004, 11:43 AM
Anyone out there pulling with a Ford Triton V-10?

We're looking for a good E-350 15-passenger to replace the non-turbo diesel cargo van, but these seem to be few and far between. As much as I love my diesels I'm expanding the search to include the V-10. With the price of fuel, these things are dropping like a rock in price, and since we'll only use it for ~5000 or so miles per year the purchase price reduction will more than cover the extra price of the fuel for a while. Besides, the V-10 has nearly as much torque as the Powerstroke.

If you happen to see 1996-2001 E-350 15-passenger extended van with low miles and either a Powerstroke diesel or Triton V-10, please let me know...I'm also looking for a good aluminum 2-car open trailer.

Greg Amy

zracer22
06-01-2004, 06:39 PM
Marcus
I have a 2002 Tundra SR5 4x4 that I tow my 20' Enclosed trailer, BMW 325is, tools, etc... Total towing weight #6500 and tongue weight is #1000 and i usually have 300-400 lbs of cargo in the truck bed. I have no problems with the rear suspension botteming out. In fact it tows great, I have no complaints. If you don't have a weight distributing hitch, get one! It will make a huge difference.

B Schley
06-01-2004, 09:44 PM
2002 V-10 Excursion and 16ft open tandem axle trailer with a job box mounted to the front of it. My Crx fits perfectly behind the job box. Great aerodynamics since the truck sits higher than the trailer. I also use the weight distributing hitch with 1000lb. bars. Tows like a dream, but I'm comparing it to towing with a straight 6 Jeep Cherokee for the first two years.

Greg A-- I love the V-10 and can get 14 mpg with it while either towing or not. Yeah, the gas is alot, but, we don't use it that much, so its no big deal. It pulls great on hills and has a good power band. I wanted a diesel, but they were about $4000-5000 than the V-10, and thats on the used market. I bought the truck here in Wisconsin in March of 2003 for under $25,000. It had only 25,100 miles on it. I think with a better exhaust and some ECU tweaking, the motor could do even better on mpg and performance. All I have done is put in a K&N. Hope this helps.
--Bill

P.S. Greg A keep us posted if you get the v-10 and how it works pulling the two car trailer. We are going to this set up next year, with two Crx's on the trailer. I'd be very curious to hear how it works.

[This message has been edited by B Schley (edited June 01, 2004).]

[This message has been edited by B Schley (edited June 01, 2004).]

[This message has been edited by B Schley (edited June 01, 2004).]

Quickshoe
06-01-2004, 10:21 PM
Scott and Cherokee,

I'll also speak up for the RV crowd.

I have a '92 Fleetwood Jamboree Special 23' on a e350 chassis with a 460. I tow a 2004 Interstate 16' enclosed trailer. Less than 50K miles on the RV.

Hardly what I would call first class, but the whole rig is paid for. Keeps the family happy while at the track. Tows without much fuss. Combined weight of RV and loaded trailer is about 15,000.

Gets about 12mpg w/o trailer, anywhere from 8-11 while towing...depends on number and severity of grades.

My only wish is that I had a class A diesel so that I could get a bigger trailer...but then again, I have never been a fan of spending all the money on the tow rig and not having it for the car. Job dictates that I need something economical as a daily driver so a $30K truck that only sees race weekend duty is out of the question.

vwmann1
06-02-2004, 02:32 PM
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8. It has over 200,000 miles and is still pulling!

SamITC85
06-02-2004, 03:35 PM
I have an '02 Silverado 1500. 5.3L with towing package. I am looking at getting a 24' Pace Shadow GT to go with it. Well within the 8500lb towing capacity with the IT Rabbit or the Prod Rocco in it plus tools.


------------------
Sam Rolfe
TBR Motorsports
#85 ITC VW Rabbit
#85 GP Scirocco

nlevine
06-02-2004, 04:16 PM
Originally posted by nlevine:
1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 5.2 liter V-8... With the CRX, and the weight distributing hitch, I could tow at 75mph no problem.


Couldn't pass up the rebates (and a supplier discount) so I went ahead and bought a Dodge RAM 1500 Quad Cab with the Hemi. The Jeep is now for sale if anybody's interested in a nice compact tow vehicle - great for trailer maneuvering in tight spaces.

lateapex911
06-02-2004, 07:20 PM
Sam. I have essentially the same setup. You will need a weight distribution hitch, and you might think about air bags. Shocks are decent to start with, but will fade after a year or so.

The engine is capable of pulling the load, but it will use the higher gears if you want to cruise in the 70s and up.

If you don't have the trailer yet, don't get one without some aero nose. Huge difference with this size/power engine.

Other than that, a nice truck.

------------------
Jake Gulick
CarriageHouse Motorsports
ITA 57 RX-7
New England Region
[email protected]

emwavey
06-03-2004, 09:05 AM
Whoo, hoo! (never thought I'd be excited about buying a truck)

Just bought a 94 Suburban w/80K, both previous owners were maintainence freeks. It came with a brake controller and in-cabin adjustable rear airbags to adjust ride height.

------------------
-dave
8)
Got Photos?... post 'em here: http://y3k.shacknet.nu:31338/gallery/

Festus E. Simkins
06-03-2004, 09:51 AM
'94 Burb with 18' open trailer. 12-15 mpg regular and 9-11 towing. Thought about buying a new burb because they are discounting them $12,000 off sticker. Yea, right then you look at the sticker and it is $38,000 - $42,000. Then there is the new tag. In Jackson Mississippi a tag for a new burb will probably be close to $1,100 or more. Then insurance....... Hell, I'll just keep the '94 and buy lottery tickets in Louisiana.

What I want is a Ford Excursion with a big Power Stroke Disel with a Banks upgrade. Can you say 500 hp and 650 ft lbs of torque and 18 mpg. http://Forum.ImprovedTouring.com/it/smile.gif

Drive well.

moto62
06-03-2004, 11:56 PM
'99 GMC Burban 2500 7.4 pulling a dual axle econo open trailer and an integra. 10-12 mpg on a flat road with a tailwind. This truck does not recognize hills even when towing. http://Forum.ImprovedTouring.com/it/smile.gif
Ray

JeffG
06-09-2004, 10:11 PM
02 Silverado 2500 w/ Duramax pulling a 24' box getting usually 12-13.

RSTPerformance
06-09-2004, 10:29 PM
Any truck that someone is willing to lend http://Forum.ImprovedTouring.com/it/wink.gif

I have towed with many trucks. When I buy a truck (IF) I will save for a Diesel... You can still drive it as a daily driver and not get killed by the gas... not to mention the fuel $$$ you save certainly makes the race weekend seem a little bit less expensive (although I know the capital investment of a diesel is more).

Raymond

dickita15
06-10-2004, 07:26 AM
I have been half heartedly looking for a new truck and have been thinking diesel but am now thinking with fuel prices rising that the v10s might be a bargain. it was $5g more for a diesel but it might be more now. it would take a lot of miles to recover that difference.
dick

Greg Amy
06-10-2004, 11:53 AM
Dick, you're spot on.

I *love* my diesels. A lot. The truck I have now may be orange, but it runs damn fine and has served me very well.

But, as I noted above, I have to accomodate pulling two cars now, and while the non-turbo E-350 is perfect for my one car and open trailer, it just wasn't going to cut adding a larger trailer (maybe enclosed) and another car. So I was in the market for a new truck.

Notice "was."

As much as it pained me, I closed a deal yesterday on a 1999 E-350 Extended XL with a V-10 engine, A/C, cruise, towing package. 25,000 miles, was used by the local Methodist university as a shuttle. The damn thing looks brand freakin new. Get this: I was looking at comparable Powerstroke-powered trucks in the mid- to high-teens MINIMUM; I picked up this truck for $9450 out the door.

A good PSD-powered '99 E-350 I found was selling for $17,500. I figure I just saved a minimum of $8K by buying this V-10 truck. At 25% less fuel mileage, 15% higher fuel cost, and approximately 7500 miles per year I calculated it would take me *15 years* to cover the fuel costs. Further, gasoline prices will fluctuate from time to time but in the long run the average price of regular unleaded over diesel will not maintain a 15% premium, and in fact some times will be less.

As gasoline prices begin to stabilize this summer and slowly drop, the purchase price advantage of a V-10 will diminish; if you're sitting on the fence now's the time to start looking seriously. There's a lot of good examples to be had, and the owners are finally coming to the realization that their V-10s are not worth as much as they think (Dick, I know of one well-equipped E-350 passenger van for sale here in CT that's cherry, and I bet his price will drop this week once it doesn't sell on eBay for the third time...email me.)

Now, I know there are a lot of non-economic reasons for buying a diesel; frankly, I think the diesel will tow better and last longer. I'd personally much prefer a PSD. However, when it comes down to the bottom line it made a lot more sense to go with this find.

So, New Englanders, say goodbye to the orange van if you see it again; it's for sale ($3500). It would make a great tow vehicle for someone with a single car and open trailer. I'll put it in the Classifieds once we've got the new one delivered and ready to go.

GregA

RonInSD
07-08-2004, 03:32 PM
I am currently using a 86 Prevost XL motorcoach that I am converting to a motorhome. I am also using a 20 Ft H&H tilt deck trailer. I am looking to upgrade to an 20'-24' enclosed trailer in the spring.

I really like the Bus because it floats down the road on air ride and has the power to peg the speedo at over 80 MPH with the trailer. I am currently getting right about 9 MPG.

lateapex911
07-09-2004, 12:50 AM
Ahh....a Prevost! NOW were talkin'!

But I'd have to sell the house to get one! http://Forum.ImprovedTouring.com/it/frown.gif

------------------
Jake Gulick
CarriageHouse Motorsports
ITA 57 RX-7
New England Region
[email protected]

RonInSD
07-09-2004, 02:47 PM
Originally posted by lateapex911:
Ahh....a Prevost! NOW were talkin'!

But I'd have to sell the house to get one! http://Forum.ImprovedTouring.com/it/frown.gif



I am really thinking about selling the house and just building a big building to have the motorhome in and the race car.

Or live on the rode between tracks and telecommute for work. I think I would have to have a larger trailer for spares.

Some friend of mine built a semi trailer that will hold 5 cars and has a lift gate on the back. We have a generator, air compressor and even a rim clamp tire changer. Most of the time they have 1 BMW Ligthweight, 1 BMW E46 M3 SMG, 2 Porche 944 Turbo S2, and 1 Porche 911 Carrera 4 on board. I come right behind them with the Prevost with my ITB car and my motorcycle on the trailer behind me.

I am building the Prevost out to sleep 8 adults comfortably. Queen bed in back, 2 sets of bunks and two coaches. It will have a full bath, kitchen, and TV with Dish Network.

For the last couple years we have been instructing at BMW CCA driver schools and people wonder what we would have if we where running pro class with a sponsor.

By a group of us getting togeather to do this type of thing we are able to pool the money and do the "big" things.


[This message has been edited by RonInSD (edited July 09, 2004).]

Dave Hardy
07-12-2004, 09:20 AM
I have to agree that a van is the way to go. I've got a '94 E350 Clubwagon Chateau with the 5.8 and E4OD. 4 captains chairs plus a rear bench. I pulled the rear bench so that there's a TON of space back there. It tows my open trailered Civic like it's not even there.

A bonus with vans is that they are cheap. Since they aren't status vehicles like Pickups and SUV's, they don't carry a premium. I picked mine up for $3750. An equivalent pickup was $5K and an equivalent SUV was $7K. Plus, vans are so much more practicle on race day.

wally
07-16-2004, 06:20 PM
99 Dodge Dually with a 14' Trailer World Super Duty All Aluminum trailer.
http://www1.trailerworld.com/Content.aspx?...Id=1501,132,607 (http://www1.trailerworld.com/Content.aspx?PageContentId=1501,132,607)

Wally Ruanto
www.trailerworld.com (http://www.trailerworld.com)

Greg Amy
07-21-2004, 10:21 AM
<font face=\"Verdana, Arial\" size=\"2\">...Greg A keep us posted if you get the v-10 and how it works pulling the two car trailer.</font>

Bill, I haven't gotten the two-car trailer yet (workin' on it) but we used the E-350 V10 last weekend for a 7-hour tow from CT to Summit Point. It - literally - tows like nothing's back there with the open-deck trailer and the NX2000 (about 4000 pounds), plus about 700 pounds of tools, equipment, and bodies inside.

I miss the low-end torque of the diesel, but once it's up to speed the V10 pulls nicely up hills and level. We got about 10 mpg going down there (driver wasn't in a hurry, cruised about 65-70) and about 8-9 coming back (driver was in a hurry to get home).

We added a both Draw-Tite load-leveling hitch and a Reese cam-type anti-sway control, and the difference is absolutely remarkable. I can't support this addition enough for a tagalong.

I'll keep you posted when we finally start towing both cars. Do wish I had a Powerstroke, though...

Tak
07-22-2004, 09:42 PM
99 Dakota extended cab w/ 5.2l and airbags (2wd). Tows a 16' flatbed and Rx-7 great. Gets 11-12 mpg towing. Total towing capacity is about 6500#, not quite enough for an enclosed. 15-16 mpg no trailer.
Addition of a lady and two horses to my life is going to require 4wd. I'm seriously considering a Toureg V10 TDI--VW claims 25-30 MPG unloaded. Has anyone driven one? They claim a 7700# trailer capacity!

Tak

m glassburner
07-23-2004, 01:35 AM
Im hearing the toureag is already sold out this year http://Forum.ImprovedTouring.com/it/frown.gif Volkswagen brought over a limited #..kinda pricey I think around 60k ... mike g.

m glassburner
07-23-2004, 01:36 AM
double post sorry

[This message has been edited by m glassburner (edited July 23, 2004).]

lateapex911
07-23-2004, 02:06 AM
Originally posted by Tak:
I'm seriously considering a Toureg V10 TDI--VW claims 25-30 MPG unloaded. Has anyone driven one? They claim a 7700# trailer capacity!

Tak

That thing is pretty cool. BIG torque....IIRC, well over 400 or 500 ft lbs...I bet it gets 20+mpg all the time.



------------------
Jake Gulick
CarriageHouse Motorsports
ITA 57 RX-7
New England Region
[email protected]

apr67
07-23-2004, 02:53 PM
Does the VW weigh enough to tow comfortably?

I really think it gets sketchy when you have similar weights between tow and toad. When the weights get close, you have to be much more careful with loading, and such.

On the other hand, pull a 10,000lbs trailer with a 20,000lbs RV and you just about can't misload the trailer.

Alan

B Schley
07-23-2004, 03:52 PM
grega-
Thanks for the upadate. I would concur with everything you said. How many miles are on the van? I've found that since my Excursion has gotten over 40,000 the V-10 has really broken in and started performing better all the way around. I agree, I'd rather have the diesel. Keep me posted when you use the two car trailer.
Thanks,
Bill

Richy Gonzalez
07-26-2004, 11:35 PM
I posted it before but here a pic.
01 Ford SuperCrew
Lowered 3/4 with BellTech kit
Air Bags in rear to assist in towing
20inch Enkei's in Charcoal (no bling here)

http://ftw.truckmoxie.com/gallery/GBRacing/452646.jpg

------------------
Richy Gonzalez
GB Racing - #24 ITA CRX (http://groups.msn.com/TheGonzalezFamilyRichySheilaandNyah/projectitacrx.msnw)
LAMIN-X Protective Films (http://www.lamin-x.com)

Quickshoe
07-27-2004, 12:45 AM
Originally posted by lateapex911:
Ahh....a Prevost! NOW were talkin'!

But I'd have to sell the house to get one! http://Forum.ImprovedTouring.com/it/frown.gif

At least you could sell your house to buy one! Even in so-cal where my home value has increased over 400% in the 15 years I have been carrying a mortgage. I couldn't sell it if I owned it free and clear and buy a new Prevost. Let's see $400K down, finance $600K at 5% for 30 years is +/- $4000/month.

lateapex911
07-27-2004, 08:10 PM
Originally posted by Quickshoe:
At least you could sell your house to buy one! Even in so-cal where my home value has increased over 400% in the 15 years I have been carrying a mortgage. I couldn't sell it if I owned it free and clear and buy a new Prevost. Let's see $400K down, finance $600K at 5% for 30 years is +/- $4000/month.

Laughing....OK, I'd have to sell BOTh the houses, AND buy used! Very used!

Well, thats a bubble that's now burst forever! http://Forum.ImprovedTouring.com/it/wink.gif



------------------
Jake Gulick
CarriageHouse Motorsports
ITA 57 RX-7
New England Region
[email protected]

Quickshoe
07-30-2004, 12:44 AM
Jake,

There is still hope. Here is a semi-fancy Prevost. Of course the reserve hasn't been met, you'll also have to make do with a 5 year old coach, no plasma TV, no granite countertops or heated marble floors, on top of that the cabinetry is laminate.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...&category=50056 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2485854940&category=50056)



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Daryl DeArman

RonInSD
07-30-2004, 04:48 PM
Originally posted by Quickshoe:
At least you could sell your house to buy one! Even in so-cal where my home value has increased over 400% in the 15 years I have been carrying a mortgage. I couldn't sell it if I owned it free and clear and buy a new Prevost. Let's see $400K down, finance $600K at 5% for 30 years is +/- $4000/month.

You don't have to purchase new you can build it yourself.

I purchased a '86 seated coach and I am currently building it out to my floor plan.

There are a couple site that talk about doing your own conversion.

http://www.busnut.com
http://www.busconversions.com

I have some older picture up on my web site at:

http://sio.midco.net/rleiferman/thebus.html

There is a link I at the bottom that show some progress shots.

I need to load some more picture up to the web site.

I am doing my own conversion because I did not like how most motorhome are already overloaded and they are bear to drive in a light wind. The coach handles great and I don't even know the car is back there. (I check the mirrors when turning just to make sure..)

Ron Leiferman
Sioux Falls, SD


http://sio.midco.net/rleiferman/thebus.html

Dave Hardy
08-02-2004, 11:33 AM
Care to share costs on the bus conversion? I love the idea.

RonInSD
08-04-2004, 02:48 PM
Originally posted by Dave Hardy:
Care to share costs on the bus conversion? I love the idea.

I have got around $30,000 invested so far. That includes bus, covering the windows, painting the outside, insulation, covering the inside, A/C, heater, 7.5Kw Onan diesel genset, toilet, shower, bathroom sink, and tanks. The bath room has yet to be installed.

I still have to purchase: refrigerator, stove, sink, kitchen cabinets, living rooms stuff and flooring.

I think I will have another $10,000 in costs before it is totally complete. That will be mostlikely spread over the next couple years unless the loto pays off.

I am using it while I am building it so it does not end up being a potato in the driveway. That has slowed down some of the work but it has give me things to work towards. Have it stipped by this event. Have the bed built by this event. Having A/C installed by this day, etc.

You can reduce your costs by purchasing a cheaper coach then a Prevost to start with but I liked the looks and Prevost have a full frame under them so they can tow a 20,000 lbs trailer without a problem.

Most coaches are 40 foot long and about 11 foot high so make sure you have the space to park them and work on them.

There are a number of cheap MCI 9's on the market right now that can be had for $10,000 to $15,000. Have it check over by a pro before buying and watch out for rust around the windows.

One of the biggest things I would say to anyone thinking about the idea of building a coach conversion is to spend a lot on of time looking around at different coaches and talking with other people even before you buy one.

Coaches are like a semi truck. The smallest part feels like it weights 30 lbs and you can't get it at NAPA so you have to really think about things. I spent a lot of time looking for a coach that had a rebuilt motor and trans so I did not have to worry about the major parts.

The one things I wish I would have done was spent more time looking at older band buses with the bunks. They can be found around the Nashvillie area at a good price and the power trains normailly have been taken care of very well. An they also have big genset sets already installed. They only lack big bathrooms and showers. You can pull out a stack of bunks and install a bathroom.

If you have any questions or would like to know more I can be reached at [email protected].

OTLimit
08-06-2004, 01:34 PM
The Prevost project sounds a lot like our Freightliner odyssey, but the coach will probably be done sooner than ours (7 yrs and counting). The good news is that it might actually be usable by the Run Offs, as long as nothing nasty happens at MAM or Topeka. It might be barely licensed as an RV, but it will sure beat worrying about scales ever again.

------------------
Lesley Albin
Over The Limit Racing
Blazen Golden Retrievers

lateapex911
08-06-2004, 09:41 PM
Man that Prevost project is COOL!

Good thing I can't fit my current 20 something foot trailer in my driveway as it is or I'd be jonesing for sure!

Keep the updates coming.

Any issues with your drivers lic or permits or other official crap?

------------------
Jake Gulick
CarriageHouse Motorsports
ITA 57 RX-7
New England Region
[email protected]

RonInSD
08-10-2004, 01:16 PM
Originally posted by lateapex911:
Man that Prevost project is COOL!

Good thing I can't fit my current 20 something foot trailer in my driveway as it is or I'd be jonesing for sure!

Keep the updates coming.

Any issues with your drivers lic or permits or other official crap?



I did not have any problems getting it licensed. The bus dealer that I purchased it from changed the Title over to a motorhome type. That costed me $130 but when I got back to South Dakota all I had to do is go to the Pilot Truck stop and get a weight ticket.

It is insured with my State Farm agent. Progressive will also insure a bus conversion.

Since it is licensed as a motorhome you don't need a special license to drive it.
I do have a Class A CDL but it is not need for this unit. Since it is 40 foot long and a trailer behind it it help to have some experiance on driving long setup.

The funny part of driving a coach is that you sit in front of the steer tires so when you make a really tight turn go feel you body going sideways more then ahead.

Ron Earp
08-15-2004, 06:47 AM
As the newbie here and trying to learn what this endeavour is going to cost me the tow rig is going to be much more than my car, at least initially.

I need a trailer, but want to get an aluminum one to keep weight down and keep my tow options broader. I'll be towing with a car for the first year, something that appears to be unheard of here, but that is the breaks.

The diesel Toureg would be a great car and maybe in a year or so my wife could be convienced to go for it since she could drive it as an everyday car.

------------------
Ron
http://www.gt40s.com
Lotus Turbo Esprit
BMW E36 M3
RF GT40 Replica
Jensen-Healey: IT prep progressing!

mustanghammer
08-18-2004, 01:55 PM
"Anyone out there pulling with a Ford Triton V-10?"

Grega - we use a 2002 E350 15 passenger van with a V10 pulling a 16 foot open trailer. The van works great and was a real bargain at $16K with 27K miles on the clock when we bought it. I have a friend with an F350/V10 combo and he is really happy as well.

The Van offers all of the advantages that others have mentioned (space, place to sleep, escape weather etc) plus it is cheap! Last year there were 20-30 E350's in the KC area that ranged in price from 16-19K. We bought one with the towing package and got the factory hitch, wiring and extra cooling.

Scott