Tow Vehicle, what should I get?

[Ron Earp]

4X4 where we live is not needed, and is an expensive option on the Ram.

And it isn't needed for most folks. If every Billybob wasn't convinced they had to have four wheel drive to have a manly truck then Ford/Dodge/GM would be producing a lot less of them and the 2WD versions would be more abundant. But nooooooooo......pretty much all my truck loving redneck friends are convinced that no 4x4 = no truck, even though they'll willingly admit they rarely/never use the four wheel drive and could get by with out it.

[THawkbh]

And it isn't needed for most folks. If every Billybob wasn't convinced they had to have four wheel drive to have a manly truck then Ford/Dodge/GM would be producing a lot less of them and the 2WD versions would be more abundant. But nooooooooo......pretty much all my truck loving redneck friends are convinced that no 4x4 = no truck, even though they'll willingly admit they rarely/never use the four wheel drive and could get by with out it.

I could care less about it being manly. If I can get by without it, I'd rather save weight. It broadens the candidate pool too. This is why I asked:

The only time I've ever needed 4WD was to use our diesel Excursion to pull a Class A motorhome and its 40-foot trailer out of the muck at Pocono...

Greg, where do you paddock? I've always been on the pavement somewhat close to the garages. It sounds like I won't really need it with 'just' a 20footer.

[Greg Amy]

I agree: no 4WD needed. Plus, the 4WD in trucks is not very usable except in extreme conditions.

But as Ron pointed out, there are far more 4WD opportunities.

Greg, where do you paddock? I've always been on the pavement somewhat close to the garages. It sounds like I won't really need it with 'just' a 20footer.

This was in '09, we were outside the fence in the North Course area. There were rains the prior weekend and a Class A decided he wanted to cross from one asphalt lane to the other through the grass in a depressed area. Didn't make it...

Nice thing about getting stuck in a race paddock: it doesn't happen very often, especially if you plan ahead, but there's always someone there that can pull you out.

[Ron Earp]

Nice thing about getting stuck in a race paddock: it doesn't happen very often, especially if you plan ahead, but there's always someone there that can pull you out.

Exactly. I've been using my 2wd truck for five years now and have left many a soaked paddock with it. If you use some common sense, even when on grass and mud, you'll be fine. Don't under estimate how much extra traction you get with a 1200 lbs of tongue weight on the rear axle.

I do have a LSD in my truck but I don't think that has really made a difference for me. And, I do have big fat performance tires, not truck tires, and still do fine. At least down South I don't think 4WD is a requirement at all.

I enjoy my tow truck but the only thing I'd change about it would be to make it a manual transmission. I enjoy driving Jeff's Dodge with the six speed, tis fun.

[pballance]

I don't need 4wd and the only reason I have it is that after a searching the local area(up to 200 miles) for several months I found exactly 1 2wd Duramax/Allison combo and it was not a crew cab. So I bought a 4wd Crew Cab that had everything else I wanted.

I use the new 350 dually Fords at work, and IMHO, nice trucks, suck fuel down like you wouldn't believe, and are not very comfortable for long trips. Ride quality is ok but I think the Powerstroke's mentioned would be a much better tow vehicle.

Good luck with your search as any of the recommendations will serve you well.

[jimbbski]

Not my trucks but here's my experience.

I've driven 95-96 Ford F450's with the 7.3L Power Stroke with 6 speed and couldn't kill them. I pulled loads up to 26K gross and while slow it pulled the load.

I don't remember the year (Somewhere between 2000-2003) but have also driven a Dodge with the Cummings and 6 speed pulling a 45ft 5th wheels trailer. This truck impressed me, I was able to maintain 65 mph up hill with the trailer lightly loaded. I also drove the Dodge empty at highway speeds (60-80 mph) and got 20 mpg!

I prefer a Ford overall but for the price I just might buy a Dodge if and when I am in the market for a newer tow vehicle.

[JeffYoung]

Ram/Cummins fuel mileage is pretty good. I get 18-19 mpg without the trailer. 13-14 with depending on how fast I tow. They are decent trucks with a great motor.

Ditto on the stuck in the paddock stuff. If you just pay attention, at least at VIR/CMP/Roebling, you won't get in trouble.

The big thing about my truck and 4x4 that I truly HATE is the damn bed is like 5 feet in the air. Hard to get stuff in and out of it.

You can find 2500/3500 Ram/Cummins trucks without 4X4 pretty easily. Guys who are serious about towing like them and that same crowd likes the 2x4 for the fifth wheel since it lowers the bed down.