what vehicle would you recommend?

[Navy Jr.]

Re: what vehicle would you recommend?

Perhaps you could add the 4th generation Toyota 4-Runner to your list. Very reliable, comfortable, and not bad on gas either. You can get one with a V-8, but the V-6 should be just the ticket. It will tow 5,000 lbs.

 

[hibbert6]

Re: what vehicle would you recommend?

Hi! Don't know if you've settled on a vehicle yet, but I had a 2003 GMC Safari (twin to the Chevy Astro that Tashasdaddy mentioned). Unfortunately it got broadsided and I couldn't find another in time...

Anyway, ours was fully loaded and it towed like a dream, even without a tow package (although someone told me that all the tow package stuff, except the hitch itself, was built into all the Safari's...) When I say like a dream, I mean that I never felt my boat behind me. It's just a 15 footer, but it's a trihull and probably 2200 lbs. Your boat will be heavier, but I think a Safari would handle it well.

The onboard monitor told us we were getting 22mpg at 60mph and 19mpg at 70mph w/o the boat, and about 18mpg at 56mph with the boat.

The Safari, while a twin to the Astro, seems to have far fewer problems according to Consumer Reports. We had no problems in the 3 years we had ours.

We paid $22k for it brand new in 2003. I bet you could get a great deal on one now.

Dave

 

[Silvertip]

Re: what vehicle would you recommend?

There are still lots of Astro/Safari's (AWD and 2 wheelers) around at very good prices. I had a '92 AWD that I traded with 150,000 miles on it. Great winter vehicle and pulled like a mule. It doesn't have the soccer Mom styling of the current crop of mini-vans and is more truck like but they are comfortable, you sit high, they have good brakes, and can swallow a bunch of gear if you get the extended version.

 

[DRIFTER_016]

Re: what vehicle would you recommend?

The Honda Pilot is rated to tow 4,500 lbs (as long as it is a boat, 3,500 otherwise). It also has 3 rows of seating.

I just got one this spring and have to say it's a sweet vehicle. It tows my boat as though it's not even there although it is about 1500#'s lighter than yours. I believe it will tow your boat just fine.............plus it's made by Honda

 

[Backyardhockey]

Re: what vehicle would you recommend?

I'm looking at Pathfinders, 2006. I've talked to 4 transmission guys. Gave them my list (mountainier, and Gm's). 4/4 said go Pathfinder. More expensive to repair, but less likely. I've got a 96 Altima with no issues. Tough for a kid from Detroit to say it. Still love my Buick PA though. Hope to have it forever.

 

[GatorMike]

Re: what vehicle would you recommend?

I was gonna start a simialr thread but y'alls answers have scared me off. I have a 19 ft Wellcraft that I tow with an F150 and a 5.9L Durango. The Durango does fine but the F150 sometimes has problems on a slipery ramp. Both have plenty of power on the highway but I seriously have my doubts about towing 19 footer with a mid sized SUV with a V6?
I was wondering what part of the country you guys are from because here in Florida I never see mini vans and cars at boat ramps? Even small SUVs are rare. Maybe when you are dealing with lake ramps those things aren't as slick as the ramps around here where we have to deal with high and low tides.
Anyway I am fixin to upgrade to a 23 footer and also want to get rid of these 2 vehicles, was gonna ask for opinions on a tow vehicle for a 23 foot Century.