Tow Vehicle size and power.

[BCnomad]

Jim, wont you need that F350 for when you're triple towing? :-)

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by BCnomad

Jim, wont you need that F350 for when you're triple towing? :-)

I could tow 12 of those Trillium 1300's with it.

[skogan]

Oh, sorry Jim, I meant towing between the Super Duty and the Eco-boost.
Not that I would want to tow my 15er with a Super Duty...

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by skogan

Oh, sorry Jim, I meant towing between the Super Duty and the Eco-boost.
Not that I would want to tow my 15er with a Super Duty...

I really have no idea, not having towed the 5.0 at all, but I bet that when towing, the fuel economy would be similar, whereas the F150 would shine otherwise.

I towed my construction dump trailer with some garbage with the F150 the other day, totalling about 7,800 lbs, I definitely knew it was there, but it performed very well.

[float5]

It is amazing how those with big trucks like their big trucks best and those with SUVs like their SUVs better and those with Something Else like Something Else best.

Assuming you have a vehicle that meets the now standard towing tests and weight requirements, then what is of great importance is how, when, where and under what conditions you drive. Also, we all do not live in the same place or go to the same destinations or travel in the same seasons.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Floating Cloud

It is amazing how those with big trucks like their big trucks best and those with SUVs like their SUVs better and those with Something Else like Something Else best.

Or weirdos like me who have one of each, one in between, and a sedan.

Man, I gotta get those Kijiji ads set up for selling a couple.

[Iowa Dave]

There is a fairly large percentage of Escape Owners with both high annual towing mileage and years of towing experience. It's probably not surprising that many have homed in on what they feel a best tow rig based on what they use and like. To me, the most significant preference factor is making sure first that whatever you tow with is solidly rated for what you're trying to pull. Dependability, comfort and utility when not towing are next. Finally fuel consumption. Not even in the running is what anyone else thinks. That's about as important as paint color. Just my $.02
Dave

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by thoer

If one followed some of the logic here to its conclusion, I think we should be towing our Escape with semi trucks

I don't see that at all. Nobody said you couldn't tow with a smaller vehicle. It's just that the larger one is more comfortable, capable, and in many cases, just as efficient. There is a point where you reach "overkill", but towing an escape 19 or 21 with a full sized truck isn't crossing that point.

[amirie]

BTW Jim--did you ever post pictures of the interior of the trillium after you re-did it??

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by amirie

BTW Jim--did you ever post pictures of the interior of the trillium after you re-did it??

Nope, but I will when I am done.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

Nobody said you couldn't tow with a smaller vehicle.

Some are suggesting though, that larger is better. While they may be able to rightfully justify this for themselves, in many cases a more moderate size can be better.

I really fail to understand how larger is more comfortable, or leaves one less tired. We aren't having to do a Flintstone power assist or anything. My Pilot is the most comfy vehicle out of the four I own, both with drivablity and seating, and I find it no more tiring than a bigger vehicle. For those not used to a large pickup, though none of them are that bad. I think a mid-sized SUV would be much less wearing on them, I know for certain it is for my wife.

We each use our own reasoning, and for ourselves, none of them is wrong, just so long as our choice is not a danger on the roadways.

Just trying to offer a perspective here from someone who has towed using just about everything for a tow vehicle, from a bicycle through to a tractor/trailer unit.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I really fail to understand how larger is more comfortable, or leaves one less tired.

Try a coach airline seat vs a business class seat and get back to me Jim.

[Jim Bennett]

My 6' 4" brother is comfy in the back, or the front, of the Pilot with no problem.

Now, if you were comparing a compact to an SUV or a pickup, that would be a similar comparison.

[Dave Walter]

Some of the reasons why many people have migrated towards fiberglass rv's is that they are small, lightweight, and can be towed with smaller vehicles. Combine those plusses with their typical high build quality and longevity, and the entire "small trailer - small tow vehicle" package becomes highly attractive in terms of it's efficient use of natural resources, good operating economy, and environmental friendliness. Many of us towing fiberglass trailers would prefer not to go the route of large tow vehicles and large trailer combinations that are so common these days. Many smaller tow vehicles are perfectly suited for towing our small fiberglass trailers. Although larger vehicles will do the job, they are not necessary and the push by many towards bigger and bigger tow vehicles is unwarranted in terms of towing considerations, safety, or comfort; and appears to be driven largely by the "bigger is better" attitude that is prevalent in North American society today.

[Jim Bennett]

Good post, Dave.

[rbryan4]

The idea behind the post (at least as I took it) was that sometimes you can have your cake and eat it too. Although my truck is a "full size", it's just as environmentally friendly and good on gas as some smaller vehicles. I fully agree that bigger is not automatically better - but sometimes, it is, at least for me.

[Jim Bennett]

I consider an F150 to be mid-sized, and the Super Duties to be full-sized. The Ford Ranger would be small sized. I look forward to it being re-introduced to the North American market in 2017, with it's 2.2L and 3.2L diesel engine options. I guess it is all just interpretations of size, as it is what it is.

[gbaglo]

Guys always exaggerate size.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Guys always exaggerate size.

Especially them fellas from Texas.

[rbryan4]

C'mon down here and say that Jim....