Tow vehicles....

LeonardS · 08-12-2013, 12:01 AM

"Although I do understand that compact pickup trucks are essentially no longer available to buy new"

Brian, they still make and sell Frontiers and Tacomas. Or...do you consider these to have grown into mid-size pick-ups?

I guess Ford not selling Rangers in North America and Chevy dropping the Colorado does limit one to buying an import. But then again, both Nissan and Toyota build their offerings in the U.S.

Scuba55 · 08-12-2013, 08:34 AM

Frontier and Tacoma should be around for a long time. A Tacoma redesign is due out this year and Nissan is planning a redesign for the Frontier in the next few years...I may be wrong, but I thought these were now considered mid-size?

Jim Bennett · 08-12-2013, 09:09 AM

I would definitely consider the Frontier and Tacoma mid sized. It seems the compact pickup is going the way of the dodo bird. There really is not much of a market for them. I remember an old Toyota Hilux that was a compact pickup that I owned over 25 years ago, a great little beast, that was quite old at that time. I used it hard, and it just kept going.

Brian B-P · 08-12-2013, 07:09 PM

Yes, I meant that the current generations of both the Tacoma and the Frontier have grown to mid-sized.

On the other hand, cab-to-axle spacings are still quite short on most of these trucks, and even many full-size trucks due to the popularity of very large cabs. I think the Escape fifth-wheel still needs to work with this restriction, even for a Tacoma or Frontier owner.

Brian B-P · 08-12-2013, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scuba55

A Tacoma redesign is due out this year...

I have not seen even a plausible rumour of a redesign. Is there a specific source for this?

Sorry if this is a sidetrack in the new 5.0 discussion, but it is relevant to what market the trailer is to serve.

Yukon Escape · 08-12-2013, 09:44 PM

Dodge makes trucks, like the Dakota, and you can pull any escape with one
Doug

LeonardS · 08-12-2013, 10:36 PM

Googling "Dodge Dakota" is confusing. I thought they discontinued it, like Ford did the Ranger, for the North American markets. But then there are articles concerning a new uni-body version coming in...MY 2016?

Like I said, a bit confusing.

Ray N · 08-14-2013, 06:23 AM

GM is bringing back the Colorado and Canyon in 2014. They will, however, be mid-sized.

cpaharley2008 · 08-14-2013, 07:20 AM

transferred posts

Scuba55 · 08-14-2013, 09:48 AM

Google "Toyota Tacoma redsign", there are several articles and photos out there...

Ray N · 08-15-2013, 06:59 AM

I found this discussion interesting. Comparing gas mileage when towing with small and larger engines: Surprisingly Bad Fuel Economy - iRV2 Forums

MyronL · 08-15-2013, 08:02 AM

Good grief! Just read that iRV2 posting. Them folks with 9 mpg, etc., not towing eggs like us are in a world of their own. Include me out.

onetim · 08-15-2013, 10:13 AM

Towing a 5.0 with a 6cyl Nissan Frontier from Chilliwack to New England my worst was 16.2 and my best was 19.8 mpg (US).

cpaharley2008 · 08-15-2013, 10:18 AM

Wow, impressive.

FMLNM · 08-15-2013, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onetim

Towing a 5.0 with a 6cyl Nissan Frontier from Chilliwack to New England my worst was 16.2 and my best was 19.8 mpg (US).

Interesting. Our 2011 Frontier 6 cyl 4.0L (4wd Pro4X) averaged about 15mpg towing the 5.0 from Chilliwack to New Mexico driving about 60-62 mph.

Scuba55 · 08-15-2013, 01:49 PM

Tim, great mileage, do you know your average speed? My Nissan is identical to Fran & Dave's.

onetim · 08-15-2013, 04:18 PM

I tried to keep my highway speed at 60 mph. I followed the advice in the user's manual and didn't use cruise control and simply put it in Drive and let the computer handle the transmission without worrying about shuting off overdrive on the hills.

I normally get about 20 mpg on highways without towing at around 60 mph. I was afraid I was going to take a big hit on gas towing across country, but didn't. Needless to say I'm very happy with the Frontier/5.0 performance.

Tim

FMLNM · 08-15-2013, 04:51 PM

To continue to comparison...
During our trip home from BC to New Mexico, we turned the overdrive OFF most of the time since we had significant hills to deal with almost every day and figured we'd rather pay a little more in gas than risk damaging the transmission. And we probably drove a little faster than Tim did. That and differences in the terrain travelled could explain a lot of the difference.

We did not use cruise control either.
We also get about 20 mpg or better on highways when not towing....driving 65 mph or more.

escape artist · 08-15-2013, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onetim

Towing a 5.0 with a 6cyl Nissan Frontier from Chilliwack to New England my worst was 16.2 and my best was 19.8 mpg (US).

Hi: onetim...I'm right up there along with your mpg's. I usually tow at about 2000 rpm's +or- 200. I only use OD on the flat land and in light traffic. If the highways are busy, or hilly, my OD is off... cause sometimes I need a little more "Giddy yap".
Hope all is well with your new 5.0!!! Any More pic's? Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

Jubal · 08-15-2013, 08:07 PM

"I tried to keep my highway speed at 60 mph. I followed the advice in the user's manual and didn't use cruise control and simply put it in Drive and let the computer handle the transmission without worrying about shuting off overdrive on the hills."

Yes, using cruise control while towing usually results in the transmission downshifting and the engine revving up more. The modern Power Control Modules do a very good job of modulating shift points in response to sensor input. Going down a steep grade is another matter.

You may also like: