Shopping for a tow vehicle

You haven't said specifically what your budget is, and if the new TV must be new or can be used. If it was me , I would buy something that would allow for decent fuel economy when not towing, as well as leaving some tow capacity for towing a bigger trailer in the future. 

Originally posted by Podster Hmm, I have heard it suggested that even though diesel cost more at the pump, the overall cost is less to operate because diesel is 33% more efficient.  How about it diesel operators? Is this true? Is it cheaper in the long run to own and operate a diesel rig?

I read in a comparison between Fords new eco boost small 4 cylinder and the Chrysler eco diesel in their half ton trucks, that the Ford did better cost wise. Diesel fuel cost more than gasoline and that was taken into consideration. Mpg the eco diesel did do better than the eco boostl. But in towing that could change things I forget what the torque rating was between the two.

techntrek,
I second your advice. I tow my 172 with a Volvo XC90 with 240hp 5000 lbs towing limit. I have been surprised at how well it tows. I always use the manual shift mode and never bother putting it in sixth gear.

If you need to compromise like I do on what you use your vehicle for, then techntrek's advice is spot on.

freezingalaskan

Here is my two cents. We just recently went through the same hand ringing experience on which TV to purchase. We had a 2005 Chev. Tahoe with a 6,800 towing capacity. Mileage while towing was between 10-12 MPG at 55. After much consideration, test driving, reading reviews, etc. we purchased our first Japanese vehicle. The Nissan Pathfinder with a V-6 engine and a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. Fits our needs perfectly. I did add a weight dist. hitch, since the wheelbase is shorter than the Tahoe and certainly lighter. We have only towed it to the dealer and back, about 10 miles total to have the WD hitch installed. I ordered the Pathfinder with the factory installed towing package. Our brake controller plugged right into the harness that Nissan provided. The trailer when towed with the new hitch on city streets and on the highway towed perfectly, without straining the Pathfinder. Our in city mileage has increased to about 18 MPG. Up from about 12 with the Tahoe. The new technology in the Nissan is most impressive. My vote goes to the Nissan Pathfinder. Not overcapacity which will drive down mileage, but a decent compromise. Not to mention the backup camera which makes hitching up a breeze. Curious what you finally end up with and why. Safe Travels.

Originally posted by Podster Originally posted by Craneman We have a 2011 f-150 with 3.5 v/6 eco boost that has 365 hp and pulls our 174 way better than our 2006 Chevy v/6 at about 190 hp. We have been very happy with it.                     Moe and jo Holy Smokes! 365HP out of a V6, thats freakin awesome!