Tow vehicle suggestions

NYSpeed Automotive
1

I’m looking for a inexpensive truck I can tow around my track car with (about 1 ton plus trailer) I didn’t realize how cheap 98+ F150s have gotten and they seem perfect for what I need.

The question is, can the V6 model tow well enough? specs are:
4.2 L V6 1997–2004 202 hp (151 kW) 252 lb·ft (342 N·m)

If that doesn’t do it well enough, what are my other sub $3000 options that get decent mileage when they’re not towing?

2

I would NEVER tow with a V6.

3

my first assumption was no, V6 won’t do… but some people had me convinced otherwise this weekend.

the V8 only has 40 more ft/lbs

4

dodge ram with the 5.2 v8. they aren’t insanely awful on gas, but most deff not the best. http://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/1359110740.html

obviously it needs a new bumper, but still rough idea.

5

Your track car is light! What kind of trailer do you plan to use? If you get an all aluminum open trailer they are pretty light, and with trailer braking you should be okay. Of course a V8 is going to pull better. If I were in your market I’d try and find a V8 Chevy in the same year range. I’m a fan of the 5.3l.

6

hrm, still poking around on craigslist for the chevys and dodge trucks. I’m not sure of what trailer yet, odds of it being aluminum are slim since its gonna have to be dirt cheap.

I do really want a manual trans too.

This one looks promising, just drop the price a little bit and pull that cap. http://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/1370049636.html

7

BRAKING!

8

fucking do it. truck looks mint of those pics. plus 5speed with posi will be shitloads of fun.

9

Don’t forget that the V8 probably has a stronger suspension and better brakes. Braking is very important to consider when towing a car.

10

Yea… make sure you have stopping power…

11

forget stopping, its all about going.
let the cars in front of you stop you.
the cars in front of you cant get you going.

12

only problem at all is no 4x4 which would be a blast in the winter/off road.

13

yes yes it would be. http://rochester.craigslist.org/cto/1381626261.html

i have been eying this one for a week or 2 now but i just don’t have the money to purchase it.

14

im in the same situation… looking for a tow vehicle for my boat.

it’s nearly impossible to find a decent v8, manual 4x4 truck.

15

a v8 would probably get better gas mileage because it wouldnt have to work so hard towing something.

16

fuck, thats perfect. He just needs to drop the price the cost of the tires IMO. Email sent, thanks for sharing.

17

welcome bro. lmk how it works out for ya.

18

If you go gas motor go gm. The v8 motors are better by leaps an bounds. If you don’t need 4x4 just find a 2wd reg cab with the 5.3 and enjoy.

19

Manual is a pain in the dick for towing.

How much weight are you pulling?

20

The mileage is pretty high, but looks clean.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=267587416&dealer_id=63601341&car_year=1993&rdm=1253536163530&model=F150PICKUP&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=57996639&showZipError=y&make=FORD&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=14150&advanced=&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=&max_price=3000&cardist=237&standard=false