Tow Cars - Making a change

[ghanson]

Need some feedback, please.  I have an MC9, behind which I tow a K5 Blazer, 1989.  It's a gas sucking pig, heavy, but it is 4wd for a quick transmission disconnect, and the roof comes off, and it holds six people.  That's why I have it. 

I also have a 1992 Seville, which my son drives, with a lot of miles, and I have had it forever.  Well, the kid threw a party at our house while we skipped off to Vegas last weekend, when he was specifically told not to have anyone in, so I took away his car that he drives, among other things.  Just an excuse to get rid of the thing, really. 

Anyway, I'd like to combine these two vehicles, by getting rid of both of them, and finding something I can tow, fit six people and use for a kids car, after he get's it together.  Must be kind of inexpensive, and cheap to insure.

So, I'd like some thoughts on these:  01 Dodge Durango.  They still suck gas, but they're small enough and seat six.  Are they hard to make the transmission do what I want it to do for towing? 

Second, an 01 Dodge Pickup, 4wd, with a back seat.  Not a great choice, as they're heavy, but it would be useful.  This one is also a little spendy.

And finally, an old Buick wagon with the back seat facing the other way.  This is a dog of a car, but it's very cheap and front wheel drive.  Would require a dolly, which I'm not all that sure I want to get into.  Would you rather tow flat down or use a dolly?  I  also have a Sebring rag top that I could use if I go the dolly route. 

I'm 6'2" and my boys are 6'3" and 6'5", then my girls are young, so they'd be in the back.  That's why the little rice burners are out.

Comments and advise appreciated.  Thanks.....glenn hanson  MC9, Southen Indiana

[NJT5047]

Of your choices, the Dodge pickup would be my first choice.   Verify that the transfer case can be shifted to neutral in whatever you buy.
Have you considered a Jeep Cherokee XJ, `97 to `01?   4X4 with shifting transfer case (NP231), seats six.  Only weighs 3200 lbs.  Tows great. No mods necessary to tow other than tow bar (you can use the Blazer tow bar) and correct Jeep brackets or baseplate.   I've got a 99 Cherokee and it's a great little wagon.  Some of them are quite nicely equipped. 
`07 to `01 are the best years for a Cherokee.  Nicer interiors, dash, and metal tailgate (as opposed to fiberglass) 
I'm not talking about a Grand Cherokee...but the smaller boxy Cherokee.  They are cheap to operate, and cheap to buy.
Their only downfall is that they have a lot in common with a Jeep CJ.  They ride firmly, but drive well.  Very rugged vehicle.
As you state, the Buick wagon cannot be towed without a driveshaft disconnect or a dolly.   Durangos are nice, but are major gas hogs, and expensive to buy, and repair. Durangos need more than their share of repairing too.
A dolly is handy, but the first time you get into an awkward place, it's raining, and you have to unhook to un-awkward yourself, you'll sell the dolly.  4 down is just too convenient.   Unhook and drive off.   Find a towbar that either folds on the toad (good) or folds on the MH (best).
Don't want to have to fumble around with removing the towbar every time you stop and unhook.   
You'll get lots of opinions on this subject. 
Best, JR

[ghanson]

Jeep.....I didn't know they would hold six.  I'll look into that...thanks.  Yes, I'm not thrilled about a dolly...or a Buick for that matter.

[Dallas]

Hmmm,
On my '91 Lesabre the owners manual says I can tow it 4 down at 55mph for up to 500 miles.
I would imagine that if it got started once in a while you could tow it anywhere.

[Jeremy]

In this country the obvious choice would be a Land Rover (110, Discovery or even a Range Rover with the boot seats). They are lightweight (compared to American 4WDs), cheapish to buy, very durable, and the diesel versions are cheap to run too. The older models have conventional transfer boxes that would make towing easy.

They have been sold officially in the US since the late 1980's, and there were many personal imports before that, so there should be quite a few around if you look, although they might sell for a premium.

My second-ever car was an ex-miliitary 'lightweight' (airportable) Land Rover, and I've had a string of Range Rovers since. They are great cars for people who 'do things' - they can carry anything, tow anything, be an off-roader one day and a executive's express the next. The owners tend to be enthusiasts too - just like bus nuts

Jeremy

[scanzel]

The 96 jeep Cherokee Sport is the vehicle I use only holds 5, 2 in front 3 in back the trans can be put in a neutral position for towing 4 down. Gets pretty good gas mileage about 20 on highway, parks in tight spots easily does ride like a jeep, stiff and can be bumpy. Don't get a V8, gas hog, go with the V6 or straight 6. Finding something that holds 6 or more today is difficult, bucket seats in front more space in back but then the vehicle gets larger and heavier. Some camp grounds you may not have an area to store a dolly or some even charge to store it. Good Luck on your find.

[gumpy]

Glenn,

We have towed two years of Ford Explorers and have good service from both. We initially towed a 91, 4x4, manual tranny. I installed a driveline disconnect, and then found out it was not necessary to tow that one 4 down.

Last year, we bought an 03 Explorer. 4x4, auto, and had the electronic neutral transfer installed. This one is so nice. You just press the button, hook up, and drive away! 3-5 minutes, tops!  Also, it has a rear fold-down seat, so we can get 7 in it in a pinch, and seats 6 easily. My two teenage kids fit in the rear seat easily.

By the way, if you really want to make him suffer, I still have that 91 Explorer. Needs a head gasket. Synchros are going out of the tranny and there are big chuncks rusting off as it sits in the driveway!  Rocker panels are gone, fenders are going. Make your kid drive that for a week, and he'll think twice before disobeying you next time. Set up and ready to tow! Cheap!



Craig

[ghanson]

Craig....you're killin' me!  I don't think I want to suffer that much!  I do, however, have a couple of Suburbans, a 97 & 98 that could be towed.  I think you can do the same thing with those transfer cases, but I've never been able to make it work.    How's the interior of your bus coming along?    Since my computer has been up and down (I'm thinking of getting a MAC) I don't have your site on this one.  Can you send it along?......g

[NJT5047]

Jeep.....I didn't know they would hold six. I'll look into that...thanks. Yes, I'm not thrilled about a dolly...or a Buick for that matter.

Ummmm...I gotta quit sniffing glue when on this board.  My Cherokee holds six if you stuff someone in the back. And they ain't going to be really keen on that.  5 is the correct number of seat belted passengers.  Jeep Cherokee's simple design and and liight weight does make a nice toad.  However, it may not be large enough for your needs.   If you can find a manual, they'll get 20 plus MPG too.
ONE thing about Jeep Cherokees (Grand Cherokee and Jeep Cherokee) is that they don't like the lighting circuits backfed thru the front turn signal leads.  Expensive damage may result from doing this...like damaged ECMs.  I'm not sure of the details, but likely the ECM monitors lighting failures.
Using a separate lighting system for the toad lighting resolves this problem.
A Jeep is so small that the bus lighting is easily visible around the toad.
Best, JR

[David Anderson]

Ghanson,

There is a really good forum on "towing" and "toads" at Woodall's.com.  If you want lots of opinions and lots of experience, that is a worthy place to take a look see.

David

[Dallas]

In this country the obvious choice would be a Land Rover (110, Discovery or even a Range Rover with the boot seats). They are lightweight (compared to American 4WDs), cheapish to buy, very durable, and the diesel versions are cheap to run too. The older models have conventional transfer boxes that would make towing easy.

They have been sold officially in the US since the late 1980's, and there were many personal imports before that, so there should be quite a few around if you look, although they might sell for a premium.

My second-ever car was an ex-miliitary 'lightweight' (airportable) Land Rover, and I've had a string of Range Rovers since. They are great cars for people who 'do things' - they can carry anything, tow anything, be an off-roader one day and a executive's express the next. The owners tend to be enthusiasts too - just like bus nuts

Jeremy

Jeremy,
Here, used Rovers go for as much as a new (Or almost new) 4WD.
I'd love to have an old Land Rover or even an early Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-35. Unfortunately, those go for premium money here.
I'd also like to have a Leyland Double Decker bus, but it's downfall is it's height. Legal on any State Highway or Interstate Highway is 13'6" here.
Oh well, to sleep, perchance to dream!

Dallas

[ghanson]

Thanks folks, some things to think about.  One thing that caught my eye is the comment about the Range Rover.  There is a 1998 Range Rover locally, loaded up with 130k on it for $5500.  I checked into the weight and it's only 4400 lbs.  Holds six, looks good.....the question is, does it last a long time.  Parts are more, but would be cost prohibitive to own one of these things?  I do have an 91 Mercedes that isn't killing me, but I'm afraid to get a Jaguar because of the reputation they have, although they sure look nice.  Anyway, I digress.  Don't know much about Range Rovers......g

[BusCrazyTom]

hey ghanson,

I'm a total bus newbie who hasn't yet purchased his bus, so I typically lurk here and have too many questions and very little to offer yet...but I have insight on one thing...just say NO to Jaguar. Sent my mechanics kids through college with the ones I've had....

[Len Silva]

We owned a 2001 Range Rover for about nine months.  It spent about five of those months in the shop.  Never again.

Len

[ghanson]

Yeah, those English.  They sent over some great Rock & Roll, but they're automobiles leave something to be desired, I guess.....g