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Posted by: neo914-6 Feb 1 2005, 12:46 AM

Aside from big fuel thirsty trucks, which will be legal and safe...6/8 cyl. SUV, truck, El Camino, station wagon???

I found trailer rentals require 3/4 ton or larger.

Posted by: MattR Feb 1 2005, 12:55 AM

Posted by: fiid Feb 1 2005, 12:59 AM

Our Legacy GT wagon has an official towing capacity of 2500lbs. My stepfather has pulled WAY more than that behind his old 1.8 wagon (much to the detriment of everything - including a couple of fences - but thats another story) - so I feel pretty confident with the new vehicles. Don't know how much it weighs though if you need to persuade a rental co.

Posted by: scruz914 Feb 1 2005, 01:04 AM

I used to tow a 22' Catalina sail boat with a GMC Safari (Chevy Astro). Around 3500 lbs. Six cylinder with a heavy duty radiator and transmission cooler. Several trips from Santa Cruz to Tahoe with out a problem. Not the fastest up hill at altitude but not unbearable. I loaned the van to a friend who towed a heavier speed boat up to Shasta with a car load of people. When not towing the van drives like a car, seats 8 plus room in the back.

-Jeff

Posted by: jandro62 Feb 1 2005, 01:17 AM

you could get a caprice classic, v8 with the towing package - that thing will haul quite a bit as long as you have the steel wheels and not the aluminum ones.

I towed my 914 with an Isuzu rodeo. wasn't that unpleasant for 180 miles. I think the rodeo is pretty fugly though.

Posted by: neo914-6 Feb 1 2005, 02:28 AM

MattR,

I meant in ONE piece!

Will it have a proper burial?

Posted by: redshift Feb 1 2005, 02:37 AM

I think a Mini Cooper S.



M

Posted by: SpecialK Feb 1 2005, 05:08 AM

QUOTE (Neo914 @ Feb 1 2005, 12:28 AM)

MattR, I meant in ONE piece! Will it have a proper burial?

CRAP!!

Another load of 914 bits I could've used!

Stop the maddness CA guys, the midwest needs your leftovers!


Back to the topic:

I'd trust my (wife's) Jeep Cherokee to tow just about anything that weighed less than it.

Posted by: itsa914 Feb 1 2005, 05:45 AM

I find my V6 Dakota Quab Cab does just fine.


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Posted by: Racer Chris Feb 1 2005, 06:04 AM

I wouldn't want to use anything smaller than my 6 cyl. Dakota, but it works pretty good. I do have to downshift to 4th going up the big hills though.

Posted by: SteveSr Feb 1 2005, 06:17 AM

QUOTE (itsa914 @ Feb 1 2005, 03:45 AM)

I find my V6 Dakota Quab Cab does just fine.

As long as your front wheels don't fall off that Dakota Garold
Nice trailer, BTW

SteveSr

Posted by: skline Feb 1 2005, 06:19 AM

I have towed many a 914 behind an S-10 truck. Of course they only made them to 2003, now they have the canyon and colorado pckups which are powered by an Isuzu inline 5 cylinder. I wont buy one.

Posted by: xsboost90 Feb 1 2005, 06:43 AM

eventually my 03 3.0 ranger will be the trailer rig, but ill install a trans cooler when i do it.

Posted by: synthesisdv Feb 1 2005, 07:01 AM

I would look for wheelbase and gross weight of the tow vehicle. There are lots of trucks (or cars) that can tow a 914. It's just that when you have to swerve or make some kind of quick maneuver, your going to be limited if your tow vehicle doesn't weigh much more than your tow rig. (trailer and car)

Also, I have found that whenever I tow, my truck ends up packed to the gills with stuff I need once I get there. So that doesn't help things either.

Posted by: ArtechnikA Feb 1 2005, 07:37 AM

QUOTE (Neo914 @ Feb 1 2005, 01:46 AM)

I found trailer rentals require 3/4 ton or larger.

i believe your question contains the answer...

if you are renting, the smallest vehicle is whatever the rental company says it is.

if it's your trailer - well - "trailer" covers quite a spectrum. is it a new, lightweight aluminum commercial trailer or a big, old, home-built iron I-beam thing. what kind of BRAKES does the trailer have? if it's for track events, will you be adding a set or two of spare wheels, 500 lbs of tools & parts, 50 gallons of race gas, a barbecue, and a 20x30 EZ-Up ?

are there mountains where you need to tow? are you at altitude ?

every time this question comes up on the Racing list, the answer is: get the biggest Diesel truck you can possibly afford - your safety and peace of mind will thank you. (it is NO FUN getting scared more by the tow home than your time on the track...)

that said - yes, i'm planning on using our (older) Subie Legacy Outback to FLAT-TOW the 911 to any track events we do next year. i will definitely add a (second) transmission cooler. i pulled a trailer with a 356 around the block once and it went okay but it was not something i'd care to do at length.

Posted by: scotty b Feb 1 2005, 07:50 AM

Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Tow in STYLE!!

Posted by: Rotten Robby Feb 1 2005, 08:36 AM

My V6 Supercharged 4Runner hardly notices my boat until it is time to brake quickly. Trailer brakes might help that some.

Posted by: groot Feb 1 2005, 09:24 AM

If you bought the tow vehicle, check the manufacturers ratings.... if you lease it, who cares?

Anyway, it really depends on your trailer. I have towed with a fwd, V6 Escape (rated for 3500#). It wasn't horrible, but living with it the rest of the year is much better than (IMHO) an Explorer.

I built a trailer so it's lighter and I can get away with a smaller tow vehicle. So, my entire rig (enclosed trailer, race car, tires, etc) is less than 3000#.

Posted by: Mueller Feb 1 2005, 10:09 AM

Felix,

Have you seen Haydens trailer?

Comprised of bonded aluminum that he designed and built himself (I'm sure Tracy helped )

If you designed and built it just right, it could be stowed away easily when not in use.

Posted by: bondo Feb 1 2005, 11:03 AM

Uhaul rented this trailer to me, but it was only a half ton. Perhaps they shouldn't have The trailer itself weight 2000 lbs. It probably didn't help that I put 2 engines, 3 transmissions, and a bunch of parts in the back of the pickup I have since replaced the truck with a 3/4 ton full size van.


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Posted by: andys Feb 1 2005, 11:07 AM

QUOTE (ArtechnikA @ Feb 1 2005, 05:37 AM)

QUOTE (Neo914 @ Feb 1 2005, 01:46 AM) I found trailer rentals require 3/4 ton or larger. i believe your question contains the answer... if you are renting, the smallest vehicle is whatever the rental company says it is.

Ditto. Anything less than 3/4 ton is pretty much useless if you want to rent (just about anything). It's one reason I kept my fully size van conversion all these years........heavy, long wheelbase, tows great (except for power); very stable. Not refused by any rental yard. Unless you buy your own trailer, you're at the mercy of the yards' and their policies.

If you buy your own/borrow a trailer, I would suggest the heaviest, longest wheelbase (important for stability), and most powerful you can tolerate/afford. Definately avoid short wheelbase, high CG vehicles. They're a disater waiting to happen. Oh, and surge brakes as a minimum.

You might look into a tow dolly. I don't believe the rental yards have any restrictions when renting them(?).

Andy

Posted by: Carlitos Way Feb 1 2005, 11:18 AM

QUOTE (andys @ Feb 1 2005, 09:07 AM)

You might look into a tow dolly. I don't believe the rental yards have any restrictions when renting them(?). Andy

I'd be very leary about a tow dolly with a car as low as a 914... especially if you have to slam on the brakes... or is that the "deluxe braking option"?

Posted by: Eric_Shea Feb 1 2005, 11:31 AM

My ML320 (3.2 V6) did a great job over the Sierra/Nevada range. Pretty much 70-something on the cruise through KA. Once I hit Reno I set the cruise at 80 and cruised home.

Problems? Nada. Never even knew it was back there.

Posted by: Series9 Feb 1 2005, 11:39 AM

I don't recommend an Explorer.

My friend was gracious enough to pull me to Ft. Worth and back for the dip, but with a 2000# trailer carrying a 450# car it was a little scary.


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Posted by: Joe Ricard Feb 1 2005, 11:46 AM

U-haul won't even talk to you if you have a Ford Explorer.
Yet they said a 93 Ranger would be just fine. ranger has smaller brakes lighter drive line and Less vehicle weight.

Posted by: Jenny Feb 1 2005, 11:49 AM

QUOTE (Rotten Robby @ Feb 1 2005, 06:36 AM)

My V6 Supercharged 4Runner hardly notices my boat until it is time to brake quickly. Trailer brakes might help that some.

Sorry to hijack, I'm seriously considering selling my Chevy Silverado for something more economical and fuel efficient, like a 4Runner. I've heard the V6's have a head gasket problem. Yea or nay?

Jen

Posted by: TimT Feb 1 2005, 11:51 AM

QUOTE

I've heard the V6's have a head gasket problem. Yea or nay?

I had a mid 90's 4runner, with V6, the head gasket was replaced under warranty

Posted by: Jenny Feb 1 2005, 12:01 PM

I'm looking for one around early to mid 90's. My boyfriend swears by the 22RE. I've heard several claims that the V6's blow head gaskets around 60Kmiles, and will need replacing every additional 60. Needless to say, there would be no warranty on a craigslist purchase.

I spoke to a toyota mech, and he says it got something to do with the coolant's PH eventually matching the gasket's PH, and thusly ruining it. Or something to that effect.

Jen

Posted by: andys Feb 1 2005, 12:04 PM

QUOTE (914RS @ Feb 1 2005, 09:39 AM)

I don't recommend an Explorer. My friend was gracious enough to pull me to Ft. Worth and back for the dip, but with a 2000# trailer carrying a 450# car it was a little scary.

No surprise. That looks like the Exploere XLS. Short wheelbase model sure to have poor stability (short, high, & narrow). I own a standard wheelbase Explorer with tow package. Fine for towing smaller stuff, though has plenty of power to pull a heavier load (I think that fools some people). Narrow track, and high CG doesn't make for a good tow vehicle. Oh, the brakes are horrible on the Explorer.....certainly don't inspire any confidence in sudden situations, even without a trailer.

I tow-dollied my 914 a relatively short distance. Yeah, the low ground clearance concerned me; more so with high-centering it onto the tow dolly, than anything else. Of course backing up with a tow dolly is nearly impossible; a huge limitation IMO.

Andy

Posted by: type11969 Feb 1 2005, 12:30 PM

flat towed my 914 with my chrysler about 200 miles. No problems and at times I wondered what the hell the moron was thinking that was tailing me so close. Then I realized I was an idiot.

Posted by: Lawrence Feb 1 2005, 02:08 PM

QUOTE (Special_K @ Feb 1 2005, 06:08 AM)

QUOTE (Neo914 @ Feb 1 2005, 12:28 AM) MattR, I meant in ONE piece!   Will it have a proper burial? CRAP!! Another load of 914 bits I could've used! Stop the maddness CA guys, the midwest needs your leftovers! Back to the topic: I'd trust my (wife's) Jeep Cherokee to tow just about anything that weighed less than it.

Neo,

Do you need some metal? I made an offer on that car, and might have some to share.

-Rusty

Posted by: neo914-6 Feb 1 2005, 02:14 PM

QUOTE

Neo, Do you need some metal? I made an offer on that car, and might have some to share. -Rusty

I recently bought a parts car and will need to get rid of what's left in a few weeks. It's contributing it's body parts to alot of 914s!

Posted by: Oled Feb 1 2005, 03:51 PM

You could probably get a good deal on a Jeep Cherokee Sport. All of them with the inline 4.0 six and automatic transmission (either 2wd or 4wd) with tow package are rated at 5,000 pounds.

Posted by: TimT Feb 1 2005, 04:33 PM

QUOTE

I've heard several claims that the V6's blow head gaskets around 60Kmiles

The head gasket in my truck let go at around 80K I was told by Toyota that the new head gaskets were improved compared to the old ones.. There was a TSB about the V6 head gaskets, anyway the Toyota powertrain warranty is 100K miles so yyou should be covered unless the truck has over 100K, I dont know if there is a time limit for the head gasket replacement.

I loved my 4 runner, It just didnt have the balls to trailer. When I started doing alot of traileringh/racing I had to upgrade to something with serious power (Ford F250 diesel)

Posted by: ! Feb 1 2005, 04:41 PM

My Dakota has towed Manfred on a trailer with out a hiccup....full tow package, smog legal Supercharger and a 360 V8....The trailer now belongs to SKLINE and the truck is for sale.....hint hint.....

I also have a four wheel steering Yukon with the 6.0 big block....don't even feel a trailer behind it....

Posted by: d914 Feb 1 2005, 05:38 PM

this is a little over kill but the new tacoma and or a used Tundra would work great. I used to have a tundra, great truck.


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Posted by: Gint Feb 1 2005, 08:52 PM

Smallest tow rig I ever used was my Jeep Cherokee (with 4.5" lift at the time). Hauled a 914 on a car dolly from L.A. to Denver with no issues at all. But it was January so the weather was cool. And I didn't cross the Divide on I-70, so the major mountain crossing was the Wasatch range on I80. Only 9000' or so there instead of the 11.5k' over I-70.

Posted by: URY914 Feb 1 2005, 08:54 PM

See if you can find one of these. Maybe on German Ebay...



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Posted by: URY914 Feb 1 2005, 08:55 PM

Or maybe the Brumos rig...


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Posted by: ajracer Feb 1 2005, 09:09 PM

Just my two cents worth !

Last JUNE 2004 I used a 2002 Pontiac Montana mini-van to bring back from
Florida my newly acquired 1974 Teener. A total distance of 1700 miles to
Toronto from Orlando, with a rented "Tow Dolly" from Uhaul for the sum of
$ 275.00 Driving with a loaded vehicle and the 914 was no problem as long
as you are attentive and don't need to do any panic braking. Lets put it this
way taveling North of the I75 a few drivers can testify that they were passed
by a Porsche going backward at 70 mph (on the trailer of course). Anyway it
worked out fine since we removed the front brake calipers to prevent any
possbile problems in towing long distance. Looking back now it may not be
the normal way to transport a vehicle but it worked fine for me. All the best

Allan

Posted by: dan10101 Feb 1 2005, 09:30 PM

Ok, I'll take a chance...

I'm thinking of getting an El Camino. I just hate trucks. What can I say. That's just me. So I've been wanting a muscle car and need someting to tow with. So I'm looking at a 66-72 El Camino. I'll have to do some modifications to make me feel better about towing with it, but so far I've heard good feedback.

Bigger brakes, probably an air bag system, level III trailer hitch, Better engine cooling and trannie cooler. I figure I'll have to tow at least 4,000 pounds. Depending on the type of trailer.

Flame suit on..

My inspriation is a pair on ebay. Both 9 sec quarter milers.



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Posted by: curtis Feb 1 2005, 09:36 PM

QUOTE (Jenny @ Feb 1 2005, 09:49 AM)

QUOTE (Rotten Robby @ Feb 1 2005, 06:36 AM) My V6 Supercharged 4Runner hardly notices my boat until it is time to brake quickly. Trailer brakes might help that some. Sorry to hijack, I'm seriously considering selling my Chevy Silverado for something more economical and fuel efficient, like a 4Runner. I've heard the V6's have a head gasket problem. Yea or nay? Jen

I have a 02 4-RUNNER with 29,000 on it did the toyota tech mention anything about the later 4-RUNNERS?

Posted by: Otmar Feb 1 2005, 10:04 PM

QUOTE (dan10101 @ Feb 1 2005, 08:30 PM)

Ok, I'll take a chance... I'm thinking of getting an El Camino.

You're worried about a ElCamino? Those things are plenty overkill.
Last time I went to Oregon this is how it went. With a 2.0L ABA motor.
I did manage to pass 2 trucks in 1500 miles on the climbs. 12,000 lbs gross on the way home.
Don't try this at home....


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Posted by: dan10101 Feb 1 2005, 10:08 PM

Thanks Othmar, I saw your settup at WCC2004. It's no lightweight. Pretty impressive towing. Maybe I'll weld 2 El Caminos together

Posted by: Howard Feb 1 2005, 10:24 PM

Pretty sure this won't fly with this group, but new and cheap, look at Kia Sorrento. 20k list (and they haggle pretty well) gets you everything from curtain airbags to 100k/10yr warranty. 3500# tow cap plus 1200# cargo. 5spd/2wd is the best setup for towing.
Looks enough like a Cayenne so you can get it in black and fake the logos
http://www.kia.com/sorento/sorento-specs.php

Posted by: bd1308 Feb 1 2005, 10:35 PM

try a 914 2.0L .....

Posted by: ! Feb 1 2005, 10:40 PM

QUOTE (dan10101 @ Feb 1 2005, 07:30 PM)

Ok, I'll take a chance... I'm thinking of getting an El Camino. I just hate trucks. What can I say. That's just me. So I've been wanting a muscle car and need someting to tow with. So I'm looking at a 66-72 El Camino. I'll have to do some modifications to make me feel better about towing with it, but so far I've heard good feedback. Bigger brakes, probably an air bag system, level III trailer hitch, Better engine cooling and trannie cooler. I figure I'll have to tow at least 4,000 pounds. Depending on the type of trailer. Flame suit on.. My inspriation is a pair on ebay. Both 9 sec quarter milers.

Local guy has a nice 72 el camino here for sale. It has an old timer hot rod 350 checvy in it...the builder is pretty famous. Jeonks or something like that...he did a few Bonneville Racers, aluminum heads and a new rtrans...$7500.00, needs ome cosmetic work but no rust. Lemme know if ya wanna number.

Posted by: Rgreen914 Feb 1 2005, 10:44 PM

QUOTE (dan10101 @ Feb 1 2005, 07:30 PM)

Ok, I'll take a chance... I'm thinking of getting an El Camino. I just hate trucks. What can I say. That's just me. So I've been wanting a muscle car and need someting to tow with. So I'm looking at a 66-72 El Camino. I'll have to do some modifications to make me feel better about towing with it, but so far I've heard good feedback. Bigger brakes, probably an air bag system, level III trailer hitch, Better engine cooling and trannie cooler. I figure I'll have to tow at least 4,000 pounds. Depending on the type of trailer. Flame suit on.. My inspriation is a pair on ebay. Both 9 sec quarter milers.

dan 10101

Many years ago I towed an engine-less, '63 Max Wedge Dodge with a '67 Elco; I used a tandem axle trailer and only towed it about 70 miles. My Elco had 9-passenger wagon rear springs, a 12-bolt rear end with TRW lower control arms and a sway bar; I even had shortened, big-block front springs while running a small-block motor. It was a white-knuckle trip home, as the car and trailer would easily over-react to every steering imput! You might fare better towing a much lighter car but this set-up is anything but ideal. The rig pictured is pretty, but I would bet the car and trailer far outweigh the Elco which would make for treacherous handling! On the other end of the spectrum, I once towed my teener on a U-haul trailer using a dually and experienced nary a problem

Ron

Posted by: bondo Feb 1 2005, 10:45 PM

QUOTE (dan10101 @ Feb 1 2005, 08:30 PM)

I'm thinking of getting an El Camino.

Don't forget to grow a mullet!

Posted by: dan10101 Feb 1 2005, 11:58 PM

QUOTE (Rgreen914 @ Feb 1 2005, 08:44 PM)

Many years ago I towed an engine-less, '63 Max Wedge Dodge

Max Wedge Rocks!

I hear what you're saying. I know things have to be perfect with the setup. Proper tongue weight, balance on the trailer and so on.

Thanks for the input.

Dan,
Mulletless and staying that way, My wife won't let me go even 6 weeks without a hair cut. And I don't have that much to begin with.

Posted by: dan10101 Feb 2 2005, 12:03 AM

QUOTE (mikez @ Feb 1 2005, 08:40 PM)

Local guy has a nice 72 el camino here for sale. It has an old timer hot rod 350 checvy in it...the builder is pretty famous. Jeonks or something like that...he did a few Bonneville Racers, aluminum heads and a new rtrans...$7500.00, needs ome cosmetic work but no rust. Lemme know if ya wanna number.

If it happens I need to sell one of my 951's That's the hard part. Even though our garage add on will be done soon, she still won't allow but one toy car. I'm still in the shopping browsing mode.

The whole plan is to be able to tow a car to the track. Then, tow it home if something breaks. The cars would still be street driven, (I think..)

Posted by: Andyrew Feb 2 2005, 01:12 AM

QUOTE

I'm thinking of getting an El Camino. I just hate trucks. What can I say. That's just me

So what did he do when I was lookin for my first car? Tell me to get a truck....

Uh huh!!!!!! Riiiiiiiight..

QUOTE

The whole plan is to be able to tow a car to the track. Then, tow it home if something breaks. The cars would still be street driven, (I think..)

Still street driven, but much less street legal!!!

Posted by: neo914-6 Feb 2 2005, 01:53 AM

Man Great ideas!

El Camino~$5-10k
used Toyota 4runner, Ford Explorer~$10-15k
ML430/320, Japanese "Cayenne"~$20-25k
The Porsche transporter~$40-50k?
Otmars zipped van: priceless

Anyone make trailer use of one of these Mitsubishi cab over diesels? Build a long ramp and it MAY just fit a 914. On CL for $5500...


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Posted by: Otmar Feb 2 2005, 02:38 AM

QUOTE (Neo914 @ Feb 2 2005, 12:53 AM)

El Camino~$5-10k used Toyota 4runner, Ford Explorer~$10-15k ML430/320, Japanese "Cayenne"~$20-25k The Porsche transporter~$40-50k? Otmars zipped van: priceless

Cute.

I've often considered using my machine shop for the 914 instead, I'd just have to find a place for my mill and lathe. It has a cummins 4cyl turbo diesel. Rev limited at 61 mph but gets along pretty well with 3500 lbs of machine tools in it.
http://evcl.com/914/Pics/DCP_2483.JPG
I haven't measured, but I'm pretty sure the 914 would fit.
Here it is the night I bought it years ago for $5K.


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Posted by: bondo Feb 2 2005, 09:33 AM

QUOTE (Otmar @ Feb 2 2005, 01:38 AM)

I've often considered using my machine shop for the 914 instead, I'd just have to find a place for my mill and lathe. It has a cummins 4cyl turbo diesel. Rev limited at 61 mph but gets along pretty well with 3500 lbs of machine tools in it. http://evcl.com/914/Pics/DCP_2483.JPG I haven't measured, but I'm pretty sure the 914 would fit. Here it is the night I bought it years ago for $5K.

Oh my gosh, that is SO awesome! Do you make house calls?

Posted by: ! Feb 2 2005, 09:35 AM

How about just flat towing? I did it with the Rocket for years....

Posted by: neo914-6 Feb 2 2005, 12:58 PM

Otmar,
What's your van's mnft? How high is the floor and what about the wheel wells?

Mike,
Are you talking tow bar? How'd you rig that?

Posted by: Otmar Feb 2 2005, 01:16 PM

QUOTE (bondo @ Feb 2 2005, 08:33 AM)

Oh my gosh, that is SO awesome! Do you make house calls?

It's a little less awesome when you have to spend a hour getting it every time you want to do something on the mill. I used to have a shop, but then the rents here got absurd and I bought the van instead. House calls? Those went out in the 60s
If that were my business it would be fun to make house calls.

Posted by: Otmar Feb 2 2005, 01:26 PM

QUOTE (Neo914 @ Feb 2 2005, 11:58 AM)

Otmar, What's your van's mnft?  How high is the floor and what about the wheel wells?

It's a 87 Chevy Grumman Curbmaster Step Van. 26' long overall. (It's harder to find these longer ones). It has about 160K miles on the Cummins 4cyl turbo, just broken in.

The floor is pretty low. I park it out on ElCamino where it's legal to park oversize, so I don't have it here to measure. I'll try to measure it next time I drive by. The wheel wells are about a foot over the floor, but are far enough forward that if the car went in on ramps that contiuned on up as they went forward then I don't think the wheel wells would be in the way at all. Also there would be plenty of room for tools and sleeping under the front of the car.

Also, http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act=ST&f=2&t=17115&hl=tow+bar
And pictures on my tow bar http://evcl.com/914/Batbox/index.html.

hth,

Posted by: bondo Feb 2 2005, 01:26 PM

QUOTE (Otmar @ Feb 2 2005, 12:16 PM)

If that were my business it would be fun to make house calls.

But where would you plug it in? You'd have to rig some big alligator clamps, climb a pole, and jack into the grid.. If anyone can pull that off, it's you... You'd probably even have the caps on hand to keep the phase correct

Posted by: smg914 Feb 2 2005, 05:51 PM

I've been towing 914's since 1996 using a Jeep Cherokee. The only thing I had to do to this 1999 model was add air shocks to the rear. A very inexpensive vehicle with a 5000 pound towing capacity.


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Posted by: smg914 Feb 2 2005, 05:56 PM

Another shot.


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Posted by: Andy Feb 2 2005, 06:16 PM

I'll second (fifth, whatever) towing behind a Jeep (I always had Grands or Cherokees, 4.0 is good the V8s are better and usually have better brakes). I flat-tow my rag top jeep on I70 over the continental divide every year or so (Moab!) and it probably weighs on the high side of 4k. And I have towed my 914 across the state behind a 4.7l Grand Cherokee with a 3200# trailer with no issue... Other than "kissing" the trailer into a Jersy Barrier at 80mph, pretty sparks! Uhaul didn't say anything about using the Jeep to tow, or even about the mark on their pretty galvanized trailer!

If you're in the market for something new, the Liberty's (personally I don't like the look) are getting the Mercedes 2.8l CRD 160hp, 295#ft of torque!

Posted by: Otmar Feb 2 2005, 06:25 PM

QUOTE (bondo @ Feb 2 2005, 12:26 PM)

QUOTE (Otmar @ Feb 2 2005, 12:16 PM) If that were my business it would be fun to make house calls. But where would you plug it in? You'd have to rig some big alligator clamps, climb a pole, and jack into the grid.. If anyone can pull that off, it's you... You'd probably even have the caps on hand to keep the phase correct

Minor Hijack here....
Actually I got tired of having to drag out the 240V cable to plug it in, so the mill now has a 120 input to 3 phase 220V output motor drive running it. Only cost a couple hundred on sale. Sure is sweet to just drag out one 120V cord to run the shop. Someday I may put an inverter and battery bank in it, then I could use it anywhere!
We now return to the Tow Rig discussion....

Posted by: neo914-6 Feb 3 2005, 01:04 AM

Ok, I've looked into hitches and towbars that I "may" be able to fit on my 3.6 I6 Benz. Do these ratings apply to flat tow (all wheels on ground) or to weight of trailer and car? If the later, then it is not enough...
WEIGHT CARRYING RATINGS
GROSS WEIGHT CAPACITY 2000
TONGUE WEIGHT CAPACITY 200

QUOTE

Felix, Have you seen Haydens trailer? Comprised of bonded aluminum that he designed and built himself (I'm sure Tracy helped  ) If you designed and built it just right, it could be stowed away easily when not in use.

Mike,
Who's Hayden and what does the trailer look like?

Posted by: dan10101 Feb 3 2005, 01:24 AM

Felix,
You'll need a class III hitch. Usually they have over 350# tounge weight and 3000+ trailer weight. Usually they are 5000#.

You're Benz may not be listed, but this will give you an idea.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10101&productId=1887&TID=101&catalogId=10101&langId=-1

The hitch ratings are the same either way flat or trailer. Flat towing, usualy has very little tounge weight and obiously less total weight so you can get by with a class II hitch in some cases.

Posted by: Rob Ways Feb 3 2005, 09:26 AM

I towed a 1200 lb trailer and a 914 with a 2000 4Runner with very little difficulty. You can get the same 4Runner now for about $10-15k. I did have to wire it for the 7pin conversion and I did have brakes on the trailer. It has a tow transmission switch to up the RPMs. The only knock was the rear shocks sag but at 50k miles that was understandable. A trailer will extend out further than the 4Runner wheels.

The key if you want to go light, is buy a light trailer.

Jen, the old 3.0 V-6s had the gasket problems (90-95). The newer V-6s don't have any problems.

The 22RE is a 4 banger... and yes it was a bullet proof engine.

Posted by: Jenny Feb 3 2005, 11:11 AM

Can't afford a newer V6. It's alright. I looked at an 86 last night that looks promising. 22RE, same as in Brian's truck. If I ever need parts, I'll just steal them from his truck.

Jen

Posted by: Quilmes Feb 3 2005, 11:20 AM

Here is a photo of my 914 on a small trailer, I used it for a while till I could buy my own.
It towed really well and was light. My Izusu did well with it's V-6.

Quilmes


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Posted by: neo914-6 Mar 5 2005, 03:51 PM

I just found out my old Mazda MPV 3.0V6 which I sold to my stepson has a 3500lb tow hitch. I regret selling it to him for cheap. Mueller said I could borrow his trailer so I think I am SET!

I just hope it doesn't overheat as it did years ago carrying 7 of us over the grapevine. 101 to 1 doesn't have much elevation, does it?

Posted by: Hawktel Mar 5 2005, 04:43 PM

I pulled my a Suzuki samuri from Utah to portland behind a S10 with the 2.8 6. It blew. I hated that truck.

I've pulled a 914 on a trailer behind my Wrangler with the inline 6. Just for a short distance, 30 miles.

It worked better than I thought it would. Its not the safest thing in the world.

Posted by: balljoint Mar 5 2005, 07:09 PM

I pull my 914 on a U-Haul Auto Transporter pulled by my 4x4 s-10 extendy-cab with the trailer pkg. My truck is rated for and has a class III hitch, I can pull 5000 lbs and U-Haul has no problem with it.

The V6 ticks just over 2000 rpms cruising at 120.

Posted by: dheinz Mar 5 2005, 07:10 PM

Here's my rig. These Isuzu trucks (1995- 1998) are available in the $7K range. They are very reliable and get 11-14 mpg. I use mine every day and it's comfortable to be in and drive. It will cruise at 65mph all day but is governed at 72 mph.


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Posted by: Rhodes71/914 Mar 5 2005, 07:42 PM

QUOTE (dheinz @ Mar 5 2005, 05:10 PM)

Here's my rig. These Isuzu trucks (1995- 1998) are available in the $7K range. They are very reliable and get 11-14 mpg. I use mine every day and it's comfortable to be in and drive. It will cruise at 65mph all day but is governed at 72 mph.

Really $7000. What is the model and any idea where a good place to look for one is on the west coast?

Posted by: Type 4 Mar 5 2005, 08:06 PM

Get something with IH on the name plate. I put 8000lbs of weight in the bed my old truck a IH 1956 R120 .(The unladen weight 3400 lbs.) and hauled it to the dump.

Posted by: Eddie914 Mar 5 2005, 08:47 PM

A Seattle PCA member pulls his 914/6 behind his 1980s BMW 635csi.

He has one of the lighted trailers I've ever seen. He brought back from France on his return with the military. The frame is made of wide "U" shaped channels that double as the tire beds. Double axle with 13" 4 lug wheels.


Eddie

Posted by: carr914 Mar 6 2005, 09:57 AM

Go with the El Camino. I've had two SS's and loved them. I towed my 914 with my 72 with both Sahara Beige Steve's steel trailer and my aluminum Trailex. The only problem I ever had was a airshock line blew out once. I replaced in about 2 minutes. I sold the El Camino and the Trailex when I bought my house 3 years ago. A friend bought the El Camino and now he trailers his Corvette with it. With El Camino look under the removable panel in the bed for rust. If rust is in there run - it's worse than a hell hole.
T.C.

Posted by: Type 4 Mar 6 2005, 12:07 PM

I would never tow with a anything but a Full floating rear axle.
I had an axle break on a chevy half ton while towing.
Never again will I risk my safety or the safety of others on the road.

Posted by: neo914-6 Mar 6 2005, 12:11 PM

QUOTE

QUOTE (dheinz @ Mar 5 2005, 05:10 PM) Here's my rig. These Isuzu trucks (1995- 1998) are available in the $7K range. They are very reliable and get 11-14 mpg. I use mine every day and it's comfortable to be in and drive. It will cruise at 65mph all day but is governed at 72 mph.   Really $7000. What is the model and any idea where a good place to look for one is on the west coast

I saw a high mileage one for ~5k in the SF bay area Craigslist. I like them...

Posted by: Dr. Roger Jul 13 2005, 10:20 AM

QUOTE (Jenny @ Feb 1 2005, 10:01 AM)

I'm looking for one around early to mid 90's. My boyfriend swears by the 22RE. I've heard several claims that the V6's blow head gaskets around 60Kmiles, and will need replacing every additional 60. Needless to say, there would be no warranty on a craigslist purchase. I spoke to a toyota mech, and he says it got something to do with the coolant's PH eventually matching the gasket's PH, and thusly ruining it. Or something to that effect. Jen

Jennys hijack response.

I had a 22RE 4X4 and because I didn't stay on top or replacing the anti corossive coolant the aluminum did eat away at the water jackets and eventually made the head useless.

I'm on my second Tacoma 4X4 with a 22RE. Reason is THEY ARE AWESOME. =-)
300K on the first. almost 200K on this one. Still looks good. Drives like new. Better actually with gas struts and shocks.

I towed about 3000lbs of water and camp supplies to Burning Man the last 2 years with that truck. Taking it easy and a down shift or two was the only drawbacks to the big 4 cyl engine.

Because it's my daily driver I love the MPG #.

Posted by: neo914-6 Jul 13 2005, 11:19 PM

Gotta add John Kelly's transporter...


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Posted by: avendlerdp Jul 13 2005, 11:31 PM

I am going off the map here. My tow car is a 1986 Mercedes 560 SEC. Huge 4 wheel discs, self leveling suspension, 285 hp, and a plush interior makes this the best long distance tow car ever. It easily tugs 4000lbs but one needs to keep the tongue weight under 700lbs.

THese are cheap too. 7k gets you a nice one.

Alex

Posted by: Dead Air Jul 14 2005, 06:53 AM

850 miles or so...not good on hills. 22R four cylinder


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Posted by: URY914 Jul 14 2005, 07:22 AM

I knew of a guy from Atlanta that would tow his 914 racer on a single axle trailer behind his 928.

Paul

Posted by: tat2dphreak Jul 14 2005, 08:02 AM

QUOTE (Joe Ricard @ Feb 1 2005, 12:46 PM)

U-haul won't even talk to you if you have a Ford Explorer. Yet they said a 93 Ranger would be just fine. ranger has smaller brakes lighter drive line and Less vehicle weight.

I used to haul a boat with more toungue weight than a teenerin my ranger...

thing is this: explorers are built like a car chassis, Rangers are built on a truck platform...

expeditions is where I think Ford started making the SUVs more like Trucks...

a Chevy suburban can tow a LOT too.

Posted by: 914forme Jul 14 2005, 08:56 AM

http://www.trailerboats.com/images/elements/966709_2005TowRatings.pdf

These are geared toward us boaters but useful none the less.

My 2003 Silverado will get 21 MPG all day long towing it drops, but it is a fine vehical for towing and way better than towing with Astro and better mileage too boot.

Posted by: Nick Jul 14 2005, 09:10 AM

I towed my 914 with a '95 Land Rover Disco with no problems. I bought the Disco for 4K two years ago. Not bad price for a comfortable tow vehicle. Only down side is terrible gas mileage. I'm luck to see anything above 13 mpg.

Nick

Posted by: Midtowner Jul 14 2005, 11:04 PM

Umm go easy on that 22R! I used to sell remanufactured 22R's and have seen plenty of rods punching through the block. Don't get me wrong - it's a great engine, just stroked a wee bit too much for towing and high torque conditions.

Posted by: Mr.C Jul 15 2005, 12:14 AM

QUOTE (Nick @ Jul 14 2005, 07:10 AM)

I towed my 914 with a '95 Land Rover Disco with no problems. I bought the Disco for 4K two years ago. Not bad price for a comfortable tow vehicle. Only down side is terrible gas mileage. I'm luck to see anything above 13 mpg. Nick

I got a 95 too and man does the mileage suck! I was thinking of towing with it, but all I want to do now is get rid of it. 3.9 V8 and I have seen as little as 9mpg around town. Can't imagine what towing mpg would be like.

Posted by: messix Jul 15 2005, 01:08 AM

light weights

this is the minimum


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Posted by: neo914-6 Jul 15 2005, 01:11 AM

QUOTE (messix @ Jul 14 2005, 11:08 PM)

light weights this is the minimum

that could pull a fleet of 914's!

Posted by: Nick Jul 15 2005, 11:39 AM

[QUOTE=Cabasa,Jul 14 2005, 10:14 PM]Nick [/QUOTE]
I got a 95 too and man does the mileage suck! I was thinking of towing with it, but all I want to do now is get rid of it. 3.9 V8 and I have seen as little as 9mpg around town. Can't imagine what towing mpg would be like.[/QUOTE]
[/QUOTE]
I guess the mileage is so bad on the Disco that you don't really notice a difference when towing. It was about 13 mpg on the highway at about 60 - 65 mph

Posted by: grantsfo Jul 15 2005, 11:50 AM

I was just reading that the new Hyundai Elantra has a very high tow rating, but you know it just wouldnt be right to tow a 914 with a Hyundai. I'm looking at a Honda Ridgeline as a possibility. Its about the only truck my wife is willing to drive. I'm also thinking a used BMW or Mercedes SUV would be nice - boat loads of them under $20K. Cayenne still is a bit high - I found a couple in the high $30 K range - talk about plumeting resale value! Ouch! Also twisted part of me wants to get a Dodge Magnum with a V8.

After hauling a t4 engine in the back of my Toyota Echo yesterday I realized I really need somthing more practical now that I'm getting into 914's again.

Posted by: neo914-6 Jul 15 2005, 12:26 PM

QUOTE (grantsfo @ Jul 15 2005, 09:50 AM)

I was just reading that the new Hyundai Elantra has a very high tow rating, but you know it just wouldnt be right to tow a 914 with a Hyundai. I'm looking at a Honda Ridgeline as a possibility. Its about the only truck my wife is willing to drive. I'm also thinking a used BMW or Mercedes SUV would be nice - boat loads of them under $20K. Cayenne still is a bit high - I found a couple in the high $30 K range - talk about plumeting resale value! Ouch! Also twisted part of me wants to get a Dodge Magnum with a V8. After hauling a t4 engine in the back of my Toyota Echo yesterday I realized I really need somthing more practical now that I'm getting into 914's again.

Don't tell that to Howard's "Attilla the Huyn"

The sensible thing to do is get a Japanese truck or SUV. I've found alot of people balance the "project" car with a no-maint truck or SUV. Plus these could be used for daily commuters so they are multi-functional.

The other sensible thing is just to rent or borrow when-ever you need to haul or transport. How often will the tow hitch or truck bed be used?

On the other hand, I love Mercedes engineering and plan to get a used ML 430. On the sedans the V8's gas consumption was not much more than I6's. The unknown threshold for "high" mileage has owners selling them cheap with alot of miles left in them.

Posted by: Nick Jul 15 2005, 02:12 PM

I was just looking at magnum specs and the are rated at 2000 lbs for towing. Doesn't seem like enough, but I like em. Had one as a rental car loads of fun turning of the traction control and hanging the tail out. I thought a ridgeline would be interesting until I saw one in the flesh. The sides of the bed are so high it would be a pain in the butt get anything in it.

Nick

Posted by: grantsfo Jul 15 2005, 04:01 PM

QUOTE (Nick @ Jul 15 2005, 12:12 PM)

I was just looking at magnum specs and the are rated at 2000 lbs for towing. Doesn't seem like enough, but I like em. Had one as a rental car loads of fun turning of the traction control and hanging the tail out. I thought a ridgeline would be interesting until I saw one in the flesh. The sides of the bed are so high it would be a pain in the butt get anything in it. Nick

Magnum with V8 and tow package can handle 3800 lbs.