[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

@rice_classic What's the budget for a reliable tow vehicle and trailer to get the racecar to the track?

Hugely depends on how much you want to work on something, how much you are towing and how often/far.

I spent a bit over 10k on my 10 year old Chevy Suburban, but it's a 3/4 ton with the 8.1 big block which has a larger rear end, axles and beefier transmission. Payload is a fair bit over 2,000lbs and tow rating is 12,000lbs.

A diesel of similar vintage like the Ford PSD 7.3's in 250 or 350 trim (prefer 350 dually) are around the same cost, more with lower miles, etc but lacked the interior storage which I wanted (out of the weather, etc).

On the smaller side, a Toyota 4Runner V8 from 05-09 will tow up to ~7,000lbs and do so very reliably. You can spent ~15k on a decent one with 100-150k and it'll last a good long time but I wouldn't try to pull an enclosed trailer with one. Shorter wheelbase so less stable towing also. For a bit more, a 5.7 Sequoia or whatever works as well. About the same capacity but a larger vehicle. Also 08+ so look at 20k or more probably.

Some say VW Touareg.. but I don't trust VWs to be reliable long term. Easier to find than the Toyotas and cheaper with lower mileage.. so no one else does either Supposedly the second gen is better but more expensive.

Or you can spend 30-70k and buy a new tow vehicle

I also know some people who have bought old F150s for 3-6k that will work, but I'd limit long distance towing.

Most important thing to look at IMO is payload and tow rating. Don't look at just the tow rating. You may find that you have no capacity for more than 2 people and a few bags of clothes....

Oh yeah, if you don't mind creeper vans, those can tow very well also. You can even get PSD 7.3 E series Fords.