WHB Porsche

I LOVE the new Megacab 3500. Towed a 28ft. trailer from North NJ to Miami in one shot, stopping only for gas, by myself. Truck was rock solid, and amazingly easy to drive. The interior is decent, too. Plus, the fender flares (on the 2008 model) look better than any dually out there, FWIW.

U4EEAH

[QUOTE=Veloce Raptor;7558945]Daily driver too? Get a 2004-2006 Suburban or Yukon XL 3/4 ton (2500) with the 8.1 liter gas engine.
SPOT ON !!! Lots of good advise here, but this is the ultimate dual purpose vehicle. The platform is as solid and stable as any 3/4 ton pickup, the 8.1 pulls darn near as strong as any diesel, and most importantly, the Yukon/Suburban/Avalanche rigidity due to NOT having a separate "box/bed " gives a ride and handling that NO pickup can equal!!!! Hauls like a Mack truck, pampers like a Caddy. I am so disappointed that my '05, with 140,000 miles can not be duplicated. Find a low mileage one, you won't be disappointed

jshudson

As said above, it the stability of a 3/4 ton truck that makes the difference. I just towed a 24' enclosed trailer loaded (9k lbs) with a Chevy 2500HD crew cab (Duramax/Allison) a 1000+ miles over two days. One incident salong the way sums it up for me. An idiot driver pulled from an on ramp into my lane and I had no where to go. I had to slam on brakes (an event I never hope to repeat) to avoid a huge wreck. Only the length/weight of a big tow truck saved me to be here writing about this. You may need it only once in your life, but to me it is worth it....

race911

And here at the end I find the salient post. If you've been in an accident while trailering (or had a near miss) you won't skimp. While it's only been a handful of times, it's sobering to realize you're towing a load that's equivalent in value to a house. Even at Bay Area prices.........

M758

Years ago I had a incident that opened my eyes. I was towing my 944 with my 4.0L Jeep Cherokee. It did ok at at best. Well I was leaving gas station headed for the freeway ready to turn left. Light turned red sort of late I got in the brakes.. To my horror the truck just kept going. I finally stopped with Jeep in the middle of the iintersection. Lucky for me it was late and there was zero traffic, but I never really felt comfortable with they way I could not stop at all.
It was not long after I got the 2500 dodge.

John H

Towing an open trailer with a 2002 996 on it with a Ford Expedition down the hill at Watkins Glen (if you've been there, you know the one) stood on brakes just kept going right on through the intersection. I was laying on the horn and the brakes were smoking! Looked like the fog was rolling in. Fortunately, everyone saw me coming, including the guy on the motorcycle. Scared the p!$$ out of me.

fullquack

I use a 2003 GMC 2500 SLT standard cab. 4x4, optioned up to a 1ton with a 8.1 liter gasoline big block, coupled to an allison 5spd. with 3.89 gears. Pulls anything, any time, any where, at any speed @ 9-13 miles per gallon (loaded or empty), with no stinky diesel fumes!
Enough said.
Mark

gums

From the sound of all this I'm thinking that I have to reconsider my choice. I'm towing a 2900lb 944S2 on a 1000lb open aluminum trailer, and was considering a GMC Acadia. I want the smallest 6 pass truck that will tow it, but now I'm thinking that cuts it too close. Chevy and GMC won't even lease Yukons or Tahoes now, so was considering this Acadia at 0% financing. Bad move?

IcemanG17

great info......while the tundra is quite strong for a 1/2 ton truck, it still is a 1/2 ton truck.....

It appears the best towing options are something 2500 GM with the 8.1L gas engine or 2500 diesel from any of the big three..

M758

Yes, but if you stay open trailer the 5.7 Tundra would a perfect fit. It is only when you go enclosed are you going to start losing margin on a 1/2 ton.

IcemanG17

True.....but since it would be a daily driver as well, the 1/2 ton is easier to live with....

The best answer is to find a used 2500 diesel or 8.1L and keep it as a tow only vehicle!! Tempting..... if I could get the boss to "approve" it....

Of course I still need a trailer.....but thats another topic

Mark Anderson

Ditto. I tow my 7k enclosed and it will get a speeding ticket up any grade plus is nice to drive as a daily driver.
BTW mine is the 2007 which is the 400 hp 6.2

Sean F

I think everybody who tows to WG has had that fear coming down that hill.

One of the great things about towing with a big @ss diesel is engine braking. Makes a big difference.

I've had enough close calls now that I won't ever tow without a big diesel with a long wheel base. Just like the point where you go from a dual purpose car to a full track car, it's a huge step up when you go to the full on tow vehicle. Doesn't work for everyone, but if you can swing it - do it (to the OP, not John).

jrgordonsenior

If you're facing a steep downhiill like the one leaving WG or Laguna, bump up the controller to the point of impending lockup on the the trailer.....

IcemanG17

They are making a Denali HD next year....with the 397hp-765 torque turbo diesel!!

http://www.gmc.com/2011sierra/denali/index.jsp

That would be the best of both worlds....all the luxury and comfort in a package that can tow 15,000lbs