SH || NC

Yep; I have considered renting, but find a truck or van to rent that can tow is a PITA locally; I've been through that exercise once already.

I would keep this vehicle at the storage facility with the trailer. I am thinking cheap Ford or Chevy pick up or van. Must be able to tow ~5k# safely.

I’ve never shopped for or owned such a vehicle, so I am looking for guidance.

Can I get such a vehicle for ~$5k?

ltc

Yes.
However, given the $5K price, a thorough safety inspection (suspension, frame, etc) would be in order.
Extra credit if you can find one that was equipped with heavy duty cooling/electrical.
Telescoping tow mirrors are also a plus.

A Ford van might be a good choice for availability/functionality, of course pickups are probably more common.

What you towing?
Enclosed/open?
Weight?
Spares/tools?

I would strogly recommend reading the Sherline towing guide and if possible, finding a tongue weight scale for initial setup.

ohenryinatlanta

u can buy HD vans fairly cheap.....

SH || NC

Lewis, Yeah, definitely will get a PPI somehow; I guess at a local dealer or shop.

Found this locally:

• '99 E250
• 214K
• $4K

or

• '02
• 188k
• $6k

As to what am I towing (~4k#) (link):

• Trailex 7541EB
• 996 GT3
• up to 2 sets of spares

In the truck, I only have a couple of track boxes (plastic storage bins), small cooler, camp chair, and jack.

ltc

Are the engines the same between the two?
Any options (cooling, electrical)?
What are the rear end ratios?

In karting, I know E series vans were quite popular and reliable, even when pulling enclosed aluminum trailers.
The van also is a bit more practical than a pickup truck (place to sleep, work, store parts, etc) if you are just towing an open trailer.

I would imagine a local Ford dealer would be able to help with an inspection.

MUSSBERGER

It won't be a 5k truck for long. Even more so if you are not prepared to do your own repairs.

IPguy

Ford HD van with PS diesel

Here are 40 under $10k: http://www.cars.com/for-sale/searchr...=50&slrTypeId=

fatbillybob

The quality of what you tow with not only makes the tow easier but also safer for you and the racecar. Towing a GT3 with a POS is not a wise idea. If it is a dual use gt3 drive it to the track. If it is a racecar then tow it with the proper equipment. Towing is just not cheap when done with a good margin of comfort and safety. How would you like your expensive gt3 to be stuck on the road behind a dead 200k mile beater truck? No thanks!

SH || NC

Valid point FBB; I've been thinking about that very scenario. For 5 or 6 events a year, I think I might sell the trailer as well and just drive or do arrive and drive if the cost is reasonable.

ltc

If you have abandoned the inexpensive tow vehicle, you might consider a trailer hitch and tire trailer behind the GT3 as an interim step.

SH || NC

I considered it Lewis, but the hitches are somewhat hard to find, and can't say I am totlaly sold on the idea of putting a load on those components that I don't think were designed for it; others I know have done it, but I do not think I am going to be convinced otherwise.

J richard

That rig is an easy tow. I pulled a heavier setup for years behind a x5 with no problems. If it never becomes a daily driver I wouldn't fool around with the up front costs of a diesel and just get a big gas 3/4 ton truck or full size SUV would do this easy. Saving the premium of the diesel will allow you to get a pretty good used truck. If however you have the room, and this is your first step down the rabbit hole, a enclosed trailer is not far behind. Most of the time that decision is limited by a place to keep it and the tow vehicle. If you have the room, a 3/4 or 1 ton truck with a 24-28ft enclosed is the way to go, I'd plan accordingly...

SH || NC

I agree JR; it is an easy tow, I just don’t utilize it enough. I slept on it, and decided this morning to sell the trailer. (link)