Here is the latest list of Reader suggested tow vehicles:
ernie from Michigan: Silverado 1500HD 4x4 crew cab
Mark: '76 Cadillac Fleetwood
ernie from Michigan: Silverado 1500HD 4x4 crew cab
Mark: '76 Cadillac Fleetwood
Don: 4WD Rav4 would be excellent.
Mister Ed picked [5] tow vehicles!:
1. Nissan Frontier - U.S. News Overall Score: 7.3/10.
2. GMC Canyon (tie) - U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10.
3. Chevrolet Colorado (tie) - U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10.
4. Honda Ridgeline - U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10
5. Toyota Tacoma - U.S. News Overall Score: 8.9/10.
Tom Lorbeer: I would recommend getting a Subaru Outback
Dennis Cudd: Chevrolet Avalanche Pickup
Michael: How about a Class B MotorHome?
1. Nissan Frontier - U.S. News Overall Score: 7.3/10.
2. GMC Canyon (tie) - U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10.
3. Chevrolet Colorado (tie) - U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10.
4. Honda Ridgeline - U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10
5. Toyota Tacoma - U.S. News Overall Score: 8.9/10.
Tom Lorbeer: I would recommend getting a Subaru Outback
Dennis Cudd: Chevrolet Avalanche Pickup
Michael: How about a Class B MotorHome?
Dee Tillotson: Ford F-150 with a small eco-boost engine
Action Jackson: Toyota Tacoma
CarlGeo: I believe the correct tow vehicle is something like what RV Sue has. I believe her vehicle is a Chevrolet van.
N: Jeep Liberty model
| Patty & Peter: F-150 with 4wd. |
10:05 am:
Changing Tow Vehicles
There are a number of things to consider for my making a tow vehicle change. The list below is not shown by any priority:
➜ Should the solar panel be installed on the new tow vehicle or Scampy?
➜ How to carry all the tools and supplies now in Tránsito?
➜ Should all of Tránsito's bruises and dings be repaired in preparation for a sale?
➜ What would be the least expensive tow vehicle with the best gas mileage?
➜ If the new tow vehicle is going to allow the Scampy Team to go in to forests and other wild places, should Scampy's road clearance be raised?
➜ Dee Tillotson: "How much extra power and traction does my new tow vehicle need to have in order to get the Scampy Team out of possible trouble while climbing mountain roads, traversing dirt roads, and while camping in wild or forested areas?"
If you come up with additional things to add to this list, please comment!
12:05 pm:
Dometic Fridge Door
Several months ago, the white plastic decorative panel in the Dometic's door got slightly burned by the heat of the nearby Wave-3 heater.
We have been wanting to find something that would replace that plastic panel and found an aluminum decorative sheet at the Home Depot!
George installed that sheet yesterday!
Before
After
Note: Do you see George's reflection in the door panel? He is crouching to be in a position to take take a pic of the new door panel.
5:03 pm:
Mount Rainier
Little iPhone, who is sooooo quick, jumped up while we were on-the-road because he had spotted a huge snow covered mountain way off in the distance!
Nikon B500 may have a bunch of bells and whistles. However, B500 takes time to set up. Little iPhone, on the other hand, is ready in an instant. Like how he was today when Mount Rainier came into view between two buildings. And that view was visible for just a second!
14,410 foot above sea-level Mount Rainier
Viewed 87 miles from Seattle
10:30 pm:
Fords Prairie
Pretty neat name, Fords Prairie. Sounds really old!
About an hour ago as I was washing up supper dishes, Scampy's fresh water tank went dry. We broke camp and went looking for a gas station with a hose bibb. A Mobil station had one.
Now we have returned to the same campsite as before.
Steak for supper. Bought from Walmart.
On a scale of 1 to 10, this steak was a 4. 😟
On a scale of 1 to 10, this steak was a 4. 😟
.
I vote for putting "Twayler" in an rv park and living in it.
ReplyDeleteOK, Squire,
DeleteAnd here is you chance to do that!
1. Buy Twayler yourself.
2. Put Twayler in an RV park.
3. Go live in it.
4. Publish a blog about how it is going.
5. I'll comment in your blog about how you should be doing anything except living in an RV park and using Twayler as your RV.
George
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How much extra power and traction does my new tow vehicle need to have in order to get the Scampy Team out of possible trouble while climbing mountain roads, traversing dirt roads, and while camping in wild or forested areas?
ReplyDeleteDee,
DeleteIs your comment/question for me to answer?
I have no idea. However, I am confident that I'll come to know that answer.
George
.
George, you asked your commenters for questions to add to your questions list above.
DeleteOK, Dee,
DeleteI understand now. I'll add it.
George
.
I would guess you stand about 5.7 or 5,8
ReplyDeleteMy suggestion is based on a lot of things that you've said about your personal traits
10:05 am:
Changing Tow Vehicles
There are a number of things to consider for my making a tow vehicle change. The list below is not shown by any priority:
➜ Should the solar panel be installed on the new tow vehicle or Scampy?
➜ How to carry all the tools and supplies now in Tránsito?
➜ Should all of Tránsito's bruises and dings be repaired in preparation for a sale?
➜ What would be the least expensive tow vehicle with the best gas mileage?
➜ If the new tow vehicle is going to allow the Scampy Team to go in to forests and other wild places, should Scampy's road clearance be raised?
If you come up with additional things to add to this list, please comment!
I think a 1976 Fleetwood Cadillac would be good if you made it a hearse
Plenty of room for those bodily things you want to carry. And as a bonus
They even comes with a slide out tray, and a big flat roof,
If you Turn the purple light on people will even pull over for you.
Now Mr. Ed and action Jackson both suggested Tacoma's
My reasoning it's a smaller vehicle even the 4 door four-cylinder ( I would suggest the v6 ) 2 ( rear )wheel drive has a 3500 pound GVW tow package built-in with more than adequate ground clearance
You've only got a 1900 pound trailer,
You are not 6 foot six 250 pounds redneck. You don't need a big boat truck
As for a van for your driving habits would be like putting you in a bread truck
Answered in the order that you asked
1 } if you buy a truck ladder rack SUV ski rack
2} if you buy a truck or an SUV not a problem (just don't bring ALL your shop tools and your Powermatic Table saw)
3 } NO
4 } NONE (know 25% off EPA suggested mpg). (seeing as you don't utilize money for an RV park, convert that to gas)
5 } yes / no (truck or SUV tires 2 sizes up ) ( oversized tires only). (you're probably better off staying out of the pucker brush). I don't think you could run faster than Sasquatch
Ps most trucks SUV usually have sufficient ground clearance
.
All of the suggestions that we gave you when it comes to vehicles make the best choice suited for YOU
ReplyDeleteThe easiest way to see the vehicle that you're looking for is go to Carquest or auto nation The reason why I suggest either one of those two places is because you don't have pesky ass sales people playing puppy dog and blowing smoke up your backside to make a sale
They'll give you a fair trade the price you see is what you pay, they get paid by the hour not the car
You are responsible for doing your own homework you can look up any vehicle under used Nada book website will give you a price based on your ZIP Code
Ed,
DeleteThank you for your info about Carquest and Auto Nation. I did not know about what you wrote! 😎
George
.
How about a Ford Transit-250. It has rear wheel drive and a towing capacity of 5.400 lbs?
ReplyDeleteKeith,
DeleteVery likely would work great!
George
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Go to Rv Sue's website and copy everything she's done. Everythings seems to have worked out for her.
ReplyDeleteDavid,
DeleteOK.
George
.
What is the tow capacity rating? Should be on your list.
ReplyDeleteJanet,
DeleteI am not understanding what you mean by:
"...capacity rating...".
Would you please comment here again and let me know?
George
.
George,
ReplyDeleteI have followed you for some years and really enjoy your travel stories! Based upon your activities and your writings, I believe the correct tow vehicle is something like what RV Sue has. I believe her vehicle is a Chevrolet van, but Ford makes something very similar. That vehicle would tow your trailer with ease and with a 4 wheel drive, you would have few limitations with regard to terrain! Wishing you safe travels and enjoy your life-style!
Hi Carl,
DeleteThank you sooooo much for your compliment:
"I have followed you for some years and really enjoy your travel stories!"
I have added you Chevrolet Van suggestion to the list.
Thank you,
George
.
Your Transito has all of the traction in the front wheels, but the weight is on the rear wheels. I don't know if there is a weight distribution hitch for the size but you could have a weigh station determine the weight on each of the three axles.
DeleteCamelot,
DeleteThe tongue weight of my Scamp trailer is only 130 lbs.
George
.
Only you can decide what you want to do. Nobody knows Scampy and Transito better than you. Maybe a light weight WDH?
ReplyDeleteLBO,
DeleteDoes WDH stand for, Weight Distribution Hitch?
Scampy has a tongue weight of only 130 lbs.
George
.
Sorry I pressed the wrong key. For instance our Ford Escape with a six cyclinder engine was rated at 3500# towing rate. We would always drain all the tanks before leaving. We carried minimum stuff. Our trailer's dry weight was 3200. But it was still too heavy for our Ford Escape. It would overheat on the mountain passes. When we would factor in everything in our car (including us) our car was overworking. We had lots of stuff in the car (which has to be factored in the weight) along with us. Too much for the car. It didn't matter that we were under the towing rate. The entire capacity of the trailer and contents of the car was beyond the transmission to work properly. Your slipping on rain has more to do with the tongue weight than being overweight, but I am sure you are overtaxing your vehicle.
ReplyDeleteJanet,
DeleteYes, my Ford Transit is as you comment:
"....you are overtaxing your vehicle...."
I agree.
George
.
George, I guess a lot depends on your budget. Anything with rear-wheel drive will probably work with Scampy (trucks, SUV's, etc.).
ReplyDeleteYou know, I like the class-B idea. That way, everything is with you in a compact package. No hitch to worry about. You might have to slim down your tool cabinet.
Safe travels,
Mark in Sunny Palm Springs California.
Mark,
DeleteThere is no-way that I will give up Scampy, because I am sooooo comfortable living in Scampy!
Class B is not on my horizon.
Slim down? I carry tools and supplies. Are you suggesting that I, who love to do projects, give them up.
I know that you are not suggesting that. But your comment seems to indicate that you are. Are you?
George
.
I've long thought that a full sized van pulling a travel trailer is the way to go. The trailer to live in the van can hold the tools & toys. (My wife does not agree.)
DeleteBut I'm not sure you find a 4x4 full size van...
Well, OK, I WAS thinking that (slim down your tools). Since Scampy will stay in the picture, many good choices have been mentioned.
DeleteCan't wait to see what you pick to pull your palace!
Safe travels,
Mark in Sunny Palm Springs, CA.
Mark,
DeleteSlim down my tools?!
That will never happen because I love my projects
too much! !♥️!
George
.
George please go to a cat scale at any truck stop and get a front and rear axle weight with the trailer still hooked up
ReplyDeleteAnd then post the numbers front axle and back axle
Ed,
DeleteWhy should I bother to do that, Ed? I have checked the weight dozens of times. Won't change a thing.
George
.
But have you done what Ed is suggesting? A front axle only and a rear axle only weight? I believe those numbers will explain the lack of traction on your front wheel drive vehicle. It's not that expensive George.
DeleteBob Hines
DeleteYou and I both know he's not going to do it
At 81 he still thinks there's an angel sitting on his shoulder
He's going to just live with that problem
I'm proud of the fact that he wants his independence, and he wants to travel
I'm only afraid it's going to come around and bite him in the ass Big-time
Ed,
DeleteBite me? In the ass?? Big-time???
Ha!
George
.
I hope you don't mind me saving this comment when the time comes
DeleteHa !
Hi George!
ReplyDeleteI love reading your stories! Ten years following you! As you may remember, I used to tow a trailer before I bought my first motor home. There is no safe way to tow with a FWD. Eventually you'll loose grip. 4WD are the best for towing. My wife says hi. Check this link:
https://www.transwest.com/kansas-city/7-features-you-should-look-for-when-shopping-for-a-towing-vehicle
José,
DeleteI took a look at the link? Good information! Thank you!
I want to buy a 4WD vehicle.
George
.
PS: Say hi to your Wife from me!
4x4 truck and trade Scampy for a truck camper.
ReplyDeleteJeff,
Delete4x4 truck? Yes!
I am sooooo comfortable living in Scampy! Trade Scampy?
Never gonna happen!
George
.
Sell them BOTH and get a bigger rig with a slide out and get a 1000 Trails membership. Now you can live cheap, have daily showers, workout, be in nature, have some camaraderie with fellow fulltimers and move as often as you wish without needed to look for camps?!?
ReplyDeleteAvid,
DeleteWho are you to come here and blurt out your comment?
Have you read my Blog for even one single week? Wow!
George
.
Obviously not very avid!
DeleteUmmm, well George, I'm almost embarrassed to say I've read your blog from day one. I called myself NuNativs (New-Natives). You actually inspired me to become a fulltime Rver myself.
DeleteI once wrote an article about you as an inspirational nomad on my blog. I don't think you ever read it though I sent you a link to it.
You were one of the first I knew of making money online through Adsense. I ended up creating 4 RV websites and monetized them with Adsense to follow and that gave me enough income to quit working my job and hit the road fulltime.
As I have watched you and you have gotten older, I think because of your stubbornness, you're doing things the hard way. At the same time you enjoy luxury like taking a bath at a motel.
1000 Trails if you include the Trails Collection has over 200+ parks in the system. Most have a pool, a hot tub, full hookups, a lodge etc. You can stay as little as one day or up to 3 weeks with the Elite Connections Package which I have.
This would take the stressful parts of trying to boondock out of the equation and also give you a little "luxury". Most of the parks are in prime pieces of nature, not your typical RV park.
In my opinion, the older you get the harder this cat and mouse boondocking game is going to get. I'm just suggesting a way for you to stay on the road and eliminate the hassles and dangers while enhancing your comfort and health. Good luck.
NuNativs, a Lifelong Reader....
Dear NuNatives!
DeleteWow! Your comment is sooooo heartwarming and wonderful for me to read! Thank you so very much!
It may not be apparent thru my Blog writing, but I love what you described as "...this cat and mouse boondocking game...".
Maybe you are correct. When I get several years older I may cease to enjoy camping on the street. But for now, RVing and being free as a bird and going where I wish, camping where I wish makes me so darned happy!
George
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George, keep in mind that some 'AWD' (all wheel drive) vehicles are passive. Which means, that the vehicle may use only the front wheels while driving and will only activate the rears if the fronts slip.
ReplyDeleteI saw a show on Motorweek where they tested different AWD vehicles on a ramp, they could control the slippage. The passive AWD vehicles are rather lack luster compared to say a Jeep 4x4 (or any true 4x4).
Mark in PS
Mark,
DeleteI will try hard to keep your comment in my mind!
George
.
I can tell you that I've had no problems towing my Scamp16 (Brew Hut) with the Nissan Frontier 4x4 with the V6.
ReplyDeleteBJ,
DeleteAnd I too would have no problems towing my Scamp 13 with the same model and equipped Nissan!
George
.