Grampa Kilt Has Gone to the Dark Side, Sort've!

[GrampaKilt]

Several years ago, in the original LL forum, I mentioned that I was towing a 14DB with a VW Jetta TDI equipped with a custom WD hitch plus electric brakes, of course. This unleashed a barrage of posts, mostly negative to put it mildly. Many predicted this so-called unsafe combination would surely spell doom for myself, my family and the traveling public, if not my TV. Fast forward to 2017 and my Jetta is no more, literally! No, it wasn't calamity. Rather, it was an ill-conceived plan by some VW executives to allow the installation of software to defeat EPA testing of nitric oxide (NO) emissions. The class action suit was settled this year. We took the VW buy back worth several times the 2015 value of our Jetta. As the agent handed me the cheque, he stated the fate of our Jetta would be the crusher, EPA's orders.

This left us without a TV or main vehicle for that matter. We buy new and understood we would need a 6 cyl. SUV/car with enough torque and at least a 6 speed HD transmission for towing; all at an affordable price point (mid 30's maximum, CAD$$, in case you're wondering). It soon became obvious that manufacturers are only installing those specs in their high end lines, if that. It was our son who mentioned looking at pickups. I almost choked. (You see, I had argued against buying a pickup for towing just because big auto says I need to.) But, then he mentioned the fleet price of a well-equipped GMC Sierra 1500, 5.3L V8, double cab, 4WD, regular box, would be in the low 30's. I am pragmatic, if nothing else. I rationalized that an affordable new P/U was simply becoming our new 'main' family vehicle. We really like the Sierra, although a tripling of fuel costs is still hard to take. Here's hoping that Pinstriper, et al, sleep easier knowing that Grampa Kilt now has more than enough tow vehicle! GK

[Pinstriper]

When the student is ready, the teacher appears.

Nice rig !

[Steve Sanders]

My last TV was a 2010 Golf TDI. It went back to VW also. I still miss the car and fuel economy! I was just pulling a 6.0 with it though.

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[Paul]

Nice! We need pictures!

[Steve Sanders]

If you have a Livin' Lite Quicksilver owner's manual with a front cover that has pictures, you already have pictures of my 6.0 and two of my tow vehicles. Both full width photos are mine. 2008 Honda Fit sport and the 2010 Golf TDI.

I tried to upload color originals, but my cell phone and this app aren't cooperating. I think the picture files are in the cloud so they won't attach.

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[whitefish]

When the student is ready, the teacher appears.

OMG thats too funny  . Just need a picture of kung fu panda now.

[gibby]

In addition to the "More Gas", you will also notice that most parking lots were not designed with full size pick-ups in mind. (my first observation when I moved up to a F150 from a Mid size SUV)

On a positive note, you will ready for any thing now (weather for instance).

[Popup2012]

You should have my 150.  I bought the 4 door 150 with the 6.5 bed so I could put my bikes in the bed without taking the front wheels off.   I now always park in the back of a parking lot and never in a normal parking space.

[catmanriff]

I love towing with my F150. I have the smaller extra cab and a short bed, which makes for slightly easier parking and maneuvering. Of course we are only towing the QS10.0. The truck bed makes loading plastic storage tubs easy too. At some point I may look at something like a Honda Pilot but I'm really starting to like the new Ridgeline

[Merlin]

I love towing with my F150. I have the smaller extra cab and a short bed, which makes for slightly easier parking and maneuvering. Of course we are only towing the QS10.0. The truck bed makes loading plastic storage tubs easy too. At some point I may look at something like a Honda Pilot but I'm really starting to like the new Ridgeline

I test drove the new Ridgeline last year and was really impressed. I was not impressed at the time that dealers in our area were getting over MSRP because of the limited supply. I'm sure that's no longer the case, so might be worth looking again.

[mojospeople]

Congrats on the new TV. I'll carry on the VW tradition albeit with a gas SUV for you Grandpa K. Like you, I have so far resisted the jump to a truck since I don't want one for a daily driver. The parking spots at work are tiny and the walk from the outer lot to my desk is probably 1/3 to 1/2 mile in often crappy weather. After one season with the Touareg and 16TBS I am very happy with my choice. I'm sure it would be easier to tow with a full size pu but the VW does a respectable job even up in the mountains and the midwest wind. With help from some members here I spent a lot of time last year figuring out my tow weights and loads. So glad I did because it gives me the confidence to know that we're traveling safe. Can't wait to get it back out this spring!

[whitefish]

Grampa I have the same tow vehicle as you and yes the fuel costs are hard to swallow.  My 2011 doesn't get great gas mileage towing or otherwise.  I'm looking hard at a Colorado or Canyon with the 2.8l Duramax.  More than enough for my 16DB as it puts out almost the same amount of torque as my 5.3l.

I rented a 2018 Sierra with a 5.3l for work and was stunned at the gas mileage.  Combined city/hwy was just around 21 US mpg and the best I got was 26! Same transmission and rear end gears as my 2011.  Maybe its time for a tune up 

[Dogkinkead]

My first TV was a 2002 Jeep Liberty, after 150k miles it just got too expensive to maintain but it was a dream parking it at work in the underground parking garage.  I've moved up to a 2014 Tacoma access cab, still staying with the V6 but towing my 13QBB is a dream with the Taco, I don't even use the heavy anti sway bar system originally sold for the Liberty.  All that being said, there are options that are smaller than a full size PU...but I still miss the turn ratio of the Liberty.

[dlb53151]

Interesting discussion.  We are towing our 2016 16TBS with our 2004 4-Runner.  We replaced the engine with only 100k miles on it last summer. Although the body is in great shape the vehicle has a lot of underside rust (WI winters...).  Our other vehicle, a loaded 2016 Nissan Maxima, has a lease expiration in December so I am thinking about buying a truck to replace it with, to use as our primary TV.  Trying to decide between the Honda Ridgeline RTL-E and Ford F-150 XLT.  We love the new Ridgeline styling and ride, but like the beefier towing capability of the F150.   

Any advice would be great - thanks!


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[dlb53151]

Speaking of tow vehicles - check out these pics I took on the highway in Milwaukee recently. Now that's a TV lol.




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