Luxo-Ute tow vehicles

[JB]

I'm a little embarrassed to mention this here, but this is where the guys who know, and don't get into ego games, are.<br /><br />I Have a Mercedes ML320 that I have had for 3 years. I have towed my BW Montauk 17 all over the continent with it. The only complaints have been that it wanted to climb the Rockies in 3rd (5 Sp Auto) gear. Lots of revs.<br /><br />It towed a BW 18 Outrage back to Texas from FL. Again, no complaints, except that she spent every mild grade in 3rd gear at 4000-5000rpm. What is she gonna do if I give her a moderate or steep grade?<br /><br />I have been offered a V8 Toyota Land Cruiser at a very attractive price. The 2000 has 40K miles. It drives very nice: quiet, comfy, etc. It is HEAVY, at over 5100#.<br /><br />Anyone have any experience with this vehicle? What do you think about it for towing the BW 18 (1250# plus engine and etc=, maybe 2500#.<br /><br />Red sky at night... <br /><br />JB

 

[mwisehart]

Re: Luxo-Ute tow vehicles

The Toyota will work fine, but again its power to weight ratio is a little low, you may experience transmission hunting and hig revs on steep grades. Don't let the transmission hunt, drop it to 3 and let the engine rev. I do believe the Toy will give more satisfaction. I have not owned the new generation LC, but the last gen LC was adequate. Now if you want real power go with an Excursion with the Diesel---that baby can tow!!!!!

 

[12Footer]

Re: Luxo-Ute tow vehicles

JB, I tow my Bayliner with a 1994 Toyota pickup. It has the 4cyclinder,22RE engine, and does fine.I am concerned about overheating te little transmission, but the truck never complains. I realise that this is not the same as a full size V8 Yota, but I just wanted to testify to the quality.<br />I never tow (even my baby bass rig) with the O/D on,and wouldn't reccomend doing so.<br />I don't suspect the V8Yota will hunt too bad, but if you get this truck,and find out it does hunt,be sure to put an aftermarket transmission cooler on it.

 

[6MISFITZ]

Re: Luxo-Ute tow vehicles

Most all V-8 rigs will tow, but it is important that the vehicle come with factory towing equipment such as engine AND transmission oil coolers with a good hitch. If it is equipped properly, chances are it will have a HIGHER rear axle ratio which means the world when towing up hills. I tow my 2150 Bayliner with my 4.3L V6 Astro van and the 3.73 does very well when compared to an old van with a 3.42 ratio.

 

[MIKE F]

Re: Luxo-Ute tow vehicles

J.B.<br />I(unfortunately) don't have any experience with the Land Cruiser.I do know that the 2002's are rated for 6500# which I'm sure you are aware.I believe they are equipped for towing right from the factory-nothing to add on like coolers etc.I don't see how you'd have any problems towing 2500# or less with that vehicle.

 

[Waterful Life]

Re: Luxo-Ute tow vehicles

J.B.<br />The pulling power/torque is indeed important but just as or MORE important is being able to STOP! Not knowing much about the brake system Toyota has on the Land Cruiser but you should ensure they are big enough (In which I would bet they are) to stop ALL the time especially if/when they get hot. I would also guess that the towing capacity on the Toy is more than the Benz...<br /><br />Safe Trailering & Boating!<br /><br />"My boat is....THE OTHER WOMAN" <br />

 

[Navigator]

Re: Luxo-Ute tow vehicles

Hey J.B.<br />Trading in the ML? The Toyota Land Cruiser s a nice beast and would probably give you the added grunt you need on the steep grades.<br />Not quite as refined as the ML (sorry, personal opinion here), but overall its a very durable piece of machinery.<br /><br />But have you considered the ML500 ?? <br />Seems more your style <br /><br />Nav

 

[DJ]

Re: Luxo-Ute tow vehicles

J.B.<br /><br />When towing-there is "no replacement for displacement". The Toy will definetaly do better than the MB. Just be aware that the Toy. four valve engine likes to rev. and needs rev's to produce horsepower.

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Luxo-Ute tow vehicles

This might sound strange coming from a non-American, but I have always found that American vehicles are the best for towing boats. They are tougher, better built and generally have more grunt. I wish it was easier to source the bigger U.S. models here in New Zealand, but for now I'll settle with my Explorer (even with Firestone tyres) - the best boat towing vehicle on the ramp.<br /><br />God bless Detroit !<br /><br />...now, where was I ?

 

[mikeblare]

Re: Luxo-Ute tow vehicles

I myself have neither, my father does, neither the mercedes nor the bmw suv's were meant for real towing. I believe thats why they only come with an inch and a quarter receiver. The toyota land cruiser and the toyota tundra are the only two imports I would to with. The land cruiser is a serious machine with good power and serious brakes and will with stand all kinds of abuse. You are obviously a man (or woman) of means if you want the luxury and the power why not the caddy escalade or the ford excursion. Both look good at "The Club" and both have more than enough of what you need. Even the MB 500 isnt enough truck its the same thing with a bigger motor.

 

[JB]

Re: Luxo-Ute tow vehicles

Howdy, Mike.<br /><br />I disagree. My ML has a class III reciever and is rated for 5000lb.<br /><br />I borrowed a Lexus LX470 (the Toyota with a bigger price tag) and towed the 18 around with it. It is so heavy, and the transmission is so old-tech that it didn't do as well as my V6 ML320.<br /><br />I am keeping my ML and selling the 18.<br /><br />Hi, Kiwi. If you think that the Caddy/Chevy Escalade or the Expedition are luxury vehicles you and I have very different ideas about what luxury is. I agree that they are both very strong and reliable trucks and that you can get them with an extra $10 grand of "options", but they are still huge, awkward trucks.<br /><br />No truck except an ML drives like a Mercedes or rides like a Mercedes. At the clubs I visit Rangers and F150s are the norm. I don't care what they think of my truck. I only care what I think of my truck.