Bad idea. I never had a big problem with my rodeo until I got my towrig. First time I towed my rodeo somewhere, I snapped a rear shaft 10 minutes into the trail. Having it strapped to the trailer musta weakened it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

Seriously, for an SAS rig (especially one that has not been trail tested), its a no brainer to tow it. Provides much better peace of mind. Sure its kind of cool to be able to drive down the highway at 70 then drive right onto the trails. But the first time your junk breaks and you miss work on Monday, that coolness is pretty much gone.

IMO, for the tow rig, get at least a half ton, 3/4 would be better. For that load, a small block gasser will do fine, I'm happy with my vortec 350. Diesel would be nice of course, but everyone wants too much, just cause its a diesel. Joe Darlington has towed his 94 rodeo with his 2002 plenty of times, and it did fine, but its really not ideal.

True, however, its also more a game of numbers than simply choosing something that can pull the load (which I agree, a 1/2-ton can get the job done). Whether a diesel is needed is debatable, but few would argue the difference in terms of loaded fuel mileage between the two.. its often the distinction between single digits vs double digits. With todays fuel prices, thats worth consideration. If it was me, I would at least explore diesel, something like an old 12v cummins or 7.3L powerstroke if you're trying to stay on the cheap. and remember, most of the time when you're trailering, it isn't to hit your local wheelin spot 10 minutes away... you're typically covering some distance and sub 10mpg sucks at almost $3/gal.


-Rob

I was toying with this issue a while back...ultimately I shied away from the precipice of having a trailer queen, for a variety of reasons.

My current Tahoe could serve as a tow rig if needed, but I hate to lock myself into the gas mileage penalty of having a tow-capable vehicle as a daily driver in the future...and I definitely don't want 3 vehicles.

A big problem is I don't have room for a trailer at home. My best option for trailer storage is my in-laws place, some 40 miles away. Really my only towing option is to flat-tow, which is OK as long as the rig can still track properly while being towed after the run. But some trail problems are more severe than that.

While trailering probably increases your overall chances of getting home at the desired time, tow rigs (and trailers for that matter) break down too.

I also almost never wheel alone, so help is usually available if needed.

And last but not least, my Trooper will get much better mileage than my Tahoe towing my Trooper would...

[shrug]There are pros and cons both ways, but that is the way I see it right now. If I have a series of trail break-downs in the future, this opinion may be subject to change <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Just for reference, my tow rig is a 2000 GMC 3500 crew cab long bed- a little over 6k empty. I've always gotten 11 mpg towing, and 17-19 empty. IIRC thats a couple less than most diesels?

Of course I agree a diesel would be nicer. Its just the initial costs are higher, so it seems like you gotta put a lot of towing miles on it before you get that money back.

Yea, my truck tips the scales at 7k lbs empty plus over 10k of Rodeo + trailer. I get the same as you empty, 17-19mpg, but towing, I average around 14mpg loaded... and thats regardless of if I'm zipping along at 80mph or coasting at 60mph.


-Rob

I would strongly advise a trooper as the tow rig. I would go with a 3/4 ton truck there is no point in buying a tow rig if it takes all the enjoyment out of going on the trip.

I towed with my brothers 98 rodeo my 94 rodeo it was only 20 miles on a car dolly stopping was scary. I have towed the rodeo and a 79 full size bronco on a car hauler with no brakes with my 2500hd and stopping a breeze. A good cross wind could throw the trooper over.

I have a friend he claimed his cherokee XJ towed his wrangler great. but he got yanked by the trailer and rolled both over. I would only use an isuzu to tow in a pinch the brakes are not even close up to the task.

I got 9 mpg towing a 2000lb boat from california with my 94 that is big block mileage

yeah i got my head straight now haha. I did find a truck I'm going to try to take a look at this week. 2000 f250 2wd reg cab xlt, 129k miles. has the towing package, the 5.4 gasser and a 5spd. it would probably get decent milage empty and would pull the rig ok. looks good too. the seller is asking a lot below book, otherwise I wouldn't be too interested in a reg cab. If the vin checks out and it's not beat, it might find it's way to my driveway.

Sounds like a good deal. Is it long bed? Might wanna shy away from a reg cab/ short bed. I like the manual trans though. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Here's one that might be worth a look-see, in Raleigh:
[b]1987 Chevy 2500, 4x2, 454cid, 104K miles ~ for $2500[/b]

If it's not a pig, then what you save up-front on the purchase price would go a long way in helping to feed that big block <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />


<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I'd say away from the big block market. Those get the same gas mileage towing or empty which will be lucky to hit double digits. At least with a small block gasser, you'll notice the load is back there while towing, but you'll get good numbers when empty.

-Rob