Want to learn what others use for towing

[mainah]

Wow that's really good I just got back from Canada pulling my T1700 with a 6 cylinder Tacoma and did not do nearly that well like half that. You are right about the diesel it is the way to go my commuter is a VW TDI and even if I drive it like I stole it I still get at least 50 MPG. I love my Toyota but I would trade it tomorrow if they offered a new one with a turbo diesel and it's got less then 10,000 miles on it.

[LisaKana]

TDI's are amazing. Do you have a auto or stick?. The early 80's Rabbit truck got the same kind of Mileage 50+.

A friend of mine put a programer on 2001 3/4 ton, 2500, & claimed to be getting over 30 w/ his Cummns diesel in economy mode.

[mainah]

Mine is a 5 speed I have done as well as a tenth or two below 60 MPG and it's fun to drive unlike other hyper mileage cars more then enough power even with 216K on it. I think your friend maybe be streching it a bit that thing still weights 5,000+ all though diesels react to chipping far better then a gas engine.

[MACK C-85]

The best I've done with my '04 2500/Cummins is just short of 22 on the road with just me, the wife, and 2 kids in it. So, I wouldn't be surprised that he's pushing 30.

[LisaKana]

Originally Posted by mainah

Mine is a 5 speed I have done as well as a tenth or two below 60 MPG and it's fun to drive unlike other hyper mileage cars more then enough power even with 216K on it. I think your friend maybe be streching it a bit that thing still weights 5,000+ all though diesels react to chipping far better then a gas engine.

I agree mainah, VW TDI's are the best, way better than a hybrid all the way around. What year is yours again? At 216K it's still a baby!

It's too bad that we can't get the diesel hybrids that get like 70 mpg's like they have in Europe. That would be the only hybid I'd want. The critics all like the sporty feel & handling of a TDI as well.

Diesel duz it better,
Dave

[LisaKana]

Originally Posted by mainah

Wow that's really good I just got back from Canada pulling my T1700 with a 6 cylinder Tacoma and did not do nearly that well like half that. You are right about the diesel it is the way to go my commuter is a VW TDI and even if I drive it like I stole it I still get at least 50 MPG. I love my Toyota but I would trade it tomorrow if they offered a new one with a turbo diesel and it's got less then 10,000 miles on it.

The old Toyota diesels from the early 80'2 were killin'! I think they make 'em new for other county's but we don't allow them here.

[mainah]

Yes Toyota has a very nice diesel small truck but not for north America. The old one's got 40+ MPG but were not real powerful. Rumor has it that VW is building a diesel hybid I know they have a deal with China to build batteries coupled to a 1.3L turbo diesel that will get in excess of 100MPG too bad it won't pull a Sunline!

[LisaKana]

Correct, too bad it won't be able to pull a Sunline. Did Sunline ever make a small slide in for a compact or midsize truck? We have a 9 1/2 foot for our Dodge 3500 (not a compact at all) & people were amazed just how much room there was in it when we were having people look at ours this past weekend tailgating. We changed some minds esp w having a private bathroom, no standing in lines to use the outside jobsite John! Plus the only real setup we have to do is to put up the awning.

Lisa's dad used to pull a small 5th wheel w/ his compact Nissan truck. On the electric side of a hybrid, they are able to produce much more torque, compared to the engine they are mated with. So a standing start shouldn't be so bad w a small unit.