[Rhodes22-list] Reply to Weber on Chevy

Wed Apr 27 21:36:22 EDT 2005

Bob, 
	GM makes two small truck transmissions.  The heavy duty is the only
way to go from what I am finding out.  I do not know if the trail blazer can
be had with the heavy duty transmission, but if it can, I am told it is
worth the extra money.  That is four speed overdrive built to tow for small
trucks.  It is generally the transmission put into 2500 series and 3500.
The word on the street is that it is good, durable.
	I have been going thru the same research since I got back from the
Ukraine.  While I was gone a large tree took out my old van.  Thanks to
Rummy, my boat is back in the water.  
	I would love that diesel jeep that was mentioned, but having driven
a full size van towing a R22, I am not convinced that anything less will do.
There is a reason why Elton uses full sized vans.  He usually reads emails
but seldom responds.  His opinions would be worth the van's weight.

Ed K
Greenville, SC, USA

-----Original Message-----
From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
[mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of Mark Kaynor
Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 5:06 PM
To: 'The Rhodes 22 mail list'
Subject: RE: [Rhodes22-list] A Tow Veh. question.

Slim,

We towed Raven from Syracuse, NY to Blacksburg, VA, made another trip from
BBG to the Chesapeake, then from BBG to Maine w/ a Jeep Grand Wagoneer - no
problems. The shorter wheelbase was fine - longer would have been better,
but we were fine. The 4WD was nice. The gas mileage was horrible.

Mark 

-----Original Message-----
From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
[mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of Steve Alm
Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 3:57 PM
To: Rhodes
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] A Tow Veh. question.

Rik,

I keep waiting for you to jump in on this thread.  I'd guess you probably
tow with a 4x4 pick-up.  How would towing be with the shorter wheel base of
an SUV?

Slim

On 4/26/05 7:26 AM, "Wally Buck" <tnrhodey at hotmail.com> wrote:

> Slim,
> 
> Have you considered front mounted hitch for your van. It would keep 
> the rear drive out of the slickest part of the ramp.
> 
> It looks like Jeep has a diesel 4 x 4 Liberty out that is rated to tow 
> 5000 and get about 27 MPG on the highway. Maybe we will see more diesels
follow.
> Liberty has a short wheel base but for towing a couple of times a year 
> it might be OK.
> 
> By the way I use a 94 S10 Blazer to tow my Rhodes but other than 
> initial haul from WI I haven't towed more than 50 miles.
> 
> Wally
> 
>> From: Steve Alm <salm at mn.rr.com>
>> Reply-To: The Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>> To: Rhodes <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>> Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] A Tow Veh. question.
>> Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 15:21:57 -0500
>> 
>> Bob,
>> This is an issue with me too.  I use a Ford E250 full-size cargo 
>> van--rear wheel drive, V8.  I'm considering a 4 X 4 because my rear 
>> tires spin when I'm maneuvering on grass (we park the boat in the 
>> yard sometimes) or wet, steep ramps.  Maybe I just need better tires 
>> like Rummy says, and I hate to give up my longer wheel base, but I'm 
>> thinking Blazer, Explorer, Cherokee, Jimmy--I don't know.  I would 
>> think a 5600 lbs. rating would be more than enough.  I think my boat 
>> and trailer come in at about 4400 or less.  Other opinions, please?
>> Slim
>> 
>> On 4/25/05 2:43 PM, "Bob Weber" <ruba1811 at hotmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>>> Hi all I am considering buying a vehicle to tow the boat.  It will 
>>> be my full time car with only about a week of towing a year.  I am 
>>> looking at
>> the
>>> Chevy Trailblazer.  The transmission is rated to tow 5600 poundes.  
>>> Not quite the margin I wanted but with gas prices and the little 
>>> amount I
>> plan
>>> to tow I think it is a good compromise.  In my price range I can get 
>>> a
>> new 2
>>> wheel drive version or a USED 4x4.  Has anyone relyed on a 2 wheel 
>>> drive veh. to launch and unlaunch for any length of time?  If so 
>>> please tell
>> me if
>>> you seriously wished for a 4X4.  Any thoughts are appreciated.  
>>> Thanks
>> Bob
>>> Weber
>>> 
>>> 
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>> 
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> 
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