V6 vs. V8 to Pull The Z

sixpax

... just curious if anyone has used a V6 PU to pull the Z around ... or any 3,000 pound car for that matter. Ever being the cheap skate that I am I have been somewhat bummed at the cost of V8 versus V6 trucks ... mainly been looking at GMC Sierra 1500's or Silverado 1500's and the difference on getting a used one with a V8 and stay in my price range means a truck with a chitload of miles on it ... V6 drops ALOT in price and much lower mileage. Just not sure if a V6 is even realistic to be looking at to drag the Z around. As far as trailer it would be an open aluminum.

Thoughts or input appreciated. I did search but but didn't really see much about about this.

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DR_

Can you do it, yes. But it isn't near as safe and it is a lot more work. Even with smaller V8's it still takes more work than I would like, especially when tired after a long weekend. I like that in my Armada I can just set my cruise on 75mpg (legal limit here in Texas) and relax on my way home..
I can understand that you want save some money so you might consider a V8 work van as they typically depreciate the most and make a nice place to camp in when staying overnight at the track.

ChrisSlicks

I agree, the vans are cheaper and have exactly the same running gear as the trucks, and a crap load more secure covered storage. You can even get them in the HD models capable of towing up to 10,000 lbs. Only downside is you look like a child molester (if you write "free candy" on the side) or a electrician/plumber when driving without a trailer attached.

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cossie1600

Haha yes, rape vans we call it

sixpax

LOL ... I would probably graphic it to match the car so hopefully that would look better than like "LUCKY'S ICE CREAM CONES" ... any suggestions on a make and model ?

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Mike

how about the new Ford V6 turbo?

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NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z
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ChrisSlicks

Plenty of power but overpriced. Not many on the used market at this point.

Look at the Chevy Express vans, 1500 (5.3L) or 2500 (6L). Used they are fair bit cheaper than their truck equivalents.

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DR_

That is a whole different story. My dad bought one a couple months ago and they tow great, better than my Armada. Better power, much better brakes, built in brake controller, really a solid towing rig. I towed on the Million Dollor Hwy in Colorado and the turbo really does great at altiitude.

Shamu

I haul my 3000 lb 370z on 1700 lb trailer with my 2012 v6 Jeep Grand Cherokee. My jeep is equipped with tow package.

Frankly it hauls just as we'll as my 2009 v8 Chevy Silverado. Actually feels safer!

I have plenty of power. I can stop quickly. Never feels like trailer is overpowering the car.

And I get 17 to 18 mpg towing when it's flat.

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Grant

Mike

At the moment, when my Mustang lease is up, I am planning on trading the expedition in on a Cayenne diesel to use as both daily driver and tow rig.

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NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z
Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968

Tazicon

You tow that much with a unibody vehicle? I don't know I would just have a problem with that. Not saying it can't do it but thats a LOT of weight for a Grand.

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Shamu

You know the new gen Grands are on new stout Mercedes chassis right? V8 Grand on same chassis is rated at 7400 lbs. Germans make their chassis to tow. Dang thing weighs 5000 lbs. it's like it's made from solid steel ingot! Lol! Just saying this isn't your average unibody vehicle.

Has all sorts of awesome engineering focused on towing too! Anti-sway technology, tranny that locks gears, extra oil and tranny cooling.

I have thousands of miles towing with 2009 Silverado v8 Crewcab with same trailer and car. The jeep stops quicker and feels better towing. Only thing it gives up is a little grunt on real steep hills but frankly the jeep will pull mountain grades at 60 to 65 mph no problem.

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Grant

Mitco39

You dont want this to happen...

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clintfocus

so the guy was towing his e36 with his 5 series wagon? O_O

Shamu

Suspect that trailer wasn't rated for weight of the car loaded on top, car towing wasn't rated for that load, tongue weight not balanced, speeding, not slowing down when sway was happening.

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Grant