[A/S] tow vehicles

["jacklasallest" <jack@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

We're still churning through the tow vehicle selection process.

We have been talking to owners of all three makes, and have found that 
to a person, every one we've talked to, with the exception of one guy 
pulling a 32' SOB with a Ford Excursion, has thought theirs was the 
best for towing.  Our conclusion is that either one of the three (Ford 
/GM/Dodge) will get the job done.

Looking deep into our towing souls, we have come to the conclusion 
that the thing that is most likely to ruin our enjoyment is poor mpg's 
and not lack of power on hills.  I'm not sure why that is, but I know 
that if we are getting a few mpg's less than we could have been, it 
will bother us to the point that it takes the fun away.

>From a practical standpoint, we will be driving it empty far more than 
we will be towing, so that at least makes the mpg focus a little more 
rational.  (We will put on 50-75,000 miles per year, by the way).

SO...we are leaning toward a Ram, either a used '98 3500 loaded dually 
which we found at a dealer, or a new '03 quad cab.   The '98 has 71K 
on it and the dealer knocked off $3,000 for a lowest price of $22,900.
The used one is in excellent shape and looks brand new.


First question is whether any of you has an opinion on the selection 
of one vs the other.  I might add that spending more money is not the 
critical issue (and, no, I can't rationalize why spending more is not 
important to us and why the mpg's are!....we are all crazy in our own 
ways)

Second question is pertaining to mpg's on Power Stroke and Duramax 
when not towing.....what are some of you experiencing in highway 
driving?  I keep hearing that both are getting 17-18 while the Dodge 
is getting 20+.

Thanks again!!

Jack & Lola