What pulls your boat. (Poll) [Archive]

Crazy Horse

12-23-2002, 09:49 PM

My 'other' is a BMW X5 4.4. I put a Dianon speed chip in it, very fast. Towed to AOTHII in a caravan with Woodsy's Dodge Ram, Waleye's Ford Diesel and the X5 held it's own just fine.
http://www.donzi.net/photos/x5horse01.jpg

Sam

12-23-2002, 09:54 PM

Lexus RX 300, does a nice job with my sixteen.

Sam

Walt. H.

12-23-2002, 10:02 PM

Yeah, I have a Dodge too! It to is a gas hog. 360 cu.in. 2001, quad cab 4X4 Off Road package w/ 4:10 gear's 13,mpg average driving. 11.5 mpg towing. Can't wait to get a F-250 crew cab Ford diesel.17-19 mpg towing or not up-hill or not. But i'd reather use the money for a "DONZI"!!!!! $37000.00--$44000.00 (Dodge) =paid for steak and got chop meat!! :( frown

Team Hula Girl

12-24-2002, 12:35 AM

Here is a pic of my Tow vehicle. It is sufficient for my needs. (no ramp toooo tuff)

John

http://www.donzi.net/photos/mitchell20.jpg

HP 600SC

12-24-2002, 06:02 AM

John, nice.... told you you'd like it! Looks just like mine. You got the V-10 though.
Thought you were getting the Diesel?

BigGrizzly

12-24-2002, 06:45 AM

I voted Ford for our Expidition which isn't really a truck. I only use it for Donzi rallies for the extra room. I usually use my Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 5 speed automatic trans and 4X4 drive. It is the one I prefer to tow because it is stiffer than the large car that is really my wife's.

Tidbart

12-24-2002, 07:34 AM

Toyota Tundra SR5 4WD V8. Smooth comfortable ride with the 18.

Bob

GeneD

12-24-2002, 08:02 AM

My other is a 1975 Corvette.
Destroyed the rear suspension, broke 3 rear springs, replaced all the bushings, re-built the rear end.
But it tows like a truck.

Woodsy

12-24-2002, 08:41 AM

I tow with '97 Dodge Ram 2500 V-10 and she tows the 22 like a champ.! No issues at all. If I were to get a new truck, I am thinking something along the lines of Brad Lyon's rig... I love those superduty Fords!!

Woodsy Von Dodge

LKSD

12-24-2002, 08:52 AM

MY TOW VEHICLE IS A 2000 (NEW BODY) 2500 HD BB SUBURBAN LS 4X4WITH LOCKING AXLES & 4:10'S . I WOULD RECCOMMEND ONE OF THESE NEW SUBURBANS TO ANYONE PULLING BIG RIGS . IT RIDES BETTER & SMOOTHER THAN MY LAST SUBURBAN (92' 1500 5.7 4X4) & GETS BETTER FUEL MILAGE THAN MY OLD SUB.( NOT BAD FOR DOUBLING MY TOW CAPACITY & GETTING A BIGGER ENG. & HEAVIER VEHICLE) . MY ONLY 2 DISLIKES OF THE VEHICLE IS THAT THE REVERSE LIGHTS ARENT MUCH HELP & THE LINE OF SIGHT/REAR OF VEHICLE MAKE FOR SOME GETTING USED TO WHEN BACKING UP TO COUPLE TO A TRAILER. .......... DOES ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE HAVE ONE OF THESE NEWER GENERATION SUBURBANS & IF SO HOW DO YOU LIKE YOURS ???? JW@LAKESIDERESTORATIONS.COM (mailto:JW@LAKESIDERESTORATIONS.COM)

roadtrip se

12-24-2002, 09:57 AM

White Excursion PSD. Best cross country roadtrip vehicle ever built. Seems pretty popular around here too.

Todd

Darrell

12-24-2002, 10:03 AM

My truck is a 1/2 ton 4x4 GMC 5.3, it will pull the 26ZX fine, however I just worried about the truck being a SWB reg cab and not having the wieght in case of a hard stop. I'm planing to trade up to a GMC 2500 ext-cab with a 6.0 vortec this spring.

Thanks for all the votes in the poll;

Darrell

Dr. Dan

12-24-2002, 10:07 AM

:p JW, Liz and I just bought a Z-71 Suburban this year.....we love it,it's not as stout as yours...but I work out of mine too, and I need it to be alittle more "ride friendly" when I don't have the 22 behind it! Zero complaints....logged over 15,000 Trailer Miles this last season! eek! We are fortunate to have 2 other Tow Vehicles, our 1997 4Runner, and the '93 Lightning.........both have their own strengths, but the long wheel base and added passenger room is a nice luxury with the Burb! wink ....Doc
http://www.donzi.net/photos/Z71LQrtrDJohnides01a.jpg p://www.donzi.net/photos/Z71LQrtrDJohnides01a.jpg[/IMG]

Extreme Measures

12-24-2002, 10:08 AM

I'm pull my 30' blackwidow with a 2002 chevy Avalanche. It does a great job we love the truck.
Your Friends In Boating
Extreme Measures

Ed Donnelly

12-24-2002, 11:36 AM

2000 Ford F150 Harley Davidson Edition

boxy

12-24-2002, 11:49 AM

When I saw this thread, this was the first thing that came to mind.....
http://www.donzi.net/photos/Dsc02901.jpg

Marlin275

12-24-2002, 12:04 PM

Donzi Blue Lincoln
2 Classics
http://www.donzi.net/photos/CGabeler03.jpg

CDMA

12-24-2002, 12:10 PM

Chad I didn't know you had an X-18...Where in NYC are you?

I pull with the little truck that could....1998 Dodge Dakota. 5.9 L ( transplant), milled heads, cam, remapped ECU, few other little goodies. 0-60 low 7's. :) :)

However debating the merits of a new truck. However they don't make what I want. A 1500 Diesel. Driving a 2500 everyday may be ok for some people but at 25,000 miles a year and a lot of it on crappy roads a 2500 is a pain.

Chris

Donzi Dreaming

12-24-2002, 01:03 PM

This is the other:

http://www.donzi.net/photos/JCornell06.tundra.jpg

2001 Tundra 4x4

Rodger

12-24-2002, 02:08 PM

Harbormaster:
If you voted other, what is it?I tow with a 1964 Chevelle 2-Door Station Wagon. It has a SB 406 and a Saginaw 4-Speed which has a 3.10 1st gear. That is coupled up with a 3.36 rear end, and that combination, so far, has produced enough bottom end to pull the boat out of all the ramps I've used. I've been towing with that car since 1986.
http://www.donzi.net/photos/reppley1.jpg

Paul Storti

12-24-2002, 02:13 PM

2001 Yukon Denali, Drives, Looks and Pulls fantastic!

http://www.donzi.net/photos/pasdenali.jpg

Tom Brown

12-24-2002, 02:39 PM

I'm not a Donzi owner but I thought I would chime in. :)

I tow with a 1994 Nissan Maxima. It tows beautifully and gets wonderful fuel mileage. I find it comfortable and it has been perfectly reliable.

It's near time to replace it and I really don't know what I'm going to choose. That RX 300 idea sounds interesting.

Merry Christmas everyone. :) :) :)

-- Tom

Brad Lyon

12-24-2002, 02:57 PM

Okay, as long as we are posting pictures:

1999 Ford F350 Super Duty, Crew Cab, Dually, V10, Lariat, 4X4, Leather & Premium sound. Need I say more, oh yeah, towing package!

Brad

http://www.donzi.net/photos/blyon1001.jpg

Air 22

12-24-2002, 03:50 PM

My 1999 3/4 Ton GMC Suburban SLT Hauls my 22' Classic like a toy....effortlessly. The 7.4L 454 really works well. Very strong engine..cruises well at 75mph averages 450-500 miles on one tank. Unless you follow DR. Dan @ 95mph the the range is quite less like 300 miles. :D Doc's always making pit stops :p ...so it works for him. The long wheel base, Tow PKG, 4:10 Rear and 3/4 ton frame hold the road well even around fast moving semi's .
Wouldn' trade my Burban for haul'in anything up to 10,000lbs wink

mattyboy

12-24-2002, 05:40 PM

98 windstar
wink
Matt

Looped

12-24-2002, 09:54 PM

For my yard moving of my 18' Looped (under major surgery) are:

98 Merc Mountaineer v8 AWD (up for sale for a muscle car toy)
2000 Lexus RX300
2003 4-Runner limited v8 AWD

Once Looped is done :rolleyes: I will need to find another tow vehicle for that to tow it around (chances are another F150).

Looped sleeping for the winter:
http://www.donzi.net/photos/cringerlop01.jpg

Can’t seem to stick to one car for very long,
Craig

olredalert

12-24-2002, 10:26 PM

------My 93 Suburban is sort of like an old shoe anymore.Ill probably never have another tow vehicle as good because I was in that business when I built it,and spent several years tweeking everthing to get it just the way I wanted.
------Its a 3/4 ton dually conversion with a 502 upgrade and complete air-bag suspension,lowered 5 inches all around.If customers wanted anything weird,Id do it to mine first to make sure it was feasable.Took a while to do but even after 150,000 miles I get around 17/18mpg with nothing on the back.About the same with an 18.Down to about 12/13 with the 24,and down another notch to 10mpg with my 26 foot enclosed trailer fully loaded(12,000lbs).
------Im looking into the new mega inch big-block from GM when I wear out the 502(maybe before).You can never have enough torque!!!!!!!!

CrackerJack

12-25-2002, 08:09 AM

Does a fine job for now. http://www.donzi.net/photos/rodeo.jpg

JimG

12-25-2002, 06:07 PM

I bought a Cummins, and they threw the Dodge in for free!

152k miles, 21mpg, will pull a freakin' HOUSE! Slight overkill for most Donzis, but I also have to drag a 9000lb Massey Ferguson around

RICPAZ

12-26-2002, 07:59 AM

I've got an '02 F-350 Superduty Crew Cab 4x4 w/ the V-10. It pulls the Donzi with ease and has plenty of room for five people. Not to mention heated leather seats which come in real handy here in the Northeast lately with all the cold weather and snow we've been having!
-Rich

Bryan Tuvell 33ZX

12-26-2002, 08:33 AM

'01 F250 Power Stroke Diesel.
Off Road package, snow plow set up (never need that), XLT, and a new shell coming soon from Aries, their Z series no less. wink
44K miles already, tows 8500ish pounds easily.
http://www.donzi.net/photos/tuvellf250.jpg

My 8500 pounds resting
http://www.donzi.net/photos/tuvellstowage.jpg
Bryan

Bryan Tuvell 33ZX

12-26-2002, 06:07 PM

Brad Lyon....
Sweet rig... Impressive.
What tire did you go with on replacement?
I like the looks of those compared to most which on the dually's run Michelon's.
I went with the factory Firestone Steel Flex E rated tires.
Bryan

Team Jefe

12-27-2002, 07:30 AM

Looks Like the Fords are in the lead, where they should be. "PowerStroke" is the only way to go. I've pulled the REVENGE with all three truck brands (no love for the toyotas) and the Ford wins hands down. Chevy K2500HD did OK but the 6.0L V-8 is underpowered to pull 38feet of boat and trailer, plus is sux on gas 6.5 MPG. Dodge 2500 V-10- good power..really good, but it too is a gas hog 7.2 MPG,Cummins Diesel LOUD, rough riding and not too good on fuel 10.4 MPG.

Then there is the Ford, F-350 crew cab,4X4. Big,roomy, soild...but not rough, and very quiet for a diesel. I absolutely love it. 17.5 MPG Normal, 12.7 MPG towing. All of the trucks,except the V-10 were mine. I trade vehicles often, but not anymore. I found my true love...and I haven't even touched the aftermarket stuff yet, new chip, lift kit, etc.

JEFE

RICPAZ

12-27-2002, 08:19 AM

Here is a pic of my tow vehicle. It looks like the Fords are winning!

I just bought a 6" Skyjacker suspension lift and a set of 35"x12.5" BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain tires on16"x10" Mickey Thompson rims. Hopefully I'll get to install it this weekend if the weather holds out!!!!

http://www.donzi.net/photos/F-350-3.jpg

JimG

12-27-2002, 11:20 AM

http://www.donzi.net/photos/guidrytruck01.jpg
Hey Jefe! If that Cummins only got 10 mpg, there was a hole in the tank! I never get less than 20mpg, and I got 15mpg towing 8000lb worth of Blackfin! It is a LOUD booger, though!

I noticed you are in the Houston area. We've been getting together with some of the Houston area folks (Harbormaster, CaptWK)lately. You'll have to link up with us for dinner at Outriggers or something. I'd love to see your 30!

Have a safe New Years! :)
JimG

Brad Lyon

12-27-2002, 02:33 PM

Bryan,

It came with General's. Remember the old commercials "Sooner or later you'll own General's", whenever I heard that commercial I would think to myself "Over my dead body!" I Could not believe it when I picked up my new truck and they were on it, and I paid extra for them! I had quite the argument with the Ford salesman about it. Well after 40K miles I said that was enough and I purchased 6 (ouch) B.F. Goodrich All-Terrain T/A's. I have 20K miles on the Goodrich tires and they look like the day I bought them.

I am suprised at the amount of GM trucks in this post. Kim and I did alot of camping prior to buying property up north and there would be an average of 6 to 7 Ford trucks pulling rigs out of every 10 rigs that you would see. The other three to four rigs would be Chevy/GMC and Dodge.

Brad

Bryan Tuvell 33ZX

12-27-2002, 07:31 PM

Brad, interesting story.
My Steel Flex's from the factory wore funny, replaced them at 28K miles, my new set has been perfect, 15K on them and they look like I bought them yesterday, I often wonder if the factory tires on some trucks are a cheaper version..
I liked the GY AT's and considered them but went with the E rated and mainly the factory look instead.

Again, nice looking rig, I love the running lights.
I plan to keep this truck to somewhere near 150K miles, maybe even 200 if she remains strong and move to a 350 diesel single tire rear.
Take care.
Bryan

Darrell

12-28-2002, 09:38 AM

Bryan;

I know you love your Ford's, but before you buy next time, check-out the GM Duramaxs, 300hp / 520 lbs and the 3/4 has a towing rating of 16,000 lbs, and the Allison trans, The GM has a great cab and a really nice ride, best of all it is much quieter than the Ford or Dodge.

We have many on the road, and our customers have been very happy with them. (Some of them are prior Power-Stroke owners).

Don't get me wrong the Ford is a strong running truck, but I think the GM is a better all-around truck.

My .02

Darrell

Bryan Tuvell 33ZX

12-28-2002, 02:13 PM

Darrel, great data, it all usually boils down to price and preference for me.
To bad the car lot guy who swings a great deal on a new or used vehicle is NOT the guy who tries to rape you on trade, my neighbor (Chevy Trucks) is a lot manager so I feel well informed on the process.
My 2001 F250 was used with 17K miles on it when I bought it for $27K loaded up real nice.

DMAN2 Just bought a new Chevy, a bit more luxurious for sure, his 2WD 2003 is getting a solid 22MPG. He loves it.
My needs require 4WD, I am getting 17ish and 13 towing.

I just wish it was warm enough to tow to the ramp....
Bryan

Ralph Savarese

12-28-2002, 05:53 PM

My new truck
http://www.donzi.net\photos\rsavarese01.jpg

WOT-sup

12-28-2002, 07:03 PM

Two Japanese guys argueing:
1st guy- "Is suzu"
2nd guy- "Is NOT suzu"
The 1st guy won. wink

Isuzu Rodeo '96.

Most trouble free vehicle I've ever owned (er, leased).

Sean

12-30-2002, 10:14 AM

Had 2001 3/4 ton GMC Yukon XL with 8.1. Pulled 33ZX great. Traded this in July 2002 for 2002 Black Chevy 2500HD crew cab with Duramax and Allison Transmission. Pulls smooth, fairly quite and better fuel economy than the 8.1. I haven't had any problems with the Duramax. Has great warranty so not terribly worried. I just like the comfort of a GM product. :D

Murphy

12-31-2002, 01:42 PM

I pull my 86 Classic 22 with an 02 Chevy 2500LS/HD 6.0 litre Vortec Quad-cab short bed. Flowmaster dual exhaust, Navy blue to match the boat (naturally). Have to keep looking back to make sure the boat is still there.

Murph

RickR

12-31-2002, 04:02 PM

94 F250 Turbo Diesel w/ATS exhaust upgrade and tuned pump
http://www.donzi.net/photos/rryan21truck.jpg

Dr. Dan

01-01-2003, 07:39 AM

:D Wow...I love Trucks and Tonka Toys, all of these Rigs look and sound great! I think I have a fondness for how Brad Lyons Super Dually and RickR' traditional F-250 look, nice trucks guys....I'd have one in every flavor if I could. In 1993 I towed a 38 ' Fountain Lightning down to Jupiter Inlet Florida from Philly, used a Dodge Cummins extended Cab, outside of the noise outside, we had zero complaints, that Truck Pulled like nobody's business, We also have a couple of PowerStrokes in the Family Business, also a fine workhorse......My neighbor has the new 2500 HD DuraMax ...same color as my Burb...Jet Black....it's a sweet ride....Soon time to get Lizard a new Toy.....anyone know about the new H-2's :rolleyes: , pros or cons? Just curious...I know they are more user friendly than the Hummer.... wink ...Doc

CnV & Family

01-02-2003, 07:51 AM

Really enjoyed seeing everyones towers... Finally dug out a pic of ours. One of the very few pictures I ever got scanned way back when (pre-donzi)... suprised I even found it.

Anyways... enjoy!

http://www.donzi.net/photos/cwtow1.jpg

http://www.donzi.net/photos/cwtow2.jpg

Team Jefe

01-02-2003, 08:47 AM

Howdy Jim - Getting together sounds Great. I've been meaning to get together with the HarborMaster for a while, but I'm in the NW side (Cypress actually) it is hard for me to get to Clear Lake for a recreation run. If I'm in Saltwater, I'm usually fishing. I usually wet-up in Freeport, so It's an 80 mile run each way from my house. I think I get more looks with the boat on the trailer than I do in the water, and as you know, Donzi's are not that common in SE Texas.

The Dodge I had was a worn out '97 model I got from a Hotshot driver, geared way down for towing a 40 ft gooseneck. I didn't have it long before I went to the 2500HD.

All - I love the Ford, but having had all three, no doubt the Chevy is much more refined. It has nicer amenities, smother ride, quieter. But I too know a guy who sold a 2002 Duramax for a $3,000 loss to get out of it he hated it so bad. He said the Allison tranny just sucked.

One of my neighbors just bought one though, I'm going to see if he can pull the Revenge and give a better first hand account.

JEFE

CnV & Family

01-02-2003, 08:56 AM

Ours is a '97 (bought new) and now has 105k. Tranny trouble once at 96k. It's easy to forget the OD off button when towing even if it is right in front of your face. Especially with all the other mental checklists... Actually, don't recall ever using it before we got the donzi.

-C

Ranman

01-02-2003, 09:32 AM

Chaulk up another Donzi/Ford combo.

2002 F150 SuperCrew Lariat. The only modification to it is the 2002 Harley Davidson chrome grille which I think looks fantastic.

Oh yeah, When your Ford looks as good as mine, hot women tend to pose in front of it asking you to take them out. :D :D

http://www.donzi.net/photos/ROakF150-01.jpg

http://www.donzi.net/photos/ROakF150-02.jpg

Digger

01-02-2003, 03:52 PM

yeaaaahhh Randy I like your style :D

Bad-Tat

01-02-2003, 09:33 PM

Ranman,
How about bringing both those hot ladies to AOTH this year instead of just one!!

olemissalum

01-03-2003, 10:16 AM

Feel sort of left out since I have not posted my truck yet. 1999 F350 crew cab with Superchip micro tuner, Western Diesel EGT, boost, and tranny temp gages on A-pillar. Walker Big Truck muffler and AFE cool air intake. Putco stainless steel grill and ARE topper. One mean tow vehicle!!!!! http://www.villagephotos.com/thumbs/index.asp?id_=1303506 http://www.villagephotos.com/thumbs/index.asp?id_=1303507

OceanCommotion

01-03-2003, 10:38 AM

WOW. eek!

Nice... err.. truck there, Ranman....

MattM

01-03-2003, 01:40 PM

Have been towing my '69 black and white 18 with a bright red '57 Nomad. It's cool, but I'm just completing my black '67 Riviera restoration which will be more period correct, color matches, and has the same coolness flavor as the Donzi.