On Tue, 3 Jun 2008 07:03:17 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:


"John H." wrote in message
.. .

On Tue, 3 Jun 2008 06:32:58 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:



Your 4 Runner is too small to tow 4500lbs at highway speeds over long
distances. You really want a full sized, full wheelbase rig, preferably
of
the F-250, (Ford) or 2500 series (GM) that have heavier duty suspensions.
Your 4 Runner may be fine for occasional, short distance towing, but not
for
traveling long distances for hours at a time.

Just my opinion, based on many miles of experience.

Eisboch





Thanks for the input. I may have to drop down to the 3500 lb range. That
keeps me in the 17'-19' range, in the Airstream category. I think that's
probably doable.

I'm not into 'highway speeds' like I used to be. I'm comfortable doing 63
mph in the 65 zone. Actually, it's a much more relaxing way to go. I've
even slowed down on the motorcycle. At 65mph I get about 50 mph, but at 80
mph it will drop down to about 40 mpg.

Thanks for joining the discussion! If I were presented with a 'super' deal
on a certain style Class B, I could still be tempted! It's funny, neither
the Sprinter based Class B's nor the Airstreams seem to depreciate a whole
lot.

How's the new boat?


We've decided we really like the Sprinter and will keep it. I am using it
more often for local trips, just to exercise it.
It's an amazing little vehicle .... lots of "pep", comfortable, yet still
gets relatively decent fuel mileage. Plus, it easily tows the Haulmark
trailer loaded with a motorcycle and other "stuff".

One thing I like is it's range. My little Ford Ranger gets 16-17 mpg
overall but because of the small tank it seems like I have to get gas every
week or less. The Sprinter gets 18-21 mpg, but because of the much larger
fuel tank I can drive it around for a month (locally) without having to
constantly stop to refuel.

The boat is still at the seller's marina on the NH/MA line. They are
supposed to be doing a couple of minor maintenance issues and replacing some
exhaust hoses, but they are at the peak of their "busy" season and it's
taking longer than expected to complete.
It should be ready this week for me to make the trip to Cape Cod.
Hopefully.

Eisboch


You know, I may relook the Sprinter thing, and just get rid of one of our
other vehicles. You've had good luck towing the trailer. I wonder how the
thing would do towing a 3000lb boat/trailer and launching same. If I could
do that, I could get rid of the 4Runner. If not, then the Highlander would
have to go.

Decisions, decisions. Another advantage to a Class B is that I could park
it in front of the house. I can't park a trailer there for long or the
neighbors will complain. I don't like the idea of storing it in a lot where
it's subject to break-ins.

Hope the boat gets ready for pickup. Also hope to see lots of pictures!
--
John *H*

"John H." wrote in message
...



You know, I may relook the Sprinter thing, and just get rid of one of our
other vehicles. You've had good luck towing the trailer. I wonder how the
thing would do towing a 3000lb boat/trailer and launching same. If I could
do that, I could get rid of the 4Runner. If not, then the Highlander would
have to go.

Decisions, decisions. Another advantage to a Class B is that I could park
it in front of the house. I can't park a trailer there for long or the
neighbors will complain. I don't like the idea of storing it in a lot
where
it's subject to break-ins.

Hope the boat gets ready for pickup. Also hope to see lots of pictures!


It would easily tow it. Launching/retrieving might be interesting and
dependent on the design and condition of the launch ramp, but I don't see
why it would be a problem. The Sprinter is basically a European Van ....
similar in purpose to Ford's E-250 Econoline Van or GM's 2500 Van offerings.
It replaced the Dodge 1500, 2500 and 3500 series of vans.

I mentioned this before, but just to repeat, the newer Class "C" Sprinters
with the heavier (14,500 lb) GVW are rated to tow 3500 lbs. Ironically, the
one we have, with the single rear wheels and 8500 lb GVW is rated to tow
5000 lbs. The most I've towed is probably about 3000 lbs ( Haulmark
trailer loaded with motorcycle, and "stuff") and it handles it effortlessly.
I've done the same using the little Ranger (which is the heavy duty "Level
II" model) and there is no comparison. The Ranger is rated to tow up to
6000 lbs with a weight distribution hitch or 3500 lbs regular, but I'd never
try it. Something to keep in mind.

Eisboch

On Tue, 3 Jun 2008 07:40:02 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:


"John H." wrote in message
.. .



You know, I may relook the Sprinter thing, and just get rid of one of our
other vehicles. You've had good luck towing the trailer. I wonder how the
thing would do towing a 3000lb boat/trailer and launching same. If I could
do that, I could get rid of the 4Runner. If not, then the Highlander would
have to go.

Decisions, decisions. Another advantage to a Class B is that I could park
it in front of the house. I can't park a trailer there for long or the
neighbors will complain. I don't like the idea of storing it in a lot
where
it's subject to break-ins.

Hope the boat gets ready for pickup. Also hope to see lots of pictures!


It would easily tow it. Launching/retrieving might be interesting and
dependent on the design and condition of the launch ramp, but I don't see
why it would be a problem. The Sprinter is basically a European Van ....
similar in purpose to Ford's E-250 Econoline Van or GM's 2500 Van offerings.
It replaced the Dodge 1500, 2500 and 3500 series of vans.

I mentioned this before, but just to repeat, the newer Class "C" Sprinters
with the heavier (14,500 lb) GVW are rated to tow 3500 lbs. Ironically, the
one we have, with the single rear wheels and 8500 lb GVW is rated to tow
5000 lbs. The most I've towed is probably about 3000 lbs ( Haulmark
trailer loaded with motorcycle, and "stuff") and it handles it effortlessly.
I've done the same using the little Ranger (which is the heavy duty "Level
II" model) and there is no comparison. The Ranger is rated to tow up to
6000 lbs with a weight distribution hitch or 3500 lbs regular, but I'd never
try it. Something to keep in mind.

Eisboch


I've been out playing golf all day, so couldn't get back to you. Talking
about the Class B has got me thinking seriously about it again. I need to
quit thinking about cost and just go for which would be more fun and easier
to manage. I found a Pleasure Way Plateau for $75K
http://tinyurl.com/4pdyts which isn't too bad, but I'd like it better about
$15K cheaper.
--
John *H*

"John H." wrote in message
...
On Tue, 3 Jun 2008 07:40:02 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:


"John H." wrote in message
. ..



You know, I may relook the Sprinter thing, and just get rid of one of
our
other vehicles. You've had good luck towing the trailer. I wonder how
the
thing would do towing a 3000lb boat/trailer and launching same. If I
could
do that, I could get rid of the 4Runner. If not, then the Highlander
would
have to go.

Decisions, decisions. Another advantage to a Class B is that I could
park
it in front of the house. I can't park a trailer there for long or the
neighbors will complain. I don't like the idea of storing it in a lot
where
it's subject to break-ins.

Hope the boat gets ready for pickup. Also hope to see lots of pictures!


It would easily tow it. Launching/retrieving might be interesting and
dependent on the design and condition of the launch ramp, but I don't see
why it would be a problem. The Sprinter is basically a European Van ....
similar in purpose to Ford's E-250 Econoline Van or GM's 2500 Van
offerings.
It replaced the Dodge 1500, 2500 and 3500 series of vans.

I mentioned this before, but just to repeat, the newer Class "C" Sprinters
with the heavier (14,500 lb) GVW are rated to tow 3500 lbs. Ironically,
the
one we have, with the single rear wheels and 8500 lb GVW is rated to tow
5000 lbs. The most I've towed is probably about 3000 lbs ( Haulmark
trailer loaded with motorcycle, and "stuff") and it handles it
effortlessly.
I've done the same using the little Ranger (which is the heavy duty "Level
II" model) and there is no comparison. The Ranger is rated to tow up to
6000 lbs with a weight distribution hitch or 3500 lbs regular, but I'd
never
try it. Something to keep in mind.

Eisboch


I've been out playing golf all day, so couldn't get back to you. Talking
about the Class B has got me thinking seriously about it again. I need to
quit thinking about cost and just go for which would be more fun and
easier
to manage. I found a Pleasure Way Plateau for $75K
http://tinyurl.com/4pdyts which isn't too bad, but I'd like it better
about
$15K cheaper.


You should be able to find one, perhaps an '05 or '06. PleasureWay happens
to be very high quality and you pay a bit more for them. One thing though
.... you are tall. Make sure the driver's seat positions work for you. Mine
is fine for me but I am under 6' and slowly shrinking. I've heard that the
newer Sprinters have less driver's seat adjustments due to an increase in
the size of the head.

Eisboch

On Tue, 3 Jun 2008 15:06:37 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:


"John H." wrote in message
.. .
On Tue, 3 Jun 2008 07:40:02 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:


"John H." wrote in message
...



You know, I may relook the Sprinter thing, and just get rid of one of
our
other vehicles. You've had good luck towing the trailer. I wonder how
the
thing would do towing a 3000lb boat/trailer and launching same. If I
could
do that, I could get rid of the 4Runner. If not, then the Highlander
would
have to go.

Decisions, decisions. Another advantage to a Class B is that I could
park
it in front of the house. I can't park a trailer there for long or the
neighbors will complain. I don't like the idea of storing it in a lot
where
it's subject to break-ins.

Hope the boat gets ready for pickup. Also hope to see lots of pictures!


It would easily tow it. Launching/retrieving might be interesting and
dependent on the design and condition of the launch ramp, but I don't see
why it would be a problem. The Sprinter is basically a European Van ....
similar in purpose to Ford's E-250 Econoline Van or GM's 2500 Van
offerings.
It replaced the Dodge 1500, 2500 and 3500 series of vans.

I mentioned this before, but just to repeat, the newer Class "C" Sprinters
with the heavier (14,500 lb) GVW are rated to tow 3500 lbs. Ironically,
the
one we have, with the single rear wheels and 8500 lb GVW is rated to tow
5000 lbs. The most I've towed is probably about 3000 lbs ( Haulmark
trailer loaded with motorcycle, and "stuff") and it handles it
effortlessly.
I've done the same using the little Ranger (which is the heavy duty "Level
II" model) and there is no comparison. The Ranger is rated to tow up to
6000 lbs with a weight distribution hitch or 3500 lbs regular, but I'd
never
try it. Something to keep in mind.

Eisboch


I've been out playing golf all day, so couldn't get back to you. Talking
about the Class B has got me thinking seriously about it again. I need to
quit thinking about cost and just go for which would be more fun and
easier
to manage. I found a Pleasure Way Plateau for $75K
http://tinyurl.com/4pdyts which isn't too bad, but I'd like it better
about
$15K cheaper.


You should be able to find one, perhaps an '05 or '06. PleasureWay happens
to be very high quality and you pay a bit more for them. One thing though
... you are tall. Make sure the driver's seat positions work for you. Mine
is fine for me but I am under 6' and slowly shrinking. I've heard that the
newer Sprinters have less driver's seat adjustments due to an increase in
the size of the head.

Eisboch


Good point. Thanks.
--
John *H*

"John H." wrote in message
...
On Tue, 3 Jun 2008 07:40:02 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:


"John H." wrote in message
. ..



You know, I may relook the Sprinter thing, and just get rid of one of
our
other vehicles. You've had good luck towing the trailer. I wonder how
the
thing would do towing a 3000lb boat/trailer and launching same. If I
could
do that, I could get rid of the 4Runner. If not, then the Highlander
would
have to go.

Decisions, decisions. Another advantage to a Class B is that I could
park
it in front of the house. I can't park a trailer there for long or the
neighbors will complain. I don't like the idea of storing it in a lot
where
it's subject to break-ins.

Hope the boat gets ready for pickup. Also hope to see lots of pictures!


It would easily tow it. Launching/retrieving might be interesting and
dependent on the design and condition of the launch ramp, but I don't see
why it would be a problem. The Sprinter is basically a European Van ....
similar in purpose to Ford's E-250 Econoline Van or GM's 2500 Van
offerings.
It replaced the Dodge 1500, 2500 and 3500 series of vans.

I mentioned this before, but just to repeat, the newer Class "C" Sprinters
with the heavier (14,500 lb) GVW are rated to tow 3500 lbs. Ironically,
the
one we have, with the single rear wheels and 8500 lb GVW is rated to tow
5000 lbs. The most I've towed is probably about 3000 lbs ( Haulmark
trailer loaded with motorcycle, and "stuff") and it handles it
effortlessly.
I've done the same using the little Ranger (which is the heavy duty "Level
II" model) and there is no comparison. The Ranger is rated to tow up to
6000 lbs with a weight distribution hitch or 3500 lbs regular, but I'd
never
try it. Something to keep in mind.

Eisboch


I've been out playing golf all day, so couldn't get back to you. Talking
about the Class B has got me thinking seriously about it again. I need to
quit thinking about cost and just go for which would be more fun and
easier
to manage. I found a Pleasure Way Plateau for $75K
http://tinyurl.com/4pdyts which isn't too bad, but I'd like it better
about
$15K cheaper.
--
John *H*

So offer the $60k. What have you got to lose?