Need a new daily driver... that can also tow my rallycross car

"johnr240z" (johnr240z) 05/20/2014 at 09:12 • Filed to: rallycross, ford focus svt

0

47

I'm currently rallycrossing my daily driver, a Focus SVT. It's fine for now but at the end of this rallycross season I plan on gutting the car and making a lot of changes to bump myself up a class. I do have the 240z but I can't realistically drive it all the time. So that means I'll need a new daily driver!

I'd love a Fiesta ST but the problem is I want something that can tow the Focus to events. And I hate trucks and SUVs. Does anyone have any recommendations for a wagon or sedan that can also be a tow vehicle? I'm thinking maybe a WRX if it can handle it.

mr_gofast > johnr240z 05/20/2014 at 09:16

2

old e series wagon - maybe a amg depending on the price

volvo wagons

diesal audis - just for the torque

johnr240z > mr_gofast 05/20/2014 at 09:20

3

Volvo wagon is a good idea. They have some surprising towing capacity.

Nibby > johnr240z 05/20/2014 at 09:24

0

You'd need something to tow around 4,000 pounds (car + trailer). Keep that in mind; there aren't many options for towing that much if you exclude crossovers, SUVs and trucks.

Lekker > johnr240z 05/20/2014 at 09:24

0

A WRX won't be able to satisfy your tow requirements. I know because I was in the same boat. My logical conclusion landed at a Forester XT. Has WRX parts, can tow, and its not tall.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > johnr240z 05/20/2014 at 09:25

0

XC70s have a 3,300lb towing capacity, same with the Audi Allroad.

Outbacks can tow 3,000lbs.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > johnr240z 05/20/2014 at 09:25

0

1996 cadillac fleetwood or the caprice or the roadmaster with the LT1 and towing package. I know the fleetwood at least had an optional towing package that let it tow over 6,000 lbs. I think the cop package caprices have it too.

johnr240z > Nibby 05/20/2014 at 09:27

0

Crap, you're right I was thinking of just the weight of the car, didn't consider the trailer as well. Finding 4,000 pound towing capacity might be impossible for a wagon.

johnr240z > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 05/20/2014 at 09:27

0

I was just thinking XC70 would work then I realized the weight of the car (2700ish) + trailer would be over that. Damn this is harder than I thought

Nibby > johnr240z 05/20/2014 at 09:27

1

Honda Pilots have decent towing capacity; if you're interested in a reliable crossover that can do some towing but isn't terribly large.

offroadkarter > johnr240z 05/20/2014 at 09:29

4

you don't like trucks or SUV's but you want something that does a truck/SUV's job

You need a car built like a truck

/end

johnr240z > offroadkarter 05/20/2014 at 09:30

0

Good point!

johnr240z > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/20/2014 at 09:31

0

6,000?! Damn that's awesome.

quarterlifecrisis > johnr240z 05/20/2014 at 09:33

0

Personal opinion here, and it's biased. I've never towed with anything other than RWD/AWD, and body on frame construction. I can't imagine driving a V70 (or something like that) towing a car...I've towed cars with my half-ton pickup and really would've enjoyed something a little more sturdy. A good car trailer is going to be heavy, and as you progress, you'll end up taking more and more parts with you, which all weigh more.

That being said, my recommendations given your constraints are Cadillac Fleetwood, Buick Roadmaster, Chevy Caprice, and Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. They actually can tow...and keep you comfy.

Realistically, truck or larger SUV.

Mustafaluigi > johnr240z 05/20/2014 at 09:37

0

I'm just going to point out that a Porsche Panamera has a towing capacity of 4850 lbs and a BMW 5 series GT has a 4630 lbs capacity.

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > johnr240z 05/20/2014 at 09:38

0

One of the guys I rallycross with tows a miata on its wheels behind his 370z

Mustafaluigi > Mustafaluigi 05/20/2014 at 09:39

0

And used 535i GT can go for as low a 30k. Just like a WRX!!!!!

johnr240z > Mustafaluigi 05/20/2014 at 09:47

0

Haha Porsche Panamera would be hilarious and amazing, if only I had 90 grand to throw around. 535i GT is a possibility even though I don't like the look of it. Also no wagon :(.

johnr240z > quarterlifecrisis 05/20/2014 at 09:48

0

Yeah, I'm starting to think realistically I will need a truck or SUV. Maybe I wouldn't mind if I had an SVT Raptor.

Mustafaluigi > Mustafaluigi 05/20/2014 at 09:48

0

However if you want something more awesome, a Buick Roadmaster/Caprice Wagon with the tow package could tow up to 7000lbs according to the manual if you load it right, increase the rear tire pressure and other things. Normally the tow package is rated for up to 5000lbs.

johnr240z > Santiago of Escuderia Boricua 05/20/2014 at 09:48

0

That's awesome. Where does he keep his gear for rallycross though?

OPPOsaurus WRX > johnr240z 05/20/2014 at 09:49

0

I looked into the WRX for towing. I dont remember what the number is, but I do remember it being just enough for a small utility trailer for dump runs. Its not going to take another car. How about a Saleen?

48 Spoons > Santiago of Escuderia Boricua 05/20/2014 at 09:50

0

There is a guy who does something similar at auto-x here. Although with rally-x I'd be worried about what happens when you lose a wheel or do damage in some other way, which is far more likely at rally-x.

Mustafaluigi > johnr240z 05/20/2014 at 09:51

1

Its a sedan that really wants to be a wagon, it just hasn't grown a full hatch yet.

johnr240z > Mustafaluigi 05/20/2014 at 09:53

0

I love the Roadmaster, trying to find a decent one in shape with the package may be tough. I'm looking around on craigslist now for fun.

johnr240z > OPPOsaurus WRX 05/20/2014 at 09:55

0

That's pretty awesome, I didn't even know a Saleen Explorer existed.

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > johnr240z 05/20/2014 at 09:56

0

I think they fit all their tools in the trunk of the 370.

johnr240z > Santiago of Escuderia Boricua 05/20/2014 at 09:59

0

Ah must be a tight fit. And he must keep his rally wheels on the Miata when he tows it. Here's my hatch after about everything is loaded:

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > 48 Spoons 05/20/2014 at 09:59

0

Not necessarily. Besides ruts developing, ax will have more stress on the wheel from higher grip levels. The safety stewards move the course to avoid large ruts. Plus if you go big and get rally tires, you'll probably use a second set to get there on and keep the rally tires fresh

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > johnr240z 05/20/2014 at 10:00

0

I would recommend an SUV. But if you still want something that pulls like a train while still driving like a sports sedan, might I recommend the VW Tuareg V10 TDI ? It's a pricey truck to keep running, but it's absolutely awesome.

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > johnr240z 05/20/2014 at 10:02

0

Right now they have the rally tires on the whole time. If it's being towed though you can put one in each of the front seats so it should be easy

quarterlifecrisis > johnr240z 05/20/2014 at 10:06

0

I can't imagine towing with anything less. I had a modded TBSS for a few years, it towed decently well, and I know of guys that bought them to tow race cars....

OPPOsaurus WRX > johnr240z 05/20/2014 at 10:14

0

It had an option for a supercharged 5.0 which should be enough power to roll that over without much effort. And if the focus breaks down at the track you could always give the Saleen a spin.

johnr240z > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/20/2014 at 10:17

1

That's very tempting. Now you got me reading up on the touareg forums lol.

johnr240z > OPPOsaurus WRX 05/20/2014 at 10:21

0

That would be sweet but finding one seems to be very difficult.

TJDMAX > johnr240z 05/20/2014 at 10:44

0

Something to consider too is the ability for the tow vehicle to provide the proper trailer brake hook ups. Not only will your trailer have lights (4 pin connector) but it should DEFINITELY have brakes. Looking at that Crown Vic, that pop up camper doesn't weigh more than 1500lbs and boat trailers have surge brakes, but that flatbed would have electric brakes its just a matter of if they are hooked up or not.

Also consider the weight of a tow vehicle compared to the weight you are towing. Its always dangerous to tow considerably more than the weight of the tow vehicle. Yes it is doable but should not be take lightly (no pun intended).

Not saying this isn't a ok plan, but i would recommend buying a truck. Like others have said, the more you go to races you'll want to bring tools and more parts etc, a truck is meant for this kind of task.

That being said. These "street" trucks aren't usually good choices for a tow vehicle either. Suspension wouldn't be up for handling the weight as well as a standard version of the truck.

TJDMAX > offroadkarter 05/20/2014 at 10:46

0

No way that flatbed is actually connected to the crown vic in this last pic. The car would be sagging way more with the tongue weight of that trailer.

offroadkarter > TJDMAX 05/20/2014 at 10:49

0

Um, thats a marauder, and we have rear air ride. Coils are for plebs

TJDMAX > offroadkarter 05/20/2014 at 10:51

0

My apologies. I didn't mean to call it a crown vic. This is your personal car?

offroadkarter > TJDMAX 05/20/2014 at 10:52

0

no, its someone who hasn't been on the forum in eons. he road raced both cars in that picture

TJDMAX > offroadkarter 05/20/2014 at 10:54

0

Well that is awesome. I personally wouldn't do it but thats sweet if it is a legit setup with brakes and thats how the marauder's suspension sat with the trailer hooked up.

OPPOsaurus WRX > johnr240z 05/20/2014 at 10:56

0

yea, I did a 5 minute search and I got nothing. Make a replica!!!!

offroadkarter > TJDMAX 05/20/2014 at 11:05

0

I would never use mine as a tow rig but people in europe tow crazier shit with 100hp 4cyls so its not the worst thing ever. The rear air ride is great to have in this case since it always keeps the car level

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthr…

I did find proof for you tho! I knew he had another pic somewhere

TJDMAX > offroadkarter 05/20/2014 at 11:10

0

Wow. That is impressive to say the least. Air bags definitely are nice to have. I have to imagine he has a trailer brake controller in the marauder to control the brakes of the trailer. Again, to each their own. I will say it doesn't look like a hack job sketchy situation; I have definitely seen sketchier.

offroadkarter > TJDMAX 05/20/2014 at 11:11

0

oh yeah I'm just saying if the OP is against trucks this technically could be done. I would totally do a brake upgrade though, the stock brakes last a long time but they are not the best for a car this size.

I've always wondered how much extra weight the airbags could take before they gave out, so far I've never heard of anyone finding a limit.

TJDMAX > offroadkarter 05/20/2014 at 11:14

0

My family owns a 2000 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer edition with the 4 corner air ride suspension and even though the car has had its fair share of decent repairs i think the air ride system has only failed once or twice maybe. One time the compressor just died so all the bags went flat, and i want to say another time one of the bags got a leak, but for the most part it has held up pretty well, so i would imagine the Marauder would be a similar story.

offroadkarter > TJDMAX 05/20/2014 at 11:17

0

all ford air systems are basically the same in that respect. Mine has 92k on it and while I haven't had a failure, my compressor is starting to get really loud which tells me its on its way out. The compressor on my friends 04 sport just died at 103k miles last month.

I have seen so many first gen navigators riding around looking like low riders haha

Drakkon- Most Glorious and Upright Person of Genius > johnr240z 05/31/2014 at 06:59

0

ford flex with ecoboost and awd tows 6000 or something.