Track forum general chit chat.

[admranger]

If you want to go off road take a Land Rover. If you want to return take a Toyota.

Have you seen the fast lane (TFL) defender saga? Oy.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by dbyrd

I'll post more in a few days. I considered gutting the E92, but decided to look for a car ready to race. Looking at NASA, BMW CCA and WRL. Flying to Atlanta for X5 diesel tow vehicle on Sunday.

F15? The F15 chassis is a solid tow rig. I had to do unplanned towing of my E90M3 from Oak Ridge, TN to Dallas on a heavy uhaul trailer. Car was fully loaded with crap (including drivers seat) as was X5 (2 people, two dogs, couldn’t see out rear window loaded). I was in the 40e so I had the electric assisting the little 2 liter turbo up hills but never lacked for power. The diesel would have made the tow even easier. Very stable platform. Get the factory hitch with coding if at all possible. Uses dsc to keep the trailer in control should things ever go awry. Consensus is the curt hitch is a no go.

[dparm]

Having towed a car of similar weight to the M3 now, I cannot see myself towing anything other than maybe a Miata or small open-cockpit car with an SUV. I understand they might have the tow rating, but the chassis stiffness, lack of trailer brake controller, etc. would make me even more anxious than I already was.

Modern trucks / body-on-frame SUVs are more comfortable than you'd think and have very luxurious appointments.

I had seriously considered an X5 for a DD and tow rig, but after getting the Titan, I'm glad I didn't.

[roastbeef]

Only get a Land Rover if you like pain and suffering.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

Only get a Land Rover if you like pain and suffering.

Yep. Consistently at the bottom for reliability and problems per 1000 vehicles.

"Why yes, I do enjoy paying for a vehicle that spends half its life in the shop"

[leftfootbr8king]

Trailer brakes can be added for a relatively low cost. Weight distribution hitches, as well. Air helper springs for the rear are another piece that can change the way your SUV tows.

If you're starting from scratch, then a half ton or larger truck might be the way to go. But if you've got an SUV with the tow rating, for under a grand you can make it tow like a champ.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by leftfootbr8king

Trailer brakes can be added for a relatively low cost. Weight distribution hitches, as well. Air helper springs for the rear are another piece that can change the way your SUV tows.

If you're starting from scratch, then a half ton or larger truck might be the way to go. But if you've got an SUV with the tow rating, for under a grand you can make it tow like a champ.

Sure, I wouldn't just immediately sell your current vehicle for a truck, but I am just advising people to be weary of these so-called tow ratings on SUVs and crossovers. There's a difference between towing something a short distance one time and routinely towing for hours on end.

[Ximian]

Word Matching Puzzle
Match the words on the left with their correct answer on the right

1/2 Ton Truck                         20,000 towing capacity  
Real Truck                              Family mini-van

[okusa]

I've got a Cayenne diesel with tow package and air suspension and it makes for an amazing tow vehicle. Plus I get over 20 mph while doing so. Best vehicle I've ever owned.

[///Mobbin]

Originally Posted by dparm

Having towed a car of similar weight to the M3 now, I cannot see myself towing anything other than maybe a Miata or small open-cockpit car with an SUV. I understand they might have the tow rating, but the chassis stiffness, lack of trailer brake controller, etc. would make me even more anxious than I already was.

Modern trucks / body-on-frame SUVs are more comfortable than you'd think and have very luxurious appointments.

I had seriously considered an X5 for a DD and tow rig, but after getting the Titan, I'm glad I didn't.

I've considered towing with my wife's QX80, basically the suv version of the Titan, probably a shorter wheelbase though.

My one towing experience was with a 5-liter v8 Range Rover Sport, F80 M3, heavy Uhaul trailer. It was not a fun experience (wet and windy), I think the power was there but the short wheelbase is what I think contributed to an overall unsteady feeling. Perhaps on a nicer day with a lighter trailer I would have a different impression but that left me not wanting to tow for awhile. Considering it again now of course.

[///Mobbin]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

Only get a Land Rover if you like pain and suffering.

I had one amazing experience with my wife's LR4 that I thought dispelled the myth for me, 7 years and maybe one small repair. Then bought a lightly used, similar spec to the LR4, Range Rover Sport and quickly proved the myth absolutely correct. Spent a fortune chasing multiple suspension issues, both cars now gone. Loved the v8 in them but hated the air suspension.

[b4hand]

Finally got some proper wheels

[dbyrd]

F15 X5 Diesel - Installing tow package with wireless trailer brake system - hopefully, this week. I'll report back on the towing experience.

[tsk94]

Originally Posted by b4hand

Finally got some proper wheels

Looks great. What side skirt extensions are those?

[b4hand]

Originally Posted by tsk94

Looks great. What side skirt extensions are those?

I forget, some cheap replica ones I got from someone a while back.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by dbyrd

F15 X5 Diesel - Installing tow package with wireless trailer brake system - hopefully, this week. I'll report back on the towing experience.

Does yours have the rear air suspension? My 40e did and it was a meaningful difference during my tow.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by dparm

Sure, I wouldn't just immediately sell your current vehicle for a truck, but I am just advising people to be weary of these so-called tow ratings on SUVs and crossovers. There's a difference between towing something a short distance one time and routinely towing for hours on end.

I towed with a crew cab diesel dually when I raced and I felt anything less than that wasn’t a worthy tow vehicle. I had a 26’ extra height trailer loaded to max weight (10k lbs). I was 18,800 lbs rolling down the road. Towed to Buttonwillow once in a wind storm. 3 tractor trailers on their side but I did fine (other than single digit fuel economy). Towed for 8 of my 10 years of racing. Towed to Denver and Thunderhill for the two longest tows and all points in between. Shortest tow outside of Vegas was to Willow springs at about 3.5 hours. Not earth shattering but a substantial time behind the wheel. So I have a little experience towing and can make some judgements on capabilities.

The short overhangs of the X5 and Cayenne make them less susceptible to tail wagging. Plus, my X5 had 315 section rear 20’s. It was planted.

If I had to do it all over, I’d have gotten a toy hauler instead of my brief foray with the 40’ pusher diesel motor home. That way you always have a vehicle to go to the restaurants or parts stores or gas stations.

If you don’t want to bring the dogs to the track/hotel, then the X5/Cayenne diesels are solid choices and much more practical around town. Add an Aerovault trailer and you’re towing in style. Adding lightness when towing is important. Don’t buy a cheap steel trailer like I did. Spring for an aluminum one. You won’t regret it and they hold resale better.

[chocstraw]

My girlfriend lives in sacramento for the next month so I'll have a place to stay for a track event,

Sonoma or Thunderhill?

I'm not thrilled with the organizer's run groups but I don't have a choice at this point.

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by chocstraw

My girlfriend lives in sacramento for the next month so I'll have a place to stay for a track event,

Sonoma or Thunderhill?

I'm not thrilled with the organizer's run groups but I don't have a choice at this point.

never been to thunderhill, but sonoma is a ton of fun.

[Davisca455]

Originally Posted by chocstraw

My girlfriend lives in sacramento for the next month so I'll have a place to stay for a track event,

Sonoma or Thunderhill?

I'm not thrilled with the organizer's run groups but I don't have a choice at this point.

Both tracks are similar distances from Sacramento.
I've only driven on Thunderhill though.
As someone that is new to track days, I appreciate that relatively speaking, there isn't much to hit at Thunderhill if you were to have an off track.

[Ximian]

Originally Posted by admranger

If you want to go off road take a Land Rover. If you want to return take a Toyota.

Have you seen the fast lane (TFL) defender saga? Oy.

This wouldn't be my first "first year of new generation" car so I'm used to expecting some "teething pains." If lemon laws don't cover it, extended warranties would.

Since my other option is the RWD G80 M3 for winter driving, reliability isn't exactly on the very top of my priorities list.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by ///Mobbin

I've considered towing with my wife's QX80, basically the suv version of the Titan, probably a shorter wheelbase though.

QX80 is the same as the Titan. Same chassis, motor, etc. Towing capacity is a bit lower as is any SUV based on a truck.

TFL Truck did a towing test on the QX80 up their "torture route" (Continental Divide) and it did very well, no overheating or struggle.