Need help picking 4X4 pickup, AT for toad...

[craigt]

I have been researching this for a few weeks now. And have to get something soon!

Here is what I have found out so far, please correct me if I am wrong.

The Dodge Dakota, Mazda B Series and Ford Ranger (2004 or later with neutral tow kit) are all OK to be towed 4 down...even with automatic transmissions.

I believe the Nissan Frontier also falls into that category. Can anyone confirm?

The Toyota (which I would prefer) requires a Remco disconnect.

So, before I pull the trigger on a Nissan (or perhaps the Mazda), I wanted to see what you all had to say.

Thanks!
Craig

P.S. the reason for the pickup is to haul an ATV in the back....

[craigt]

I have been researching this for a few weeks now. And have to get something soon!

Here is what I have found out so far, please correct me if I am wrong.

The Dodge Dakota, Mazda B Series and Ford Ranger (2004 or later with neutral tow kit) are all OK to be towed 4 down...even with automatic transmissions.

I believe the Nissan Frontier also falls into that category. Can anyone confirm?

The Toyota (which I would prefer) requires a Remco disconnect.

So, before I pull the trigger on a Nissan (or perhaps the Mazda), I wanted to see what you all had to say.

Thanks!
Craig

P.S. the reason for the pickup is to haul an ATV in the back....

[DonavonP]

Motorhome Dingy towing guides

The Chevrolet Colorado is also towable as per guide above.

I think the Dakota has a slightly larger box than the others. Might make loading ATV easier.

[Nonno]

craigt,

Only the manual transmission Nissan Frontier is towable 4 down without modification according to MH magazine and the Frontier owner's manual.

[Submustang]

I tow an 04 Toyota Tundra Doublecab 4x4. I looked at Nissan, Dakota, Colorado and Ranger. The Toyota won hands down even with the need for the disconnect. Even though it approaches 5Klbs, I towed it with my 460 gas and now my Cummins ISC. Both MH's handle it fine, even in the hills of Southern Oregon. The new Tundra grew a bit to much for my taste, advertised at 5500lbs. If I was doing it today, I would go with the Tacoma doublecab long bed.

[Howard Leap]

I tow a GMC (Chevy) Sierra 4x4 with auto transmission. It is appproved to tow 4 down with no modifications. Just put the transfer case in neutral. It's a little heavier (5200 lbs)than the ones you mentioned but it's nice having a full sized pickup. I never know it's back there. I installed the baseplate myself (if you want to call it a baseplate), essentially your just replacing the front tow hooks.

[DonavonP]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Howard Leap:
I tow a GMC (Chevy) Sierra 4x4 with auto transmission. It is appproved to tow 4 down with no modifications. Just put the transfer case in neutral. It's a little heavier (5200 lbs)than the ones you mentioned but it's nice having a full sized pickup. I never know it's back there. I installed the baseplate myself (if you want to call it a baseplate), essentially your just replacing the front tow hooks. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Howard, thanks for posting this. I didn't realize the Chevy/GMC pickup was so easy to convert to a tow vehicle.

[craigt]

Great input. I do like the idea of being able to tow 4 down without the disconnect device. But, like Submustang said, the Toyota is tough to beat. I may have to go that route.

Bob: I hear what you are saying and I have read that Motorhome Magazine file on the internet. But, I have also heard from several owners who are pulling the 4x4 Nissan 4 down. They have said theirs has a neutral position on the transfer case and this works fine. Hummmm.....

I am trying to keep it as light as possible, but also like the larger box and cab of some of the models. A 4 door would be great, as long as the bed is big enough for my toy!

[rclarke]

Any Ford 4x4 with a manual transfer case can be towed with the transfer case in neutral. Only selected models with electronic transfer cases can have neutral tow installed by the dealer for towing.

[Gordon]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rclarke:
Any Ford 4x4 with a manual transfer case can be towed with the transfer case in neutral. Only selected models with electronic transfer cases can have neutral tow installed by the dealer for towing. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That's true. My 07 Ranger 4 door, 4X4 auto w/electronic shift on the fly only required the status light and a computer reprogram.