Looking for a vehicle that is economical if there is anything?

[Oldlures]

Hey guys my '00 Ford Expedition that has 180K on it and I am interested in something that will pull a 20ft. Bass Boat with ease. Is there is anything out there that will be more economical on gas . . is there any vehicle of any type on the market? Can anyone shed any light on this subject? I am tired of feeding the petroleum industry! Are there any 6 cylinder vehicles that can handle my rig on hills of Dale and Cumberland?

[mybentrod]

I know of a 2000 Chevy Bazer with a 4.3 Vortec V6. It has 150k miles on it. All hwy. Asking 3500. Good tow vehicle, very clean inside and out. Suggested retail 5865.00. Private party high mileage retail is 4100.00. Pm me if interested.

[Embrey]

v6 and a 20 ft boat would not be a good combo at all. cummins would be what id have

[MLTSPCS]

Have you checked out the new Ford F150 with Ecoboost? There was an article in a recent issue of one of my fishing magazines (NAFC I believe), and the numbers were pretty decent. Better feul economy than most trucks and plenty of power to pull most boats. A little on the expensive side new, but to me most vehicles are over-priced nowadays anyway. Might be worth a look. Other than that, my father's Avalanche gets around 18-19mpg normally and about 16-17mpg pulling the old fish n ski.

Oops, after looking back I see that there are two similar posts and a couple people already mentioned the Ecoboost F150 in the other thread.

[The Legend]

I don't know about the newer V6 engines, but I pull my Triton TR20 with a 1998 extended cab Chevy S10 (4.3 V6). It has plenty of power to pull the boat, but it STINKS on fuel economy! Also, stopping very quickly can be a little tricky, especially on wet roads. I'd say for towing comfort and safety, go with a full size truck and a V8.

[transamz9]

If you don't mind going used, look at the pre-'07 diesels. I have an '05 Cummins and get 16-18 pulling my Z9 depending on how much of a hurry I'm in. I pull a 40' fifth wheel with the Z9 behind it (around 18,000# and 13' tall) and get 11 MPG running 65-75. Empty everyday cummute is right on 19.5 and 22.5 @75 +- in the long trips. All these #'s are hand calulated. Did I forget to mention no shifting up and down either. I went from a 99 diesel to a 2002 gas once and it didn't take but 6 months for me to get rid of that POS and go back to diesel and will never go back. I also won't get a new one either until they get this emmissions crap straighted out. My current truck should be good for 3-400,000 miles. It has 65,000 on it now.

PS,
I do have a box on it and it is a Mustang/Camaro eater.

[Oldlures]

Thanks Legend, I have a TR-20 also . . sounds like sage advice! V-8 or diesel.
Tansamz9, I take it the cummings comes in a Dodge?
Thanks to all that did respond. I once again would like to thank Peter and Fishin.com for the wonderful site!

[know1]

I pull my 20 ft boat with a 4.0L 6 cylinder Jeep Cherokee. I won't say it gets good mileage at all, but it does pull the boat all right.

[transamz9]

I pull my 20 ft boat with a 4.0L 6 cylinder Jeep Cherokee. I won't say it gets good mileage at all, but it does pull the boat all right.

I have pulled my Z9 with the wifes '11 Jeep GC Hemi and it don't even know it's there but it's still not the Cummins.

OLDLURES, here is a picture of my truck. I could not put it in my message reply for some reason.http://s968.photobucket.com/albums/a...ent=truck2.jpg

[newriver]

No such thing as an economical towing vehicle. You got to pay to play.

[lunkerbustin]

I have an 03 silverado I pull my 20' procraft with. I get around 12mpg with the boat and 16 without. It has the 5.3 liter. I agree with others you won't get anything with great mpg to haul with.

[transamz9]

I have an 03 silverado I pull my 20' procraft with. I get around 12mpg with the boat and 16 without. It has the 5.3 liter. I agree with others you won't get anything with great mpg to haul with.

Depends on what you consider great mileage. I get 16-18 pulling a heavier boat than you. I also did a 591 mile trip (empty) with the in-laws to KY lake on 25 gallons of fuel. We drove from campground to campground and every stop the truck just idled because I had my dogs with me and they were inside the truck with the air on. If I had to guess, the truck idled around 2 hours that day. Run the numbers and see what you come up with.It may not be "great" MPG but it ain't bad for something that will pull just about anything.