Truck vs Car as a tow vehicle

I am wondering how often a truck for towing a glider trailer might be an advantage? I have yet to buy my first glider, but of course and thinking that the next vehicle I purchase should be a good one to tow with (Incidentally, thinking of the GMC/Chevy Canyon/Colorado, with the 2.8L inline 4 diesel)..
But I am wondering how often that a truck is a better choice, all things considered.

Thanks.

Regards,
"Target"

A truck makes it a bunch easier to use the 4WD to get out of a soft field.

Lou

Subaru Foresters work fine pulling single seaters in good trailers with brakes. A high draggy home made trailer without brakes might not work as well.

Two seaters generally call for a truck. I wrote off a Subie in a jackknife pulling a Puchaz.

The usual glider shopping advice is to buy a good trailer. You will learn why when derigging in the dark in a field.

On Sunday, October 25, 2020 at 11:23:41 AM UTC-7, Chris Behm wrote:
I am wondering how often a truck for towing a glider trailer might be an advantage? I have yet to buy my first glider, but of course and thinking that the next vehicle I purchase should be a good one to tow with (Incidentally, thinking of the GMC/Chevy Canyon/Colorado, with the 2.8L inline 4 diesel).
But I am wondering how often that a truck is a better choice, all things considered.

Thanks.

Regards,
"Target"

The advantage of a truck is its ability to haul a lot of gear in the bed and its utility when not flying. You can also put a camper on a pickup and be self-contained at remote airfields (if you get a 3/4 ton pickup). Definitely get a 4WD model. I put a tall Snugtop canopy cover on my F250 crewcab and love its versatility.

Tom

Trucks with big engines will always be a better choice if towing capability is the only consideration. Car only comes into the picture as a possibility when someone wants a vehicle that is otherwise small and efficient when not being used for glider towing.

I've used, in order, a 1973 Datsun 240Z, a 1983 Nissan Maxima, a 1988
Ford F-150 4WD truck, a 2010 Subaru Outback, a 2011 Ford Edge front
wheel drive, and a Mercedes based Class C motor home to tow gliders.

The F-150 was the best, followed by the Outback, both of which were
daily drivers, otherwise.Â* The Maxima and 240Z were stopgaps when the
need arose.

You will find that towing your glider around in a trailer is not
something you'll do often enough to base your vehicle preference on
that.Â* Consider one or trips per year plus the odd landout.Â* I'd base my
vehicle choice on what I use it for most often.

Cheers!

On 10/27/2020 11:02 AM, Marton KSz wrote:
Trucks with big engines will always be a better choice if towing capability is the only consideration. Car only comes into the picture as a possibility when someone wants a vehicle that is otherwise small and efficient when not being used for glider towing.

--
Dan, 5J

On Sunday, October 25, 2020 at 11:23:41 AM UTC-7, Chris Behm wrote:
I am wondering how often a truck for towing a glider trailer might be an advantage? I have yet to buy my first glider, but of course and thinking that the next vehicle I purchase should be a good one to tow with (Incidentally, thinking of the GMC/Chevy Canyon/Colorado, with the 2.8L inline 4 diesel).
But I am wondering how often that a truck is a better choice, all things considered.

Thanks.

Regards,
"Target"

I tow with a 1997 F150 and a Lexus RX300 SUV which is AWD and has a tow package. They both do a pretty good job towing my single seat glider in a Komet trailer. I prefer the Lexus as it drives nicer and you can haul the guys to dinner when out on an encampment. There’s plenty of room in the back with the seats folded down for equipment.

I would recommend 4WD/AWD pickup or mid size SUV. Make sure it comes with a tow package in either case.

On Sunday, October 25, 2020 at 2:23:41 PM UTC-4, Chris Behm wrote:
I am wondering how often a truck for towing a glider trailer might be an advantage?

Weight and wheelbase are your friends. These are the criteria for better towing regardless of vehicle type.

I am wondering how often a truck for towing a glider trailer might be an advantage?

Uhh- How about EVERY TIME you are towing a glider trailer?

At 13:44 28 October 2020, wrote:

I am wondering how often a truck for towing a glider trailer
might be
an advantage?

Uhh- How about EVERY TIME you are towing a glider trailer?


The only problem I have had towing was with a Land Rover
discovery ,my daughter jack-knifed it with a DG500 behind.

I think the hard tyres and springs bounced it into trouble.

I now tow with a Mercedes C class estate car and think the softer
ride helps.

Sorry in the British makes don't make sense in the USA.