Truck/bike hauler

[expatbrit]

So...

My Subaru WRX is 10 years old, 160k miles, and it's showing the glass jaw of the original WRX. The tranny is starting to make a tonne of noise and it's probably the input shaft bearing. It's still drivable, the mechanic says 'wait, it's OK and we'll tell you when it's time' but I'm considering looking for a new vehicle.

In conjunction, the GF and I are looking at more and more trackdays, and while riding to the (local) track is fine, I'm not so keen on slabbing it down to Arroyo Seco, for instance (and she, on an SV650, is even less keen). Even without a dedicated track bike, having water and chairs and things at the track is nice.

I'm kicking around a used truck. Probably dump both the Scooby (with much sadness) and the '87 Blazer I almost never drive and pick something up. Ideally, I'd be looking for a manual and not too huge. (Honest truth; I like driving a car, and the other option is something like a Kendon trailer and a car with a hitch). A truck would be useful for a lot of other things, however, and so it's 'on the list'.

Anyone have any advice on something that'll fit two bikes and 'some' stuff in the bed, so I don't have to get a truck AND a little trailer? I saw the Nissan Frontier thread, and that was interesting to me...

[bomber]

I've got 175K miles on my Y2K Frontier -- two bikes is doable (so long as they are reasonably sized), and the 6 is a good strong motor (until you get to serious grades . . . then, you'll be one of the slower vehicles) . . . .

I got a Xtra Cab (I THINK that's what Nessan called it) and that allows for tools and gear -- oil and other long chanin hydrocarbons will fit in the bed with the bikes . . . .

for ease of loading, don't get eht 4-wheel drive (obvious I know) . . . . . .

[DogBoy]

IMO, this is one of those "no one right answer" questions. I had a Ford Econoline cargo van when I road raced. It was perfect for that. Carried everything I needed and more in security and provided a place comfortably to get out of the elements when needed. However, it sucked for running errands, commuting and most other things. Now I have an '08 Nissan Frontier which is great for getting around town, parking, cheap to own, operate. However, it fills up fast for supermoto racing: one bike, two chairs, EZ-Up, ramp, small generator, gas can, bike stand, extra tires, air pump, etc. My tools, riding gear, cooler and overnight bag fit in the Xtra Cab space behind the front seats. With everything for two riders, it would be a very, very tight fit.

A big van really is almost perfect. A pickup truck and enclosed trailer is also very good if you have the space to store the trailer, however the trailer adds another thing to maintain, register, etc.

If I had the budget, I'd have a van that had the sole purpose of being the (reliable) race hauler.

[Bowtie76]

I say car and a trailer.

My 07 outback tows my 5x10 utility trailer just fine.  Room for 3 bikes, tent, chairs, gas, cooler, grill, you get the point.

Best thing, when I don't need it I just take the trailer off hide it in the woods and the car does a great job commutting.  With great (for a subaru) gas milage.

Trailers all the room of a truck (and more) and you don't have to haul it around all the time like you do in a truck.

[Yankee Dog]

if you really want to be able to haul two bike + stuff for two people you should consider a full size pickup. I would get a plain jane with no 4x4 and a full size bed. Might not be the most fun to drive. But it scores highest when it comes to utility.  

[1000lbs]

With two riders and two bikes, I'd go with a car+trailer.  I currently load my single bike and gear in my standard cab Dodge Dakota.  When I'm solo its ok, but if someone wants to come to the track with me I have to get creative with the loading and that is with a single bike.  I'm actually considering adopting the wifes Honda Element and getting a trailer so I can camp over night at more distant tracks.

[KLRchickie]

A big van really is almost perfect. A pickup truck and enclosed trailer is also very good if you have the space to store the trailer, however the trailer adds another thing to maintain, register, etc.

If I had the budget, I'd have a van that had the sole purpose of being the (reliable) race hauler.

Sprinter vans make awesome motorcycle haulers

[HipGnosis]

Interesting thread as I was also interested in the Frontier thread...
So...
What is the smallest car that can (safely, reliably) tow a trailer?

[bomber]

Interesting thread as I was also interested in the Frontier thread...
So...
What is the smallest car that can (safely, reliably) tow a trailer?

Likely a smart car . . . .

The question is really dependend on the weight you intend to tow, and the tongue weight, as well . . . . .

This site may be able to help:

http://www.cars.com/go/criteriaSearch/lifestylecritieriasearch.jsp?styletype=The%20Towing%20Crowd

[DogBoy]

Sprinter vans make awesome motorcycle haulers

+1. I'm jealous of yours.

Kurtw has the long long/tall version and it absolutely rocks. I'm trying to figure out a way to get one.

[The Shepherd]

What is the smallest car that can (safely, reliably) tow a trailer?

I looked up the most fuel efficient vehicle that could tow two motorcycles on a small trailer plus humans and gear (say 2000lbs).

The only four cylinder car that had a higher towing capacity than 1500lbs other than a Ford Ranger or Mazda B2000 (no thanks) was the Subaru 2.5L line.

They have a towing capacity of 2500lbs.

[expatbrit]

... which wouldn't be a bad choice. The Scooby has done me proud, and is fun as hell to drive.

The advantage of the truck over the trailer is in general utility; throwing stuff in it to go to the dump or SCA events, not having to store a trailer, and so on. In all those respects, a small truck is the most 'versatile' option -- if I can get two relatively small bikes in the back of it (since, for now at least, I use the WR250X on the track).

[HipGnosis]

Likely a smart car . . . .

The question is really dependend on the weight you intend to tow, and the tongue weight, as well . . . . .

This site may be able to help:

http://www.cars.com/go/criteriaSearch/lifestylecritieriasearch.jsp?styletype=The%20Towing%20Crowd

Swing and a miss..
The only 'cars' on that sight are stationwagons.