new tow vehicle

[ltrcrr]

At the present time, I have a 2004 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4  V-6 and tow a Coleman Sedona. The gas milage isn't THAT bad when towing but would like to get better milage. Heres my question...
What is the Best tow vehicle  (as far as MPG) on the market and what would you folks recommend to buy. My truck is PAID for and don't want to take out a second mortgage to finance ...
Any suggestions?
 Thanks in advance

[austinado16]

Sometimes you have to consider...."you can buy a lot of fuel with money you'll spend buying something either new, or 'new-to-you'."

If you do a google search for say, "Gas mileage for 2004 Dodge Dakota" you'll find the link to the government website that lists mileage for all vehicles sold here since the 80's.

I think your V-6 mileage + being paid for, is an equation that will be hard to beat.  Of course you could go out and buy a Dodge, GM, or Ford Diesel rig and get 20 something, probably even towing, but you'll be paying $1 more/gal for fuel and spending umpteen thousand for the truck.

[sacrawf]

Since your Dakota is paid for, it is unlikely that you would save enough money in gasoline to justify a new vehicle that would be capable of pulling your camper.

If you traded your vehicle for one that was 20 mpg instead of 15 mpg, trading with $10,000 cash difference, and gasoline was $4.00, you would have to drive 149.254 miles just to break even.  If you have to finance the difference, you breakeven would even be more miles than that.

And, you would be driving those 149.254 miles in a smaller, less powerful vehicle.

If it is time to trade anyway, bargains on new full size V-8 vehicles (F-150/250, Silverado, Explorer, Tundra, Titan, etc.)  may even justify the extra fuel cost in the long run.

[spicyville1]

I would keep the paid for TV. If not and you get another TV you have the payment, insurance AND the gas expense. My 2001 Dodge 1500 club cab is a gas sucker but it is paid for too!