We need another car since we sold the B class van. We are going to get a Regal or maybe a 30' Breakaway sooner than later, I hope!
The car we buy will also do duty as our tow behind when that dream Barth is ours. I've narrowed it down and have looked at a couple of mini suvs and the Tracker/Grand Vitara looks like they will do.
Which would you guys recommend?
I know the V6 Vitara is heavier, about 3200-3400 lbs wet, the Tracker only about 2800 lbs.
Are both towable 4 wheels down? The Vitara is an auto box, the Tracker is a 5 speed. Both are very nice, with low mileage.
Anyone using these vehicles as towbehinds now?
Is there something better? I'd appreciate your imput.
Thanks
Don

I tow a '96 Suzuki Sport Sidekick, twin to the Chevy Tracker. It weighs around 3100 lbs., has 4WD, A/T. Tows fine, though I had to change the automatic front hubs to manual, per the owner's manual. Cost less than $100, DIY with minimal skills. It has served us well. Did superbly 4WD in our recent heavy snow.

I just bought a 2006 Grand Vitara XL7, which will be our only family vehicle. The Grand Vitara is bigger, more car-like, less truck-like, more comfortable. It is a better family car. As a toad, you'll trade comfort for ease of towing because of the weight differential.

Both will tow wheels down, though manufacturer's advice varies year-to-year. Check the owner's manual. My 2006 has an automatic transfer case, & I haven't noted any modifications needed for towing. The '96 transfer case is manual.

For all purpose use, I think it's hard to beat the Grand Vitara, if you can haul the weight as a toad.

You might also look at the Honda CRV. Especially a used one before 2003. They changed the way the front door is and it is hard to get in and out. They can be towed 4 down and hey, they're Honda's.

I know several Barthers with the Grand Viagra. They all like them a lot. I am very impressed with their off-road capabilities.

We have a 1998 chevy tracker, automatic four wheel drive with lock outs. We just put automatic trans in park ,transfer case in neutral, lock outs in free wheeling, leave key in the first notch to unlock steering wheel then go.
We love our tracker, kind of ugly,but it grows on you after a while, ours is a convertible make you feel like a teenager.

RALPH
1976 BARTH 27'
The tracker is no longer in production any more.

quote:

I know several Barthers with the Grand Viagra.

i understand that they are hard on the hitch.

"I know several Barthers with the Grand Viagra. i understand that they are hard on the hitch."

Not when they are properly lubricated.

You guys are great!!!

FWIW - on a more serious, sober,& perhaps less suggestive note (you know how us old guys are) I have a friend in Yuma, an avid, long-time off-roader. This is what he said when I told him about buying a Grand Viagra, "If you choose to have one vehicle it is a very good choice --- we have several folks in our club who have graduated from the old "Side Kicks" & "Trackers" (albeit they have them lifted, skid-plated and lockered) but they keep up with the Jeeps & Forerunners." -- Not a bad recommendation for the Viagra -- I mean the Vitara.

First thing a Vitara needs is a side exit tailpipe. Sticking out the back, they pinch easily in "interesting" terrain.

We have both, a '95 Tracker and a '01 Grand Vitara. And we tow both, but plan on towing the Tracker to Alaska this coming summer.

The Tracker is almost a thousand pounds lighter at 2500 vs. 3400.

The tracker is a little better off road and also come with full skid plates underneath.

Being down here in Yuma we do a fair amount of off roading.

But both have been excellant vehicles.

I forgot to add that the Suzuki keys can be turned to the off position. The steering wheel does not lock until the key is removed.

What are your feelings dolly vs 4 down?

I feel that 4 down is highly preferrable. First of all you don't have that additional piece of hardware to put somewhere. The new EZ type of towbars are all hidden so you don't have an ugly looking car. I have towed our Saturn SC2 but I now have a LW300 Wagon I am having brackets installed in the next few weeks.

Been there, done that with dolly and 4 down. I'm with Dave on 4 down.