Want to get rid of the ads? Become a member by registering today.
The Mariah Owners Club

Forum Left Top

Welcome to the The Mariah Owners Club.


First Real Tow

Trailering and Tow Vehicles

Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 10-09-2007, 02:08 AM   #1
 
ShabahZ280's Avatar

ShabahZ280 is currently offline
Posts: 3,825
Status: Admin & Mariah Fanatic
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Find me on the Map
My Year: 1999
My Model: Z280 MCC
My Engine: 7.4L MPI Bravo III
Gallery Images: 1564


Thanks: 8
Thanked 367 Times in 274 Posts
Send ShabahZ280:
a Private Message
 
Default First Real Tow

Towed with my 01 Ford Excursion v10 for the first time this past weekend. With deep gearing, and v10 grunt, I towed my Z250 to Sandusky, Ohio for our weekend trip. It was pretty much a flat drive, and it felt extremely stable with minimal sway. Before the trip I added a Hellwig Anti-Sway bar, since for some reason, the Excursion didn't come equipped with one! The Wal-Mart $99 wireless backup camera made hooking up the trailer a cinch.

Fuel economy wasn't terrible, but remained in the low double digits.

Here's some pics! Kinda sexy package, if you ask me
Attached Images
File Type: jpg exc2.jpg (87.0 KB, 38 views)
File Type: jpg exc1.jpg (100.0 KB, 52 views)
__________________
Chris
-1999 Mariah Z280 MCC, 7.4L MPI Bravo 3 DuoProp
-2000 Mariah Shabah Z250 Limited Edition, 7.4L MPI, Bravo 1 (Sold, but not forgotten!)
-Formerly known as ShabahZ250
-USCG Licensed 50 Ton Near Coastal Master Captain with Towing Certification

Last edited by ShabahZ280; 10-09-2007 at 02:10 AM.
Reply With Quote
  • Old 10-09-2007, 08:11 AM   #2
     
    dudders's Avatar

    dudders is currently offline
    Posts: 694
    Status: Admiral
    Join Date: Jul 2007
    Location: Perth Western Australia
    Find me on the Map
    My Year: 2006
    My Model: SX18
    My Engine: V6 4.3L
    Gallery Images: 53


    Thanks: 7
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Send dudders:
    a Private Message
     
    Default

    You guys make me sick with your flash cars, flash boats, cheap fuel, cheap reverse cameras, blah blah blah.........................................
    jealous ? me? noooooooooo
    __________________
    Tony
    Perth, Western Australia

    Schizophrenia, together I can beat it.
    Reply With Quote
    Old 10-09-2007, 02:01 PM   #3
     
    Z 202's Avatar

    Z 202 is currently offline
    Posts: 807
    Status: Admiral
    Join Date: Jul 2007
    Location: Kitchener ON
    Find me on the Map
    My Year: 1995
    My Model: Mariah Shabah 202
    My Engine: 5.7L Alpha 1
    Gallery Images: 6


    Thanks: 0
    Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts
    Send Z 202:
    a Private Message
     
    Default

    Looks good.

    I see the Timmies are popping up down there now. Up here they're about as abundant as gas stations.
    __________________
    My Mariah

    My Shabah is using what the hybrids are saving!
    Reply With Quote
    Old 10-09-2007, 03:43 PM   #4
     
    indykoch's Avatar

    indykoch is currently offline
    Posts: 622
    Status: Platinum Contributor
    Join Date: Jul 2007
    Location: Fishers, IN
    Find me on the Map
    My Year: 1999
    My Model: Z212 Shabah
    My Engine: 350 Magnum Alpha One
    Gallery Images: 18


    Thanks: 0
    Thanked 26 Times in 24 Posts
    Send indykoch:
    a Private Message
     
    Default

    Awesome set-up Chris! Looks great!

    Dudders - don't worry. You'll be making most of us jealous over the next 5-6 months while we're in "winter mode". Just send Chris 10+ pictures a day, every day, for 6 months. I heard he likes beer and women, so make sure you get that covered in most pics
    __________________
    Ryan
    Previously - '99 Z212 Shabah
    350 Mag MPI
    Currently - '07 Ebbtide 2600 CBR
    Reply With Quote
    Old 10-09-2007, 05:08 PM   #5
     
    ShabahZ280's Avatar

    ShabahZ280 is currently offline
    Posts: 3,825
    Status: Admin & Mariah Fanatic
    Join Date: Jun 2007
    Location: Cincinnati, OH
    Find me on the Map
    My Year: 1999
    My Model: Z280 MCC
    My Engine: 7.4L MPI Bravo III
    Gallery Images: 1564


    Thanks: 8
    Thanked 367 Times in 274 Posts
    Send ShabahZ280:
    a Private Message
     
    Default

    Beer & Women, who me?

    Dudders, we're counting on you to keep this board going in winter. We'll ALL be jealous of you!
    __________________
    Chris
    -1999 Mariah Z280 MCC, 7.4L MPI Bravo 3 DuoProp
    -2000 Mariah Shabah Z250 Limited Edition, 7.4L MPI, Bravo 1 (Sold, but not forgotten!)
    -Formerly known as ShabahZ250
    -USCG Licensed 50 Ton Near Coastal Master Captain with Towing Certification
    Reply With Quote
    Old 10-09-2007, 07:23 PM   #6
     
    Z275's Avatar

    Z275 is currently offline
    Posts: 80
    Status: Captain
    Join Date: Sep 2007
    Location: Northern Cincinnati, OH
    Find me on the Map
    Gallery Images: 15


    Thanks: 0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Send Z275:
    a Private Message
     
    Default

    What kind of gas mileage did you get towing? I need to find something new this winter. I've been towing the Z275 with a LX470 the past month or so. Just short distances. It actually does very well and has absolutely no sway with the tri-axle trailer, but we like to go down to the lakes in KY and TN and going up steep long inclines is going to be a different story with over 7500lbs + people + gear + dogs.
    __________________
    Jason
    2001 Mariah Z275 - 405hp 7.4GSi
    Reply With Quote
    Old 10-09-2007, 08:24 PM   #7
     
    ShabahZ280's Avatar

    ShabahZ280 is currently offline
    Posts: 3,825
    Status: Admin & Mariah Fanatic
    Join Date: Jun 2007
    Location: Cincinnati, OH
    Find me on the Map
    My Year: 1999
    My Model: Z280 MCC
    My Engine: 7.4L MPI Bravo III
    Gallery Images: 1564


    Thanks: 8
    Thanked 367 Times in 274 Posts
    Send ShabahZ280:
    a Private Message
     
    Default

    10mpg towing. I made it up to Sandusky on around 3/4 tank of gas. It's exactly 200 miles from Cincinnati, and it's the most flat tow I've ever done. With the v10, the only time you really notice the boat's back there is accelerating from stops. I had originally considered a Powerstroke Diesel for the tow vehicle, but I probably only tow about 4-6 times per season. The +$5k price difference on a used diesel vs gasser didn't have me convinced, as I figured $5k sure buys a lot of gas! Plus the diesels were only getting about 3MPG better, and the cost of diesel, all that, just felt the gasser was the better choice. It's not a daily driver, so it can

    Whatever you choose to do, definitely go 3/4 ton suspension, if you can. Look at 250/2500's and above. Heavier duty springs, shocks, and suspension components. Little bit rougher ride, but much more stable on the road when towing.

    FWIW, I picked up my 01 Excursion V10, 70k miles for $11k earlier this summer. They were practically giving 'em away. Plus when I bought it, there was a set of Chrome 22" rims on it. If I could ever unload them, I'd be making out pretty well on the deal!
    __________________
    Chris
    -1999 Mariah Z280 MCC, 7.4L MPI Bravo 3 DuoProp
    -2000 Mariah Shabah Z250 Limited Edition, 7.4L MPI, Bravo 1 (Sold, but not forgotten!)
    -Formerly known as ShabahZ250
    -USCG Licensed 50 Ton Near Coastal Master Captain with Towing Certification
    Reply With Quote
    Old 10-10-2007, 05:31 AM   #8
     
    dudders's Avatar

    dudders is currently offline
    Posts: 694
    Status: Admiral
    Join Date: Jul 2007
    Location: Perth Western Australia
    Find me on the Map
    My Year: 2006
    My Model: SX18
    My Engine: V6 4.3L
    Gallery Images: 53


    Thanks: 7
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Send dudders:
    a Private Message
     
    Default

    Oh yeah right, here you go again................. $11000 for a vehicle that would cost me at least $60,000 here in Australia IF we could get one
    And you get 22inch boots to go with it
    I didnt know they made wheels that bloody big

    I will easily be able to post some pics of beer, but bronzed goddess's in bikinis on my boat could be a little difficult............... I will see what I can do, just wont tell the wife
    __________________
    Tony
    Perth, Western Australia

    Schizophrenia, together I can beat it.
    Reply With Quote
    Old 10-12-2007, 02:37 AM   #9
     
    MariahMan's Avatar

    MariahMan is currently offline
    Posts: 1,226
    Status: Admin Guy
    Join Date: Jun 2007
    Location: Seattle, WA
    Find me on the Map
    My Year: 2001
    My Model: 252 Shabah
    My Engine: Volvo Penta 5.7GXi, DP
    Gallery Images: 211


    Thanks: 10
    Thanked 204 Times in 36 Posts
    Send MariahMan:
    a Private Message
     
    Default

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by dudders View Post
    I will easily be able to post some pics of beer, but bronzed goddess's in bikinis on my boat could be a little difficult............... I will see what I can do, just wont tell the wife
    We're counting on you Tony! We have faith in you!
    __________________
    -Ryan

    ThunderShark Web Solutions
    PM or email me if you need hosting or community support.
    Reply With Quote
    Reply

    Bookmarks




    Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
     


    Similar Threads
    Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
    the real Skipper of my boat...... Jeff Barnett Chit Chat/Off-Topic 6 09-11-2007 12:46 AM



    Forum Right Top
    Forum Left Bottom Forum Right Bottom
     
    Right Left
    Member Login
    Forgot password?
    Forum LeftForum Right

    About the Club
    Age of the Mariah Owners Club:

    Total Members: 18,530
    Total Threads: 12,971
    Total Posts: 68,338
    Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Subscribe to Mariah Owners Club on YouTube
    There are 111 users
    currently browsing forums.
    Forum LeftForum Right

    Find us on Facebook
    Forum LeftForum Right

    Club Sponsors
    Right Sponsor





    Forum LeftForum Right
    Right Right
    Right Bottom Left Right Bottom Right