Topic: Thoughts on Tow Rig/RV (AKA why don't more people have Ambulances?)
So I'm in a potential spot to go from one Ram 1500 as both DD and Tow rig, to two specific vehicles. I have an office relocation to thank for that. What this leaves me in is a spot of trying to decide what I want (AKA what the wife will permit).
I have been REALLY thinking about getting an Ambulance - Leaning towards Ford E series and have been bouncing back and forth between older 7.3 and newer 6.0. No need to turn this thread into a 6.0's have issues conversation. I'm well versed on that; and in most cases that's already been addressed on the Ambulances.
Wife seems to cringe at the thought of a "Magic Bus" at our home.. some BS about living in NYC and not being a redneck... I don't understand. So I'm trying to look at some other more "city folk" acceptable things.
Here's my trailer/car situation. 18ft open trailer. 2x axle with electric brakes (2300lbs) Cars and gear onboard the trailer are 2700-3000 max, so 5,300lbs on the tow at most. Parts and gear that normally go IN my Ram 1500 are another 500ish lbs
If I haul my fuel, that could be another 750lbs. All this is fine for the Ram, but will play a role in the items below
$$ sitch: I pay $620 for the ram now (it's a 2014). I've been looking at a Mini or Focus as DD which is in the $400 range, so looking sub $20K on a tow rig to keep me at or below $600/m combined. $10k-$15k would be even better if I could find a score.
Some things that have crossed the table
2007-2008 Grand Cherokee Diesel. 7,200lbs rating - with airbags and TrBrController,
points :This would work for most everything except hauling fuel. Bonus is it's not big and an eyesore and the wife could even drive it in bad weather. This doesn't cover my desires of being able to haul fuel too nor does it give me a place to sleep.
Older F-150 or Ram 1500 (gas or diesel)
points: This would cover all my towing needs, but doesn't work for wife use option nor does it give me a nice place to sleep.
Excursion or GMC large SUV (diesels or gas)
points: This would cover all my towing needs, but doesn't work for wife use option nor does it give me a nice place to sleep though better sleep option than a pickup.
Ambulance - specifically Type III's and mini-mods
points: God this screams awesome rig to me. I can haul everything and with the module having its own HVAC, I can pop in a small generator and have heat or AC for sleeping. The shelf and cabinets are just begging for car parts and tools. and the lights (with a few mods) would illuminate a work space all through the night.
Obviously this is least appealing to the wife and she'd never admit her husband has it, let alone be seen in it. (so bad?)
HOWEVER, I don't see any of these at races. Is there something I'm missing?
Any other thoughts or ideas? Insults or totally irrelevant comments? (Bacon)
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