the problem with pick ups etc... as tow vehicles is that they are truly awful to drive most of the time. i suggest a saab 9-3, 99-03 addition. they have an impressive 3500lb tow weight. i picked up my montgomery 17 in California and drove home to Oregon through the mountains without a problem and have driven it around the state a few times. i got around 20 mpg while towing! i get around 24-29 in mixed driving depending on the mix. the 200hp turbo charged car is a joy to drive and will get you through snow and rough roads. i am always amazed how much gear fits inside this hatchback car. watch out for "gunker" engines, a problem with some of these cars. these are also very safe cars to drive. i also always have the surge break argument rolling around in my head, but the few quick stops i have had worked out o.k. one, of course, also needs a mechanic who knows what they are doing nearby. we have many choices in western oregon. just because you have to sometimes tow a boat doesn't mean you have to drive a boring car around.