Trailblazer as a tow vehicle

[Hoosier]

I’m not sure but if I remember correctly it was $225 last year. I think the Viper was the same.




So you guys had me trying to figure out a break even number last night (when I should have been trying to fall asleep) so here’s what I came up with for my 2 sled and trailer.

$414, Annual Insurance
$90, MI Trail Passes
$20, IL Registration ($30 for 3 years per sled)
$58, Trailer Plate
$212, Added gas cost based on MPG difference pulling a trailer or not, 2 trips a year, @$2.65 per gallon
$1,050, $350 per item of either lost value or maintanence

$1,844 Total for a year.

If I divide that by $225 per day it works out to 8 days. All of those numbers except the last one are firm figures. I know that everything loses value each year. I’m pretty sure my stuff drops $350 per year or more until it hits low point then it may taper off and stay flatter for a while, but if that happens it doesn’t take much now to spend $350 or more on repairs or replacement parts. Like I said before, I don’t look at this to determine if I’m making a good investment, it’s a hobby and that cost’s money. For right now though, at least I can look at it and say renting for a couple years won’t cost me any more than I’m already spending.

Sorry to keep you up! For me it's a bit different, since I have one sled, share a trailer with 2 other guys, and they are the ones that have the trucks, store the trailer/sleds, etc. I guess I'm the free loader. So if I sold the sled, I'd still be sharing truck gas equally. My sled is an 06 now - I paid less then $4K for it and I think it's basically done losing value. It did have a big rebuild cost, but if I knew enough then I would have known to keep an eye on the carb boots it wouldn't have happened. My insurance is $75 a year with Progressive - again for one sled and only keep coverage when I ride it. Registration and permits do seem to keep going up, especially if you like to take trips to different places.

When my sled is worn out, I'll probably go through the math again. Who knows, might end up renting for a few years at that time too. For me I just like owning a sled, so if it costs a bit more to have my own sled, that's ok to some extent.

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I've found renting out West is a really good deal - it's about the same price you mentioned above, plus you hardly use any gas while riding, and save big not dragging a trailer out there...and then you're too tired at night to spend any money then too...

 

[garyl62]

One option you may not have considered. Sell big truck and trailer,rent a storage unit from Kip or who ever. There are a lot of peaple doing this.

You're right, I didn't think about this. I think if I lived closer, had a wife that was interested in riding, or had riding buddy I would think about it. Right now I'm thinking everything is still new enough that I can sell it pretty easily. Then like I said, if I don't like renting, I'll just buy a new sled from Chad or Kip. You've given me another idea, so if I buy something I'll have to work a deal with them for storage too.

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Boy has this thread moved off it's title. Typical though, but still, wonder how many other comments we'd see if people really knew what we were talking about now.

 

[garyl62]

Just finished listing the Silverado on Craigslist. Put a couple photos and a link in the classified section here too. Well, here we go..............

 

[whitedust]

Just finished listing the Silverado on Craigslist. Put a couple photos and a link in the classified section here too. Well, here we go..............

Ownership vs renting has been discussed before & it is all about how many times you ride a season......you fit the rental profile for sure that I have seen with my buds. For me I can ride everyday in winter & I have to hold myself back already putting on 3500 miles + a winter. If I rode more I would need to turn over sleds more often already have 7600 + miles on 2012 Apex XTX only had it 2 seasons. Thinking of spending money on improvements maybe do Star Suspension next year but if I do that Yamaha will be sure to release an all new Apex from Japan that I will just have to have. lol

 

[eagle1]

Whoa whoa, time out, holder up here......Time for a intervention!!!!!!!!!
This is going from which tow vehicle to getting out of ownership. Stop take a deep breath, your gonna miss owning your own sled.

Ill admit I've taken last 2 years off, because of not wanting take a sled loan out, and it's no fun enduring winter without sled and I missed it. New sled coming this year!

Second, you put a lot time finishing off your trailer. I would at least keep that year or so at least until your sure.

It is hard not having dedicated riding buddies, I'm in same boat. Not having every weekend off makes it harder. So if ya keep your sled I'd be interested in road tripping with ya.

Think it over but sledding so much fun. First winter storm and you'll be sorry. Don't say I didn't warn ya.. Lol

 

[mojo]

I have a 2004 buick rainier with 5.3 motor. pulls 4 sled sometimes 5 sled really good. don't know that you have it behind you. but it is an open place trailer.so I cant tell you about enclosed. but does really good except gas mileage about 9mpg

 

[garyl62]

Whoa whoa, time out, holder up here......Time for a intervention!!!!!!!!!
This is going from which tow vehicle to getting out of ownership. Stop take a deep breath, your gonna miss owning your own sled.

Ill admit I've taken last 2 years off, because of not wanting take a sled loan out, and it's no fun enduring winter without sled and I missed it. New sled coming this year!

Second, you put a lot time finishing off your trailer. I would at least keep that year or so at least until your sure.

It is hard not having dedicated riding buddies, I'm in same boat. Not having every weekend off makes it harder. So if ya keep your sled I'd be interested in road tripping with ya.

Think it over but sledding so much fun. First winter storm and you'll be sorry. Don't say I didn't warn ya.. Lol

Thanks for the “intervention” there eagle1. You’re right; this did go pretty far down an entirely different road than I originally planned. Keep in mind though, I’m not saying I’m cashing it in and quitting, I’d still take 3-4 trips, but just rent instead. It’s not something I haven’t thought of many times, and when this whole vehicle thing came up it seemed to be a natural chain of related thoughts. I did sit down with my wife today and do an evaluation of the thoughts to determine if overall this was good idea, or just something I didn’t think through before taking some action. We decided there wasn’t really an overwhelming point on either side of the issue and I could argue either side or neither result would be wrong. So I’m still working on selling the truck, but I’ll talk to my car guy again about dumping the TB so see how the numbers really play out. If the truck sells, I’m back having to decide if I want to sell everything else, or try pulling it all with the TB, but I’ve got some time to figure that out. If I can get enough out of the TB I’ll sell that and nothing else will change.

I appreciate all the PM’s I’ve gotten in the past couple days and eagle1’s comment here about hooking up to ride this season. We’ll see what equipment I have, and where the snow flies, but it would be fun to join up with some of you.

 

[mezz]

I’ve got a ’09 Crossfire 800 Sno-Pro Limited ,
Anyone interested in anything?

Pic's, Price, Info...... Let's see what you've got.-Mezz

 

[garyl62]

Pic's, Price, Info...... Let's see what you've got.-Mezz

To soon for that Mezz, but I'll give you first shot when I decide what I'm doing. Now, if you want to give me a number I can't refuse, I'm always open to listening

Here's a few from this past season, and one from 2014

 

[rp7x]

I have a budy that is single , he always rents when he needs some , he gets the newest and latest he says they are at least 21, I think he saves a lot in the long run , he does have nice toys that he uses when ever he wants,

 

[mezz]

To soon for that Mezz, but I'll give you first shot when I decide what I'm doing. Now, if you want to give me a number I can't refuse, I'm always open to listening

Here's a few from this past season, and one from 2014

Just curious right now is all, I've got an 06 600 that is set up with 09 sno-pro steering post & mtn bars, parabolic skis, Challenger 144 x 2" etc.... I might consider up-dating with like features & perhaps the 800, but not new, it's gotten too rich for my blood at 54. How many miles on your XF?-Mezz

 

[garyl62]

Well this is really off topic for the title of this thread title, but stays with the direction it's been heading lately. I decided to sell the sleds and trailer and just rent so I'm listing the Crossfire in the classifieds today and will post the f8 after I get some photos of it and then the trailer closer to the end of September.

More on topic, looks like we're keeping the TB and the truck for now. May still get rid of the TB in a few months, or may just keep it for my daughter and get my wife something else then, we'll see. Either way, doesn't look like I need to worry about pulling the trailer with the Trailblazer right now.

 

[whitedust]

Trailer will be very easy to sell but don't wait too long now is the time peeps are buying snomo stuff.

 

[eagle1]

But... to be honest.......if I lived any farther south then I do now I probably wouldn't own either.
Good luck on quick sale.

 

[Hoosier]

Well this is really off topic for the title of this thread title, but stays with the direction it's been heading lately. I decided to sell the sleds and trailer and just rent so I'm listing the Crossfire in the classifieds today and will post the f8 after I get some photos of it and then the trailer closer to the end of September.

More on topic, looks like we're keeping the TB and the truck for now. May still get rid of the TB in a few months, or may just keep it for my daughter and get my wife something else then, we'll see. Either way, doesn't look like I need to worry about pulling the trailer with the Trailblazer right now.

If you are keeping truck, why not keep one sled and take it up in bed. Sounds like most of the time you only need one sled anyway. Then just rent when you need a second. That F8 probably isn't losing much in value anymore.

 

[garyl62]

If you are keeping truck, why not keep one sled and take it up in bed. Sounds like most of the time you only need one sled anyway. Then just rent when you need a second. That F8 probably isn't losing much in value anymore.

Not bad idea Hoosier. I'll have to think through that.

 

[skiroule]

If you are keeping truck, why not keep one sled and take it up in bed. Sounds like most of the time you only need one sled anyway. Then just rent when you need a second. That F8 probably isn't losing much in value anymore.

I was thinking the same thing. Probably 90% of the time I end up driving solo, even when I meet up with some people for a ride. I have a stow-able ramp setup that I built for about $100. Maybe lose a mile or two per gallon but nothing like I would pulling a trailer. Could really be an inexpensive solution for you.

 

[racerxnet]

Gary,

If I had known you lived so close to us, I would have offered you a ride to the UP or wherever their was snow. I was able to ride several times in Illinois due to my work schedule and Iron mountain as well. Anyhow, the offer still stands this year and next. I ride reliable old junk. I get a lot of smiles per gallon that way. Funny you mentioned towing with a trailblazer .I use a 1995 Buick Roadmaster with a LT1 350 and does a great job, but have been considering the 2007 AWD Lincoln MKX. The MKX is probably a poor choice to tow with.

MAK