Walter H
Descanso, California
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Joined: 06/27/2009
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I am trying to decide which SUV to buy to tow a RV trailer. We have ruled out pickups since this will be our only vehicle and we need to have room for two passengers and enclosed space for stuff. We have not purchased the trailer but are planning a maximum 24 foot which I estimate to be 6000 lbs. fully loaded. We are looking for used trailer and tow vehicle, probably 5 years old. My experience in towing trailers many years ago was that we had increased stability with a long wheelbase vehicle so I am leaning toward a Suburban or GMC Yukon. However I know there have been a lot changes in the last 30 years since we bought our last trailer and we are wondering if we could have the same stability with a shorter wheelbase SUV which would be more convenient for everyday use. According to the TrailerLife Towing Guide, a 2004 Suburban 1500 2WD has a 7400-8400 lb. towing capacity and a 2005 Nissan Armada, for example, has 9100.
Does anyone have some experience or thoughts to help us make a decision?
on what vehicle we should purchase?
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RandACampin
Kathleen, Georgia
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Joined: 04/06/2006
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Really a very personal decision as to what vehicle to buy. Me I'm a Detroit guy for my vehicles. That being said you are approaching it the right way, I would think any full-size SUV will with the rated capacity to tow your expected rig will do fine.
Most people are going to recommend what they are partial to.
goodluck
-rog
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jesterdog
Texas
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Joined: 05/04/2007
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I used to tow our 24' in sig with a '99 Yukon. It did ok. I would not go any shorter on wheelbase though. You'll get sway issues.
2001 Excursion 3.73 geared V-10
2006 Coachmen Spirit of America 24TBQ
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ch47d99
AL
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Joined: 08/05/2008
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I am pulling a 32 foot 7000lb trailer with a Nissan Armada with an Equalizer hitch with no sway issues. I love the vehicle. A 2004+ Armada would do well for you, especially if do go with older models as it had the best capability at that time among 1/2 ton SUVs. I would not rule out a newer vehicle as you can probably get good deals on larger SUVs new or used right now.
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Fraser in YYZ
East York, Canada
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Joined: 10/16/2006
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As you will see in our sig, we tow a 24', 5,500 lb trailer with our 05 Durango. Tows great, no problems what so ever other than the gas mileage (or lack of) but that is to be expected.
Hope this helps.
Fraser
DW
2 sons 14+17
2008 Jayco 213 Exp
2005 Dodge Durango 5.7 Hemi
Performance exhaust
Factory tow package
Prodigy brake controller
Husky WD hitch, friction anti-sway
McKesh tow mirrors
A bad day of camping is better than ANY day stuck in the city!!
Go Jays!
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rbtglove
Beavercreek OH
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Joined: 10/08/2004
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you might consider an Chevy Avalanche seems to meet your requirements. Very versatile comfortable vehicle and makes a good TV for a smaller TT.
Bob /Beavercreek OH
Avalanche 1500/Trail Lite 8230
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javaseuf
California's Gold Coast
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Joined: 03/30/2005
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I towed a 24' TT with a nice 2003 Ford Sport Trac. It is considered a pick-up since it has a 4' bed but is based on the Explorer chassis. Had 4-full doors, sat 5 people, had a folding hard cover over the bed and I miss it very much. In fact, I was on eBay today looking for one in the mid-west so I could fly there and drive it back for vacation.
I wouldn't use it to tow my 31' Tt but I liked the truck so much, I want another one.
Steve
2007 Springdale 291RKL
2009 F150, 5.4 ltr.
1986 Palomino Hard-Side PUP
"Nobody knows how we got to the top of the hill, but since we're on our way down, we might as well enjoy the ride". ("The Secret Of Life", James Taylor).
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nowgrn4
Tampa,Fl.
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Joined: 06/21/2007
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The 130" wheelbase of the Burb makes it a better choice than the Tahoe with 116".
If you go with a Chevy make sure you get the 3.73 rear gear.Most newer GM full size SUV's are built with the 3.42 gear for highway mileage.Not the best choice for towing.
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wildwood32
east moline,ill
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Joined: 01/13/2009
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How about an expedition,I love my expedition el,the el stands for extended length.Its a little longer wheel base than a regular expedition which also adds for a ton of inside storage.
If its Friday,see ya on monday.Have camper,will camp.
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dkhender
Omaha
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Joined: 02/15/2007
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Have an 04 Expy and tow 24' trailer, with Equalizer hitch. Provides decent cargo space for family, plus room for dogs when we travel with them. Mileage around 9 mpg towing; but if I was really worried about mileage, I wouldn't be camping.
2008 Four Winds/Thor Hurricane 34B
2002 Ford Explorer --> 2004 Ford Expedition & 2008 Gulf Stream Gulf Breeze 23 TRS
1994 Ford Explorer & Coleman PU
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