We are still looking to purchase a new dinghy. Due to the fact we have a platform bicycle rack that with 3 bicycles easily will weigh 200 pounds, we have been looking at Acadia's, Explorer's and Grand Cherokee's.
My concern with the 2012 Acadia it has been reported that it does not get the advertised fuel mileage. We are looking at a AWD at 17/23.
My concern about the 2012 Explorer is the problems with the MyTouchFord. I read a recent post on a Ford forum that his MyTouchFord had been replaced by the dealership by a much less quality unit. So much for the Ford's better idea. We would need to drive 42k to break even on the additional cost of the Ecoboost.
My concern about the Grand Cherokee is that we own a 2004 and a 2005. The 2004 is rusting away and the 2005 has had the engine light intermediately on for more that two years with approximately 5k spent to resolve the issue. I have had issues with every Chrysler we have ever owned. IMHO Chrysler makes vehicles that are not designed to last more than the warranty period..
My question is what are Acadia owners getting for gas mileage?
Comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I do not want to do much more than pull a fuse to tow 4 down. Whatever we purchase will be well equipped.
I can speak for the Grand Cherokee. Our 2012 has been a wonderful vehicle. Chrysler has come a long way with their quality. Ours has the air ride suspension which give an excellent ride. Towing 4 down is a breeze. Ours has the V-8 Hemi and gets 21mpg on the highway.
I would suggest having a look at the new Jeeps.
Keith
Keith, Gloria & Charlie(Spoiled Rotten Boston Terrier)
2010 Damon Astoria 3470
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
USAF 1968-1976 Viet Nam Veteran
You did not mention the Edge, but you did list the Ford Explorer so I will throw in my two cents. I do not have to do anything to get my Edge ready for tow. I put it in neutral and turn off the key. Okay, I do have to do that, but what could be easier? It has an electronic speedometer so I don't add any miles while towing and it is light weight. In my humble opinion I think this is a nearly perfect vehicle to use as a toad.
2011 Fleetwood Southwind 32VS
2009 Ford Edge
Retired Law Enforcement
U.S. Army 1965-1973/RVN 1968-'69
Two Hands wrote: You did not mention the Edge, but you did list the Ford Explorer so I will throw in my two cents. I do not have to do anything to get my Edge ready for tow. I put it in neutral and turn off the key. Okay, I do have to do that, but what could be easier? It has an electronic speedometer so I don't add any miles while towing and it is light weight. In my humble opinion I think this is a nearly perfect vehicle to use as a toad.
Thank you for the response. The Edge would be ideal except it only comes with a Class 2 hitch. Class 2 hitches are typically 1 1/4 inch. I need a 2 inch hitch for the bicycle rack.
Paul, having owned a 2010 Grand Cherokee V8, traded for 2010 Acadia, Traded for a New design 2011 Grand Cherokee Overland. Towed each about 6000 miles. The new Grand Cherokee best car by far. Jeep got it right this time. Esay to tow reasonable and the best looking interior I have ever seen. Car is now 14 months old and only oil change ever needed. I don't know your financial position but I would go with either the Limited or Overland. Best of luck with what ever you choose. Elliot
jrlibbie09 wrote: changing the hitch for bikes or using an adapter to go from class 2 to 3 is easy. Don't judge a car on the hitch for bikes, easy adjustment
I think the rack is so big that a 1 1/4 inch hitch would be to small. Also the 1 1/4 to 2 inch adapter would make the rack longer. As you will read below you will see that the rack is already just over 5 feet long.
A Ford dealer checked into putting a class 3 hitch on a 2013 Edge and said that it could be done. The maximum tung weight on an Edge is 300 pounds.
Our 4 bike Thule platform rack weighs 95 pounds plus 95 pounds for 3 bicycles, (bike 1 35, bike 2 35 and bike 3 25 pounds) bringing the total weight to just about 200 pounds with the bicycle covers. There could be a 4th bike some time in the future.
The rack hangs just over 5 feet behind the car. It is so far back, it has its own tail lights.
My concern is twofold. 1. The covers on the bicycles will act like a sail and sway the car back and forth. Our Thule hanging rack used to sway the Jeeps with the covers on. 2. The rack being so far behind the hitch that it will act as a lever and multiply the weight at the hitch.
We are going looking again Sunday.
Thanks
Paul
* This post was
edited 04/27/12 01:28pm by ploiselle *
ploiselle wrote: I think the rack is so big that a 1 1/4 inch hitch would be to small. Also the 1 1/4 to 2 inch adapter would make the rack longer. As you will read below you will see that the rack is already just over 5 feet long.
A Ford dealer checked into putting a class 3 hitch on a 2013 Edge and said that it could be done. The maximum tung weight on an Edge is 300 pounds.
Our 4 bike Thule platform rack weighs 95 pounds plus 95 pounds for 3 bicycles, (bike 1 35, bike 2 35 and bike 3 25 pounds) bringing the total weight to just about 200 pounds with the bicycle covers. There could be a 4th bike some time in the future.
The rack hangs just over 5 feet behind the car. It is so far back, it has its own tail lights.
My concern is twofold. 1. The covers on the bicycles will act like a sail and sway the car back and forth. Our Thule hanging rack used to sway the Jeeps with the covers on. 2. The rack being so far behind the hitch that it will act as a lever and multiply the weight at the hitch.
We are going looking again Sunday.
Thanks
Paul
It sounds like you have the Thule T2 platform rack, which is the same rack I have. You suspicions are right that leverage of the long bike rack are too much for the 1 1/4" hitches.
In fact, Thule won't sell the extension for the 3rd & 4th bikes for the 1 1/4" version, only the 2" version. Right on the Thule Page (click here) it says 2" Receivers Only.
2003 Country Coach Intrigue, Cummins ISL 400
Toad: 2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (LJ) toad, with just a few mods...
Other rig: 2005 Chevy Silverado 3500 Duramax Dually / Next Level 38CK Fifth-wheel Toy Hauler w/ quads, sand rail, etc...
ploiselle wrote: I think the rack is so big that a 1 1/4 inch hitch would be to small. Also the 1 1/4 to 2 inch adapter would make the rack longer. As you will read below you will see that the rack is already just over 5 feet long.
A Ford dealer checked into putting a class 3 hitch on a 2013 Edge and said that it could be done. The maximum tung weight on an Edge is 300 pounds.
Our 4 bike Thule platform rack weighs 95 pounds plus 95 pounds for 3 bicycles, (bike 1 35, bike 2 35 and bike 3 25 pounds) bringing the total weight to just about 200 pounds with the bicycle covers. There could be a 4th bike some time in the future.
The rack hangs just over 5 feet behind the car. It is so far back, it has its own tail lights.
My concern is twofold. 1. The covers on the bicycles will act like a sail and sway the car back and forth. Our Thule hanging rack used to sway the Jeeps with the covers on. 2. The rack being so far behind the hitch that it will act as a lever and multiply the weight at the hitch.
We are going looking again Sunday.
Thanks
Paul
It sounds like you have the Thule T2 platform rack, which is the same rack I have. You suspicions are right that leverage of the long bike rack are too much for the 1 1/4" hitches.
In fact, Thule won't sell the extension for the 3rd & 4th bikes for the 1 1/4" version, only the 2" version. Right on the Thule Page (click here) it says 2" Receivers Only.
I do have the T2 rack. Off topic I know, but be sure to check the bushings on your rack. I had 3 out of 4 fail or completly disapear. I was 1,200 miles from home, but I was able to find replacement bushings at a Ace hardware store in Titusville, FL. A good guess would be that this rack has over 15,000 miles behind our cars.
ploiselle wrote: I do have the T2 rack. Off topic I know, but be sure to check the bushings on your rack. I had 3 out of 4 fail or completly disapear. I was 1,200 miles from home, but I was able to find replacement bushings at a Ace hardware store in Titusville, FL. A good guess would be that this rack has over 15,000 miles behind our cars.
Paul
Thanks for the heads-up. Mine has almost as many miles on it behind my Jeep. I'm actually going to walk out to the garage now and take a look.
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