Kavoom
Kansas
Senior Member
Joined: 07/10/2005
View Profile
 Offline
|
"sushidog wrote:
If your pop-up weighs over 2,000lbs loaded, but less than 3,500lbs loaded, I recommend a Toyota Rav4 with it's 269hp v6, and tow package as it's 08 EPA mileage is rated at 19/27mpg. Plus it only lists for around $24k."
I say try a Subaru Forester. They have a 2400 lb tow rating (pure rating not having to subtract what is in the TV) and being in their last year you can find a base model for under 19K if you are persistent that isn't too base really. For 23 to 24K, you can get one as loaded as you like including a Turbo XT but say bye bye to your mileage and hello to power. I averaged 22 mpg in my 04 (base model) towing 1900 lbs 70 mph most of the time. I'm down a little on my 07 (Premium Package) as they changed the torque power ratio a bit. I have the manual transmission, but for 23K maybe a bit less, I think you could get the LL Bean version with the load leveling struts set to go for towing. All Subaru's are pre-wired for four pin so you would want to adapt to 7 pin for electric brakes.
They are moving to a "new" model in May so the deals are starting on them... I have towed everywhere with mine and have around 18K on my trailer in less than three years and have gone up the steepest Mts in the U.S. You won't have the power of the RAV, but good luck finding one of those tow ready Ravs as they are few and far between I hear and no deals on them at all...
As you can tell, I am biased but have proven my bias was validated...
|
Caddywhompus
Southeast WI
Senior Member
Joined: 06/27/2001
View Profile
Offline
|
I echo the Subaru endorsement. They are fantastic small tow vehicles, easily able to pull their maximum rated capacity (and maybe more if you do some homework!). My Forester was purchased for $19k in 2005 and has performed flawlessly for almost 50k miles pulling a variety of trailer at and over 2400 pounds. It's also comfortable enough for my family of 4 to fit in on long trips. Our 5-speed non-turbo model averages 25-30mpg empty and 20 towing 3500 pounds.
Another excellent choice would be a minivan. Do your homework on this one, because not all minivans are created equal (even though they all have the same max tow rating). Our Freestar is our primary tow vehicle and I couldn't be happier with it. It replaced a full size SUV and before that an Astro van, both with higher tow ratings, and is a far better tow vehicle overall. The van gets 22-26mpg empty and never less than 20 pulling our 3500 pound popup. The minivans handle better and are much more aerodynamic than SUVs that can haul the same amount of people.
Many minivans, cars and small SUVs can pull their max rated capacity even while loaded with people, so pay attention to this when shopping. In the end the 3500-rated Freestar is a much better tow vehicle than say a V6 Explorer rated at 5000 pounds towing. The Explorer can only pull 5000 pounds when bone-dry and empty, every additional pound added comes off the tow rating. The minivan can pull 3500 pounds with 1200 pounds of people and gear on board! The moral of the story is don't use tow ratings to determine a good tow vehicle. Some of the best tow vehicles made today have ludicrously low tow ratings if any at all.
I hope this helps.
-Jimmy
'04 Ford Freestar (Primary tow vehicle)
'05 Subaru Forester (Backup tow vehicle)
'65 Bethany popup (best popups ever made!)
Looking for a tow vehicle
Minivan towing
|
kknowlton
Wisconsin Border Country, IL
Senior Member
Joined: 05/27/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
Though we have no experience with Subarus as TVs, we have been very happy with our little 1995 Impreza. It doesn't have a lot of miles on it, as it was DH's drive-to-work car before he retired, but for how old it is, it has required very little service so far. If the newer Foresters are built like it, they should be quite reliable.
|
4runnerguy
Glenwood Springs, CO
Senior Member
Joined: 03/10/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
cada wrote:Notice I didn't genderize a mini van, they are practical family based units. (color dependent of course). Put 3 kids in the back of a RAV4 and drive 100 miles and that'll prove my point. How is the third row seat in a RAV4 any less kid friendly that that in a mini van? Have you actually been in the back seat of a 3rd gen RAV4???
|
mythree
Alabama
New Member
Joined: 12/22/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
OK now i am frustrated My taurus gas a max towing capacity of 1750 lbs yet the windstar/freestar has a tow capacity of 3500 lbs. With the same motor and tranny. why ? why ? why ? The same motor is in the ranger and it can also tow more. I know the ranger is a full frame vehicle it just goes to show the engine is capable. Also all these little cars towing pop ups why not mine?
1987 chevy suburban aka the bus 2008 starcraft 2106
1 6 year old
1 12 month old
1 dw age unknown
|
|
|
Caddywhompus
Southeast WI
Senior Member
Joined: 06/27/2001
View Profile
Offline
|
mythree wrote:OK now i am frustrated My taurus gas a max towing capacity of 1750 lbs yet the windstar/freestar has a tow capacity of 3500 lbs. With the same motor and tranny. why ? why ? why ? The same motor is in the ranger and it can also tow more. I know the ranger is a full frame vehicle it just goes to show the engine is capable. Also all these little cars towing pop ups why not mine?
Freestars have a differnet motor and transmission than Taurus,for the record. The Freestars have either a 3.9 or 4.2 liter engine and a HD transaxle from the the V8 Lincoln Continental.
That said, the older Taurus cars with the 3.8 engine were actually pretty decent tow vehicles and even carried a decent tow rating for awhile. The newer Taurus with the 3.0 liter engine is not nearly as good of a selection. However, either is capable of towing a popup camper if you take some time and set it up right. The silly 1750 tow rating doesn't really do anything but protect Ford from warranty claims, and I'm guessing you are past the time when warranty would be a factor.
|
mythree
Alabama
New Member
Joined: 12/22/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
Caddy I sent you a pm
|
kine
McAllen,Tx. USA
Senior Member
Joined: 06/09/2004
View Profile
Offline
|
Check trailer frame toward the front, it should have a sticker or something saying all info. on p/u. I have a 2008 grandcaravan sxt, it has a v6 and can pull 3600-3800 lbs. It gets good mpg.
Jaime 44, wife 39, 2 kids 8 & 5yrs.
2002 Viking legend 2480st(sold it )
2008 Grand Caravan sxt
|
kahoona
Marathon, Conch Republic
Full Member
Joined: 09/27/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
I towed my most recent pop-up with a '92 Subaru Legacy wagon 4cyl routinely making trips to the keys from PA and back. I ran at up to 80mph on the southern parts of I95 with the A/C on. The all wheel drive makes towing far easier and the ABS takes the fright out of hard stops. When the car hit 200k I traded it in on a '97 Legacy Outback and abused it similarly for another 100k before moving to the Keys and upgrading to a class A. The Pop-up was a 60's Coleman with the old 11' box but it was all steel and lighter than most newer stick built pop-ups. It weighed under 2000 lbs loaded. I had plenty of power for entrances and exits but gas mileage was only 17 mph or so with the '97 and 20 with the '92. Newer Subas will do better.
Kahoona
|
Kavoom
Kansas
Senior Member
Joined: 07/10/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
If your pup is going to weigh less than around 2400 lbs loaded, take a look at Subaru's (Forester/Outback). I average right at 20 mpg on my trips (29 hwy/23 city regular)in my Forester. They are prewired (4 pin) which would work with the surge brakes and not too expensive... My Foresters have been great little tow beasts... And as the recent commercials note, 95% of them are still on the roads after 10 years... YOu can get one for around 20 21K. They have the best tow rating for a vehicle their size in the U.S.
Oh, I just realized I already gave that plug in Jan.
* This post was
edited 04/23/08 01:21pm by Kavoom *
|
|
|
