In my ongoing search for a new TV, the Aspen has popped up as a possiblity. The 8850 lb towing and 1620 lb payload rating in the Limited trim package and the HEMI engine seems to be a good match for out new (planned) TT. Almost identical rating to the 1/2 T pickup. 3.92 gears seem to be std with the tow package.
We anticipate that the new TT will be between 29 and 31 ft (box) with a GVWR or 7900 lbs. I expect to load to 90% of Tow rating and 90% of payload, or about 80% off total capacity.
Is anyone towing with one of these? If so, what are your impressions.
Tks for any feedback.
Dick
2008 Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited TRD
2009 Cougar 268 RLS ~8400 lbs road wt
Equal-i-zer 12,000 lb hitch, Prodigy BC.
2006 Jeep Liberty Turbo Diesel.....TV in Training
2005 Jeep GC 5.7 HEMI,(retired)
2005 Jayco Jay Feather 25Z, 4" lift (Retired)
I tow with a Durango hemi and you certainly will have the power,what you don't have is the wheel base, way too short, and the weight is too high.With a long heavy trailer you won't be happy driving.I would never trade a Durango or Aspen for a 1/2 ton and think it was about the same.You are going to have the tail wagging the dog.
Short wheelbase is the killer in most SUV's unfortunately. We're looking at the Chevrolet Avalanche. It has the best of both worlds in my opinion.
Respect,
Brent
TV ~ Cadillac Escalade EXT, Prodigy BC, Reese Pro Series SC Rigs ~ Starcraft Travelstar 21RBS, Alcan Traveler Tent Camper "Where ever you go, there you are"
HedoTravelers wrote: Short wheelbase is the killer in most SUV's unfortunately. We're looking at the Chevrolet Avalanche. It has the best of both worlds in my opinion.
The W/B at 120" is short compared to 140" of a pickup which might mean that the 29' would be the upper limit. My referance is our Jeep GC at 110" pulling a 6,000 lb, 25' (27.5 total) and it's a combo that will be tough to beat.
I figure that adding 10" of W/B and 4' of TT should keep me in the same ball bark as my current set up.
The problem is that there is very little accurate info available on W/B to TT length. There is that one old referance that pops up but the data was put togeather sometime in the 50's or 60's and is woefully out of date (unless the TV is of that vintage). The best scources seem to be those that currently towing differant rigs and what they've done to optimize their rig.
As far as the referance to a Durango, I hadn't though about that. Maybe the Aspen is an updated Durango with differant skin and ammenities.
The Aspen is the Chrysler badged Dodge Durango. Same SUV. I tow with my Durango (see sig) and would suggest something bigger for your TT. See this My Tow Weights for my weights and then you can use it to enter your numbers. Since the Aspen will have the 3.92 gearing with the tow package, your GCWR will be 14,000 so towing that weight would not be the issue. The issue comes with the 1,600 cargo rating. Figure your tongue weight at 1,000, that only leaves you with 600 for people and other stuff. You will eat that up quickly. My TT is 32 ft. long and I do not have a "tail waggig the dog" issue. My setup pulls great, although I am over the rated GVWR and I would assume you will be too.
2004 Dodge Durango Limited w/ 5.7 Hemi & 3.55 Tow package, Bilstein HD Shocks, Timbrens, Airaid CAI, Pirelli ATR 265/70R17 Tires
2007 Jayco 29 BHS w/ Equal-i-zer Brand Hitch and Prodigy Brake Controller, Atwood Deluxe Power Jack
Wife, 3 kids, dog, and me
pnmhos wrote: The Aspen is the Chrysler badged Dodge Durango. Same SUV. I tow with my Durango (see sig) and would suggest something bigger for your TT. See this My Tow Weights for my weights and then you can use it to enter your numbers. Since the Aspen will have the 3.92 gearing with the tow package, your GCWR will be 14,000 so towing that weight would not be the issue. The issue comes with the 1,600 cargo rating. Figure your tongue weight at 1,000, that only leaves you with 600 for people and other stuff. You will eat that up quickly. My TT is 32 ft. long and I do not have a "tail waggig the dog" issue. My setup pulls great, although I am over the rated GVWR and I would assume you will be too.
You're tow calculator is really nifty. I modified one column for the 2008 Aspen pulling a Jayco 31 and all the numbers are in the green. The payload isn't a problem for us as the vehicle GVWR includes full fuel and a 150 lb driver. We only carry one DW, some excess driver wt, and 2 sets of golf clubs....~250 lbs. One thing I didn't notice is if the TT tonque wt is reduced by ~25% due to W/D transfer to the TT axles.
I'm going to play with your spreadsheet some more and even add my Jeep GC just for giggles.
Also, I appreciate your info on the Aspen being Durango in drag. That helps with the warm and fuzzies as there is a lot of positive data on the durango. Also need to see if these models will get the new 390 HP/404 ft/lb HEMI engine for 2009.
I towed the TT in the sig. below (27.5', 5000 - 6000 lbs)with an '05 Durango, HEMI, 3.55. It had the tow package, but not the 3.92. Please DO NOT assume it has the 3.92 as I did - check first. That was a big mistake. I'm sure the HEMI would have pulled much better with the 3.92, especially in hills and mountains.
I started out with the Equal-i-zer hitch. It did an 'okay' job, but after lots of adjustments, just didn't feel it provided enough stability. I then went to the Hensley, and it made a world of difference. NO SWAY AT ALL.
However, instead of changing gears to 3.92, I decided on a new (used) TV. I wanted more power for mountain trips and not have to worry about the GVWR so much. Also, a bigger TV would just be more comfortable. Since this is a third vehicle, it was a no-brainer to 'move up'.
Although we haven't been in the mountains yet (coming in July) with the new TV, flat towing is much more stable with the bigger TV. I'm not saying you have to use a 3/4 ton for all towing, but I do feel safer.
Based on my experiences, I think going to a 29'-31' TT would be too long for the Aspen/Durango (same veh. btw), even with a Hensley. Power would be okay with the HEMI and 3.92 unless doing a lot of mountains.
I realize this is somewhat of a subjective matter here. What some feel is stable and safe, others feel is uncomfortable or even dangerous. I did what I thought was best for my comfort level, and family safety. I wanted the best stability/safety given my budget and circumstances. It makes for much more relaxed trips - and that is very important to me, not just whether or not the TV 'will do it'.
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