My trailer is only 3000 lbs loaded, but I am a safety nut (and we go into the mountains a lot). Currently we have a Pathfinder -- it's ok but wearing out at 100k miles. Decent mileage when not towing -- often 20 mpg.
Looking for something similar. A truck would be ok, but prefer SUV due to enclosed cargo space. 4x4 a must. Decent mileage when not towing preferred. Don't care about luxury at all. When towing, I know it will be 10 mpg -- that's just the way it works due to wind resistance.
So what would you choose? Your collective wisdom is appreciated!!
2012 Fun Finder X-139 "Boondock Style" (axle-flipped and extra insulation)
2013 Toyota Tacoma Off-Road (semi-beefy tires and components) Our trips -- pix and text About our trailer
2010 or older Explorer v8 will easily handle that size or if you want lots of extra power an Expedition will take care of business. Also hear good things about newer Durango's and Grand Cherokee's. Armada is very strong but a bigger guzzler than the others.
Have to agree with Road Ruler on this one. Do you need a new TV or want a new TV? If you came on with that trailer asking for a suitable SUV as a TV, I would have suggested a Pathfinder.
That said, I still don't see a full size SUV as necessary for your trailer. If you must........and it were me spending your money , I'd look Sequoia, Expedition, Armada. If Ford would offer the Expy with the 3.5 EB in the future, that might become a hot ticket.
2000 Coleman Bayside
2006 Ford Expedition Ltd. 5.4 L/3.73
Looking for a 6,000 lb. capable tow vehicle there are actually very few SUVs or trucks that can't handle that load. I'd say it's time to do some test driving. Since you apparently plan on using it as an every day driver as well as tow vehicle I would think that how well you like it when NOT towing would be of paramount importance. There is NO correct or incorrect answer here (if there were we'd all be driving the same thing) so it's YOUR personal preference that matters.
Good luck / Skip
2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR - 2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles) 2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
US Govt survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population
I really like Ford's 3.5L Ecoboost. I wish they put it in the Expedition. I prefer pickups, but that's difficult with 3 kids and longer drives that we do. Check out the F-150 Supercrew. Some kid of bed cover (bed or cab height) provides a tremendous amount of storage. As good fuel economy as any half ton and mid sized truck with far more power as lower engine speeds most people like.
Jeep Grand Cherokee is a good choice for you, and depending on budget, the VW Touareg TDI would be fantastic. Touareg TDi Fuelly logs show averaging mid 20's mpg. Great torque at low engine speed. Wheelbase is short for longer TTs, but would be great for you.
A & A parents of DD 2005, DS1 2007, DS2 2009 2011 Suburban 2500 6.0L 3.73 pulling 2011 Heartland North Trail 28BRS 2012 VW Passat TDI
I have been looking at suvs also.I have the larger FF198 FBR,3500lbs,and I have been checking out the Explorer and reading about the 2013 Jeep GC with with the
8 speed and the 3.6.
2006 F150 4wd 7200gvw,Lt275-65-18,Scan Guage,Garmin,flowmaster,load levelers,Firestone work rites, sat radio 50s on 5 or outlaw country
2013 Bronco 800
1200/1500 champion
Mostly Boondock
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, I'd look Sequoia, Expedition, Armada. If Ford would offer the Expy with the 3.5 EB in the future, that might become a hot ticket.
