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adwriter73 · 03-07-2010, 10:02 AM

Looking for a tow vehicle, but want a sporty SUV. Open to suggestions.

Road Ruler · 03-07-2010, 10:22 AM

Post's #1 and #9 here will interest you..... http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...ing-30589.html

2airishuman · 03-07-2010, 12:34 PM

dpeakmd was towing a 30/31 with an x5...

probably weighs 5500-6500 lbs when loaded.

since u have recently visited his home page this must be old news.

i like the new diesel version of this ride, but don't care for suvs+towing.

too many toys 2 fit in/on/under/around the pack mule.

cheers
2air'

bluvalley · 03-07-2010, 12:39 PM

Hi,

I'm towing my 22 ft CCD with a 08 X5 6 cylinder and it's been fantastic. (pic attached) great mileage while towing 15-16, and over 20 when not towing.

If I had to buy one today though I would get the diesel over the V8 hands down.

Best of luck,

James

adwriter73 · 03-07-2010, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluvalley

Hi,

I'm towing my 22 ft CCD with a 08 X5 6 cylinder and it's been fantastic. (pic attached) great mileage while towing 15-16, and over 20 when not towing.

If I had to buy one today though I would get the diesel over the V8 hands down.

Best of luck,

James

You can tow it with the 6 cyl? How much does your 2003 Airstream weigh?

rluhr · 03-07-2010, 05:01 PM

BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz all make "sporty" SUVs that can tow 5,000 lbs. easily. All of them also have V6 turbodiesel options, which I would recommend if towing is the primary job of the vehicle. They get terrific fuel economy especially when not towing.

bluvalley · 03-09-2010, 05:44 AM

My AS weighs about 4500 lbs loaded. (I usually pack light!)

Mine is the regular 6 cylinder, not the diesel.

Road Ruler · 03-09-2010, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adwriter73

You can tow it with the 6 cyl? How much does your 2003 Airstream weigh?

I too tow a 4,500lb road ready 23' with a V6/5 speed import.

Like the X5 V6 the 260HP/260TQ Infiniti engine is very powerful. With over 200hrs and over 5 years of towing, no issues.

The aerodynamics of the Airstream really require less fuel, and engine size compared with towing a box type TT's.

s.putnik · 03-09-2010, 08:37 AM

I am towing a 2005 19' Bambi CCD with a 2002 X5 V6. Total loaded weight of 4500 lbs. An X5 is an awesome towing vehicle for Airstreams. I had to perform an evasive manuever to avoid a broken wooden pallet in the road with nails sticking out and kept the Bambi/X5 well under control. I don't think I could do that with any other vehicle.

pebbrb05 · 06-13-2010, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adwriter73

Looking for a tow vehicle, but want a sporty SUV. Open to suggestions.

Have been towing 09 23FB Flying Cloud with 07 X5 4.8i with sport package for one year. 13 mpg when towing; 19 mpg when not. Had issues mounting electronic brake control. BMW now has specifications for controller install. Handling, braking and acceleration is excellent. (This is the only trailer I have ever towed so my point of reference may been bias.) Only major issue is gear hunting in top gear. I manually shift to avoid hunting. May happen with all towing but when a large tractor trailer gets too close it feels as if the BMW/Airstream package is pushed faster.

JFScheck · 06-15-2010, 08:53 AM

I tow a 25fb with a T-Rex with diesel power - great daily driver, super mpg both when towing and when not - and when you unhook the trailer lots of fun either going off road or racing around the mountains!

Road Ruler · 06-16-2010, 05:36 AM

Just last week my son in law had his BMW Z4 M shipped across the country to our location. I had a chance to drive it. With so much power (straight 6, non turbo, 340HP) it is quite the hot rod.
Not sure if it could be set up as a TV but it sure would be fun touring with such a sure footer, powerful machine.

YouTube - BMW Z4 M Roadster Test

adwriter73 · 06-16-2010, 11:23 AM

I used to have a BMW Z3 M Coupe. Now I've got an '08 Subaru STi. Love it, but need something that can pull. It seems to me a lot of people on here are towing more than the manufacturer allows. I could be wrong, but some of these V6-powered machines shouldn't be capable of pulling close to 5,000 lbs. I'm currently looking at a used VW Touareg in V8-form. The V6 is much cheaper, but I'm concerned about the strain on the engine. Thoughts?

Road Ruler · 06-16-2010, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adwriter73

I used to have a BMW Z3 M Coupe. Now I've got an '08 Subaru STi. Love it, but need something that can pull. It seems to me a lot of people on here are towing more than the manufacturer allows. I could be wrong, but some of these V6-powered machines shouldn't be capable of pulling close to 5,000 lbs. I'm currently looking at a used VW Touareg in V8-form. The V6 is much cheaper, but I'm concerned about the strain on the engine. Thoughts?

My sis has a Z3 soft top. 13 years old and runs great.

For the last 5 years we have been towing our 23' with a V6. Our whole rig weighs under 9,000lbs ready for travel. No issues with 200hrs of towing. The car runs like new.

Compared to a much heavier full sized V8 vehicle towing the same trailer I don't think two extra cylinders will get you much advantage.