SUV as TV

[JenandJes]

Oh wow, thats a nice mile range!! So overall, it is a much better choice for towing? and has its benefits for not towing as well?

[Jim Flower]

Jeep Diesels work for me and my son. Jim


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[andreasduess]

Originally Posted by JenandJes

May be a dumb question: but what are the true, long-term benefits of going with a diesel? Is it just gas mileage?
We were wanting to steer clear of a diesel since we will drive this vehicle even when we are not towing; that said, we are more concerned with making the right choice for when we ARE towing.

The new diesel engines deliver superb mileage, whether you're towing or not. Up here in Canada they are getting really popular these days.

[phbarnhart]

If you're planning of full timing the diesel might pencil out. Generally speaking the Diesel engine commands a premium and the routine maintenance is also more expensive. Finally, the fuel can be more expensive. If you tow a lot the added economy can balance all that out, if not, well you'll still have the great torque characteristics of a diesel.

The biggest thing to look for in a used Suburban is that it needs to have the towing package. Look for the integrated brake controller and the transmission cooler in front of the radiator. Just because it's got a hitch received does not mean it's got the towing package.

[moosetags]

We have two active tow vehicles. One is a 2005 Suburban 2500 (3/4 ton). The other is a 2011 Silverado Duramax 3500 (1 ton diesel).

During the last ten years, we have had two Airstream 25FB's. These units weigh in the 7,400# area. During the first six years of our Airstreaming adventures, we towed with two different Suburban 2500's, towing over 100,000 miles. We have always found the Suburbans very capable in all towing situations all over the country. Admittedly, there is some struggling on severe upgrades and some runaway train affect on significant downgrades.

About four years ago, we added Silverado Duramax to the mix. We did this because we acquired an Outfitter Pop-up Truck Camper for side trips to the back country. As the truck camper alone weighs 3,200#, we were beyond the capabilities of a gasoline engine. We have found that the diesel pick-up can carry the truck camper and pull the Airstream under any conditions. Road upgrades are meaningless to the diesel truck. This truck can accelerate on a 7% upgrade without breaking a sweat. I have also come top appreciate the diesel's exhaust brake that nicely handles long downgrades without any anxious moments.

All of this being said, we still keep the Suburban for our winter towing which is mainly in Florida. The Silverado does most of our summer towing in the mountains out west.

Brian

[JenandJes]

Originally Posted by Jim Flower

Attachment 240265
Jeep Diesels work for me and my son. Jim


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No problems? uphill? enough power?

what is your exact yr/model/trim etc on those Jeeps!

[Wayne&Sam]

I towed my 20' 2007 Safari with a Mercedes ML500. Towed from NY to Alaska and several times out west. Loved it.

In 2012 we got a Dodge Durango and then a 2014 25' FC. The Durango tows very well and is a great daily driver. It's based on the same platform as the Mercedes GL(Mercedes owns Chrysler when it was designed).

If I had it to do all over again, I'd do it all over again the same way.

[LongShot]

If you're thinking of buying used, seriously consider a Mercedes CPO (Certified Pre-Owned). The MB CPO program adds another year to the factory warranty and has NO mileage limit - unlimited miles! Given that most are 1-3 years old, you'll have 2-3 additional years with no mileage restrictions on your diesel and peace of mind. I even bought 2 additional years taking me out to 2019 with unlimited miles on my ML 350 BlueTec - it's nick-name is the 'Beast', go see one and you'll know why we call it that.

[remphoto]

We just got back from a 2,500 mile trip successfully towing our Bambi Sport 16 with a Honda Pilot -- which is sort of an SUV (more like a cross-over).

[JenandJes]

Originally Posted by remphoto

We just got back from a 2,500 mile trip successfully towing our Bambi Sport 16 with a Honda Pilot -- which is sort of an SUV (more like a cross-over).

Is this a full time set up? or just for vacation trips?

[JenandJes]

Originally Posted by andreasduess

The new diesel engines deliver superb mileage, whether you're towing or not. Up here in Canada they are getting really popular these days.

By "new diesel engines" do you mean 2016? or like the last 5 years?

[Jim Flower]

Originally Posted by JenandJes

No problems? uphill? enough power?

what is your exact yr/model/trim etc on those Jeeps!

The Jeep pulling the Globetrotter is a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Larado with a Mercedes based 3 L Diesel. It gets 17 mpg towing and about 28 not towing. There are no service issues in Canada but it is difficult to obtain service in the US. The Jeep pulling the 30' Signature is a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland with a VM Motori 3 L Diesel with 440 lbs ft of torque. I have been getting 14.7 mpg towing and about 28 not towing. I have had 1 cat related performance issue in 80,000k and it was handled under warranty. The new Jeep is a noticeable generational improvement over the 2008 Jeep. I have experienced no negative towing issues with either Jeep. Jim


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[mnmhays]

We have a 1996 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. It gets approximately 17.5 mpg (hwy) while not towing and 11.5 with the AS. We are happy with that arrangement so far.

[remphoto]

Originally Posted by JenandJes

Is this a full time set up? or just for vacation trips?

It is for long weekends and a couple of long trips a year to see our Son in Florida. For the two of us it would be difficult to full-time with a '16 -- planning on a 25 FC in a couple of years when I retire.

[Butoe]

We towed our 23d for about 27k with a Toyota Tundra, no problems, did everything well. Got tire of pickups after 40 years, and bought. A diesel Toureg. It does everything better. I get 18 towing and 30 around town and drives and parks like a car

[JenandJes]

Originally Posted by Butoe

We towed our 23d for about 27k with a Toyota Tundra, no problems, did everything well. Got tire of pickups after 40 years, and bought. A diesel Toureg. It does everything better. I get 18 towing and 30 around town and drives and parks like a car

Thanks for the input! I am not even familiar with the Toureg at all, so I will definitely look into that now that I see it is an SUV! What year is yours? and did you have to do any modifications?
Also, do you have a picture of your setup?
JenandJes

[andreasduess]

Originally Posted by JenandJes

By "new diesel engines" do you mean 2016? or like the last 5 years?

Diesel engines have always been fuel efficient. Not much fun to drive, historically, but that has changed in the last ten years.

[Garfield]

I'm happily towing with a V6 gasser SUV (Traverse). My only caution is that if you're planning to tow anywhere close to your max towing capacity you really should get expert advice, which unfortunately is hard to find.

Here's my story...
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...rse-91344.html

[GenXair]

Hi JenandJes,

My search for a tow vehicle led me to a Nisan Armada. Perfect for me on the weekends when not towing and powerful enough to tow my 25' Signature International. I average 13.5 mpg when not towing & 9.5 mpg when I am. The 9.5 mpg is with steep grades. =)

[jayseejay]

Jenandjes,
We have been satisfied with the Infiniti QX80 towing our 25 and now 27 foot EB unit. Gas mileage is not the best (averaging about 12 in tow) but it otherwise meets our needs and is a very comfortable daily driver. Best, Joe