we need to select a new tow vehicle

[pappy19]

Personally, I don't think you could do any better than a 3/4 ton gasoline powered rig. You don't need a new diesel for $60k not to mention the excessive maintenance costs.

[cwf]

I love my 2012 Duramax with Allison tranny. 14-18 MPG towing from Central Texas to Central Arkansas on back roads and posted speeds.

Pulling back on interstates (yuk), running 65 usually, got 16-18 and for a while, 19. Running without TT yesterday from home to Arlington I hit 22MPG... So, towing AS gives same mileage as in town driving...almost.

[tlsmit1]

Originally Posted by andreasduess

To give you an example of arbitrary tow ratings, the Oddy has a tow rating of 3500lbs.
The Honda Pilot, which looks bigger and tougher, has a tow rating of 4500lbs.

The Honda Oddy and the Pilot share the same engine, the same transmission, the same brakes and numerous other parts. Yet there's a miraculous difference of 1000lbs in tow capability.

I'm not arguing the overall point that the ratings are often based on questionable criteria, but I think I can answer the Pilot/Odyssey discrepancy:

The front-wheel drive Pilot is rated at 3500#. The Odyssey, which (according to a quick check at cars.com) is front wheel drive, is also 3500#. The all-wheel drive Pilot is rated at 4500#.

I imagine that this issue is one of tongue weight: Increasing tongue weight on a front-wheel drive tow vehicle lifts weight off of the only powered axle. Presumably a 4x4 would handle somewhat better with a light front end, because its rear axle is also powered.

(I should also note that the manual for my Pilot says "don't use weight-distributing hitches." With a WD hitch, my logic wouldn't work, of course.)