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ventport · 06-22-2011, 10:11 AM

We are looking for a 2 to 4 year old tow vehicle to replace our aging 1996 Suburban. Our Avion weighs around 3500 pounds loaded. I am looking for suggestions for a smaller/better gas mileage tow vehicle then a Suburban that due to our budget needs to be 2 to 4 years old. So lets here your suggestions.

Road Ruler · 06-22-2011, 10:15 AM

There are so many choices for that size/weight of trailer.

What are your needs or wants in a TV.... SUV, Pickup, Mini Van, Car???

Are you partial to an import or domestic?

Ben4762 · 06-22-2011, 10:41 AM

I would get a crew-cab truck because of the longer wheel base. I went from a Suburban to a truck and I like the way the truck tows the trailer.

ventport · 06-22-2011, 12:22 PM

We need something that will carry 4 people, domestic, not a mini van, an SUV or pickup would be fine.

pappy19 · 06-22-2011, 12:36 PM

There is a reason that the Ford F-150 is the most popular vehicle in the US and that's due to it's dependability and versatility. I would recommend you look for a nice used F-150 crew cab. I think you will find alot to choose from in the 2-4 year old range. If you can find a recent lease return with low miles and warranty still there, then I think you will be in fine shape.

Pap

**DKB_SATX** · 06-22-2011, 01:19 PM

I recently chose a 2007 F150 SuperCrew to tow a trailer about 50% heavier loaded up than your Avion. I chose SuperCrew over SuperCab mainly because the big dog's travel crate was a very tight fit in the SuperCab, but once we inspected and drove the SuperCrews we were impressed by the room and comfort in the rear seat, and in fact have used it as much for its people-hauling capacity as for its towing capacity thus far (we're changing that this weekend!) So far nothing has made me regret the choice either of the F150 or of our particular truck.

We overdid it a bit, as it happened the best overall truck that turned up in my search was a Lariat so it's fancy with leather seats and steering-wheel controls for audio and AC, etc. Ford's tow package is a must, IMHO. In addition to better cooling, it provides a plug-and-play hookup for the brake controller and a receiver designed for the vehicle by Ford's engineers.

I'm sure that much of this is the same for competitive trucks from GM and Dodge, but I happen to like a lot of qualities of the Ford and feel that they've been producing a good product in recent years. I'm not sure what MPG your Suburban was returning, but so far the F150's mileage has been nothing to get excited about, 14ish around town from the 5.4l with a 3.73 limited-slip diff. (I'll know more about what it's going to give us for towing after this weekend.)

**blmitch5** · 06-22-2011, 02:04 PM

I just bought a VW Touareg V8 and love it. We tow a 19' Bambi and it's more than enough power for the job, 7700 lb capacity and 750+ hitch weight. I won't win in the mpg but it serves as my daily driver as well and I didn't want a truck yet. They make a v6 diesel that's amazing but so is the price.

Good luck on your search.

mutcth · 06-22-2011, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ventport

We need something that will carry 4 people, domestic, not a mini van, an SUV or pickup would be fine.

Two great choices come to mind. Ford Flex - very roomy rear seat, distinctive looks, drives well. 4500 lb tow capacity.

Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave/Saturn Outlook - drive even better than the Flex, roomy, quiet, comfortable, about the size of a Tahoe but better fuel economy and handling. 5200 lb tow capacity for most (4500 for Enclave).

Both are easy to set up for towing - get one with the towing package and all you need to do is plug in a brake controller into a plug in the footwell.

Tom

Road Ruler · 06-22-2011, 04:18 PM

If you need and want a pick up then there are many choices but Tom made some great suggestions that are a better drive and a smaller, easier vehicle for every day use.

Khaosinc · 06-22-2011, 04:40 PM

You might also look towards the larger 4 door Jeeps, like the Cherokee (or what ever they call the newer ones now). The small V8's get great mileage (for something able to tow things) and have the weight not to get pulled around by a trailer. My better half has a 97 and I've used it to tow my 18' flat bed with a '65 Dodge Polara on it with no issues.

pappy19 · 06-22-2011, 08:46 PM

Just watch out with too much on those Jeeps.

pappy19 · 06-22-2011, 08:47 PM

Like this-

Ahab · 06-23-2011, 07:50 AM

Honda Ridgeline, made right here in the USA.

ventport · 06-24-2011, 04:45 AM

Thank you all for the replies, we now have a direction and some looking to do. Brian

Road Ruler · 06-24-2011, 04:53 AM

Thnxs Brian for the update. What type of vehicles are at the top of your search list?

losfew · 08-19-2011, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ahab

Honda Ridgeline, made right here in the USA.

Love yr rig! We're considering a 2011 Tacoma with the tow package rated at 6500lbs to tow our 67 safari 22 (3450 lbs.). Based on your experience, it seems we'll be fine. Do you have any regrets or tips?

oldtrucksrul · 08-19-2011, 08:21 PM

We've had great luck with our Buick Enclave. We get about 14 mpg while towing. I has fit our needs perfectly!!

my3sonsdad · 08-19-2011, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldtrucksrul

We've had great luck with our Buick Enclave. We get about 14 mpg while towing. I has fit our needs perfectly!!

Is that a split A/C unit behind the LP tanks? I'm not even going to ask about what you have on the backend.

oldtrucksrul · 08-19-2011, 08:37 PM

Yeah, LG split mini Art Cool. It works well. The rear has a Honda eu2000i, cooler and a supply box of stuff

GlobeTrottin · 08-19-2011, 08:50 PM

Just finished a 14 day, 1000 mile trip towing the 19' Globetrotter with the Chevy Traverse. Averaged 14 mpg and rarely noticed the trailer was back there. Towed like a dream!