SUV as TV

[garybair]

We tow our new International 28 with a 2014 Dodge Durango RT with V8 Hemi (360 HP) and 8-speed automatic tranny and Blue Ox WD hitch. This is the same drivetrain as in Jeep Grand Cherokee, but the Durango has a 5” longer wheelbase. We have 4K miles on this combo with our most recent trip through these states: OR, WA, ID, MT, UT, AZ, CA, and NV and it has performed marvelously. We carefully weighed everything ahead to make sure we were within vehicle limits. The WD hitch is essential.

We typically set the adaptive cruise control at 64 mph and feel comfortable and in control. My wife has 800 miles in the driver seat, most of which with her driving alone (while my daughter and I were on support motorcycles. ;-)) The engine is very strong and we can maintain 60+ mph up the 6% grades. The tranny is awesome as there are so many gears to choose from.

Mileage ranged between 11.5 and 15 mpg (peaked once with a tail wind) – usually around 12 mpg. On the longer downgrades we’d use engine speed (with paddle shifters) and touch the Prodigy trailer brake controller every once in a while to keep speed in the 55-60 mph range or less depending on conditions, curves and length of the hill.

Once we did have high side winds in Battle Mtn, Nevada that slowed us down to 50-55 mph for about 10 miles. We googled the local airfield which reported occasional sustained wind to 30 with gusts to 40. Well, duh, other cars and trucks were feeling it too.

The Durango replaced a Kia Sportage (never used for towing) and is an everyday driver for my wife, who didn’t want to be driving something as large as a truck or Suburban all the time (we have a suburban too and she considers it too big for her daily driver). She claims the Durango feels more like her old Sportage, than the Suburban, and it spends 80% of its miles around town not towing anything.

While towing our 28, the Durango was smooth and comfy, and maneuverability in campgrounds, parking lots and gas stations is unbeatable. Sure, a big F350 longbed would be more stable, but my wife would hate it 100% of the time in town and we would not like it in the tight spots while trailering, nor while local exploring unhitched.

So this is all about trade-offs. This combo works for us. Get what works for you. Gary

[Gsmblue]

I love seeing all these SUVs. Nice to show it can be done and has real upsides!

[txdxrider]

Just starting week 3 of the maiden voyage with our 76 31' Excella 500....

We have a 2009 Suburban 1500 Z71 as the TV - upgraded K9000 adjustable shocks, upgraded Trans cooler, P3 controller, ez hitch with sway, K&N filter - we travel with 3 boys and a dog- so the truck would be too cramped- but if I could I would have gone with a suburban 2500 or excursion. Maybe after this trip is done I'll start looking...

Don't get me wrong- we love the burb- but I have noticed a few struggles on some grades in the smokies, and a little sway from when the big rigs pass... But everything else has been perfect. We are not in a hurry so I am usually running 55-63 mph... So everyone else can just move on by...

[Ted S.]

Ford Excursion.

https://goo.gl/photos/i7ho9zf4WjszGtbs7

[Ted S.]

Ok I give up on posting images

[Ohiobrits]

Cayenne Diesel works well for me. There is a thread detailing many people's experiences with this TV, the sister Touareg and Q7. Diesels are popular with over 400 ft/lbs of torque. They accelerate very handily, have secure handling and get great milage. Payload will be the main concern together with receiver reinforcement. The above thread will give lots of info. If you have other questions on these vehicles, post your questions there.

[greghoro]

2013 Toyota Sequoia 5.7L towing 2014 25' Flying Cloud

Greg

[Whizzo]

Yes, a diesel SUV offers wonderful towing torque, good commuting mileage when not towing, and fits in the garage. Factory tow package, with the Hensley Arrow hitch.

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

Performance will vary depending on what you are towing. You don't mention what size/vintage trailer you are looking for. Our Ford Flex handles our little vintage Caravel with no problem.

Your rig looks good Stef. The front of the Flex looks a little high. Are you using a WDH??

[pteck]

'06 LX470 towing a 23D. Supremely stable with a simple Anderson hitch.

[txdxrider]

Our Z71 burb towing across NY

[Stefrobrts]

Originally Posted by Road Ruler

Your rig looks good Stef. The front of the Flex looks a little high. Are you using a WDH??

We are using an EZLift hitch with WD and friction sway control.

I don't know if this pic shows it better, but I feel the rig is overall nice and level when hitched up.

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by JenandJes

What does 6% grades mean? Sorry, new to all the lingo!

It's a steep uphill or downhill run - for a long distance. There's a lot more too it... but if I were really sadistic I'd simply say the following:


Go to Roanoke Virginia.

Go southwest on route 221.

By the time you get to Virginia Highland Haven you'll know far more about grades than you ever wanted to know. And you'll never forgive me for sending you down Bent Mountain Road. The route is marked rather well with "not recommended for RV's" signs. Even the VHH website recommends taking the Blue Ridge Parkway instead of the regular route between Roanoke and Floyd VA.

Then if you really want to live dangerously there is "The Tail of the Dragon", and my personal favorite I-80 headed NE out of Salt Lake City. You live in Newport News... Riding the Loch Ness Monster (roller coaster) at Busch Gardens is a similar experience.

[remphoto]

Originally Posted by leedav

means the road rises (or falls) 6 feet in every 100

Here is a visual of a 6% grade.

[txdxrider]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

It's a steep uphill or downhill run - for a long distance. There's a lot more too it... but if I were really sadistic I'd simply say the following:





Go to Roanoke Virginia.



Go southwest on route 221.



By the time you get to Virginia Highland Haven you'll know far more about grades than you ever wanted to know. And you'll never forgive me for sending you down Bent Mountain Road. The route is marked rather well with "not recommended for RV's" signs. Even the VHH website recommends taking the Blue Ridge Parkway instead of the regular route between Roanoke and Floyd VA.



Then if you really want to live dangerously there is "The Tail of the Dragon", and my personal favorite I-80 headed NE out of Salt Lake City. You live in Newport News... Riding the Loch Ness Monster (roller coaster) at Busch Gardens is a similar experience.

Absolutely- learned ALL about grades driving in and around VHH... Loved it anyway!!!