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Bhowl · 01-22-2019, 10:18 AM

Hi everyone. I am in process of purchasing 31 ft 1976 Sovereign . At the moment, I’ve no choice but to go with a large SUV for towing. I suppose I’m conducting a poll of sorts...if In my situation, what would be your #1 and #2 choice of SUV? Thank you in advance.

Tuco · 01-22-2019, 10:52 AM

Any SUV with a Diesel and an integrated exhaust brake!

Countryboy59 · 01-22-2019, 01:18 PM

I would get a Dodge Ram CTD or F350 Powerstroke SUV ��

Bill M. · 01-22-2019, 01:39 PM

You should be abe to tow that trailer with a 1/2 ton. I would want a long wheelbase suv. Esclade comes to mind. Ford Expedition. Things like that.

gypsydad · 01-22-2019, 01:45 PM

Not enough information; wat is the tongue weight on your AS? Also, what is your overall weight, loaded with water? Also, how do you plan to use it and how often? All that will help...you want a TV that can handle the payload your going to be packing along with your camping gear, tongue weight, and passengers. Get close as you can to that number before you go sinking your money into your SUV TV... There are lots of folks who tow with an SUV; just not lots of folks who have figured out the important stuff ahead of time.

Save yourself some worry by considering your use model and then check the specs in the doorjam of which ever TV/SUV you pick...don't go by the sales guys nor the on line spec's....look at the doorjam sticker with the "...should never exceed xxxx" like in this photo. Welcome and enjoy!

uraljohn · 01-22-2019, 02:02 PM

Wow! I can't wait to hear from all the folks that tow a 34" triple axle or a 30" classic with a Ford Escape or other such SUV. This should be fun to follow.

PKI · 01-22-2019, 02:23 PM

The internet search brought up a weight of about 5000#s. The axles are likely 6000/7000lb and the tongue could be 500-800#s. So, your first task is to estimate your final ready to travel weights. At max that pushes you to Armada or Expedition. But if your weight is in the 6000# range the VW Atlas or Durango are options.

Good luck with your investigation. Pat

Bhowl · 01-22-2019, 02:23 PM

Thanks Tuco, educating myself on integrated exhaust brake now. So would your choice be strictly diesel?

Bhowl · 01-22-2019, 02:25 PM

Thanks Countryboy, I’ll check into those 2

Bhowl · 01-22-2019, 02:26 PM

Thanks Bill M, I’ll put those on the list

Bhowl · 01-22-2019, 02:30 PM

Thanks gypsydad, appreciate the feedback, myself as a rookie, your insight on the process should make my choices much easier.

gypsydad · 01-22-2019, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bhowl

Thanks Tuco, educating myself on integrated exhaust brake now. So would your choice be strictly diesel?

Not sure if your thinking a "new" TV or older? Diesel options or gas...I went thru 2 new Tahoe's with my first 25', before I moved up to an F150Echoboost...night and day in the power area. Diesel could be a good choice, but limited in SUV's with payload limitations I fear... Will be interesting to see what you end up with.

Just curious, why an SUV? Daily driver? Don't misunderstand my question...I did love driving my Tahoe's... when I wasn't towing...

Bhowl · 01-22-2019, 02:35 PM

Thank you Pat, good info. Read more than a few places that the Armada has very high tow load if equipped correctly

Mollysdad · 01-22-2019, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bhowl

Hi everyone. I am in process of purchasing 31 ft 1976 Sovereign . At the moment, I’ve no choice but to go with a large SUV for towing. I suppose I’m conducting a poll of sorts...if In my situation, what would be your #1 and #2 choice of SUV? Thank you in advance.

By the time this thread expires, you'll wonder why you asked.
Not that there isn't a wealth of information here, but it's one of those topics where opinion is worth more than facts. Most will encourage you to get what they have, or larger.
So, will it be your daily driver too?
Do you want new or used?

I'm thinking a Ford Expedition, maybe 3 years old that's a certified used car. (I've never had one, but it checks most of the boxes as far as reliability, and heft.)
Or, how about a Toyota Land Cruiser? The SUV that is based on a Tundra?

I recommend "auto trader online" and start looking at prices and availability. The internet changed the way people shop for cars now.

cliffcharb · 01-22-2019, 02:43 PM

The good part is the 70’s era trailers were lighter than the newer ones. My grandparents drug their 31’ excellla all over this country for many years exclusively in Suburban’s with the 454. Find one that has the towing and payload you’re looking. Me, I’m a GM guy so my choice would be used 3/4 ton Suburban or Tahoe. 6.0gas motor is very dependable and capable.

CBWELL · 01-22-2019, 02:49 PM

Our 1976 Sovereign with centre bath had a tongue weight of 870 lbs. when loaded to go camping, and a loaded weight of 8450 lbs. with a full tank of water and empty grey/black tanks. You will get all kinds of suggestions on what to pull it with, some great and some questionable. Ours was pulled with a 2002 3/4 ton Duramax, with no problems. If it was me pulling with a SUV, it would be a GMC/Chev Suburban, 3/4 ton rating. Most important is to have a good hitch, which is set up for the trailer. Again you will get all kinds of suggestions on hitches. One thing to make sure of is the combined vehicle weights fall within the manufacturers rating. Check the maximum hitch weight and GVW of the vehicles you are looking at buying. I always leave a large margin because you will find that you are always going to carry more than you think you have. Better to have more tow vehicle than marginal capacity. JMHO

kpm · 01-22-2019, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBWELL

[...]If it was me pulling with a SUV, it would be a GMC/Chev Suburban, 3/4 ton rating. [...] JMHO

It looks like Chevy (as well as the other SUV manufacturers) make it difficult to buy a current-year 3/4- or 1-ton SUV - link.

Bhowl · 01-22-2019, 03:01 PM

Thanks Mollysdad, to answer your and gypsydad’s question, will need to be older TV, my daily driver will be a Scion xD. Plan on being stationary most of the time with the camper, initially need to get from Arkansas to Arizona. Was leaning toward big SUV for 1-2 day excursions (without camper) with 2 large sons and a malamute that is not a big fan of traveling...originally thinking of truck with shell, but the SUV seemed like possible better comfort option. So....at this point trying to weigh the options.

gypsydad · 01-22-2019, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bhowl

Thanks Mollysdad, to answer your and gypsydad’s question, will need to be older TV, my daily driver will be a Scion xD. Plan on being stationary most of the time with the camper, initially need to get from Arkansas to Arizona. Was leaning toward big SUV for 1-2 day excursions with 2 large sons and a malamute that is not a big fan of traveling...originally thinking of truck with shell, but the SUV seemed like possible better comfort option. So....at this point trying to weigh the options.

I have read posts from lots of folks who like the older Suburban's and also the Excursion from Ford...no longer made, however. (diesels also in those 2) I would look at that and perhaps consider a 3/4 or 1T van...if that's in the cards...some of those have good size payloads also. Too bad you just can't consider a diesel 3/4T or 1T truck with Supercab...they also work very well and can carry lots of toys in back...no problems with payload!