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01-22-2019, 10:18 AM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Harrison
, Arkansas
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 17
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Towing Choice?
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.
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01-22-2019, 10:52 AM
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#2
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4 Rivet Member
1988 32' Excella
Ojai
, California
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 275
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Any SUV with a Diesel and an integrated exhaust brake!
__________________
Dave & MJ
1988 32' Excella 1000 (Beauty)
1999 White Dodge SLT Laramie 3500 Dually, 4x4, 5spd, 5.9 CTD 300k+ (The Beast)
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01-22-2019, 01:18 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2018 27' International
Southeastern MI
, Michigan
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,344
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I would get a Dodge Ram CTD or F350 Powerstroke SUV
__________________
2018 International Serenity 27' FB
Michelin 16” tires
Hensley Arrow hitch
Tow Vehicle: 2020 F-350 6.7L Diesel
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01-22-2019, 01:39 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1988 25' Excella
1987 32' Excella
Knoxville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,118
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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.
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01-22-2019, 01:45 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2017 28' Flying Cloud
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Georgetown (winter)Thayne (summer)
, Texas & Wyoming
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,664
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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!
__________________
Empty Nesters; Gypsies on the road! 2017 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2017 F250 King Ranch, 4X4, 6.7L, Blue-Ox WDH
Summer-Star Valley Ranch RV Resort (Thayne, WY); Winter-Sun City (Georgetown,TX)
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01-22-2019, 02:02 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2019 25' Flying Cloud
Hendersonville
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,092
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Tow vehicle?
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.
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01-22-2019, 02:23 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Walnut Creek
, California
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 3,952
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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
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01-22-2019, 02:23 PM
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#8
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Harrison
, Arkansas
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 17
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Thanks Tuco, educating myself on integrated exhaust brake now. So would your choice be strictly diesel?
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01-22-2019, 02:25 PM
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#9
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Harrison
, Arkansas
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 17
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Thanks Countryboy, I’ll check into those 2
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01-22-2019, 02:26 PM
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#10
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Harrison
, Arkansas
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 17
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Thanks Bill M, I’ll put those on the list
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01-22-2019, 02:30 PM
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#11
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Harrison
, Arkansas
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 17
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Thanks gypsydad, appreciate the feedback, myself as a rookie, your insight on the process should make my choices much easier.
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01-22-2019, 02:34 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2017 28' Flying Cloud
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Georgetown (winter)Thayne (summer)
, Texas & Wyoming
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,664
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bhowl
Thanks Tuco, educating myself on integrated exhaust brake now. So would your choice be strictly diesel?
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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...
__________________
Empty Nesters; Gypsies on the road! 2017 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2017 F250 King Ranch, 4X4, 6.7L, Blue-Ox WDH
Summer-Star Valley Ranch RV Resort (Thayne, WY); Winter-Sun City (Georgetown,TX)
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01-22-2019, 02:35 PM
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#13
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Harrison
, Arkansas
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 17
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Thank you Pat, good info. Read more than a few places that the Armada has very high tow load if equipped correctly
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01-22-2019, 02:36 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,653
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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.
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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.
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01-22-2019, 02:43 PM
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#15
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4 Rivet Member
2021 16' Bambi
2021 22' Bambi
Currently Looking...
North Port
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 331
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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.
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01-22-2019, 02:49 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
1994 34' Excella
Warren
, Manitoba
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,253
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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
__________________
ACI #7394
2012 GMC 2500 HD Duramax Denali
1994 Excella 34'
1987 Limited 34', 1976 31', 1976 Argosy 22' Gone to new homes
Hensley Hitch
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01-22-2019, 02:59 PM
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#17
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3 Rivet Member
2018 25' International
Mound
, Minnesota
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 236
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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
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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.
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01-22-2019, 03:01 PM
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#18
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Harrison
, Arkansas
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 17
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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.
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01-22-2019, 03:06 PM
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#19
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Rivet Master
2017 28' Flying Cloud
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Georgetown (winter)Thayne (summer)
, Texas & Wyoming
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,664
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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.
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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!
__________________
Empty Nesters; Gypsies on the road! 2017 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2017 F250 King Ranch, 4X4, 6.7L, Blue-Ox WDH
Summer-Star Valley Ranch RV Resort (Thayne, WY); Winter-Sun City (Georgetown,TX)
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01-22-2019, 03:10 PM
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#20
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Harrison
, Arkansas
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 17
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Cliffcharb, CBWELL, kpm, appreciate the good input.
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