Which SUVs to consider....your opinions please!

[Bill]

As is common, a lot of folks are talking engines. But you should probably start by considering the vehicle's tow rating. And I am referring to the ADJUSTED tow rating. Every vehicle I have seen has a tow rating, and it is easy to find it among the vehicle specs. What is not as easy to find, though, is how you have to adjust that tow rating by subtracting the weight of the passengers other than the driver, and the weight of all the cargo you will put in the wayback of the vehicle. Yes, it is a pound-for-pound reduction in tow rating. If you plan to add a spouse at 150 pounds, two kids at 75 pounds, and 200 pounds of "stuff" in the cargo area of the SUV, then the tow rating is reduced by 500 pounds.

I'm not sure how hitch weight falls into this, but remember that a camp-ready TM will have a hitch weight of 400-450 pounds.

And remember that the TM web site, like most RV sites, will tell you the dry weight of the trailer. But by the time you have added the heavy options such as the air conditioner and awning, and all the stuff you put inside the TM, it probably weighs 800-1000 pounds more than the dry weight.

Finally, do a mental adjustment that takes into account where you plan to take your TM. It should be obvious, but you need more tow vehicle if you are going high into the Rockies than you need if you plan to stay in Florida or Kansas.

Bill

[deim11]

Very late followup

With such a light trailer, no need for a big truck. My TV is BMW X5d (diesel version). With towing capacity of 7700lb I can barely feel any load attached.
Gas consumption is 19mpg on a flats, and 18mpg in mountains (car alone is 23-24mpg).

[oldstick]

Originally Posted by deim11

Very late followup

With such a light trailer, no need for a big truck. My TV is BMW X5d (diesel version). With towing capacity of 7700lb I can barely feel any load attached.
Gas consumption is 19mpg on a flats, and 18mpg in mountains (car alone is 23-24mpg).

Wow, I didn't realize they made such SUV's. That 7700 is more than many half ton pickups, which don't even have the extra weight of the enclosed cargo area.

[deim11]

Originally Posted by oldstick

Wow, I didn't realize they made such SUV's. That 7700 is more than many half ton pickups, which don't even have the extra weight of the enclosed cargo area.

Thats the beauty of modern diesel engines BMW X5 diesel version is rated 7700lb (while gas counterpart X5 - only 5000lb).
Last summer I drove from Toronto to Vancouver with cargo trailer about 3.2 tonns (about 7000lb). That was a bit heavy (especially in Rocky Mountains), but did Ok for a trip of 4400km.

[clan_salmons]

Originally Posted by oldstick

Wow, I didn't realize they made such SUV's. That 7700 is more than many half ton pickups, which don't even have the extra weight of the enclosed cargo area.

VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne also have 7,700 lbs tow ratings. Of course new diesels are temporarily unavailable. There are used VW 10 cylinder TDIs out there. I have no complaints with my gasser.

[Nikkira]

I'm trying to hold out for the new three row Volkswagen that's due out in early 2017. Fingers crossed it has around 7,000lb tow capacity. We have a 3023 and while technically the Toyota Highlander's 5200lb tow capacity should be enough, I live in WA and plan to go over mountain passes.

I really want a three row small/mid-size SUV for my own tow vehicle. DH has a Chevy Silverado 3500 which we are currently using to tow, but it's too big for me to comfortably drive. I've also been looking at some of the "luxury" SUVs because of their higher towing capacity.

[Padgett]

If talking price, my Jeep was under $30k out the door. Gets 17-18 mpg towing and 22-24 without. Imported from Detroit.

[deim11]

Originally Posted by Padgett

If talking price, my Jeep was under $30k out the door. Gets 17-18 mpg towing and 22-24 without. Imported from Detroit.

I had Durango (5.7L Hemi) before - close cousin to Jeep Grand Cherokee. Completely different beast to bimmer. Not worse, not better, just different. But it's millage was MUCH worse. Less than 10mpg in city cycle.

[gonzo628]

Originally Posted by Nikkira

I'm trying to hold out for the new three row Volkswagen that's due out in early 2017. Fingers crossed it has around 7,000lb tow capacity. We have a 3023 and while technically the Toyota Highlander's 5200lb tow capacity should be enough, I live in WA and plan to go over mountain passes.

I really want a three row small/mid-size SUV for my own tow vehicle. DH has a Chevy Silverado 3500 which we are currently using to tow, but it's too big for me to comfortably drive. I've also been looking at some of the "luxury" SUVs because of their higher towing capacity.

if 3 rows is what you are looking for... might i suggest the Durango. ( I have one, so there is likely some bias). The 5.7 hemi is a beast (will go 0-60 in just over 6 seconds), but if you are gentle... We took it (without the TM) to CA last month and with the cruise set (@ 75mph) we were getting 28.2mpg. 3 rows (seats up to seven, if you opt for the 60/40 middle bench, vs captain's chairs -what i have). Could not be happier. Will finally pull the TM next month...

[Nikkira]

I might consider the Durango if the other options don't pan out in the next year. My sister just bought a 2016 Durango and it seems huge to me, which is why I'd prefer a smaller SUV with the same towing capacity (if available!). This will be my main car for driving kids to school, local trips, etc, not just towing.