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Topic ClosedShopping for New Tow Vehicle
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TheBum View Drop Down
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Joined: 26 Feb 2016
Location: Texas
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Posts: 1407 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Shopping for New Tow Vehicle
    Posted: 14 Sep 2016 at 2:18pm
I'm eying an SUV with an Eco-Diesel for our next TV. The diesel is just good for towing and the turbocharger would allow it to handle just about any elevation. It also gets good mileage in normal use, which is important to me.

The Dodge Durango was supposed to have that option for 2016, but I don't think it made the cut because it's not in the build options on the Dodge website. Hopefully it will appear in the 2017 models. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is also available with an Eco-Diesel.
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Posts: 6289 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Sep 2016 at 1:00pm
Every time I see the "longer wheelbase is better" argument, I keep thinking about tractor-trailers. They are the exact opposite and yet seem to work okay. I think that having proper tongue weight and proper equalization and sway control is more important than wheelbase in towing stability and resistance to sway.
StephenH
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Posts: 611 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Sep 2016 at 12:53pm
Agree - longer wheelbase is better.  One just can't be in a hurry to tow a "bill board" in a cross wind.
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Sep 2016 at 12:01pm
Turbo/supercharger is a must for high-altitude passes, I agree. I've towed over dozens of them in the last few years with a naturally-aspirated engine and wished I had either every time. Same for getting off the line at 8000 feet. The only way to retain your original HP/torque ratings at those altitudes is to compress the air. My next TV will have one or the other.

Wheelbase was mentioned above, I'll stress that is important for towing. The longer you go the more stable you are and resistant to sway. This factors into the tow rating for a vehicle, too. Look at the same truck with a long vs. short wheelbase and the longer one will be rated higher (Tahoe vs. Suburban for instance).
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 1067 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 11:17pm
We tow our 173with a 2012 Ford Expedition EL. We love it because of the huge storage/ cargo capacity. It is very comfortable and has plenty of creature comforts to make long driving days bearable. It has the same chassis, engine choices, transmission, etc as the Ford F-150  series. Wwe think the large SUV type body has a lot of advantages over an open bed pick up. Ours came equipped with the factory tow package. We have traveled all over the country and had no issues. We hardly know the pod is behind us except when we fill up the gas tank. It has a 32gallon tank and we average about 11.5mpg when towing. It has plenty of power for the steepest climbs. We would replace it with the same vehicle if necessary.
Safe travels,
Vann

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Posts: 267 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 11:11pm
I've towed your region twice over the years with Pod sized trailers. One tow vehicle was a well equipped 4.3 v/6 S10 rated @ 6000 lb and one our Tundra. To me, the mid-sized P/U was not enough for that area. Big elevation, big climbs, big speed limits, big winds! It's awfully, nice even towing small, to have a full sized SUV or P/U's power, wheelbase and wide stance when you have to continually deal with all your big stuff. It's also great to be able to use your vehicle's stock mirrors instead of those darn hang on towing mirrors.   
'10 RP 175-Replaced by 2014 Kodiak 173 QBSL
'12 Toyota Tundra
'05 Sportster (half a Harley)
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TheLoneRanger View Drop Down
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Posts: 13 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 4:07pm
Originally posted by JGMM_BC

I fully agree with most of the comments made. Keep in mind that the max weight of the R-Pod should be no more than 3600Lbs since that is what trailer is rated for.

I currently have a Mitsubishi Outlander and once my wife's car is paid off we are buying a new TV. I think that any TV rated to pull 5,000Lbs or higher is more than enough for any of the R-Pods. We're looking at and F150 3.5L Ecoboost.



I am also leaning torwards the Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost V6 GTDi DOHC 24V Twin Turbocharged truck. I currently have a 2008 Saturn VUE XR 3.6L V6 which will nnot do well on steep grades and hi altitudes.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 2:29pm
Originally posted by CharlieM


The "best" for you would be a small 5L V8 like a 1/2 T pickup, Jeep GC, Yukon, Tahoe, Sequoia, etc.  




He speaks with wisdom.

Look at my signature and see what I tow with. A lesser combo would do it but, if you want a capable tow vehicle.......


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Posts: 22 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 1:18pm
I fully agree with most of the comments made. Keep in mind that the max weight of the R-Pod should be no more than 3600Lbs since that is what trailer is rated for.

I currently have a Mitsubishi Outlander and once my wife's car is paid off we are buying a new TV. I think that any TV rated to pull 5,000Lbs or higher is more than enough for any of the R-Pods. We're looking at and F150 3.5L Ecoboost.

Jean-Guy & Jennifer
2017 RP-180 "Lilly"
2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
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Posts: 274 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 11:57am
I subscribe to the belief that you should keep your tow weight to 50%-60% of the vehicle's tow rating to have a comfortable towing experience. Don't forget to factor in the weight of your cargo, propane, water, etc. It adds up quickly. So, in the real world, my Tacoma which is rated at 6500 lbs tops out about 3900 lbs tow weight, which is a fully loaded 177. Personally I wouldn't "relax" with anything smaller. And of course, bigger is better. The 3.5L F150 ecoboost is a smaller engine with better gas mileage BUT tow rated for 10,500 lbs! (Turbo vs. Super)
Old: 2014 177 HRE
2015 Tacoma V6 4x4 Double Cab
New: 2016 EVO ATS 200rd
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