New tow vehicle

[coresuper]

I am going to buy a different vehicle to tow my 24' toon. I am considering a Suburban, Yukon, Tahoe and Escalade. Any preference between a 4WD and an AWD? The Escalade is a nice vehicle, but is an AWD. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[not enuf toys]

Re: New tow vehicle

maybe I am just crazy, or I don't care what people see me in, but the Escalade is just an overpriced version of all of the previous mentioned. there are better ways to spend money

that being said, the above three are the same thing (the suburban and Yukon xl just being longer/heavier)

to the question of AWD vs 4WD, the big differences are highway mpg (awd is always running all 4, 4WD lets you choose 2WD when not needed) and the option of a low transfer case. Very often AWD does not have the low option in the transfer case. if the boat is heavy (which the 24ft toon isn't too bad), selecting low in the transfer case makes pulling up a launch ramp really easy without a lot of gas.

I have had vehicles that are truck based AWD and 4WD. I got to be honest, AWD is nice and easy, but have always preferred 4WD for the options of choice

 

[H20Rat]

Re: New tow vehicle

I have had vehicles that are truck based AWD and 4WD. I got to be honest, AWD is nice and easy, but have always preferred 4WD for the options of choice

Depends on the rest of your driving conditions also, AWD far exceeds 4x4 on ice conditions, especially for patchy ice. (Currently have 2 vehicles with AWD, one with 4x4. The subaru with always on AWD and snow tires is by far the best vehicle on ice ever!)

 

[agallant80]

Re: New tow vehicle

Unless I was off roading I would not care if it was AWD or old school 4X4

4WD Pros:
- Best traction in off-road conditions
- Can be turned off to improve fuel economy
- Proven, rugged technology
4WD Cons:
- Adds weight and complexity to cars
- Can’t be used in all conditions
- More expensive than two wheel drive models
All-Wheel Drive


AWD Pros:
- Provides increased grip and control under all road conditions
- Gives sportier handling and traction to a broader range of cars.
- Works all the time
AWD Cons:
- Reduces Fuel Economy
- Increases the weight and complexity of vehicles
- Not as good in extreme off-road conditions


Read more: 4WD vs. AWD | The differences explained | Digital Trends
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[BigDfromTN]

Re: New tow vehicle

All of those will pull your 24'er just fine.

Pick the one with the amenities and price point you like and use it. One good thing about those too is you have room for coolers etc and several people in your tow vehicle. NO need to take 2 vehicles to the ramp.

As for 4x4 vs AWD. "6 one, half a dozen the other" for most users. I like some prefer the 4x4 but the AWD requires no thought or action to be operational.

Enjoy!

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: New tow vehicle

All i can say is I have a silverado and its more of less the same platform. Ramps are nothing, in fact i have to be very careful when pulling on to the interstate or I am doing 80 dragging a 20 foot toon.

 

[gtochris]

Re: New tow vehicle

New or used?
All of your choices are good, with the exception of the Escalade and Denali, the others offer an Auto 4x4 setting which is just as adequate at AWD traction with the benefit of 2wd mode. It comes down to which one you want.

 

[coresuper]

Re: New tow vehicle

It will be used. Looking at a 2007 Suburban tonight.

 

[jkust]

Re: New tow vehicle

I've had three of the on demand all wheel drive suv's and have been in every type of situation you can imagine, from towing in the winter in deep snow, completely disheveled boat ramp that are only dirt, mud, and on and on. Things have always gone exactly as I'd hoped as the AWD kicks in and saves the day. I will just say that you will want to ensure that you have the G80 mechanical locking rear differential in all of those GM's. The RPO code sticker on the inside of the glove box will list G80. It's not a mechanical limited slip like the G86 is but most times the Locking Rear Diff will make so you don't even need the A4wd. G80 is better than a G86 for our purposes but were generally not offered on the same vehicle as you will either have the open diff or the G80. Depending on the GM, it can be an option and surprisingly an option that while it is very cheap, isn't taken. The down side of the 4awd is that when it kicks on, you of course have no control of when and it slams it into action as opposed to nicely locking it in. My 4AWD on my main tow vehicle, without any notice and all the proper fluid change intervals completely blew up last month. It was somewhere around $3,000 ish to have it repaired and honestly shouldn't have happened given the timely fluid change and the miles. Secretly I'm always a bit excited when I actually need all four wheels to truly get out of a situation.