Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

[tmh]

Re: Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

Misinformation at it's finest.

The Highlander ,when equipped with the FACTORY INSTALLED towing package, has a larger intake fan, a transmission oil cooler, and heavier towing hitch.

My brother owns a Trailblazer, and cusses every time he has to tow something. They have the steering and handling of a Deuce and a Half.

Uh.. what SPECIFICALLY was "misinformation"? FULLY equiped, the Highlander has a max tow capacity of 3500#, HOWEVER, all gear in th highlander AND passenger weight needs to be subtracted as per the owners manual. For a family vacation, the 2000# boat would wind up OVER the max capacity. Most folks don't even want to be withing 15% of max capacity.

Your discussion of Toyota catching up to U.S. trucks, referencing the Tundra is, of course, not applicable. The Highlander is built on the CAR base - specifically the Camary base. yeah, some changes but still a front wheel drive based car not a rear-wheel drive truck!

Max H.P for Highlander ('05) : 230 @ 5800 rpm. Max torque 242 @ 4400 rpm

For '05 Trailblazer 275 hp, Max Torque 275 ft-lb @ 260 rpm.

So, those are the FACTS, not just your opinion (which is wrong, of course).

gain, a Highlander and the like can tow, but starting power and stopping power are not what most folks want when towing AND it wears on the tranny like crazy.

 

[mikey.himself]

Re: Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

Yep, overworking your tranny/engine for the sake of mileage which you're going to lose anyway overloading it, it's NOT worth it. for safety, cost, and convinience ....buy the right hauler or buy a slip!

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

Hi Linc,

I tow my 21' Tahoe (3,000+ lbs) with a 2007 Chevy Tahoe and it handles very well. I like Chevy because they have the tow/haul mode that doesn't put a strain your transmission as much. Although, I sacrifice some gas mileage on the winding hills to the lake, I'd rather sacrifice the mileage than have my truck laid up in the shop for a new transmission. Also, Chevy now has FlexFuel capabilities and when that corn fuel comes to my area, you can bet I'll be buying that instead of petrol.

Rich

That corn fuel is available in my area (E-85) and from what I see and hear if you choose to use it in your flex fuel vehicle you can look forward to
Paying the same price as premium gasoline
Paying around $3,000 more for your vehicle to have the capability
Getting around 15% less miles per gallon.
Driving for 20 minutes to the nearest place that has it.

Not a difficult decision for me !!!

 

[Matthew_B]

Re: Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

Uh.. what SPECIFICALLY was "misinformation"? FULLY equiped, the Highlander has a max tow capacity of 3500#, HOWEVER, all gear in th highlander AND passenger weight needs to be subtracted as per the owners manual. For a family vacation, the 2000# boat would wind up OVER the max capacity.

If you're basing that on actually reading the highlander manual, great. But be real careful if you're basing that on "all manufacturers do it that way."

All the trucks and big SUVs out there take the GCWR and subtract the curb weight and call it the tow rating. In this case, every pound you add to the truck takes from the tow rating.

But this isn't the case for smaller tow vehicles. Often the tow rating is far lower than the difference between the two because of other concerns (stability being a big one). Our van, a Dodge Caravan, for example can haul 1,100 lbs inside before the tow rating drops. I don't tow with it because I have a pickup, but that's what is in the manual - and this is often the case for the little SUVs and minivans.

 

[Ducatinut]

Re: Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

I am looking for suggestions for a used tow vehicle that will also fit my family:

Me, wife, 3 kids (ages 6, 3, 1). We will be towing a 18' boat that weighs approx. 1900 pounds.

Vans would be first choice, I appreciate any and all shared experience and suggestions.

-Linc

Linc--

I'm a BIG fan of the Astro vans. I personally know of one that towed a 5K lb boat from Central TX to SW Ohio with two people and a load of travel gear. It got around 9 mpg and now has about 10K miles towing a variety of loads. (it was also purchased as a parts car w/a rod knock and had about 100 miles on a new crank before they left )

I considered them before buying my F250, but the added utility of the pickup was the deciding factor.

Astros depreciate like rocks (uncool, discontinued, etc), so you can steal them after they are a couple of years old. They're tough, the 4.3L is a very durable engine and can be set up (properly) for towing. There's a mid-run change in the engine that makes a big difference in power, but I don't recall the cut-off, I'll let you do the research. They might be cheap enough to have as a 3rd vehicle.

Best of luck,

Chris

 

[OV1961]

Re: Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

A diesel Suburban is my choice. The 6.5L engine has more torque and better economy than the 7.4L gas engine. They were born to tow. Since the last Suburban with the turbo diesel was made in 1999 you should be able to find one reasonably priced. With the 3rd seat it is an 8 passenger truck. Most have class III hitches factory installed. Mine only gets 3 mpg less (18 highway) than the Astro van 4.3L I had.

Mine is a 1998 Suburban LT 2500 with 6.5 liter turbo diesel, pretty much stock.

 

[MikDee]

Re: Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

Linc--

I'm a BIG fan of the Astro vans. I personally know of one that towed a 5K lb boat from Central TX to SW Ohio with two people and a load of travel gear. It got around 9 mpg and now has about 10K miles towing a variety of loads. (it was also purchased as a parts car w/a rod knock and had about 100 miles on a new crank before they left )

I considered them before buying my F250, but the added utility of the pickup was the deciding factor.

Astros depreciate like rocks (uncool, discontinued, etc), so you can steal them after they are a couple of years old. They're tough, the 4.3L is a very durable engine and can be set up (properly) for towing. There's a mid-run change in the engine that makes a big difference in power, but I don't recall the cut-off, I'll let you do the research. They might be cheap enough to have as a 3rd vehicle.

Best of luck,

Chris

Wait, my 96' GMC Sonoma 2WD pickup (S-10 style) has the 4.3 and is probably lighter then the Astrovan with the same, or more powerful Vortec V6, and I didn't buy it for towing, but recently I started towing a boat, outboard motor, & trailer package about 2500lbs total with it, and it really doesn't impress me? I even have trouble getting it to back the boat up the small incline in my driveway, it will just stop, until I put it 1/2 way to the floor, what gives, I thought these could tow at least 4k pounds? I know it's auto. and only has a 3:08 rear, but come on 1/2 it's rated capacity?

 

[luckyinkentucky]

Re: Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

....... The Highlander is built on the CAR base - specifically the Camary base. yeah, some changes but still a front wheel drive based car not a rear-wheel drive truck!

Misinformed again!

I don't doubt that you actually believe what you are saying ... tmh.

The only problem is that you aren't telling accurate information. My brother works for TMMI better known as Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana Inc. and has for 6 years. There they make the Toyota Camry.

The Camry is built on the Camry frame. The Highlander is built on the EXACT same chassis as the Lexus LX. Look at a Lexus LX sometime and compare them with the Highlander. They look EXACTLY the same except for the $30,000 price difference. Of course ... a salesman will tell you differently.

Also, most Highlanders come standard with 4wd or AWD now. Believe me when I say they handle 10 times better than a Trailblazer with a load on them.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

double post - sorry. Admin- remove please if possible

 

[jlinder]

Re: Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

I have a 2001 Isuzu Trooper that I love. Tow a 1988, 19' Chapparrel that weights about 4000# total.

Shame they discontinued the vehicle when GM bought Isuzu. The vehicle is basically a scaled down truck instead of a lot of the SUVs which are scaled up cars.

When I went to replace my old vehicle I tried to find a used one but couldn't. Story I kept getting was that no one ever sold their Trooper. Once they bought it they kept it forever. (I just replace my brakes for the first time at 70,000 miles)

 

[Ducatinut]

Re: Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

I know it's auto. and only has a 3:08 rear, but come on 1/2 it's rated capacity?

The guy I mentioned had an Astro with the same final ratio and complained it had no power.

He bought the rod knock car for the pumpkin (I think it was a 3.53 or maybe higher) to install in the vehicle mentioned above. When it was discovered that they were on opposite sides of a spec change, a new crank was installed in the "junker" and the first one sold.

All that said, I'll take my long wheelbase F250 for any towing job any day... I don't care about fuel economy when it comes to safety/comfort. This is an expensive hobby and people who cheap out either give it up (pocket pain) or get themselves hurt (too much load, not enough hardware)...

Best,

Chris

 

[mikey.himself]

Re: Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

All that said, I'll take my long wheelbase F250 for any towing job any day... I don't care about fuel economy when it comes to safety/comfort. This is an expensive hobby and people who cheap out either give it up (pocket pain) or get themselves hurt (too much load, not enough hardware)...

Best,

Chris

I agree totally.

 

[Ben Paquin]

Re: Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

LOL, some of you guys are paranoid...

I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM with the 3.4 automatic and I tow a 16' fiberglass bowrider that weighs about 2000lbs + 3 people in the the car. No problems whatsoever. And my trailer does not have brakes. Yes I have been in situations where I had to brake real hard and I could stop very quickly. The Grand Am Tow rating is only 1000lbs. You can easily double the tow rating and for short distance almost triple if you have trailer brakes. Of course you need the trailer to be balanced properly. The handling is fine, the braking is fine and it accelerates quickly even on a hill. With that said I wouldn't go cross country with the car towing a trailer this heavy.

 

[mikey.himself]

Re: Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

Paranoid, no...Safety concious, yes.

If you're not going to tow with the appropriate vehicle, you got no business towing at all. Get an inflated boat with a roof rack.

 

[Ben Paquin]

Re: Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

Paranoid, no...Safety concious, yes.

If you're not going to tow with the appropriate vehicle, you got no business towing at all. Get an inflated boat with a roof rack.

vehicule weight is 3800lbs with passengers. Boat is 2000lbs with trailer.
The car is almost double the weight of the trailer. That is what is important.
That and the ability to brake. Now take a 2400 lbs neon to tow the same boat and you've got yourself a safety concern.

 

[Rusty Boater]

Re: Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

Wait, my 96' GMC Sonoma 2WD pickup (S-10 style) has the 4.3 and is probably lighter then the Astrovan with the same, or more powerful Vortec V6, and I didn't buy it for towing, but recently I started towing a boat, outboard motor, & trailer package about 2500lbs total with it, and it really doesn't impress me? I even have trouble getting it to back the boat up the small incline in my driveway, it will just stop, until I put it 1/2 way to the floor, what gives, I thought these could tow at least 4k pounds? I know it's auto. and only has a 3:08 rear, but come on 1/2 it's rated capacity?

Check your torque converter; sound like it is going out or someone put the wrong one in. Needs to be a full lock up with no stall for a 700R4.

 

[Rusty Boater]

Re: Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

LOL, some of you guys are paranoid...

I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM with the 3.4 automatic and I tow a 16' fiberglass bowrider that weighs about 2000lbs + 3 people in the the car. No problems whatsoever. And my trailer does not have brakes. Yes I have been in situations where I had to brake real hard and I could stop very quickly. The Grand Am Tow rating is only 1000lbs. You can easily double the tow rating and for short distance almost triple if you have trailer brakes. Of course you need the trailer to be balanced properly. The handling is fine, the braking is fine and it accelerates quickly even on a hill. With that said I wouldn't go cross country with the car towing a trailer this heavy.

What lake/ ramp do you go to? Note to self: Do not follow this guy...

 

[Ben Paquin]

Re: Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

What lake/ ramp do you go to? Note to self: Do not follow this guy...

You'd be surprised how smooth and how easily it trailers my boat. I forget the trailer is behind. I've towed with a 4X4 blazer and the ride was a lot bumpier and didn't feel as safe. I wouldn't try towing 3000lbs. Then I know it would be unsafe if the wind caught in the boat.

 

[jddenham]

Re: Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

I tow 15 - 17 foot outboard equipt boats behind my 1998 Buick Century. I put a class II 3500Lb hitch on it.

It rides very well and has plenty of power. I would like to install air bags in the rear coils for when I have rear passengers though.

My main concern is the transmission. I drive it carefully and shift manually when applicable.

I don't like using ramps that aren't steep enough, as I have to get the car too far in the water.

I haven't had traction problems at any ramps as of yet, and I've used gravel ramps!

James

 

[Ben Paquin]

Re: Suggestions for tow vehicle that'll fit the family

I tow 15 - 17 foot outboard equipt boats behind my 1998 Buick Century. I put a class II 3500Lb hitch on it.

It rides very well and has plenty of power. I would like to install air bags in the rear coils for when I have rear passengers though.

My main concern is the transmission. I drive it carefully and shift manually when applicable.

I don't like using ramps that aren't steep enough, as I have to get the car too far in the water.

I haven't had traction problems at any ramps as of yet, and I've used gravel ramps!

James

I know plenty of people like you and me who do the same without any issues. We all know it's hard on the transmission.

It's it true that Americans tend to overkill. Heck, their proud of it.
They go out and by a ford expedition to tow a 16' aluminum boat and tell me I'm a danger on the road. A 6000lbs truck in the hands of the wrong driver can be deadly for other people on the road.