Towing vehicle help/questions

[pfunk42]

I'm looking into a boat that will be 3000-3500 dry weight plus a trailer. My current vehicle won't manage so I'm in the market for something that will. I'm considering new and used, mostly in the crossover SUV space since it would eventually also be a family vehicle.

My nearest lake (and average tow) is 1 hour, and I'd take some 2-2.5 hour trips and a yearly 5 hour trip or two. I don't live in the mountains (not far from Philadelphia) and don't believe any of my intended trips have any serious mountains or slopes.

I'm curious about FWD vs. AWD vs. 4wd as I've heard a few different opinions. Some say AWD/4WD is not necessarily needed for towing but helpful on steep wet ramps. Others say that FWD can sometimes be better in that situation since they are still likely dry while the rear tires are wet/slippery. I haven't seen all of the ramps I would use and may go on trips to new areas, perhaps the versaility of AWD would be worth it?

Beyond that, I'm curious about models in general. Would anything I look at in that space (7-8 passenger seating, 4500+ max towing) be sufficient for that towing load and trip length? I've seen some comments about some being good only for shorter range towing but I think that was more compact SUVS at or near their capacity.

 

[justchange]

Re: Towing vehicle help/questions

Anything in the 7-8 passenger range should be enough. They usually have larger engines and either 4-wheel or all wheel drive. [is there really a difference?]



Oh, and since you're in PA make sure you have something that'll pull the hills. I've been there and havn't found much at all for flat ground.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Towing vehicle help/questions

For me, part time 4wd will be on my next vehicle, although my '04 Tundra 4.7 2wd has yet to get my rig up the ramp.
The knock on fwd is that with excessive tongue weight, the drive wheels can be forced up and lose traction. A scenario I have seen recently at my local ramp. The last time resulting in a tow form a 4wd vehicle waiting to retrieve his boat.

However with a 3500# boat, a 1k trailer and gear, you will be approaching 5k. Not too many crossovers have that towing capacity.

Full size suv's like the Sequoia, Tahoe, Expedition, Durango should all handle that size load.

I think a lot of this will depend upon the brand/make vehicle you are loyal to.

If it were me and I were buying new, it would be the new Sequoia with Toyotas new 310 hp 4.6. They are showing 20 mpg and a tow rating of 9100#

 

[pfunk42]

Re: Towing vehicle help/questions

The set I'm currently looking at is 3850 (boat + trailer). Do you think a crossover rated 4500 has enough to cover some gas/gear? Most seem to be in the 5000 range, with some dropping to 4500 and some to say 5200. You're right that the full size are much higher. I suppose I was a little more put off by the slightly higher price and worse mileage of the full sizes but if it would make a significant difference on the towing I could consider it.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Towing vehicle help/questions

For what it is worth, I favor Toyota vehicles, so in a midsize, that would include the Highlander. That vehicle used can be found with the 4.7 v-8. In my '04 Tundra I regularly get 18 mpg. They stopped making that combo for the '10 model yrs.

On the other hand, Ford is putting a newer 3.5 v6 called ecoboost into their Flex crossover. Here is an interesting article about the vehicle.
Of the domestics, I like Ford. Better reliability and the fact they weren't standing in line with their hand out......sorry, political post, will amend my thinking..:redface:

Anyway, I sure would like to hear from someone with some firsthand experience with these.....

http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/driven/0907_2010_ford_flex_with_ecoboost/index.html

 

[Titanium48]

Re: Towing vehicle help/questions

How much do you intend to use the vehicle when you're not towing your boat? For a daily driver that does some occasional towing, I'd go with the smallest vehicle that fits your passenger and hauling needs and has an adequate towing capacity. The increased maneuverability and fuel savings of the smaller vehicle when not towing will be worth it. You will be pushing the vehicle to near it's rated limits when you hook up the boat, so you will need to ensure you have adequate transmission cooling and pay close attention to maintenance, particularly engine and transmission lubricants and trailer brakes. You might also want to consider a weight distributing hitch.

On the other hand, if the vehicle will sit in your driveway until it's time to take the boat out I'd get a full size SUV. The difference in fuel consumption gets smaller when towing and the larger vehicle will give you a bigger safety margin. It will be more forgiving if you don't want to use premium lubricants and may not need extra transmission cooling. It will stop better if your trailer brakes aren't in top shape. Because you won't be driving it as much, you can also save on the up front cost by getting something a little older.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Towing vehicle help/questions

You really need to understand tow ratings and you are also underestimating the weight. A 3850 boat trailer combination is just that. No fuel, no gear, no adult beverages and most importantly, no passengers IN the tow vehicle. Read the fine print folks. Towing capacity is all about GCWR (gross combined weight rating) as it relates to towing capacity. Load up a crossover SUV with people and gear and that tow capacity goes out the window.

 

[xxturbowesxx]

Re: Towing vehicle help/questions

just want to try to cast some light on 4wd vs awd. Usually awd is designed to handle wet/icy roads/high performance and isn't engineered to be very strong for towing and going off road. It is not selectable like 4wd(2wd,4parttime(awd)4hi,4lo) and functions all the time. In some cases this wont be true for example my Jeep Grand Cherokee has full time 4wd/Awd(Quadradrive) but it uses a transfer case instead of a diff with clutch packs to distribute the power. It senses wheelspin and directs power to the wheel that isn't spinning. So while rugged it is technically Awd. Most of the time an awd will be a front wheel drive with systems added to make all wheels drive.In most situations having a transfer case will make the difference(4lo) between the 2 and make it 4x4.

4wd=trucks/suv(some may still be full time 4wd)
Awd/Fwd=cuteute/cars/subaru/awd vehicles without low range(transfer case)

Back on topic it should be clear you are looking for a 4wd as most awd systems/vehicles are not intended for towing. Front wheel drive would be out because the transmission and axle are combined and usually a weak point.

 

[grahamh]

Re: Towing vehicle help/questions

Since this is going to be your daily driver as well (at least I think I gathered that) I would stay away from anything fullsize.

If your vehicle is rated for 5000lbs, that's plenty for what you're towing, fuel, beverages and supplies don't weight 1000lbs. A midsize crossover may not tow with the same authority as a full size rig, but trust me, driving a full size every day is not for everyone, especially if you live in/near a city and have to park in garages a lot.

If I was buying in your position, I'd probably go with either a Toyota 4Runner or a Nissan Xterra. I like truck-based SUVs with real frame, not unibody construction. That said, the Honda Pilot would suit you as well. 4wd is nice, but not necessary if the ramps you use are good.

Honestly, I would stay away from anything American, especially if you're buying used. The new stuff is better, but in general, American cars aren't what they used to be. (Trust me, I'm an auto tech, valet parker, and have owned American cars.) Sorry, the truth hurts.

 

[pfunk42]

Re: Towing vehicle help/questions

Thanks all for the great information and advice so far; its very helpful.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Towing vehicle help/questions

you had better go weigh your rig, on a scale. Then add the fuel, water, anchors, gear, coolers, and anything else that you would take.

Then add in the weight of the people and gear you haul in the tow vehicle.

You better be looking at full sized, like a Suburban or Expedition, or Excursion.
You will need that to get the 7-8 person seating anyway.

 

[rbh]

Re: Towing vehicle help/questions

Because you never know what the ramp is like for launching, I prefer a 4x4, the 4 low option is what I prefer to use when launching or recovering as I feel I have better control over the truck and trailer.
rob

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Towing vehicle help/questions

As you will note in my signature, I am towing just under 4,000 lbs (dry including trailer) with a 2006 Ford Explorer V-8 with "tow package" (larger radiator / cooling system, etc.) and it performs great - on the freeway, backing down the launch, coming up the launch, hilly roads with tight curves. Some steep situations I take the over drive off but more often than not I am in "drive" and RPMS are kept low. Gas mileage with boat in tow is about 13-15mph depending upon road conditions. Without boat we get about 18-20 so not a dramatic difference. On the freeway I almost forget the boat is back there. I think the Explorer V-8 is a great tow vehicle and i think it is rated for 6,000 lbs.

 

[jeffnick]

Re: Towing vehicle help/questions

I think the Explorer V-8 is a great tow vehicle and i think it is rated for 6,000 lbs.

My B-I-L's Mountaineer. Gettin' pretty close to the limit, but no problems after over 10,000 trailer miles.

I've towed over 50,000 miles with 2 wheel drive (limited slip) and splashed at over 100 ramps and have needed help only at one.

A towing policy ($14 @ Boat/US) is a lot cheaper than going 4 X 4 just because of the ramps.

 

[642mx]

Re: Towing vehicle help/questions

If it were me and I were buying new, it would be the new Sequoia with Toyotas new 310 hp 4.6. They are showing 20 mpg and a tow rating of 9100#

I would look at the Sequoia too. The new engine is getting excellent fuel mileage and 310 horse is plenty to tow with. If your wanting even more power and don't care about fuel consumption, get one with a 5.7L.

 

[642mx]

Re: Towing vehicle help/questions

I've towed over 50,000 miles with 2 wheel drive (limited slip) and splashed at over 100 ramps and have needed help only at one.

I guess it depends on the vehicle. I have a new Tundra 4x4 with the 5.7L. In 2WD it will blow the tires off the rims on a wet boat ramp. 4WD isn't a must have, but it keeps me from drawing unwanted attention on a slick/steep ramp.

 

[pfunk42]

Re: Towing vehicle help/questions

I think I'm somewhat settled on a Nissan Pathfinder, probably in the 2007-2008 used range.

- ladder frame
- rated 6000lbs (v6). if anything, should be a "solid" 5000-5200.
- 4wd vs. AWD (can set 2wd, 4x4, 4x4-lo, etc).
- used 2008 SE's are reasonable and have bonuses like a rear camera for backing up to trailer (and general safety)
- Overall better reputation than many manufacturers
- Other features within my rough guidelines.

We test drove a few last night and were pretty impressed.

 

[ac71979]

Re: Towing vehicle help/questions

Great choice. We looked at those and the Honda Pilot...... And you have the 3rd seat if needed.

 

[boat1010]

Re: Towing vehicle help/questions

I certainly agree with Silvertip. I would go with the full size. Then you will not have to worry about anything. It is rated for what you are doing. No guessing games with your life the passengers you carry or the other vehicles on the road. I have been in a situation where I was towing with a vehicle just barley within limits of the boat. Had a flat on the trailer and it took everything I could muster to keep everything on the road. If you are towing a heavy boat you need a heavy tow vehicle to control it. It is LOTS better to be safe and not have to second guess if you have enough vehicle. You obviously are having concerns or you wouldn't have put the question on here. Good luck with your decision.

 

[grahamh]

Re: Towing vehicle help/questions

I say good choice on the Nissan. Big enough to tow well, not too big to use around town.

I tow with a full-size Bronco, and I wish I'd gone with a powerful mid-size instead.