Full sized SUV or Truck

DrewE wrote:
You might want to give at least a bit of thought to a full-size van (probably passenger) van as well. Many of them can tow a considerable amount comfortably. I don't know that there are any great advantages over an SUV or a pickup for most people, but in some situations their ability to carry a bunch of stuff or a bunch of people inside can be very beneficial, and if that happens to be your situation....

If I were looking for a large all-purpose vehicle, I think the Nissan NV passenger van might be on my short list, its somewhat strange styling notwithstanding.

A full size van is a good option, unless you want 4WD. Then your choices are limited.

I think the Nissan NV is so ugly, it's cool looking. :)

You might want to give at least a bit of thought to a full-size van (probably passenger) van as well. Many of them can tow a considerable amount comfortably. I don't know that there are any great advantages over an SUV or a pickup for most people, but in some situations their ability to carry a bunch of stuff or a bunch of people inside can be very beneficial, and if that happens to be your situation....

If I were looking for a large all-purpose vehicle, I think the Nissan NV passenger van might be on my short list, its somewhat strange styling notwithstanding.

Get an F250 or 2500 so your ready for your second TT! :P

Thanks to all
My wife enjoys camping but I just have to sell her on the idea financially. I have a one year old daughter and working on another one. At the end of the day, I want to purchase a vehicle that is practical for everyday use and have plenty of power. The last thing I want to do is purchase a vehicle that does not have enough power and limit myself. Mostly, these trips would only include my family.

I've towed with vans, pick ups and SUVs, each has ups and downs.

Pick ups are nice for the ability to store things like generators and gas that you just don't want inside. On the comfort side of things as a daily driver, it is a pick up after all.

Our Expeditions hold quite a bit and their payloads easily exceed our F 150. The ride with or without the trailer is car like and when the going gets rough, a push of a button and you just keep going. The thing is a new one cost more than some motor homes.

I do agree with rent, borrow or start small and cheap until you know it's a road you both want to go down. At least attend a RV show or two to see how your wife feels about different layouts and expenditures. Other things to consider are insurance, storage, up keep, where will you take it, how much are the daily fees, are those park nice, spacious and quiet or cramped, noisy and smoky.

The last thing is if you really enjoy camping, it doesn't matter what you do it in. Were we to lose our trailer tomorrow, we would go back to the tent without much thought.

We towed our 4,600 lb, 23' HTT with a first generation Nissan Xterra with a 5,000 lb tow rating. It was a 2000 4x4 with a 3.3 liter v6, 170 HP, 210 ft/lbs of torque. The Xterra towed great. I knew it was back there, but it towed very straight and could get it up to 70 mph without an issue. We towed the HTT with the Xterra up and down the east coast and out to Houston, TX.

Although it towed great, even with an aux. tranny cooler and running full synthetic oils, the engine would run hot if we ran the A/C. Not great considering we lived in GA. It wouldn't get red line hot, but it would run a good bit hotter than normal. I would not consider towing the HTT with the Xterra into hilly terrain. It had a tough time on some of the tall bridges on I-10, real mountains probably would not have been fun.

If we were to do it over again, I would prefer a 4 door full size pickup with a cap to tow. Plus, if you decide after a few years you want a larger trailer, you will need to buy another vehicle to tow the larger one.

-Michael

Do you have kids or are you hauling passengers? Then the SUV would be better.
If not, get a truck.
I like my Suburban but, to me, a truck is more practical for everyday use.

If the wife needs to be presented the idea, I think you should go one a trip or 2 renting first, before jumping in.

As far as towing, my Liberty had no issues towing, especially with the mods I did. But, it was tight and uncomfy for trips longer than 3 or 4 hours. That is why I upgraded to the Ram 1500.

It really depends on your needs. Pretty much any late model full size SUV or PU will easily handle a 5000# trailer. An SUV will often have a lower payload than a similarly equipped PU truck, so if you need to have a lot of weight in the tow vehicle that's something to consider.

I had SUVs for many years. I liked the seating capacity and the enclosed area for "stuff". The PU in my sig is the first I've ever owned. I now wish I had bought one years ago.