Forum Discussion

knowmadically's avatar
knowmadically
Explorer
Jan 02, 2016

Which 3-row SUV should I get to pull a travel trailer?

Hi,

I'm new to RVing and I'm looking to buy an SUV that has three rows in order to seat my large family. This SUV needs to be strong enough to pull a large travel trailer. I'm not sure what travel trailer I'm going to get yet, but I think it may be something similar to the one below.

RT310BHS:
http://www.highlandridgerv.com/products/2016/roamer/travel-trailers/RT310BHS

RT310BHS specs:
http://www.highlandridgerv.com/products/2016/roamer/specifications/

I'd be very thankful for any suggestions anyone may have. The part I find confusing is how to know whether or the SUV has the power (engine, cooled tranny?, axles, etc.) to pull a large travel trailer.

Thanks!
  • Oasisbob's avatar
    Oasisbob
    Explorer
    Jan 02, 2016
    Consder a Saburban or a full size van. Check yor numbers closely. Family camping can be great fun
  • knowmadically's avatar
    knowmadically
    Explorer
    Jan 02, 2016
    Also, if the SUV is a really bad idea, then what vehicle would work that could hold all 7 of us and still pull a large TT? I wish there was a crew cab pickup that could hold 7 people but that's tough to find.
  • knowmadically's avatar
    knowmadically
    Explorer
    Jan 02, 2016
    I am very open to the Suburban. How do I tell which models of Suburbans would have the capability to pull a large travel trailer like this one? Also, I know there were some bad years with the Suburbans where they weren't made that well. Maybe 2000-2010 or something? Anyone remember?
  • K_Charles's avatar
    K_Charles
    Explorer
    Jan 02, 2016
    They claim our Excursion was the biggest SUV ever and it would pull that trailer IF I didn't put anybody or anything in the Excursion. If you put 8 people in it there isn't much left for tongue weight.
  • 6_7_tow_rig's avatar
    6_7_tow_rig
    Explorer
    Jan 02, 2016
    As stated, you can't pull that trailer with an SUV most likely. By the time you load family and the trailer you will be over the payload wit anything half ton. I also wouldn't want to pull that much weight with a gasser, but that's just my personal opinion from previous experience.
  • sch911's avatar
    sch911
    Explorer
    Jan 02, 2016
    It's an 11.5K GVWR. Gonna need a 25000/3500 to do this TT. Perhaps a full size 2500/3500 GM van (now out of production)?
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Jan 02, 2016
    With a weight 9,200 and 11,500 loaded you may need something like a 3/4 ton 4 door pick up or Suburban?
  • atreis's avatar
    atreis
    Explorer
    Jan 02, 2016
    Uhh.... As far as I know, there isn't a 3-row SUV that can tow that trailer. That's a mighty big trailer.

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