Forum Discussion

OldSalt92's avatar
OldSalt92
Explorer
Apr 21, 2018

4X4 for dingy towing

I drive a 2008 4-Runner, and love it, but it can't be dingy towed. I don't want to tow it on a trailer. I'm not planning on going "overlanding", but want a 4X4 with some ground clearance to take dirt roads in the west, drive into Nat'l forest and maybe some remote lands for overnight camp. I know Jeeps can be flat towed, but wonder about the quality since Fiat took over. Same with GM since the Gov't takeover in 2008. I thought older Toyotas (1990's) could be flat towed with a manual transfer case? I see a 2000 Rav 4 with manual Trans & transfer case can be, but can't get dingy towing guide online earlier than 2000. An older 4 Runner or Land Cruiser with Manual trans and transfer case, would be my Ideal Toad. RAV 4, CRV, or Subaru Outback (again quality?) would be OK. Maybe a Hummer H3??? Any thoughts would be helpful, I'm looking to buy a Class A or Super C in 6 to 12 months and head west and possibly an Alaska trip. Will require 10,000 lb. hitch and tow capacity.
  • dubdub07's avatar
    dubdub07
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2018
    Two year old Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. Makes a lot of sense, so it will probably be dismissed. I have a Wrangler I tow as well, but it is heavy and a beast. My little Trailhawk has ground clearance, good MPGs, and a great ride. A used one can be had for less that $20K. Follows my DP the best of anything I have towed.

    Used Toyotas and Wranglers suffer from the same thing; people want them (for whatever reason) and therefore drive the price up. Jeep makes its vehicles toad ready (ones with the proper transfer case), and even supports the consumer with fixes and questions. I hear a lot of things about government intervention, but if you want to see who receives subsidies, look no further than Toyota.

    WW
  • Y-Guy's avatar
    Y-Guy
    Moderator
    Apr 21, 2018
    OldSalt92 wrote:
    I know Jeeps can be flat towed, but wonder about the quality since Fiat took over.

    A few of thoughts...
    * Any and all brands have some bad units, but I'd say for the most part the Wrangler is still a solid choice. You can also find some used ones out there, but then you are taking more risk.
    * Very hard to beat the Wrangler when it comes to holding value.
    * About the easiest 4x4 for flat towing as well.
  • rjstractor's avatar
    rjstractor
    Nomad
    Apr 21, 2018
    Horsedoc wrote:
    If you are looking for ground clearance, wouldn't the Outback be a little low?


    The Outback is pretty good off-road actually, with a ground clearance of almost 9 inches. Unless someone is into hard-core mudding or rock crawling I imagine an Outback will go wherever you want without getting stuck or damaged. I don't know if you can get one with a manual transmission, which is required to tow a Subaru 4 down.
  • Tyler0215's avatar
    Tyler0215
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2018
    Jeep still made in the same factory with the same parts and by the same workers as always.
    The Gov't did not take over GM.
    Hummer H3 made by General Motors.
  • Ava's avatar
    Ava
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2018
    My 03 CRV ( automatic) tows great and has a lot of ground clearance.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Apr 21, 2018
    Old Suzukies can be flat towed. Light, cheap, and tons of fun wrapped up in a small package. Yea, their old, but darn near bullet proof.
  • Horsedoc's avatar
    Horsedoc
    Explorer II
    Apr 21, 2018
    If you are looking for ground clearance, wouldn't the Outback be a little low?

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