3,500 max tow capacity.
In our pursuit of fine tuning our snowbird lifestyle we're getting down to a tow vehicle. DW has her heart set on a SUV that can tow 3,500 lbs max. All we need is a TT for 2-4 (max) weeks down sou...
Forum Discussion
John&Joey wrote:John & Angela wrote:
I maybe misunderstanding some of the posts but I am not sure why you would care what the GVWR of the trailer is. Rule of thumb is always the bigger the better. It is a rating not a weight. However you should be looking at net weight and then calculate realistically what you will add including everything that goes through the door, goes in the tanks and gets put on the tounge. Leave yourself a little leeway and make sure you do a test tow before buying. You will be able to get a good feel of how it pulls even if it is empty but have the delaer fill the water tank to simulate at least some of the weight.
John, I have ZERO knowledge when it comes to TT's and what is out there. Looking to see if there are any real options out there based on those that went before me. Otherwise there is hours and hours of research.
For those that need to know it's a Toyota Highlander, and I currently own a Class A and 33 foot 5'ver. Between those two we're camping about six months. So no more :Z insults from the peanut stand please. To everyone else thank you for your input.
I assume a 2WD Highlander? At least go 4WD to get the 5000lb rating.
You're not looking for the same towing comfort from the Highlander that the 5th wheel and Class A provide are you? I grew up with many of those, and while the Mid-size SUV's have better power to the ground compared to RV's 20-30 years ago, I would absolutely not suggest a Mid-Size SUV for someone who uses their RV 6 months out of the year.
Coming from a guy towing with a Pilot darn near max, the Highlander will give you the same result even at 3500lbs. The result is something you can be safe with and tolerate for 4-5 trips per summer or 2-3 long trips....AT BEST. It's not a set up for a guy like you coming from very large RV's and traveling so often.
But if the wife wont budge...I hope you didn't miss my mention of Gulfstream Visa's. For their size (and aero shape!), the weight is truly "ultra light" like very few others. But be prepared to deal with light weight construction...which again is a far cry coming from large RV's!
