Best Diesel SUV Tow Vehicles?
We're getting a 25 ft. Airstream travel trailer and would like to tow it with a diesel SUV. The trailer has a Gross Vehicle Weight of 7300 lbs. and the Mercedes-Benz GL350 we're considering has a maxi...
Forum Discussion
FishOnOne wrote:blofgren wrote:FishOnOne wrote:CandaceB wrote:
We're getting a 25 ft. Airstream travel trailer and would like to tow it with a diesel SUV. The trailer has a Gross Vehicle Weight of 7300 lbs. and the Mercedes-Benz GL350 we're considering has a maximum towing capacity of 7500 lbs. But in the articles I've read so many other numbers get tossed around - payload, hitch weight, etc. - that now I'm confused. Also, how big of an engine is adequate? Our travel plans include the Rockies, so we need enough power to climb hills. If the Mercedes isn't a good choice, what other diesel SUVs would be better? We travel with 3 large dogs, so a pickup just doesn't provide enough interior space for the "family."
I would take a serious look at one of these... Link
I think I would look long and hard for a cherry Excursion with the 7.3L if I were stuck on a diesel SUV. But be prepared to pay for it. I was actually quite close to buying one a few years ago but for some reason my wife didn't want it as a daily driver.... :h
I'm pretty sure the OP is not interested in a old tired Excursion if they're considering a Mercedes.
Now these new converted Excursions with the 6.7 Power Stroke are a jewel.
Yah, you beat me to it. Looking at any suburban anything is nothing like a Mercedes GL350....or any truck for that matter. Maybe if he was pulling trailers for a living but for a vacation kind a guy (or girl), normally using the car for worl commutes etc then seriously make the mercedes work. If this was europe the numbers would be fine as it is within the specs of the car. In north america, if you can't hit the bottom of a hill at 60 mph and accelerate to 80 mph by the top of the hill you don't have enough truck. I would leave a little wiggle room but if you are only taking it on vacations, if your brake set up is good, and if you are within specs on Gross, Combined, hitch weight and tow capacity then go for it. BUT...take it for a test drive first because it will feel heavy. Make sure you are good with that.
Happy trails.
