Forum Discussion

VentureVan's avatar
VentureVan
Explorer
Apr 29, 2015

Best future tow vehicle

We have a 2015 K-Z Sportsmen 14RB that has a gvw of 2800 lbs. We are towing it with a 2004 Venture van right now that is okay in the Florida flatlands. In about 18 months we may make a long trip to the Michigan UP. My question is what would be a good TV other than a pickup truck in the 2004 to 2008 model year range? Is a V8 a necessity or would a straight six like in the Trailblazer be good for mountains etc.? I also use the vehicle for a paper delivery route once a month so gas mileage is important to me. It is just me and the wife camping with two small dogs. Thanks
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Apr 29, 2015
    Best...? Probably, for that weight towable. MB ML250 diesel. if not the 250, then the 300. The VW Touareg could also be in the running for "best".
  • ryanw821's avatar
    ryanw821
    Explorer
    Apr 29, 2015
    Our 4cyl diesel Jeep Liberty pulled a very similar sized trailer through the black hills just fine, plenty of power and control. She got a bit warm going up a few sustained grades, had to back off the throttle a bit, but we were still easily overtaking semis, some of them were going quite slow by the top.

    We recently upgraded tow vehicles to a Duramax Chevy 2500HD, but not for lack of power or control, we just want something easier to service, and we do have future plans for a larger camper, which the Jeep just would not accommodate.
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    Apr 29, 2015
    Plenty of 6 cyl. vehicles out there that can easily tow 3500 to 5000 pounds. Good luck!
  • BurbMan's avatar
    BurbMan
    Explorer II
    Apr 29, 2015
    At that weight a Tahoe, Durango, TrailBlazer, Explorer or other mid-sized SUV would do fine.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,027 PostsLatest Activity: Mar 05, 2025