Big SUV or truck
Looking for a tow vehicle for our new trailer. 5500# GVWR and tongue weight is around 650# loaded but may be more if we add bikes in our internal bike storage area. I've got 4 options I'm consider...
Forum Discussion
APT wrote:
Power running boards and 1100 pounds of payload (that does not include the driver) sounds a lot like a Platinum Supercrew. If you cut down on some of thoe luxuries, payload will go up. The Max trailer towing package adds about 300 pounds to payload all else equal.
Also, check out the GM twins as 2014 models have higher standard dealer lot payloads.
Yes it was a Platinum SuperCrew. I've looked at 2 now with the Max tow and they had 1488# and 1514# payload so I'll see if that's enough. I also looked at an FX4 without max tow, and it had the luxury package. It was also 11xx# so I'd rather stuck with the platinum and have the power running boards (because they are lower and wider not because they are power) and the auto 4x4.
I also checked out and XLT with some packages added to it. We lose things like memory seats (we find adjusting power seats back to the exact position they were in to be an exercise in futility. You never seem to get the exact same combination of height, recline, distance, etc. and are continually having to fiddle), leather which is great for the main vehicle where it seems we sometimes need to allow the kids to eat (while travelling for example). But that one had an 18xx# payload.
We checked out the GMC Sierra yesterday. I didn't like how the steering wheel was offset to the right. Noticed it right away and that's one of those things that will forever drive me bonkers. I also didn't like the headrests in the rear seats which did not seem to lock nicely in upper positions and were also tiny. As well as there is no rear, centre headrest which makes the seat really only usable for a kid on a car seat. Even most high back booster seats need head support behind them. As does a kid in a backless booster or an adult. The F-150's centre headrest was small, but would work in a pinch and was reasonably height adjustable as well so usable for most adults. I also thought the mirrors didn't look suitable for towing and there weren't other mirror options were available. So strap or clip on mirrors would be needed.
Another option, if I could find a place to rent a truck for our trips the next few weekends, would be to wait for the 2015 F-150. Lots of cool features and likely increased payload. But also adds $16K to the cost.
