We are going from a Class C to a Winnie TT 2201DS and need help in choosing a tow vehicle, preferably an SUV and not a truck. The approx. weight of the tt is 5200 lbs. so we're looking a something that can handle around 7200 lbs. We've been told that axle ratio is important. Is it more important than the towing limit? In other words, say a tow vehicle is rated at 7000 lbs. with an axle ratio of 3.73 while another is rated at 10,000 with an axle ratio of 3.08. Which would be preferred? We like the Tahoe/Yukon but with an axle ratio of 3.08, is that good enough, or should we try something else?Thank you in advance for any help.

Most SUVs are rated at or below 5k. In the world of crossovers, it usually quite less.You choices are pretty much a Tahoe/Suburban (just over 8000lbs) and often overlooked is the Land Rover Range Rover L322 and/or the LR4 (both at 7700lbs), they can actually be had pretty reasonably on the used market (thanks to depreciation), if you don't mind the miles and can do your own maintenance.Good luck.

Look at the new colorados... Powerful V6... Its all you need IMO...They now make a long bed version too... Very stable..http://www.chevrolet.com/colorado-small-truck.html

Most important ratings, for an SUV, are payload and GVWR. You will run out of available payload, before you get close to that mythical max tow rating.Besides max tow, what the vehicle is rated to pull, it also has GVWR, gross vehicle weight rating, and payload, what the vehicle is rated to carry. With a travel trailer, ten to fifteen percent of it's loaded weight, is actually carried by the vehicle, not towed. That means the vehicle needs enough payload to carry everything and everybody, in or on it, plus trailer tongue weight.Max tow rating is calculated considering a 150 lb driver, and, that driver is alone with no cargo. As you load people and cargo that tow rating drops, as does available payload, pound for pound.Average camping load (dishes, pots and pans, bedding, camp chairs, BBQ, groceries, water, etc) is 800 to 1000 lbs. If you buy a 5200 lb trailer, it will be over 6000 lbs loaded, and will have approximately 750 lbs of tongue weight.

Very few options in a SUV, many options in a CC pick up truck. As previously noted it is more about GVWR/payload than tow rating.

You don't say if it is used or new. If used, I recommend something new enough to get a 6+ speed transmission. If given a choice between say a 2007 Tahoe with 3.73 or 2009 with 3.42, get the 2009 as it comes with a 6-spd and far better overall gearing than the axle ratio implies.I would not consider anything with a naturally aspirated V6. Even a 2014+ V6 with over 300hp makes a lot less torque that V8's of even 10 years ago, under 3000rpm where most people prefer to drive. As you know from Class C ownership, RVs are not aerodynamic. It takes a lot of power to push/pull anything high walled through the air at 65mph.Payload can be a problem for many vehicles which needs to support whomever is in your vehicle, cargo in the tow vehicle, and trailer TW. Tongue weight of 700-900 pounds is possible for that trailer.If you are looking at new 2015s, I highly recommend the Ford Expedition with HD towing package. The 3.5L Ecoboost is strong, combined with great gearing.

Choosing a Tow Vehicle | Good Sam Community

handye9
Explorer II
Dec 17, 2014
Most important ratings, for an SUV, are payload and GVWR. You will run out of available payload, before you get close to that mythical max tow rating.

Besides max tow, what the vehicle is rated to pull, it also has GVWR, gross vehicle weight rating, and payload, what the vehicle is rated to carry. With a travel trailer, ten to fifteen percent of it's loaded weight, is actually carried by the vehicle, not towed. That means the vehicle needs enough payload to carry everything and everybody, in or on it, plus trailer tongue weight.

Max tow rating is calculated considering a 150 lb driver, and, that driver is alone with no cargo. As you load people and cargo that tow rating drops, as does available payload, pound for pound.

Average camping load (dishes, pots and pans, bedding, camp chairs, BBQ, groceries, water, etc) is 800 to 1000 lbs.

If you buy a 5200 lb trailer, it will be over 6000 lbs loaded, and will have approximately 750 lbs of tongue weight.
lawrosa
Explorer
Dec 17, 2014
Look at the new colorados...

Powerful V6... Its all you need IMO...

They now make a long bed version too... Very stable..

http://www.chevrolet.com/colorado-small-truck.html
99Discovery
Explorer
Dec 17, 2014
Most SUVs are rated at or below 5k. In the world of crossovers, it usually quite less.

You choices are pretty much a Tahoe/Suburban (just over 8000lbs) and often overlooked is the Land Rover Range Rover L322 and/or the LR4 (both at 7700lbs), they can actually be had pretty reasonably on the used market (thanks to depreciation), if you don't mind the miles and can do your own maintenance.

Good luck.

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