Question-What would you advise to buy for a tow vehicle? TT will not be over 25', nor do we want the TT be over 6,000 lbs. I do not want a big truck that I am unable to drive around town. Nor do I want to spend a lot of money. Question-If we bought a truck, can it have a short bed?Question-Can a new Jeep Grand Cherokee be used as a tow vehicle?All your help would be appreciated. TY GailI appreciate the people that can simply answer a question. Not bullies or smart ---. This world doesn't need any more of them. I figured this would be a good place to ask someone with knowledge not stupidity. Proud to live in the USA!

Your town doesn't allow people to use trucks to drive around?Bruce

Gail,If you don't need a rear seat, you can definitely get a smaller, non-crew cab truck for easier use around town. For towing a travel trailer, a short bed will not matter. If you are absolutely certain you are not going over 6,000 lbs., a SUV like the Grand Cherokee could handle the trailer you mentioned.

Quote:# 1 - I do not want a big truck that I am unable to drive around town. Nor do I want to spend a lot of money. What do you define as a Big Truck?# 2 - Question-If we bought a truck, can it have a short bed?Short bed, long bed, 2x2 or 4x4 - YES# 3 - Question-Can a new Jeep Grand Cherokee be used as a tow vehicle?Refer to last sentence of question # 1 - ???

Buy your rv before you buy the vehicle with which you will tow it. If you do it the other way around you will limit yourself as to what you can tow. When we were looking for a fifth wheel we were absolutely positive it was going to be light and no longer than 30 feet. But, when we started shopping we both fell in love with a heavy 34 footer that we bought.

It amazes me how many people choose a vehicle based not on what they need to do the job. But rather on some silly miscomseptions. First you need a vehicle to use for work, but you also need a vehicle to tow a trailer. You have to decide what is most important and then go for it.

choosing tow vehicle | Good Sam Community

21 Replies

rbpru
Explorer II
Jan 13, 2015
A bigger TV may be better but bigger cost more, cost more to maintain, cost more to operate.

Our e-boost F-150 gets 16 mpg around town, 19 mpg on the highway and 10 mpg pulling our 25 ft. TT.
PawPaw_n_Gram
Explorer
Jan 12, 2015
When looking at tow vehicles - look carefully at the height of the receiver for the hitch. More and more trucks today have 18-19 or 20 inch wheels which raise the truck. Then you will need a expensive offset hitch to keep the trailer at the correct ride height/ angle.

Avoid 4x4 or 'tall' trucks if possible.
packpe89
Explorer
Jan 12, 2015
I have a 27' 6000#ish loaded BH. If going short distances, not in the mountains, I'll use my sons '06 Z71 crew cab short box. If we are going to the mountains or traveling over 2 hours, I drive my '02 2500HD. The 3/4 tons will tow much better, (less white knuckles and sway) is about the same size and loaded rides better. Newer 1500's will likely tow better than the '06. I'd look to something like that, unless you plan on allot of towing, in which case, I'd go for a 3/4ton.
rexlion
Explorer
Jan 11, 2015
Yes, the Grand Cherokee should handle it well enough if you choose either the V8 or diesel, and use a WD/sway control hitch. You'd gain some advantage with a longer wheelbase by going to the Durango or the Ram 1500, but I'd feel comfortable using the GC. One other thing, make sure your hitch weight isn't excessive or you may run out of payload (depending on how much you're loading the tug, of course).
rbpru
Explorer II
Jan 11, 2015
We tow a. 25 ft Dutchman lite with an F-150 E-Boost 4X4. The TT is 5000 lbs. dry.

With the DW, dog and gear I am at or a bit above the Max cargo. It tows fine and is also my day to day vehicle. If I went over a 5000 lbs dry TT, I would opt for an F-250 but chances are you can find a better deal on a used 1/2 ton vs. a used 3/4 ton.

Floorplan, TV and finance; all three have to be right. Take you time, it is not a race.
Terryallan
Explorer II
Jan 11, 2015
Here is the thing. A 25', 6000lb TT matches up almost perfectly to a 1500, or 150. Will a 2500, or 250 tow it better? Yes. But so will a 350, a 450 , or Freightliner. And you really don't need a road tractor to tow a 6000lb TT. A 150, or 1500 gives you the best of both worlds. A great TV for your size TT, and easy use around town.
old_guy
Explorer
Jan 10, 2015
I have towed with short box 1/2 ton truck for years. I was told that I should be using a 3/4 ton and darned if they weren't right. like night and day difference.
Terryallan
Explorer II
Jan 10, 2015
gailpa wrote:
Question-What would you advise to buy for a tow vehicle? TT will not be over 25', nor do we want the TT be over 6,000 lbs.
I do not want a big truck that I am unable to drive around town. Nor do I want to spend a lot of money.
Question-If we bought a truck, can it have a short bed?
Question-Can a new Jeep Grand Cherokee be used as a tow vehicle?

All your help would be appreciated. TY Gail

I appreciate the people that can simply answer a question. Not bullies or smart ---. This world doesn't need any more of them. I figured this would be a good place to ask someone with knowledge not stupidity. Proud to live in the USA!

For a loaded 6000lb TT a F150, or 1500series, any style cab, with the proper gearing,engine and tow package will do you a great job. As will Expeditions, and Burbs properly equipped. For a 25' TT which after you add in the tongue will be closer to 29'. A new Cherokee / Durango would be on the small side.
sushidog
Explorer
Jan 10, 2015
Just get one of these:

Problem solved.

Chip
mileshuff
Explorer
Jan 10, 2015
The 2004-2009 Durango 5.7's have a tow rating of 8,900lbs. The current 2014-2015 5.7L Durango has a rating of 7,200 AWD or 7,400 for RWD. Either way a good match for a 6,000lb TT.