Hi all,I'm new to the forum. My wife and I have a 17 month old and we are planning to buy a travel trailer this winter. We both have fond memories growing up camping with our own parents and are excited to start the tradition with our daughter. We are really interested in the Keystone Outback 21RS which has a slide out the back with a queen or king bed and bunk beds at the front. I know this section of the forum isn't for advice on certain trailers so I'll post another topic in the proper section on that subject. Either way, this trailer weights about 4500lbs dry and has a 6500lb GVWR. We would prefer not to buy a 1/2 ton truck due to overall length and we don't have need for a truck box. We would prefer a full size SUV and are really leaning towards a Nissan Armada with a tow package. The Armada seems to get good overall reviews (minus a couple issues such as cracking exhaust headers and radiator) and is notoriously bad on gas compared to other similarly capable vehicles. I've looked into VW Touaregs and Grand Cherokees with diesel engines and v8s but I don't think towing this size of trailer with one of these smaller unibody design SUVs would be ideal. Our budget for a TV is $25k CAD. I would like something about 2008 or newer with 125k or less kilometers (78000 miles). I want something with an All Wheel Drive option, not just 4hi/lo due to the climate we live in and mountain passes we drive (this rules the Sequoia and many older 1/2 ton trucks out). Preowned full size SUVs unfortunately seem to be a fair bit more expensive than half ton trucks of similar age and mileage. What are your thoughts on the Armada and/or what do you think would be the best tow vehicle within my budget and criteria. Thanks!!

With that budget, finding a used Chevy Tahoe/ GMC Yukon (7500 lb tow rating when equipped with tow package) or Ford Expedition (9200 lb when equipped with two package) shouldn't be too difficult. I know that the Tahoe comes with an 'Auto-4WD' option on some models (I think LT and up), I'm not sure about the Ford. You also might want to consider vehicles a few years older (05, maybe) with low Kilometres if you can find them. There's also used Yukon Denali's to consider, though I hear the full time AWD system kills the gas mileage on those things. As for the Armada, I've heard great things about it as a tow vehicle, though admittedly, mpg's suck something fierce. The 5.6 litre V8 is plenty powerful, and as far as I'm aware, the biggest interior downside is the third row seat is somewhat cramped. Finally, if you can find one, an 08/09 Dodge Durango with the Hemi, 4x4, and a 3.92 rear diff, has an 8700 lb tow rating. it's also BOF, so just something to consider for options.

we don't have need for a truck boxThat's because you've never had one. Put a $200-2000 cover on the bed and you have the world's largest trunk. For outdoor enthusiasts it is a great place to put dirty/wet stuff. It just isn't climate controlled. Crew cab pickups cost less new and used than the same equipment on an SUV. And they also tend to have higher payloads and receiver limits. So think about that a little more.Regarding SUVs, I prefer the 2009+ GM Twins, 2007+ Ford Expedition, and 2007+ Sequoia over the Armada. I don't like the Armada gearing as well as competitor 6-spds. Also, GM sells about 75% of the full sized SUV market. That doesn't mean it is the best for everyone, but clearly it is very good for most. If you can afford a 2007+ Yukon Denali, you'll love the power.

I have a Nissan Titan crew cab with a tow package and really love it. I use it to tow a 21 ft Hybrid Travel Trailer.I chose Nissan because I have owned Nissan trucks for years and have always loved their reliability.The Armada should have all the power you need.If you are really interested in the Armada, check out this forum of Armada owners who tow with them: http://www.clubarmada.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=89

Just as an FYI, the Expedition has an AWD setting on 4x4 models.

I have made some very costly mistakes over nearly two decades and multiple TV purchases. My advice is to choose a TV not for this first RV but for the next one. Twice I have found myself replacing a TV still very much in its prime, simply because my taste in RVs outgrew it. That gets really expensive.

First Tow Vehicle Suggestions | Good Sam Community

36 Replies

TomG2
Explorer
Nov 17, 2015
If you enjoy spending time on these forums, purchase a tow vehicle that is marginally capable. That way, you can be on here asking about upgrading everything from tires to suspension. I happen to think that your prospective trailer and your next one will be handled better with a pickup truck.
ljr
Nomad
Nov 17, 2015
I have made some very costly mistakes over nearly two decades and multiple TV purchases.

My advice is to choose a TV not for this first RV but for the next one. Twice I have found myself replacing a TV still very much in its prime, simply because my taste in RVs outgrew it. That gets really expensive.
Fordlover
Explorer
Nov 17, 2015
Just as an FYI, the Expedition has an AWD setting on 4x4 models.
cmcdar
Explorer
Nov 17, 2015
I have a Nissan Titan crew cab with a tow package and really love it. I use it to tow a 21 ft Hybrid Travel Trailer.

I chose Nissan because I have owned Nissan trucks for years and have always loved their reliability.

The Armada should have all the power you need.

If you are really interested in the Armada, check out this forum of Armada owners who tow with them: http://www.clubarmada.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=89
APT
Explorer
Nov 17, 2015
we don't have need for a truck box

That's because you've never had one. Put a $200-2000 cover on the bed and you have the world's largest trunk. For outdoor enthusiasts it is a great place to put dirty/wet stuff. It just isn't climate controlled. Crew cab pickups cost less new and used than the same equipment on an SUV. And they also tend to have higher payloads and receiver limits. So think about that a little more.

Regarding SUVs, I prefer the 2009+ GM Twins, 2007+ Ford Expedition, and 2007+ Sequoia over the Armada. I don't like the Armada gearing as well as competitor 6-spds. Also, GM sells about 75% of the full sized SUV market. That doesn't mean it is the best for everyone, but clearly it is very good for most. If you can afford a 2007+ Yukon Denali, you'll love the power.
zombojoe
Explorer
Nov 17, 2015
With that budget, finding a used Chevy Tahoe/ GMC Yukon (7500 lb tow rating when equipped with tow package) or Ford Expedition (9200 lb when equipped with two package) shouldn't be too difficult. I know that the Tahoe comes with an 'Auto-4WD' option on some models (I think LT and up), I'm not sure about the Ford. You also might want to consider vehicles a few years older (05, maybe) with low Kilometres if you can find them. There's also used Yukon Denali's to consider, though I hear the full time AWD system kills the gas mileage on those things. As for the Armada, I've heard great things about it as a tow vehicle, though admittedly, mpg's suck something fierce. The 5.6 litre V8 is plenty powerful, and as far as I'm aware, the biggest interior downside is the third row seat is somewhat cramped. Finally, if you can find one, an 08/09 Dodge Durango with the Hemi, 4x4, and a 3.92 rear diff, has an 8700 lb tow rating. it's also BOF, so just something to consider for options.

Forum Discussion

First Tow Vehicle Suggestions

36 Replies

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Who misses the Tow Vehicle discussions?

SUV Tow vehicle suggestions

Suggestions

Tow Vehicle Suggestions

Utah's Big Five & Off-roading - Vehicles other than a Jeep?