orggardn wrote:
We're in the market for a new tow vehicle. With the youngest heading off to college in a few weeks, DW and I are heading back out on the camping trail. Our 2003 Astro has run the good race and is ready to retire (plus it was always on the bubble for getting the job done with current rig).
I really like the Ford Ecoboost and the GM EcoTec3 engines. Both are great choices for our 90 /10 use split (90% everyday use / 10% towing), and we may yet go that direction.
Utopia is similar tow capacity and gas mileage, with a large passenger cabin with potential 3rd row seating. We really like the interior cargo space (vs. a bed cover or topper).
I keep waiting for Ford to put the Ecoboost in the Expedition and/or the EcoTec3 in the Suburban / Tahoe. For now, neither are an option.
What else is out there to fill the need for our gas efficient tow vehicle?
NOTE: Currently towing GW 5500#, future plans could increase that to 8000-9000#. I would like to buy now to cover both options.
OK, let me get this straight.. It will be you and your spouse, right?
Why would you want or need a SUV?
And you want a SUV large enough to tow 9K trailer plus get good mileage (please define your take on good mileage is)?
Sorry, thats just not happening.
Even the Ecoboost V6 in Fords F150 on a good day will get 23 highway when EMPTY. Load it up with a 9K trailer and that mileage drops to 9 MPG or so. It takes a lot of fuel to tow so that Ecoboost gets really thirsty once you stomp on it and kick the turbos in.
If you are concerned about getting mileage you may as well forget towing, just not happening.
Honestly for just the two of you I would suggest looking into a pickup truck and forget about the SUV.
