Having spent more than a month researching and waffling, I bought the car on the 13th, with a 10day (1000 mile) no-questions full return policy. So yes, I *could* still change my mind, by the 23rd, but it will be a super hard sell. With a budget in the low $20k's, I need quiet and comfortable for 3 + dog around southern California, must have leather seats (minor, but not ignorable, sensory issues... if I'm spending real money on a vehicle), needs to be relatively low miles (this one as 36k); I'm willing to compromise a little on gas mileage, but not to the 12city/15hwy sort of level while not towing (pathfinder is rated 19/25, and I've been getting right in there). I like that it has awd, for moderate snow and wet roads, could compromise on that. Prefer the vehicle is already set up for towing.
Plugging numbers into a towing capacity/trailer weight calculator suggest that my idea of capping at 3500gvwr trailer is really not unrealistic, with a fair amount of safety margin. Of course we need to pack light (the cargo capacity of these small, light trailers demands that as it is), but that's how camping needs to be, anyway.
I appreciate all of the practical suggestions and considerations, and am glad to review and re-review my numbers. I understand that these things are critical, and may decide to go with slightly smaller (with bunks, but with having to convert the dinette for the third bed) to increase margin.
Thank you!
