Hi,I have always been a tent camper until the last few years. We are lucky to have access to my Fathers 33 ft travel trailer (8500 lbs). It serves our needs perfect. I am currently pulling it with a 2005 Chevy Suburban Z71. It does fine in flat areas but I hesitate to travel into hilly areas. Now that we are ready for a new vehicle, I would like to get something that has a bit more strength.Any suggestions out their for an 8 passenger SUV with manageable gas mileage? So far, it seems that none of the Suburban 1500's can handle it and 2500's will cost me an extra $900 per year in gas.

And you want to tow it with an SUV? Fact: that trailer is just too big to tow with an SUV. You have two choices: get a big-enough truck with which to tow it, or rent/buy a TT small enough to tow with the truck you have. Ain't no magic in THIS world, my friend.

The only SUVs that would work are the 3/4 ton versions that are no longer made so you would be limited to a used vehicle like a Ford Excursion or Suburban 2500. Another option would be a full size 2500 or 3500 van.

I'm with naturist...8500 lbs is too heavy for an SUV.

You're in 3/4 ton or 1 ton pickup territory. To save on gas, get a diesel (uses NO gas!). Get a crew cab, put a cap on the bed, and enjoy.

A brand new Expedition will have 9200 lbs towing capacity and 1570 cargo capacity. And that's "properly equipped." If that 8500 lbs is actual scale weight, you'd still be very close to max BEST case scenario. But you cargo capacity will likely be exceeded. I'm assuming you desire an SUV for passengers since you mentioned 8 passenger capacity. Well, that many people will likely get you over the cargo capacity right there. Let alone their gear. Also, SUV, Travel Trailer, and fuel economy just aren't words that should be together. It ain't gonna happen

Need a new SUV to tow! | Good Sam Community

26 Replies

Andy_F
Explorer
Jun 26, 2016
Kirby33 wrote:
Hi,

I have always been a tent camper until the last few years. We are lucky to have access to my Fathers 33 ft travel trailer (8500 lbs). It serves our needs perfect. I am currently pulling it with a 2005 Chevy Suburban Z71. It does fine in flat areas but I hesitate to travel into hilly areas. Now that we are ready for a new vehicle, I would like to get something that has a bit more strength.

Any suggestions out their for an 8 passenger SUV with manageable gas mileage? So far, it seems that none of the Suburban 1500's can handle it and 2500's will cost me an extra $900 per year in gas.

Too bad your father's TT is so heavy. We're towing our 31 foot with around 2000 lbs less weight. Is it 8500 pounds fully loaded?
pira114
Explorer II
Jun 26, 2016
A brand new Expedition will have 9200 lbs towing capacity and 1570 cargo capacity. And that's "properly equipped."

If that 8500 lbs is actual scale weight, you'd still be very close to max BEST case scenario. But you cargo capacity will likely be exceeded.

I'm assuming you desire an SUV for passengers since you mentioned 8 passenger capacity. Well, that many people will likely get you over the cargo capacity right there. Let alone their gear.

Also, SUV, Travel Trailer, and fuel economy just aren't words that should be together. It ain't gonna happen
rexlion
Explorer
Jun 26, 2016
You're in 3/4 ton or 1 ton pickup territory. To save on gas, get a diesel (uses NO gas!). Get a crew cab, put a cap on the bed, and enjoy.
Iraqvet05
Explorer
Jun 25, 2016
I'm with naturist...8500 lbs is too heavy for an SUV.
camp-n-family
Explorer
Jun 25, 2016
The only SUVs that would work are the 3/4 ton versions that are no longer made so you would be limited to a used vehicle like a Ford Excursion or Suburban 2500. Another option would be a full size 2500 or 3500 van.
naturist
Nomad
Jun 25, 2016
And you want to tow it with an SUV? Fact: that trailer is just too big to tow with an SUV. You have two choices: get a big-enough truck with which to tow it, or rent/buy a TT small enough to tow with the truck you have. Ain't no magic in THIS world, my friend.

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Need a new SUV to tow!

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