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karyj's avatar
karyj
Explorer
Aug 29, 2013

Newbie needs TV - please help me choose?

Hi folks,

I'm shopping for a tow vehicle, and I'd like to hear your input. I don't have the trailer yet, but it's going to be a low-profile hybrid such as a Trailmanor, HiLo or Chalet, or maybe a Casita. Dry weights are #2500 for the TM, #3500 for the HiLo and somewhere in between for the others. We are not heavy packers, and there are only three of us. I'm looking for a stable, reliable TV that will also serve as my daily driver. I'm really not a truck or minivan person, but I'd take the minivan before the truck.

With that in mind, here's my short list:

* Ford Escape EcoboostFord Escape Ecoboost, #3500 - cheapest, but my least favorite

* Ford Edge EB* Ford Edge EB, #3500 - Andy from Can Am likes this TV and my sister loves hers, but for some reason it doesn't speak to me.

* Ford Flex, #4500* Ford Flex, #4500 - This one, however, whispers sweet nothings in my ears at night. :) (It's also the most expensive of what I'm looking at. Figures, eh?)

* Hyundai Veracruz* Hyundai Veracruz, #3500 regular, but #4500 for boats (interesting distinction, lower drag, maybe?)

* Hyundai Santa Fe* Hyundai Santa Fe, #3500 for most, but #5000 for the 2013 long wheelbase model - This and the Veracruz are probably tied for second choice. Good warranties.


A few more questions, please:

* How important is that ecoboost engine? If I find a great deal on a regular V6, will I be OK? We do a lot of camping in the mountains. :)

* Same for AWD - do I really need it? Would a FWD, no-EB Flex be a mistake?

* Several of those vehicles all have a #3500 to rating. What makes any one of them better or worse than any of the others?

* Are aftermarket tow packages just as good as factory-installed? If I find the perfect TV but without a factory tow package, is that a deal-breaker?

Thanks!

Kary
Tow Vehicles

17 Replies

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  • Francesca_Knowl's avatar
    Francesca_Knowl
    Explorer
    Aug 29, 2013
    karyj wrote:

    ................snip...............
    * Hyundai Veracruz* Hyundai Veracruz, #3500 regular, but #4500 for boats (interesting distinction, lower drag, maybe?)...................snip...................

    * Are aftermarket tow packages just as good as factory-installed? If I find the perfect TV but without a factory tow package, is that a deal-breaker?

    Thanks!

    Kary

    Per the first point quoted above:

    That "two numbers" tow limit is very common in vehicles of this size range. The boat number is higher because in addition to frontal area/drag advantages, they can be safely towed with a lower tongue-to-total percentage than can RV trailers. This mostly due to boats having the majority of their weight over the trailer axles. Word to the wise on this point: If any vehicles you look at give a tongue weight limit in pounds that's less than 10% of the so-called "tow limit", said tow limit must be reduced until it meets that number- at a minimum.

    Per aftermarket tow packages, at least as regards hitches:

    An excellent question- it can make a huge difference depending on the vehicle brand. I know Subaru's not on your list, but just as an example of this phenomenon:
    The factory hitch for the Subaru Forester actually has parts that slide into the frame tubes to provide stiffening, and if I remember right is attached at fourteen different points to the body/"frame" of the car. By contrast, the off-the-shelf aftermarket hitch is entirely external, and attaches at four points- all of them in sheet metal! No contest, as far as I'm concerned...

    Do look long and carefully at that particular component.
  • NC_Hauler's avatar
    NC_Hauler
    Explorer
    Aug 29, 2013
    Please don't use dry weights to go by, no one tows an rv empty when going camping. You would be wise to use the units actual GVW and go from there, if you purchase a vehicle to tow the units GVW, it'll equate to a much more enjoyable towing experience.

    I would want to know the GVWR and GCWR of the vehicle you're going to tow with and I would want to know the GVW of the trailer, THEN go from there.....
  • texasclarks's avatar
    texasclarks
    Explorer
    Aug 29, 2013
    I think the Flex would be fine, but I would also consider a Mid-Size SUV (Ford Explorer) for instance. The #4500 tow rating is one thing, but what about 'stuff' in the trailer as well as passengers in the TV. How many people are in the TV? What all will be in the trailer? These are all things to consider when choosing your TV.
  • Heisenberg's avatar
    Heisenberg
    Explorer
    Aug 29, 2013
    Pop up campers have come a long way and have low tongue weight and fold down out of the wind. A Flex would probably be plenty with a pop up.
  • karyj's avatar
    karyj
    Explorer
    Aug 29, 2013
    Thanks!

    AWD affects tongue weight? OK... *scribbling notes on the back of an envelope*

    Toldja I was a newbie. :)
  • hmknightnc's avatar
    hmknightnc
    Explorer
    Aug 29, 2013
    Heisenberg wrote:
    I think you would be pushing the envelope with any of those. If you only take short trips the Flex would probably work. I am not trying to discourage you by any means but I would want a Tahoe at the minimum. Just my honest opinion.


    X2. Those trailer are 1/2 ton SUV items if you don't want a truck. Mini-vans and front wheel drive are out (too much tongue wieght)
  • Heisenberg's avatar
    Heisenberg
    Explorer
    Aug 29, 2013
    I think you would be pushing the envelope with any of those. If you only take short trips the Flex would probably work. I am not trying to discourage you by any means but I would want a Tahoe at the minimum. Just my honest opinion.

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