Hi,My wife and I plan to get into the RVing scene within the next couple of years. An opportunity has come up that we need to purchase a new vehicle now. I'd like to go ahead and purchase one that would pull an RV. I've reviewed lots of info on how to size a vehicle based on the type of RV you are pulling. However, with all the acronyms (GVRW, GARW, etc), it's seems a daunting task to figure out.So, I'm looking for a little guidance. We've been to several RV shows and like the looks of the Flagstaff V-lite. So, taking one of these units as a reference, what would be a suitable vehicle to tow it with? We'd rather purchase an SUV if possible rather than a truck; however a truck isn't out of the question. The specs of a representative V-Lite is as follows: Base dry unit weight = 7038; base dry hitch weight = 882; base dry axle weight = 6155; cargo cap = 1512. The SUV/truck would most likely only be carrying three people max. Any suggestions and comments would be appreciated.Mike

While this is your first one, and it's not really "lite", but more mid size, I would imagine you could do it with a heavy duty 1/2 ton, but I bet you would feel better with a 3/4 ton truck.Having a little extra truck to start out with gives you some wiggle room when you decide that the first RV can be upgraded, and there is room for different options. You might decide that towing isn't working out the way you wanted, and instead put a light truck camper onto it.

Pulled a 4500 travel trailer with a half ton suburban. Never cared for it. Mushy suspension and inadequate brakes made for some scary rides. Get 3/4 ton suburban or truck.

If you're looking at a SUV, you're limited to a Ford Expedition (two models) or the Chevy Tahoe/Suburban or their GMC equivalent. You'd want to make sure they have the highest level suspension, tow package and largest engine available.I'm a proud Ford SuperDuty owner--Lariat crewcab two wheel drive with the camper package. They have the inside room of a limo, and bed toppers are available from Leer to make them very useful.

" Base dry unit weight = 7038"Not many if any SUV's are going to work for this weight trailer. Not enough payload capacity.(Maybe a used Excursion).Look at a newer Ford F150 (Ecoboost) with HD towing package and HD payload package...or better yet, a 3/4 ton pickup.Good luck with your new adventure.

30WFKSS spec numbers say GVWR is to be announced. Dry unit and Cargo give you 8,550 lbs. This will give you just over 1,000 lbs of tongue weight. I would consider the 3/4 tons and a weight distributing hitch with sway control built in. I liked the Reese Dual Cam hitch, with a slightly lighter TT, that I had.Glad to see you survived all the "Lead Sleds" running around this last weekend.

Newbie question: What SUV/truck - based on desired RV

hammer21661
Explorer
Oct 02, 2014
If you get a 2500 you should just get the 3500 srw they come short bed if that is a concern for a dd. I'll bet the fuel consumption is within a mile or so from the 2500, all else being the same.
Peg_Leg
Explorer
Oct 02, 2014
30WFKSS spec numbers say GVWR is to be announced. Dry unit and Cargo give you 8,550 lbs. This will give you just over 1,000 lbs of tongue weight. I would consider the 3/4 tons and a weight distributing hitch with sway control built in. I liked the Reese Dual Cam hitch, with a slightly lighter TT, that I had.

Glad to see you survived all the "Lead Sleds" running around this last weekend.
downtheroad
Explorer
Oct 02, 2014
" Base dry unit weight = 7038"
Not many if any SUV's are going to work for this weight trailer. Not enough payload capacity.
(Maybe a used Excursion).

Look at a newer Ford F150 (Ecoboost) with HD towing package and HD payload package...or better yet, a 3/4 ton pickup.

Good luck with your new adventure.
Bamaman11
Explorer
Oct 02, 2014
If you're looking at a SUV, you're limited to a Ford Expedition (two models) or the Chevy Tahoe/Suburban or their GMC equivalent. You'd want to make sure they have the highest level suspension, tow package and largest engine available.

I'm a proud Ford SuperDuty owner--Lariat crewcab two wheel drive with the camper package. They have the inside room of a limo, and bed toppers are available from Leer to make them very useful.
stew47
Explorer
Oct 01, 2014
Pulled a 4500 travel trailer with a half ton suburban. Never cared for it. Mushy suspension and inadequate brakes made for some scary rides. Get 3/4 ton suburban or truck.
Artum_Snowbird
Explorer
Oct 01, 2014
While this is your first one, and it's not really "lite", but more mid size, I would imagine you could do it with a heavy duty 1/2 ton, but I bet you would feel better with a 3/4 ton truck.

Having a little extra truck to start out with gives you some wiggle room when you decide that the first RV can be upgraded, and there is room for different options.

You might decide that towing isn't working out the way you wanted, and instead put a light truck camper onto it.

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Newbie question: What SUV/truck - based on desired RV

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