Suggestions for tow vehicle with good mpg
My daughter wants to buy a new/used 4WD vehicle that gets good mileage yet pulls up to about 4,000 pounds. Any suggestions?
Forum Discussion
She needs to think about how many miles per year towing and no trailer she is probably going to do. Less than 2,000 miles of towing a year and a vehicle like the Toyota 4Runner will work. 8,000 towing miles a year and a full size SUV or 1/2 ton pickup with crew cab is better. Nothing is going to tow 4,000 lbs and get 20 plus MPG.
Important to get something that has brakes that can stop not only the vehicle but also the vehicle with a 4,000 lb trailer in an emergency. Most vehicles including SUV's do not have great brakes to stop the vehicle when it is fully loaded with passengers and with a 4,000 lb trailer load as well.
The Highlander and many other SUV's have a car unibody construction and this is not great for towing a heavy trailer. The Highlander for example is under the skin much the same as the Camry which uses the same platform.
If gas mileage is very important it would also help to get a lighter trailer to tow. Lots more options for towing a trailer with a loaded weight under 3,000 lbs. like the Subaru wagons that get a true 30 MPG at 70 MPH on the freeway when not towing.
Important to get something that has brakes that can stop not only the vehicle but also the vehicle with a 4,000 lb trailer in an emergency. Most vehicles including SUV's do not have great brakes to stop the vehicle when it is fully loaded with passengers and with a 4,000 lb trailer load as well.
The Highlander and many other SUV's have a car unibody construction and this is not great for towing a heavy trailer. The Highlander for example is under the skin much the same as the Camry which uses the same platform.
If gas mileage is very important it would also help to get a lighter trailer to tow. Lots more options for towing a trailer with a loaded weight under 3,000 lbs. like the Subaru wagons that get a true 30 MPG at 70 MPH on the freeway when not towing.
