Forum Discussion

Roy_Lynne's avatar
Roy_Lynne
Explorer
Jul 09, 2016

SUV Help

Okay, pretend your old aunt, whose claim to fame is that she has been driving a standard shift all her life, and has driven just about anything, Class A's, C's, but has never towed, has decided she wants to buy an untra light trailer like a Casita but needs a vehicle to tow it with. She doesn't want new because she would have a heart attack paying that kind of money, but she doesn't have clue about tow packages or tongue weight. Also she really wants an SUV, not a truck because the look pretty.
Could you give her some advise? She has learned that dealers will tell you anything to make a sale so she would like to go to a dealer with the right questions.
And remember she is your favorite aunt, not one who your expecting to inherit from?
Thanks
  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    Jul 10, 2016
    Roy&Lynne wrote:
    Okay, pretend your old aunt, whose claim to fame is that she has been driving a standard shift all her life, and has driven just about anything, Class A's, C's, but has never towed, has decided she wants to buy an untra light trailer like a Casita but needs a vehicle to tow it with. She doesn't want new because she would have a heart attack paying that kind of money, but she doesn't have clue about tow packages or tongue weight. Also she really wants an SUV, not a truck because the look pretty.
    Could you give her some advise? She has learned that dealers will tell you anything to make a sale so she would like to go to a dealer with the right questions.
    And remember she is your favorite aunt, not one who your expecting to inherit from?
    Thanks


    The smaller Casitas can be towed with a properly equipped Toyota Highlander, and any of them with a Sequoia. Also look at Ford Explorers. The hard part will be finding a used Highlander or Explorer with a tow package, they are not common. She is much more likely to find a used Sequoia with a tow package, but they are pricey.

    Others that would work would be a Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia, Acura MDX, Nissan Pathfinder or Nissan Armada.

    And BTW, I'm with your aunt, I prefer a SUV to a truck. :D And I know the SUVs that would work, because I'm looking at doing exactly the same thing. :D She should also look at the smallest Jaycos and Gulfstreams.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2016
    I towed my Ascend 17rd with my 2011 Highlander, adequate, a casita would be easier.
    bumpy
  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    Jul 09, 2016
    Needs to decide on a camper first and then get a suv capable of towing it.

    I agree with camp-n-family.
  • RavensFan24's avatar
    RavensFan24
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2016
    I'm definitely an advocate for the Tahoe with the heavy duty towing package. It's pretty, rides nice and does a great job of towing, esp if she'll have a small trailer.
  • K_Charles's avatar
    K_Charles
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2016
    I think an early 60's ford econoline van would look "pretty" pulling a small trailer. If she wants pretty, she will have to pick it out herself.
  • Roy_Lynne's avatar
    Roy_Lynne
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2016
    Thanks. Actually she does have a significant other, but he is pretty skinny.
  • camp-n-family's avatar
    camp-n-family
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2016
    Really depends on the weight of the tt and how much weight in the SUV. Casitas are pretty small and light, so if it's just her she could get away with any of the newer V6s like a Toyota Highlander or Ford Explorer for example. If the SUV will be loaded with passengers, the trailer over 4K loaded or a lot of mountain towing, she'll want something with a V8 and more payload like a Tahoe/Yukon, Sequoia (they are essentially trucks) or a Durango. Really hard to say without more specific info.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,025 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 18, 2025