Forum Discussion

Explorer

Oct 25, 2017

SUV Tow vehicle suggestions

Hi all! New to the RV world and jumping in head first out of necessity. We bought a 35’ Coleman Lantern 314bh and are having it towed to our destination for long term living during the work week. That said, we want to use it during the summer to travel and enjoy when I take leave from work. We need to purchase a good tow vehicle for it though. My wife is dialed in on an SUV to accommodate our 5 person family with room. I’m looking at a Nissan Armada, a Tahoe, or an Expedition as we are not interested in a suburban. I’ve educated myself on GVWR, understand tongue weight limitations, and plan on adding a good sway bar and weight distribution hitch.

That said, I’ve never towed a large trailer and seek your expertise on making sure the drive is smooth and the family is safe. The dry trailer weight is 7,340 lbs and the tongue weight is 740 lbs. Thanks in advance for your insights and taking time to offer your perspective!

Jeff

73 Replies

troubledwaters
Nomad
Oct 25, 2017
Your going to need something with a payload of about 2000 lbs. and can tow 8500 lbs. So start there. That's probably going to be an Excursion, Transit passenger van, E250, or something along those lines.
evanrem
Explorer II
Oct 25, 2017
I hate to play weight police and be the guy to say you need a big truck but from my personal experience you will need a big truck or maybe van of the 2500 variety. Pulled the same size and weight with 1500 and a propride for years and it was ok jumped to a 2500 and it was smooth.
bobndot
Explorer III
Oct 25, 2017
Forget about dry weight ratings.
Look at the GVWR of the TT and take 12-15% of that number for a better idea of weights.
Once you would take a large SUV to a scale, all loaded up for a trip incl., people on board , I think you will be pushing your limits if not exceeding them. A 35 ft TT is a lot of trailer to tow, watch your payload of the TV .