Thoughts on next tow vehicle
I have a 2006 Subaru Outback that I have towed my 2009 Coleman Yuma pop up with for several years. The Outback is getting up there in mileage, and I would like some ideas for a more ideal tow vehic...
Forum Discussion
Most full sized pickup trucks and SUVs are ladder frame with a unibody
(monocoque) body sitting on that ladder frame
Most SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicle) are derived from pickup trucks
CUV (crossover utility vehicle) are generally derived from a 'car'. Or
more specifically...a unibody/monocoque body with *NO* ladder frane
The Honda Pilot is derived from the Odyssey mini van and both are NOT
ladder frame, but unibody/monocoque. The Pilot's glove box manual says
to NOT use a WD Hitch system...the last time I looked.
Ditto the Highlander. First gen was derived from the Camry and the
current gen is derived from the Sienna mini van and is a unibody/monocoque
The general reason a unibody/monocoque is not a good candidate for any
WD Hitch system...is that the stressed are on sheetmetal...not a 'C'
channel that runs the whole length of a ladder frame. Some ladder
frame rails are boxed (not 'C' channel, but square tube like)
There are exceptions and that is the VW/Porsche/Audi/etc Tourg (sp?)
That is made from thicker gauge sheetmetal and it also weighs considerably
more than any other CUV of similar size
All things can tow something...but the big issue is the sizing of
that trailer (length and weight...toss in frontal area)
Follow your owners manual if you wish to stay within it's ratings.
If not, then do whatever you wish...knowing that you have takend the
OEM off the warranty hook and liability hook
(monocoque) body sitting on that ladder frame
Most SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicle) are derived from pickup trucks
CUV (crossover utility vehicle) are generally derived from a 'car'. Or
more specifically...a unibody/monocoque body with *NO* ladder frane
The Honda Pilot is derived from the Odyssey mini van and both are NOT
ladder frame, but unibody/monocoque. The Pilot's glove box manual says
to NOT use a WD Hitch system...the last time I looked.
Ditto the Highlander. First gen was derived from the Camry and the
current gen is derived from the Sienna mini van and is a unibody/monocoque
The general reason a unibody/monocoque is not a good candidate for any
WD Hitch system...is that the stressed are on sheetmetal...not a 'C'
channel that runs the whole length of a ladder frame. Some ladder
frame rails are boxed (not 'C' channel, but square tube like)
There are exceptions and that is the VW/Porsche/Audi/etc Tourg (sp?)
That is made from thicker gauge sheetmetal and it also weighs considerably
more than any other CUV of similar size
All things can tow something...but the big issue is the sizing of
that trailer (length and weight...toss in frontal area)
Follow your owners manual if you wish to stay within it's ratings.
If not, then do whatever you wish...knowing that you have takend the
OEM off the warranty hook and liability hook
