Tow vehicle for 3500 lbs

2001400ex wrote:

shail wrote:

2001400ex wrote:
This is in the category of "I know someone who....". But really, my buddy tows a similar bumper pull with a GMC Terrain Denali (the small crossover). I've gone camping with him a few times, he went camping about 15 times last year with that setup, a couple times already this year. He does it and thinks it's just fine, but he's never pulled anything in his life. Just like my first setup was a 2003 GMC 1500HD with the 6.0 and pulling 9,000 pounds. I didn't know any better (hence the overkill with a diesel pulling 7,000 pounds now, and my next ride will be a 1 ton.)

Now he does have a family of 4 and he's right at the max tow rating so I'm sure he's over the payload. I don't recommend it and I wouldn't do it, but I'm saying people do. I have towed 2,000 pounds behind the wife's old Buick Enclave, basically a sled deck with 2 quads on it, and it did fine there. But I couldn't imagine pulling a camper with it.

If you want an SUV, I'd seriously look into the Yukon/Tahoe or Sequoia size rigs. Yes they are bigger and drink more fuel, but towing you'll be much happier.

Yukon/Tahoe/Sequoia would be great, I've actually been looking at them but they are a lot more expensive.
I plan to tow a maximum of 3500 lbs (empty tanks) not more than 6 times a year up to 300 miles.
The traverse/Acadia have a 5200/600 lbs capacity with an available payload of 1454 lbs. Its not perfect, but what am I missing? Its not close to pushing the limit. The terrain's capacity is 3500 lbs just like my Toyota Venza... I would never do what your friend is doing.

Right, to each their own. Like I said, my next rig will be a 1 ton which is way overkill. Tho the 1 ton is basically the same price as 3/4 ton, so it's a little different that you stepping up to a Yukon. But I've learned over the years of my 500 mile trips in one day, "I have to much truck" said no one ever. My Enclave was a 2009, so I'm not sure if they've upped the tow limits from then. But i wouldn't tow more than a few miles with 3,500 pounds of a camper hooked up. Of course my step dad towed his 4,500 pound bumper pull from Indiana down through New Mexico on the way up to Seattle, with a 2006 Tacoma. Another thing I'd never do.

Reality is, it's up to you as if it's within the limits, then I'd say go for it. Just don't be surprised if you are unhappy towing close to that limit.

I am just not experienced to know the difference between towing 3500 lbs with a traverse/acadia vs a tahoe/seqoiua.
How would the towing experience differ?
In terms of safety and the ride itself.
Thanks again.
s