Tow vehicle for coachmen apex

3rd row seating is only suitable for smaller kids, but the Lexus GX470 has a V8 and a 6,500lb tow rating.

We thought we'd be towing with my wife's 2006, but found a TT way too big so I got the Expy.

Best regards,
Chris

With 4 kids, I would go for a van. One of our kids just got a Nissan NV3500 for their 3 kids and their camper. So far, they love it.

Nissan Armada, Toyota Sequoia, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Cadilac Escalade. One of these may do. Some of these are available with third row seating, payloads 12 - 1400 lbs, and tow capacities 6500 - 9000 lbs.

Not all Armadas are created equal, not all Sequoias are created equal, not all Tahoes are created equal, etc. There are varying capacities among all tow vehicles. When you go shopping, open the drivers door and look for a tire / loading sticker. It will have a max occupant and cargo weight (payload). That number is the vehicle's capacity to carry accessories, people, pets, and cargo (trailer hitch and tongue weight is cargo weight). Your trailer is going to eat 4 - 500 lbs of payload. Give yourself room to grow.

Maybe a 7 seater Chevy Traverse with a tow package , I believe they are rated for 5000 lb.

Lots of vehicles would work. Like someone suggested a used E250 Ford van would be darn near ideal. We for several years towed with an E350 van. It worked great and had decent room for passangers. Besides good used ones are relatively cheap.

The Pacifica with only 3600lbs tow rating is not adequate. That rating is reduced by any weight added to the vehicle minus 150lbs allowance for the driver. The new tow rating standard (if buying a new one) allows the same for 1 passenger. Either way, your trailer loaded will exceed 3600lbs.

Jebby14 wrote:
hemi Durango would be a better bet

Or, save $20K and buy a used 1/2 ton van with seating. I sometimes see the conversion vans going for real small money with low miles. That might be a good option if you have wee ones that need a nap when underway.

Personally, I wouldn't make a long term commitment to towing with a FWD vehicle. I know some use them with success but I find them too perilous re: switching ends or being pushed around with a trailer in tow.

hemi Durango would be a better bet