Towing with an SUV

Engine/powertrain in any SUV is similar to the same as an equivalent pickup with probably more capability. Choosing a diesel or gas has a lengthy discussion on its own that proves that there is no best for everyone choice, even if everyone can afford one of each. Power hasn't been a problem towing 7000 pounds for half tons in the last 15 years. Current models do it quicker with more power and better gearing.

Since you have a fairly late model SUV already, I'll assume you do not want something like a Ford Excursion which is the last diesel powered SUV that has more capability than you have now.

I do not understand opening those cans of worms. You know what your limitation is. Why not focus on what other vehicles meet your needs that offer more capability in the area you need? There are SUVs that offer more payload and receiver capabiility, with comparable power to what you have now available in the 2010+ model years. I'll put the plug in for the 2008-2013 Chevy Suburban 2500 and Yukon XL 2500.

@Margaret, it is torque that drags your load down the road. So, yes, it is important. Equally so is the weight capacity of the TV. And frankly, for both, more is better in all cases, not just because it means you could drag a bigger/heavier trailer, but also because it will mean being able to keep up with traffic going over mountains.

In the final analysis, you have to have both towing capacity/payload capacity, and the torque to move those loads. Don't discount any of them.

Diesels have inherent advantages, most notably in delivering more torque, and that at lower rpm, which is a big advantage when dragging around heavy stuff. But sometimes the manufacturer offers a bigger gas engine with more torque.

Some people tow with Expeditions or Suburbans. Jeep Grand Cherokees, Mercedes, BMW, VW, and Lexus SUVs also work. Some of those are more capable than others.

I've been using a Jeep Liberty (model now discontinued) and just switched to a BMW X5 diesel. It does a splendid job with our 5,000 lb gross weight 21 foot TT, a trailer well within the X5's payload and towing limitations. And yes, BMW says no weight distributing hitches. But my X5 came with self-leveling air bags in the rear and doesn't need WD.

When we traded up last time to a bigger TT our pickup would not pull our new 8500 lb TT so we had to start using our SUV. Some pickups are small and some SUVs are bigger.

Torque is important..enough...as there is no HP without it...but...there is
more to it than just power

The sizing of the TV to the load & trailer even more important

Most who just look at power only look for 'go', but baked into the right sized TV
are it's ability to manhandle the trailer during the bad days out there

All things designed are not designed for the good days out there when
a riding lawn mower 'can do it'...but for the worst day out there when
Mr Murphy crosses your path...no matter how long or short the trip

Either you have it or not spot on...no time to go back to the store
for bigger, better, etc...or re-adjust the setup

MargaretB wrote:
I know some people tow with Expeditions. I'm wondering about other SUVs. Also, does diesel make a big difference? And finally, is torque more critical than payload capacity and towing weight limits?

Margaret,

Are you selling your Sequoia?

We don't have an Expedition, but I noticed that some people on the TT board seem to be towing with oversized SUVs, and we have a friend who tows with a diesel Mercedes. That's why I was wondering if they are appropriate, and what role the torque plays in the decision.

Add that there is a real difference between CUV's and SUV's

SUV's are derived from pickups and are unibody/monocoque body on ladder
frame. Your Expedition is a SUV derived from a full sized pickkup

CUV's are derived from 'cars' and are only an unibody/monocoque body. Many
do NOT recommend WD Hitches. A Pilot is derived from a mini van.
A highlander is derived from a mini van. A CRV is derived from a Civic.
A RAV4 is derived from a Corolla

#1 - PAYLOAD PAYLOAD PAYLOAD!
#2 - NET Towing Capacity (what's left after the vehicle is loaded up)
#3 - Engine power and whether or not peak torque is at 2000rpm or 4500.

Diesel options in new SUVs that can tow are rather limited.

Chev/GMC Suburbans are a also good candidate, but even they can easily be overloaded. (Unless you can find a good 2500 Series)

Most modern SUVs are a lot more like cars than trucks - meant to carry volume, not weight. Most of them are unibody construction without a real frame.

The biggest problem is not power, but weight capacity. By the time you add tongue weight to the vehicle, there is nothing left for passengers or gear. Also, the short wheelbase can lead to stability problems. In general, the larger SUVs might be suitable for pop up trailers or very small travel trailers, but usually nothing much bigger.

If you have a big family and lots of stuff, look at the full size one ton vans ....