Forum Discussion
mgvrmark
Mar 27, 2015Explorer
I think I have whittled the list down to the 2016 Honda Pilot (pending, of course, the final specs when the vehicle is introduced later this year); the Toyota Highlander V6 (not hybrid); and the 2015 Ford Edge V6 or possibly 2.0 Ecoboost, which is due in dealers any day now. The Honda seems to make the most sense. I believe it will have a tow rating of 4500 or 5000 lbs, and should get 2 - 3 more MPG than the Highlander. The Ford Edge is only rated to tow 3500 lb, so that's a concern ... I would be right on the edge, so to speak. But I expect the Edge to be more agile and enjoyable to drive than the Pilot or Highlander. And my closest Honda and Toyota dealers are 20 miles away, but I have two Ford dealers within 10 miles of home. Anyhow -- I think I am on hold until the 2016 Pilot comes out and I can fully evaluate it. It does seem like the logical & safe choice.
By the way, it's not a travel trailer. It is a very small, lightweight cargo trailer. I haul a small vintage sports car. The trailer weighs 1600 lb and the car weighs 1800, total 3400, plus a few spare parts makes it right around 3500 lb. Tongue weight is 350. Trailer tows very well, no sway. Dual axle electric brakes. Class III receiver, no sway control. I generally tow at 65 - 70 MPH, no problems at that speed, have even run at 75 on occasion -- all with the existing tow vehicle, Mazda CX9, which is only rated at 3500 (but strangely, is rated to tow 4500 lb in other countries). The CX9 has enough of power & torque to tow this comfortably, accelerates well, doesn't slow down on hills although it downshifts to 4th on longer/steeper hills around here.
THANKS again for everyone's help here, great response, and you have really helped me clarify my thoughts.
By the way, it's not a travel trailer. It is a very small, lightweight cargo trailer. I haul a small vintage sports car. The trailer weighs 1600 lb and the car weighs 1800, total 3400, plus a few spare parts makes it right around 3500 lb. Tongue weight is 350. Trailer tows very well, no sway. Dual axle electric brakes. Class III receiver, no sway control. I generally tow at 65 - 70 MPH, no problems at that speed, have even run at 75 on occasion -- all with the existing tow vehicle, Mazda CX9, which is only rated at 3500 (but strangely, is rated to tow 4500 lb in other countries). The CX9 has enough of power & torque to tow this comfortably, accelerates well, doesn't slow down on hills although it downshifts to 4th on longer/steeper hills around here.
THANKS again for everyone's help here, great response, and you have really helped me clarify my thoughts.
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