Which Crossover or suv is best for towing??
HI, we are going to purchase a 18ft travel trailer. it weighs 2500 unloaded. Please advise on which crossover or suv (with good gas mlg) is best for towing?? do we need v-6? 4whl drive? Help:h
Forum Discussion
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When investigating Tow Package "inclusions", do look at their other mandatory options. GM is known for their "cascading" mandatory items as well. Take for example the Towing Package on their GM mini-vans (which they no longer sell). If one orders the factory Towing Package (BTW - doesn't even include the hitch), one must also upgrade their tires as well. That's $650 "cascade" inclusion even before they add their Trailering package. Did I also mention that GM mini-van comes with air shocks (they call load levellers). Air shocks don't even come close to air bag technology. Simple low grade air shocks. Air shocks leak and their compressor tends to wear out. For me, I simply bought Timbren SES units at fraction of the cost, and installed them myself. I installed my own brake controller, my own 7-pin connector, my own hitch. And, my own Hayden ATF Aux cooler for 5,000 lbs - spaced 1" away from the factory rad. With this gapping, I can wrap this rad in winter months - so it doesn't get too cold. Many factory aux coolers are "sucked tight" against the AC rad - which holds dirt, rubs the other rad and gets too cold during winter months. I install the aux ATF rad properly - the way it should be installed.
Seriously…. Before Clicking "include trailering package" on any factory website, have a serious look at their fine print. Some trailering packages come with "low grade / old school" technology (like air shocks), some don't come with a Hitch and some don't even come with a 7-pin connector. And, some companies enforce "cascade" inclusions within their Tow Package selection as well. And when they install the items, their quality is like "slap it in to make the money and run away" quality.
And yes, all Trailers that can accept a WD System should always use a WD system. And, their bars are sized properly as well. Some trailers (like most utility and boats) cannot accept a WDH. Thus, reason for Timbren SES units in the tow vehicle's rear. And yes, Timbren SES and WD Systems can work together….
Back to OP: In my previous years, I towed "on the upper weight edge" of my TT and my Tow Vehicle's number. After coming back from a trip, I pulled away from a stop light (NO trailer connected) and all of sudden BANG. The transmission went. Limped it back to my Transmission specialist, he tore it apart and said all its inner seals where squeezed out - like someone was towing a 7,000 lbs trailer. He then explained that if one wants to pull a 5,000 lbs trailer, they get a vehicle that's rated for 7,000 lbs. And if pulling 3,500 lbs, get vehicle that's rated to pull 5,000 lbs trailer. Thus, having extra power (and under its MAX stress loads) for steep hills and/or strong head wind. When picking a future Tow Vehicle, do keep this always go +1 next size up vehicle in mind as well. With +1 size up, less stress on your Tow Vehicle and less white knuckles as well…
When investigating Tow Package "inclusions", do look at their other mandatory options. GM is known for their "cascading" mandatory items as well. Take for example the Towing Package on their GM mini-vans (which they no longer sell). If one orders the factory Towing Package (BTW - doesn't even include the hitch), one must also upgrade their tires as well. That's $650 "cascade" inclusion even before they add their Trailering package. Did I also mention that GM mini-van comes with air shocks (they call load levellers). Air shocks don't even come close to air bag technology. Simple low grade air shocks. Air shocks leak and their compressor tends to wear out. For me, I simply bought Timbren SES units at fraction of the cost, and installed them myself. I installed my own brake controller, my own 7-pin connector, my own hitch. And, my own Hayden ATF Aux cooler for 5,000 lbs - spaced 1" away from the factory rad. With this gapping, I can wrap this rad in winter months - so it doesn't get too cold. Many factory aux coolers are "sucked tight" against the AC rad - which holds dirt, rubs the other rad and gets too cold during winter months. I install the aux ATF rad properly - the way it should be installed.
Seriously…. Before Clicking "include trailering package" on any factory website, have a serious look at their fine print. Some trailering packages come with "low grade / old school" technology (like air shocks), some don't come with a Hitch and some don't even come with a 7-pin connector. And, some companies enforce "cascade" inclusions within their Tow Package selection as well. And when they install the items, their quality is like "slap it in to make the money and run away" quality.
And yes, all Trailers that can accept a WD System should always use a WD system. And, their bars are sized properly as well. Some trailers (like most utility and boats) cannot accept a WDH. Thus, reason for Timbren SES units in the tow vehicle's rear. And yes, Timbren SES and WD Systems can work together….
Back to OP: In my previous years, I towed "on the upper weight edge" of my TT and my Tow Vehicle's number. After coming back from a trip, I pulled away from a stop light (NO trailer connected) and all of sudden BANG. The transmission went. Limped it back to my Transmission specialist, he tore it apart and said all its inner seals where squeezed out - like someone was towing a 7,000 lbs trailer. He then explained that if one wants to pull a 5,000 lbs trailer, they get a vehicle that's rated for 7,000 lbs. And if pulling 3,500 lbs, get vehicle that's rated to pull 5,000 lbs trailer. Thus, having extra power (and under its MAX stress loads) for steep hills and/or strong head wind. When picking a future Tow Vehicle, do keep this always go +1 next size up vehicle in mind as well. With +1 size up, less stress on your Tow Vehicle and less white knuckles as well…
