need help finding right tow vehicle

[joseandnat]

Hello we are a family of 5, 2 parents 3 kids and a baby on the way.. selling our house both vehicles and belongings to start rving full time. We are pretty positive we want an suv since we will be pulling a 30 ft TT, but not sure the best one to purchase. Im wanting to know if we really need a 3/4 ton or will a half ton be enough, also we will be pulling a motorcycle. please all input will be helpful. Thanks in advance...

[MTPockets1]

The vehicle you need must have the payload capacity for your TT loaded tongue weight, plus the loaded vehicle with passengers & gear. What is the loaded tongue weight of the TT?

[JordanH]

Im thinking a 1-ton diesel pickup with a toy hauler would be the best bet!

[intheburbs]

There are only two ways I can think of to tow a 30' trailer and a motorcycle:

1) Fifth wheel toy hauler with a 1-ton diesel pickup.
2) 3/4 or 1-ton pickup, motorcycle in the pickup bed, with a travel trailer.

You could double-tow with a fifth wheel, hitching a small trailer to the RV for the bike, but I think you'd only be legal in some states.

Travel trailers don't have the frame strength to have a motorcycle attached somewhere outside.

Now, if you can take the bike out of the equation, a Suburban 2500 would be a great vehicle for pulling a 30' travel trailer. I have a little bit of experience with that, and I have three teenagers. Plenty of room for them in the back 2 rows. They've logged 20,000+ miles back there.

[TOOBOLD]

3/4 to 1 ton van would be my recommnendation. That way everyone can spread out and the CCC would be what you needed. Check with your state if it is legal to double tow.

[DougE]

So many kids really limits the options. Do you already have the trailer? If not, you definitely need a toy hauler. You can get them with enough beds to handle your crew and be able to carry the motorcycle inside. For a tow vehicle the best option is a 3/4 ton window passenger van. A long wheelbase, but not extended body, will give you seating for 12 so you can really spread out. You can take out one row of seats for more floor space. An SUV will be too cramped for pleasurable cruising with that many passengers.

[Peg_Leg]

Many states don't allow towing two trailers. Some require that: the first trailer be a 5th wheel; have maximum lengths. You need to do some checking on towing laws.

What ever vehicle you decide on make sure it was manufactured with towing accessories. Short tow vehicles and longs trailer don't normally behave well together.

[2oldman]

Right on schedule...

[joseandnat]

Wow, Judgerr you need some imagination, two can't imagines in two sentences. Also try to keep future posts relevant. I am asking advice on buying the right tow vehicle not asking about the capability of peoples imagination. Judgerr's post had everything but advice and didn't even answer the question about what kind of vehicle he recommends for towing a 30ft TT. Thanks to everyone else for the advice on the best vehicle to tow a 30ft TT.

[the_bear_II]

You need to decide on the RV first and then choose the tow vehicle. At minimum you will need a 2500 (3/4 ton) but a Crewcab one ton pickup might be better and safer based upon the size/weight of trailer and stuff you'll need to carry.

Good luck on this adventure.

[Judgerr]

Wow! We raised four kids in a house and it was, at times to small. I can't imagine doing it in a TT. What about toys, School books, sports gear, Ball gloves etc. Just to name a few!
My wife and I presently live in a 35ft Fifth wheel, I can't imagine having four kids running around! Baby stuff, Diapers etc. where would we keep it all??:h
All I can say is "Good Luck your gonna need it"!!

[Jim-Linda]

Toyhauler and 1 ton SRW truck.

[joseandnat]

I've done lots of research so far we've decided what rv and no rv shows but still don't know which vehicle is right. We need to bring my husbands motorcycle for him to get to work since i need a vehicle that can carry all the kids. Also we know we are getting a 30 ft or smaller not less than 26ft though. i was told i could but the MC on the back of TT to tow not inside.

[2oldman]

Oh, I can't wait to see the answers as I'm wanting to do this myself, but I have 4 kids.

[HappyKayakers]

How much research have you done so far? Visited any RV shows to see what's out there? With 4 kids, I'd seriously reconsider the motorcycle. You'll need the most living space you can safely tow.