Which 3-row SUV should I get to pull a travel trailer?

[knowmadically]

Hi,

I'm new to RVing and I'm looking to buy an SUV that has three rows in order to seat my large family. This SUV needs to be strong enough to pull a large travel trailer. I'm not sure what travel trailer I'm going to get yet, but I think it may be something similar to the one below.

RT310BHS:
http://www.highlandridgerv.com/products/2016/roamer/travel-trailers/RT310BHS

RT310BHS specs:
http://www.highlandridgerv.com/products/2016/roamer/specifications/

I'd be very thankful for any suggestions anyone may have. The part I find confusing is how to know whether or the SUV has the power (engine, cooled tranny?, axles, etc.) to pull a large travel trailer.

Thanks!

[Terryallan]

Lynnmor wrote:
Here ya Go!

Wonder if you can get one that isn't raised, and has normal tires. wouldn't want to try to tow with something raised like that. Not sure it would do well.

[Anmacc2]

For the same circumstances as you present I have always chosen to tow with a full size Van choosing either a Chevy express 3500 or a Ford E350. Still had to watch the weight of the cargo, passengers, tongue and gross but always managed to make it work out safely with the understanding of slow and steady does it.

[azrving]

knowmadically wrote:

rjxj wrote:
With a weight 9,200 and 11,500 loaded you may need something like a 3/4 ton 4 door pick up or Suburban?

Yeah, I guess the problem with a 4 door pickup is it wouldn't hold all 7 of us. A Suburban sounds good, but how do I calculate whether is could carry this TT?

Oh yes, 7 people wont work. Some older 8.1 Suburbans were 12,000 but it would still be maxed out. Excursion on heavy duty 250 chassis is 11,000.
It does appear that it's probably best with a 3500 truck although there are probably many towed with 3/4 trucks.
It would seem you need a van or suburban with much lighter TT. What is the dealer telling you?

[Lantley]

You will need an older 2500 8.1 Suburban or V-10 Excursion. The newer models are not up to the task. You will be pressed for payload however I personally towed a trailer that size with a PSD Excursion without issue.
A full size 3/4 ton van is your only other option

[wecamp04]

Not what you want to hear I think with family and gear your in 2500/3500 truck category

[knowmadically]

rjxj wrote:
With a weight 9,200 and 11,500 loaded you may need something like a 3/4 ton 4 door pick up or Suburban?

Yeah, I guess the problem with a 4 door pickup is it wouldn't hold all 7 of us. A Suburban sounds good, but how do I calculate whether is could carry this TT?

[Oasisbob]

Consder a Saburban or a full size van. Check yor numbers closely. Family camping can be great fun

[knowmadically]

Also, if the SUV is a really bad idea, then what vehicle would work that could hold all 7 of us and still pull a large TT? I wish there was a crew cab pickup that could hold 7 people but that's tough to find.

[knowmadically]

I am very open to the Suburban. How do I tell which models of Suburbans would have the capability to pull a large travel trailer like this one? Also, I know there were some bad years with the Suburbans where they weren't made that well. Maybe 2000-2010 or something? Anyone remember?

[Lynnmor]

Here ya Go!

[K_Charles]

They claim our Excursion was the biggest SUV ever and it would pull that trailer IF I didn't put anybody or anything in the Excursion. If you put 8 people in it there isn't much left for tongue weight.

[6_7_tow_rig]

As stated, you can't pull that trailer with an SUV most likely. By the time you load family and the trailer you will be over the payload wit anything half ton. I also wouldn't want to pull that much weight with a gasser, but that's just my personal opinion from previous experience.

[sch911]

It's an 11.5K GVWR. Gonna need a 25000/3500 to do this TT. Perhaps a full size 2500/3500 GM van (now out of production)?

[azrving]

With a weight 9,200 and 11,500 loaded you may need something like a 3/4 ton 4 door pick up or Suburban?

[atreis]

Uhh.... As far as I know, there isn't a 3-row SUV that can tow that trailer. That's a mighty big trailer.