Must-haves for Van or SUV as tow vehicle?

[Tortiemctortiep]

Thanks to all of your excellent advice, I have decided to find either a full size van or SUV to pull a travel trailer (I am thinking around 20’) for my cross country trip this summer, primarily because of all the pets and needing to have somewhere to stay with them in the event of a breakdown.

What needs to be on my list of “must-haves” when I’m looking for a tow vehicle that will be able to reliably carry me and my menagerie over a variety of landscapes and conditions, mountain passes, etc?

I’m assuming I should only be looking at something with a V8 engine?

When I’ve been searching I have been narrowing my searches to vehicles already with a tow hitch with the assumption that this would mean that it’s equipped to tow, but I’m wondering if that is incorrect... must the vehicle have been originally manufactured with an official “tow package” or can an otherwise capable vehicle be outfitted with a trailer hitch after I buy it?

Would an older vehicle with low miles and no major mechanical problems after an inspection be reliable, or should I really try to find a newer vehicle? For example, I found a 2007 Ford E350 with a tow package and only 60k miles on it for $8500, and I am interested in it but hesitate because of its age.

Any thoughts on these vehicles that have come up in my searches, pro/con or something else I should be looking for entirely?

SUV - Nissan Armada, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Sequoia or Land Cruiser, Chevy Tahoe or Suburban, GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator

Vans - Nissan NV, Dodge RAM Promaster, Chevy Express, GMC Savana, Ford E150/250/350

Thank you so much for any advice!

[coolmom42]

Get the VIN of the vehicle and run it through Carfax for all the details of how the vehicle is equipped. Another helpful place for info is the parts and/or service department of a brand dealer.

For any given brand there are owners forums where you can find all manner of info about towing etc.

[coolmom42]

JAC1982 wrote:
Oh also I forgot to mention, my in laws tow a 25' travel trailer or a boat (obviously not at the same time) with their Toyota Sequoia and it does just fine.

Sequoias are a nice tow vehicle for a small-medium trailer. They are also a very comfortable and safe vehicle otherwise. The gas mileage stinks, but nothing is going to do any better while towing than 10 mpg or so. Typical for not towing is about 15 mpg.


Toyotas are very dependable vehicles so don't be concerned about age or miles if the vehicle has been maintained. Be sure to set aside funds for good tires and any repairs/maintenance to get it road-worthy for a long trip.


As a rule of thumb, for a comfortable towing experience, you want the trailer to be around 80% of the tow rating of the vehicle. That's not a hard and fast rule but it gives you a starting point for looking for a towing combo.



Add in an Equal-i-zer hitch system and it's a nice combo. On a long or steep grade you will need to shift down to 3rd gear and just hang in the right lane, but that is prudent with any tow setup.


What you will have to watch is the cargo capacity. You will have the tongue weight of the trailer as part of the cargo, and that is about 12% of the trailer weight. Add yourself and your animals, and it will be pretty loaded. But that's OK as long as you are not over any of the axle or total weight ratings (which have a generous safety margin.)

I do agree, pick the trailer first and then the tow vehicle, just to be sure.

[d3500ram]

Tortiemctortiepants wrote:
....
Would an inspection be able to tell me if it had the proper brake controller/wiring harness/transmission cooler?

These items should be easily evident via inspection. A VIN check such as a carfax should also show options that were fart of delivery from the factory.

[Tortiemctortiep]

Mickeyfan0805 wrote:

Lwiddis wrote:
"And perhaps tend toward a van for the greater payload capacity..."

Vans don't necessary have more payload capacity than a pick up. Depends on the van. They have more space.

Yep - understand the numbers and consider them carefully. I would suggest that you will be in full-size SUV or van territory. As a single traveler, you might be able to get by with a properly equipped full-size SUV depending on the weight of the animals and gear. You may find that it needs a van. The former will be much more accessible on the used market, and would likely work better as a daily driver when you arrive.

I’m still trying to wrap my head around all the different important numbers... I understand them theoretically (I think...) but I have no frame of reference to be good at guesstimating how much weight I’ll likely be looking at carrying around once loaded up.

[Tortiemctortiep]

okhmbldr wrote:
Most trailering packages include the hitch rated to suit the vehicle, a larger radiator, plus a transmission cooler. Will vary with different manufacturers.
A full sized van will tow just about any 20' trailer you find.
Many of the front wheel drive SUV's come with the trailering package. GM's, Traverse, Acadia, Enclave, they are all six cylinder engines but get close to 300 hp. Ford Explorer also a great tow vehicle for the smaller trailers.
Just find the trailer first, then select something you will enjoy as a daily driver that has the capacity to tow your new trailer. Also, good idea to put you total package together a few months before you begin your adventure. Take a few small trips an get used to your vehicle/trailer package. Good luck.

Do you think the V6 engines could handle a cross county trip? I had eliminated them from my search thinking that they wouldn’t hold up... but if they could handle it that would be good news on the daily driver and gas mileage fronts!

[Tortiemctortiep]

pitch wrote:
I don't know, I am not agreeing with a lot that is being said. Tow packages are not created equally. What you need is a hitch 5point wiring harness and a brake controller. Factory packages will also include a transmission cooler.
That E-350 could be an ideal machine for you. Good price not a lot of miles.Of course 350,s are usually bought by businesses so it may have been ridden hard and put away wet.
I am much more casual than some of these guys. I have towed hauled and carried stuff in all manner of vehicles for over fifty years.
Do not get a half ton. your twenty foot tt is probably going to gross between 6 and 7k giving you a tongue weight ofabout800 pounds.
When you are looking at vehicles open the drivers door. There will be a stickers that says "Weight of cargo and passengers must not excced xxxxx"
In my opinion you want that figure to be a minimum of 18oo pounds 2200 would be perfect.
Most important is proper wiring harness
brake controller
transmission cooler
sufficient cargo capacity.

Thanks! It is from a private seller, but must have been used more for work/hauling I’m assuming as the rear seats are gone. But I need mostly space anyways.

Would an inspection be able to tell me if it had the proper brake controller/wiring harness/transmission cooler?

[Tortiemctortiep]

theoldwizard1 wrote:

Tortiemctortiepants wrote:
Would an older vehicle with low miles and no major mechanical problems after an inspection be reliable, or should I really try to find a newer vehicle? For example, I found a 2007 Ford E350 with a tow package and only 60k miles on it for $8500, and I am interested in it but hesitate because of its age.

Heck that is just "broken in" ! Which engine ? The 6.8L V10 has a lot of power, but it is thirsty.

Like any used vehicle it will need "maintenance" items which can add up. Brakes all around, shocks and a front end alignment including replacing worn items. This could easily add up to over $1,000 if you are having it done. Find a good independent shop. Dealer charge too much.

It is the 5.4 liter V8, would that be adequate?

[theoldwizard1]

Tortiemctortiepants wrote:
Would an older vehicle with low miles and no major mechanical problems after an inspection be reliable, or should I really try to find a newer vehicle? For example, I found a 2007 Ford E350 with a tow package and only 60k miles on it for $8500, and I am interested in it but hesitate because of its age.

Heck that is just "broken in" ! Which engine ? The 6.8L V10 has a lot of power, but it is thirsty.

Like any used vehicle it will need "maintenance" items which can add up. Brakes all around, shocks and a front end alignment including replacing worn items. This could easily add up to over $1,000 if you are having it done. Find a good independent shop. Dealer charge too much.

[Grit_dog]

Most all full size suv or pickups have adequate hitches and wiring worst case you’d need to add a brake controller.
Vans may have less chance of having that setup but depends.
Virtually any full size suv pickup or van in the last 20 years or longer will have the capability to pull a small 20’ ish trailer. Provided its in good mechanical shape if it’s older.

Agree SUV if you plan on keeping it after the trip. No one wants to daily drive a E350 cargo van around daily.
But the van will be the best bang for buck budget wise if you are only concerned about the trip and will sell it.

[pitch]

I don't know, I am not agreeing with a lot that is being said. Tow packages are not created equally. What you need is a hitch 5point wiring harness and a brake controller. Factory packages will also include a transmission cooler.
That E-350 could be an ideal machine for you. Good price not a lot of miles.Of course 350,s are usually bought by businesses so it may have been ridden hard and put away wet.
I am much more casual than some of these guys. I have towed hauled and carried stuff in all manner of vehicles for over fifty years.
Do not get a half ton. your twenty foot tt is probably going to gross between 6 and 7k giving you a tongue weight ofabout800 pounds.
When you are looking at vehicles open the drivers door. There will be a stickers that says "Weight of cargo and passengers must not excced xxxxx"
In my opinion you want that figure to be a minimum of 18oo pounds 2200 would be perfect.
Most important is proper wiring harness
brake controller
transmission cooler
sufficient cargo capacity.

[okhmbldr]

.

[Mickeyfan0805]

Lwiddis wrote:
"And perhaps tend toward a van for the greater payload capacity..."

Vans don't necessary have more payload capacity than a pick up. Depends on the van. They have more space.

Yep - understand the numbers and consider them carefully. I would suggest that you will be in full-size SUV or van territory. As a single traveler, you might be able to get by with a properly equipped full-size SUV depending on the weight of the animals and gear. You may find that it needs a van. The former will be much more accessible on the used market, and would likely work better as a daily driver when you arrive.

[Lwiddis]

"And perhaps tend toward a van for the greater payload capacity..."

Vans don't necessary have more payload capacity than a pick up. Depends on the van. They have more space.

[Tortiemctortiep]

JAC1982 wrote:
Oh also I forgot to mention, my in laws tow a 25' travel trailer or a boat (obviously not at the same time) with their Toyota Sequoia and it does just fine.

Oh! That is good to know!

[Tortiemctortiep]

Okay, thanks!

So it sounds like I should add factory tow package to my must-have list.

And perhaps tend toward a van for the greater payload capacity due to all the pets and their supplies and my things that I will be moving with me... I was hoping I could make an SUV work just because it would make a nicer daily driver when I get to WA, but I’m thinking I might need a van for my travels after all?

I will check out Sue and crew as well, thanks!