2005 plus SUV that can tow 6.5k (Edited title)

[IDoMyOwnStunts]

The wife and I were talking and I believe she is coming to the realization that we actually need 2 tow vehicles (one for the travel trailer and one for the horse trailer). This is because I've found myself having to make two trips to get the travel trailer and then haul the horse to horse shows. It's a hassle. Unfortunately, her 2010 Jeep Liberty doesn't have the tow package, and even if it did the max rating is 5000 lbs, so that's out.

I weighed our horse trailer with 1 horse and it tips the scales at 5300 lbs loaded (that includes tongue weight). The trailer GVW is 8000 lbs, so I figured I'd size a vehicle to tow that. Realistically, though, the trailer probably will never be loaded to that much because we are never going to tow 2 draft horses. Even a second smaller horse will probably only push it to 6500 lbs. It's not like a travel trailer where you would have propane tanks, batteries, and water tanks to deal with.

Frankly, I'd like to just buy her a truck, but she seems set on an SUV. *sigh* I'd also rather not buy new since I just bought my truck. So I'm looking at selling her Jeep and getting either a Tahoe (she's ok with a Tahoe but not a Suburban *sigh*), Expedition, Grand Cherokee, or Durango.

So, the question. Can any of the owners of these vehicles chime in and let me know any real world experience towing with these? In other words, should I just cross any of these off the list? I'm also considering reliability too, since I'm looking at units that are going to have 80k+ miles on them. Are there any other SUVs out there that could fit comfortably in a garage (no Excursions, sorry) that I missed and might consider?

I just wanted opinions of people here because I know many of you use SUVs to tow. Thanks.

Edited the title to be more realistic with how much the trailer actually weighs.

[APT]

2007+ Yukon Denali would be great!

[keymastr]

My 2005 expedition xlt 4x4 is rated for 8600. It will not win any races at that weight but has been rock solid for 11 years. 2 batteries, 1 alternator and a set of tires are all I have needed so far. Still has the original brakes although they are scheduled for replacement.

In town mileage is nothing to write home about but I get 19 MPG @75 MPH.

[SoCalDesertRid1]

Iraqvet05 wrote:
Isn't the Yukon XL the same wheelbase as a Suburban?

The Yukon XL is GMC's new name for the Suburban. They are the same truck, for all practical purposes, just like the Silverado/Sierra pickups, and everything else that GMC sells that has a twin brother with a BowTie on the grille.

[SoCalDesertRid1]

BigToe wrote:

SoCalDesertRider wrote:
Chevy/GMC Tahoe/Yukon with 6.0/4.10

This combo does not exist. GM never put a 6.0/4.10 combo in the Tahoe/Yukon short SUV.

I agree that it is a good combo for 6,500 lbs, because I tow up to 7,500 lbs with a 6.0/4.10 combo in my 2005 Suburban. But you have to get a Suburban to get that combo.

Unless... your wife is interested in the Hummer H2, which is actually about a foot shorter than a Tahoe/Yukon, and does indeed have that 6.0/4.10 combo.

One can certainly change the gears to 4.10 from whatever ratios GM offered.

[IDoMyOwnStunts]

SoCalDesertRider wrote:
Subtract about 1000 lbs off the tow rating for an SUV that is also loaded with a family of people and gear going on a vacation...

Not an issue. This is a 2nd tow vehicle. All the rest of the cargo and people will be in my 1-ton towing my toy hauler.

Iraqvet05 wrote:
I don't think you will find an mid-sized SUV that is capable of towing 6.5k. The Durango (and others) with the larger V-8s has the HP and torque but you will have to really watch the payload figures. Isn't the Yukon XL the same wheelbase as a Suburban?

Payload is not an issue. It's a very well balanced horse trailer. Maybe 600 on the tongue and very aerodynamic, unlike a travel trailer.

After further consideration, we are going with an older V-8 1/2 ton that will become the DD's vehicle when she gets her license in 2 years. If I find a 3/4 or 1 ton for the right price, then we'll get that. Looking at the Trailer Life towing numbers as far back as 1999, there are numerous choices. Thank you all for your opinions.

[BigToe]

SoCalDesertRider wrote:
Chevy/GMC Tahoe/Yukon with 6.0/4.10

This combo does not exist. GM never put a 6.0/4.10 combo in the Tahoe/Yukon short SUV.

I agree that it is a good combo for 6,500 lbs, because I tow up to 7,500 lbs with a 6.0/4.10 combo in my 2005 Suburban. But you have to get a Suburban to get that combo.

Unless... your wife is interested in the Hummer H2, which is actually about a foot shorter than a Tahoe/Yukon, and does indeed have that 6.0/4.10 combo.

[Iraqvet05]

I don't think you will find an mid-sized SUV that is capable of towing 6.5k. The Durango (and others) with the larger V-8s has the HP and torque but you will have to really watch the payload figures. Isn't the Yukon XL the same wheelbase as a Suburban?

[SoCalDesertRid1]

The older V8 3/4-ton pickup for towing duties is a good idea. Eliminate the compromises of suv and less complicated situation.

[SoCalDesertRid1]

Subtract about 1000 lbs off the tow rating for an SUV that is also loaded with a family of people and gear going on a vacation...

[sch911]

The latest generation Jeep Grand Cherokee or Dodge Durango both have tow ratings of 6500# or more.

[K-9_HANDLER]

IDoMyOwnStunts wrote:

K-9 HANDLER wrote:
That is going to be tough to fill those specs. I was in the same boat. I have a horse trailer that is 3K dry weight but was hauling drafts 18+ hands at the time. I didnt haul both drafts at one time but did haul a mini, his meadowbrook cart strapped to the back of the trailer and the draft + his harness and his drag harrrow (light weight). I ended up buying an older F150. It survived 10K miles of this and was still going strong when I sold it.

Thanks. Ours is only 17 hands. But now the daughter is training a young mare and it's only a matter of time until she wants to show her off.

I think you may be right. I was doing some research last night in my downtime at work and I think I can get an old cheap 2wd V8 truck and just have her keep her Jeep. That'll put me at 4 vehicles and is something I wanted to avoid.

I did like the Sequoia idea, though. I might have to check that out.

No problem. Thats were we ended up to at 4 vehicles. Depending on the age of your daughter her interests may change. They did for my daughters. I bought the old 150 to get us thru rather then make a huge purchase. I paid 1500 for the truck with 67K original miles. I figured it would do the job or die trying and I wasnt out alot of cash. Funny that old thing was one of the most reliable haulers I have ever had.

[handye9]

Nissan Armada ? Chevy Avalanche ?

[IDoMyOwnStunts]

K-9 HANDLER wrote:
That is going to be tough to fill those specs. I was in the same boat. I have a horse trailer that is 3K dry weight but was hauling drafts 18+ hands at the time. I didnt haul both drafts at one time but did haul a mini, his meadowbrook cart strapped to the back of the trailer and the draft + his harness and his drag harrrow (light weight). I ended up buying an older F150. It survived 10K miles of this and was still going strong when I sold it.

Thanks. Ours is only 17 hands. But now the daughter is training a young mare and it's only a matter of time until she wants to show her off.

I think you may be right. I was doing some research last night in my downtime at work and I think I can get an old cheap 2wd V8 truck and just have her keep her Jeep. That'll put me at 4 vehicles and is something I wanted to avoid.

I did like the Sequoia idea, though. I might have to check that out.

[K-9_HANDLER]

That is going to be tough to fill those specs. I was in the same boat. I have a horse trailer that is 3K dry weight but was hauling drafts 18+ hands at the time. I didnt haul both drafts at one time but did haul a mini, his meadowbrook cart strapped to the back of the trailer and the draft + his harness and his drag harrrow (light weight). I ended up buying an older F150. It survived 10K miles of this and was still going strong when I sold it.

[SoCalDesertRid1]

Chevy/GMC Tahoe/Yukon with 6.0/4.10, or Expedition with 5.4/4.10 are the only smaller SUV's I would consider.

The standard length E250/350 vans fit in most garages fine for the length.

You can always do it the old fashioned way... a 3/4-ton pickup with a fiberglass camper shell, window boot and carpet kit...