Downsizing Our Trailer & Tow Vehicle

[genick]

We're looking to downsize our trailer to something in the 20' to 22' range, & also to downsize from our V8 truck to a V6, preferably a SUV. The trailers we've been looking at have a GVWR of 5000 lbs or less. Can we safely haul a trailer of this weight with a V6? Does anyone have suggestions on SUVs that have decent gas mileage that could tow 5000 lbs or less?
Thanks for any help.

[Jebby14]

stop thinking towing capacity and start thinking payload.

[troubledwaters]

Hammerhead wrote:
Don't forget about the ecodiesel option in the Grand Cherokee. Our 2008 and 2014 Grand Cherokees were/are diesel and they are better tow vehicles than our 2002 Durango with the 5.9 liter V-8 and 3.92 gear ratio. I'm not sure if the new models are still getting delayed for EPA testing...

The Diesel Dilemma - So you pay a premium price for the diesels and as an extra added bonus you take a big hit on the payload left over for hauling your trailer.

[Hammerhead]

Don't forget about the ecodiesel option in the Grand Cherokee. Our 2008 and 2014 Grand Cherokees were/are diesel and they are better tow vehicles than our 2002 Durango with the 5.9 liter V-8 and 3.92 gear ratio. I'm not sure if the new models are still getting delayed for EPA testing...

[Fordlover]

genick wrote:
We're looking to downsize our trailer to something in the 20' to 22' range, & also to downsize from our V8 truck to a V6, preferably a SUV. The trailers we've been looking at have a GVWR of 5000 lbs or less. Can we safely haul a trailer of this weight with a V6? Does anyone have suggestions on SUVs that have decent gas mileage that could tow 5000 lbs or less?
Thanks for any help.

The only V6 I'd consider for that load would be an Ecoboost 3.5 v6, but the smallest you can get it in that can handle a typical 22 foot camper would be the Expedition.

[jerem0621]

sam22 wrote:
Grand Cherokee!

I've seen lots of them towing smaller TT's. nothing wrong with them as a TV. I spoke with a man towing a 25 ft airstream with a 3.6 V6 grand Cherokee and he said he was really pleased with the combo. He had a BMW X5 before the Grand Cherokee and said the Jeep was a better TV.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[sam22]

Grand Cherokee!

[APT]

genick wrote:
Thank you everyone for the replies - you've given us a lot to think about. In answer to a couple of questions about why we were looking to go from a V8 to a V6, first, our truck is getting up in age & gas mileage is really declining. Second, we're looking to downsize our TT, so we thought maybe a smaller vehicle would also work. Doesn't sound promising, though. We live in the Denver area, so traveling through the mountains is a consideration for us. Sounds like we're probably going to stick with a V8 even if we downsize the TT. Thanks again for all the info.

Most mid-sized SUVs have frontal area restrictions for the 5000+ pound tow ratings. This means not towing a 5000 pound high walled RV.

Power from a naturally aspirated V6 is not likely to be satisfactory for moving 10k pounds, especially at higher altitudes. If you can find something with a turbocharger, you'll be happy. Ford's 2.7L might be a good fit for you.

[FishOnOne]

Redwoodcamper wrote:
How about an inline 6? Buy a Cummins and be done with it.

Yes... And have infinite transmission and front suspension problems.

[MitchF150]

I really like my tow combo. I use my truck as a daily driver and really like it for that too.

Each to their own.

Good luck!

Mitch

[kw_00]

I don't know the sized trailer in what your going down to, but a lot of new options out there in the 1/2 ton market. Me personally if I were to downsize to a small camper, I would look into the Gm midsize trucks with the 2.8 Dmax. Great economy and has a 7 k pound tow rating with the 4x4 and Dmax. Don't know the payload off hand, but lots of reviews on trucks on TFL on YouTube.

[genick]

Thank you everyone for the replies - you've given us a lot to think about. In answer to a couple of questions about why we were looking to go from a V8 to a V6, first, our truck is getting up in age & gas mileage is really declining. Second, we're looking to downsize our TT, so we thought maybe a smaller vehicle would also work. Doesn't sound promising, though. We live in the Denver area, so traveling through the mountains is a consideration for us. Sounds like we're probably going to stick with a V8 even if we downsize the TT. Thanks again for all the info.

[horton333]

genick wrote:
We're looking to downsize our trailer to something in the 20' to 22' range, & also to downsize from our V8 truck to a V6, preferably a SUV. The trailers we've been looking at have a GVWR of 5000 lbs or less. Can we safely haul a trailer of this weight with a V6? Does anyone have suggestions on SUVs that have decent gas mileage that could tow 5000 lbs or less?
Thanks for any help.

The Nissan Pathfinder has been getting good reviews, it's rated at 6,000# and is a V6 with good mileage and decent hauling. There are a couple of others too, but that would be best matched to downsizing and a 21 foot I'd guess. If you are in the mountains much the V6 may be pushed at altitude.
I did a fairly extensive look recently at this mid sized SUV market, for a slightly larger trailer. For me the best is the BMW X5 With the deisel, but I'm pulling 6,000# so need more torque than you do. They are expensive new, but they are very reliable and the price drops rapidly on the used ones, at least around here. They get great mileage and handle very well.

[goducks10]

shadows4 wrote:
What about an Expedition? 17's are aluminum and have the 3.5L V6 Eco-boost. Awesome!!!!

That would be the best by far.

[Lwiddis]

JRP, what is rear wheel frame? I said Explorer was front wheel drive. Yes, there is an all wheel option. Per Car and Driver..."It’s standard with front-wheel drive and a 290-hp V-6; all-wheel drive is optional"