Is there a good tow vehicle that also gets good MPG?

[kfx216]

I decided to split my original post to focus only on the vehicle, since it's best if I buy it by the end of the year.

But which one?

I have learned from my other post that I need to know about payload, whether it's recommended to use a weight distribution hitch and rear axle ratings. What are the best resources to find this information out?

And beyond that, is there any truck out there that will give me the sweet spot I want: good MPG and optional 3rd seating for carpooling, carries up to 2 adults and 2 growing kids (both girls though, so only so big) and meets the requirements to haul (for me, 5000 is as high as I need since I will buy an ultralight TT/hybrid or light PUP). I try to live a green life, so buying a car with low MPG really hits my values. I'm also a single mom, so $$ is always an issue and would like to keep a new car under $30K and have good MPG so I'm not shelling out lots of $$ at the pump (no, I don't expect gas prices will stay low).

I also wonder if anyone has a suggestion for alternatives, like maybe have a used truck for the camper and a different car for day to day, although insurance and the likelihood of maintaining a second car doesn't seem feasible. I'd love to just rent a truck when we camp, but know from moving that no one rents vehicles that allow towing (for good reason).

The reality is I'll probably only use the camper 3-4 times per year for "traveling" trips (vs. staying in one spot for a week) to explore first the East Coast and into Canada. In a few years, I'd like to ride through the US with my kids and the camper, but that could be 4-5 years from now.

I can't imagine that I'm the only one with this issue. What have others done?

btw, my current car is a 2005 Honda Odyssey. Has everything I need except towing ability and MPG. It's probably just a little larger than we need day to day but great for carpooling. Any camper I buy will be 2200 pounds or less, ideally less than 2000, because I don't feel comfortable hauling more than that.

Thanks for any suggestions!

[Biker1mike]

MPG and towing never go well together. Have you looked at a used Honda Pilot. Great inside room with fair mpg and decent towing.
I have always kept a 'road rat' for the daily commute to get the best mpg.

[Dakota98]

kfx216 wrote:

Dakota98 wrote:
Question ?

Quote: "for me, 5000 is as high as I need since I will buy an ultralight TT/hybrid or light PUP"

Is the above weight or dollars ?


Quote: "Any camper I buy will be 2200 pounds or less, ideally less than 2000, because I don't feel comfortable hauling more than that".

5,000 pound tow rating. I know it's more than I will need, but having a 3500 pound tow rating cuts it too close for me once I factor passengers (yes, I could lose some weight, but my kids will only gain weight for a few years), if we have a guest, our gear, etc. I had a PUP - 2004 Rockwood Forest River HW2516G - and I didn't feel comfortable towing it with the Odyssey. Even though I have one of those transmission cooler things added to my Odyssey, I still feel like hauling hasn't helped the transmission. It has 180,000 miles on it and for business reasons this is the year to buy a new car. Thanks!

So, the point is, you need to replace the Odyssey anyway & in doing so purchase something that has the ability to tow a Hybrid or PUP within the weight requirements you are comfortable with, along with passenger accommodations. Got it.

[kfx216]

Dakota98 wrote:
Question ?

Quote: "for me, 5000 is as high as I need since I will buy an ultralight TT/hybrid or light PUP"

Is the above weight or dollars ?


Quote: "Any camper I buy will be 2200 pounds or less, ideally less than 2000, because I don't feel comfortable hauling more than that".

5,000 pound tow rating. I know it's more than I will need, but having a 3500 pound tow rating cuts it too close for me once I factor passengers (yes, I could lose some weight, but my kids will only gain weight for a few years), if we have a guest, our gear, etc. I had a PUP - 2004 Rockwood Forest River HW2516G - and I didn't feel comfortable towing it with the Odyssey. Even though I have one of those transmission cooler things added to my Odyssey, I still feel like hauling hasn't helped the transmission. It has 180,000 miles on it and for business reasons this is the year to buy a new car. Thanks!

[Dakota98]

Question ?

Quote: "for me, 5000 is as high as I need since I will buy an ultralight TT/hybrid or light PUP"

Is the above weight or dollars ? I assume dollars, since you go on to say.........


Quote: "Any camper I buy will be 2200 pounds or less, ideally less than 2000, because I don't feel comfortable hauling more than that".

[camp-n-family]

btw, my current car is a 2005 Honda Odyssey. Has everything I need except towing ability and MPG. It's probably just a little larger than we need day to day but great for carpooling. Any camper I buy will be 2200 pounds or less, ideally less than 2000, because I don't feel comfortable hauling more than that.

You'll only find the weights you list in a small pup and even then you'll find it hard to stay that low once loaded up. You should be able to tow under 3k comfortably with your Oddysey. If it's in good shape Id keep it and get a pop-up. Even if it's not the best mpg, you'll pay a lot more buying a new vehicle.

Want a TT or hybrid and a vehicle with 3 rows of seats and you're into a mid to large SUV. Some mid size SUVs will have 3 rows and can tow 5k (4Runner, Durango etc) but they have limits too. Full size TTs and hybrids will exceed 4000lbs loaded and then you have the drag from the frontal area to consider as well. For those reason a V8 would be the better choice but then you can throw the mpg out the window.

[donn0128]

Ram eco diesel. Up to 28MPG highway, soft cushy ride room for 5 or 6 depending on cab configuration.