Newbie question: What SUV/truck - based on desired RV

Thanks to all who replied. We really appreciate the feedback. You've given us some great ideas on where to start our search.

Mike

yea what everyone else said. And if needed for pets or other critters you can always put a shell on the back of the PU and have anice dry space similar to a SUV. The Van idea is also a good one. I drive a E250 work van and its max GVWR IS 3500 LBS.

Go the websites for Ford, Chevy, and Ram, and download their trailering or towing guides. They will provide for every model with every engine size and gearing provided what the maximum towing capacity is for the vehicle.

Don't overlook the gears as the 4.10 gears on a truck or SUV will provide 25% more towing capacity than the same vehicle with 3.73 gears, and a similar gain in towing capacity and performance with 3.73 instead of 3.55 gears. People think that the higher gears will improve fuel economy and this is a myth as it does nothing for around town driving fuel economy and nothing to improve fuel economy when towing.

An extra 1 MPG when not towing and driving on a lever freeway is not nearly as important as the performance of the vehicle when towing a trailer around on flat terrain and over hilly or even mountainous areas. Lower gears also makes better acceleration when towing and for safer merging with other vehicles on the highways.

Tow package options are always a good deal and worth the few extra dollars involved.

You are looking at the 30WKFSS, right? The dry weight is 7,038, CCC is 1,512 so you might as well use that combined weight, 8,550.

8,550 x .13 = 1,111 lbs of tongue weight. I don't know of any new SUV on the market that can handle that plus passengers. I'd look at a 3/4 - 1 ton truck (2500 - 3500) for that kind of weight.

There aren't any 2007+ SUVs I recommend starting at 880 pounds of TW. They all have 850-1000 pound TW limits which will likely be exceeded.

Any 2014+ 3/4 ton pickup or van should do well. Pick your favorite.

That tongue weight is based upon an empty trailer.

Empty from the factory is weighed without propane and battery(s).

Your tongue weight will be pushing 1,000lbs.

I've been there and done that. Our 1/2 Ton PU was OK if we loaded the TT very little in the front. Only the light stuff went in the pass through storage. We had to watch the waste tanks too. The 3/4 Yukon XL handled it much better.

You are definitely in 3/4 ton SUV or van territory or Heavy Duty 1/2 ton and up pick-up truck.

Is this a 2nd vehicle? Will it be a daily driver? Can you stomach the terrible gas mileage that comes with that? These are better questions now that you know what category vehicle you are looking at.

Dadoffourgirls wrote:
A 2500 pickup would be my recommendation, or a Full-Size van. I know of individuals that really like the GM full-size with the 6.0, 6sp and 3.42 rear axle.

A 2500 Van is another good option. Although they are being redesigned , not sure of the towing capabilities of the new ones

A 2500 pickup would be my recommendation, or a Full-Size van. I know of individuals that really like the GM full-size with the 6.0, 6sp and 3.42 rear axle.

If you want an SUV, there is nothing available new rated/capable of towing a 9K loaded trailer, however if you are willing to go used. A 2500 8.1 Suburban or a V-10 or PSD Excursion will work.
If you must have new then any 3/4 ton pick up should do the trick.
I have towed a 10K loaded TT with both my current dually and with a Excursion SUV.
While my dually does a great job I still miss the passenger space of the X.

As a person who had their truck before the trailer, I would suggest if you want to tow something with length over 8,000 lbs, just bite it and get a 3/4 ton truck.

My 1/2 ton tows my 9,000 pound trailer great on 2 lane roads, but it's the highway crosswinds that kill me. Luckily, I enjoy the state highways, even when I am not towing, so it hasn't been that big of a deal. I am contemplating getting a used tow vehicle (or sticking my wife in a Super Duty) until it's time to get a new work truck.