Looking to buy a third car that will tow around 7000#I am looking at hybrid trailer, loaded weight will probably be around 6000-6500#What would you recommend?Older Suburban or Tahoe?

I think you will do better with a suburban, but each one you look at may have different numbers. Maybe look for a 3/4 ton (2500) as opposed to the 1/2 ton (1500). Pretty sure the ratings are slightly higher on 2wd models vs 4wd ones.The 1/2 on could probably do it with the loaded weight you describe, but I think as often happens, you go in looking for one thing, come out with something else. The 2500 would give you a little extra cushion.

Also look for an 8.1L engine. My 6.0 doesn't cut it much of the time towing 7500 lbs.We get the same towing mileage now as when we had our 8.1. The only difference is the 6.0 gets better mileage on the highway when not towing but that is 1% of our mileage.

I was just in the market looking about a month ago and found a 2001 Suburban 1500 4x4 132,000 miles for $4600. i also looked at Tahoes and Expeditions in the same year range but members on here convinced me I would be happier with the extra cargo space of the Suburban and they were right. 2500 Suburbans were hard to find and considerably more pricey. I also looked at and drove V10 Excursions because they are 3/4 ton and seemed more prevalent than 2500 Suburbans. Down side to me on the Excursion was the Dutch doors on the back. I had Dutch doors on a GMC Safari van and they were a pain in the butt. Too many motions just to get the back end open. The driving difference from a Expedition to a Excursion was night and day. A grocery getter vs a truck. I didn't feel that between the 1500 & 2500 Suburban. A little stiffer ride but not dramatically different driving. I'm towing 5-5500 lbs but if I was going to 7000 lbs I probably would have held out for a 2500 or Excursion. Extra power and extra suspension is never a bad thing.

How old are you talking or budget? Performance wise, anything with a 6-spd trans will greatly out-perform the 4-spds from 10+ years ago. If you can find a 2007+ Yukon Denali, you'll be very pleased with towing performance. Otherwise, I'd stick to older Excursion V10 or Suburban 2500.If you need 3-rows of seats, skip the short wheelbases, Tahoe/Yukon. Worthless and no cargo storage with 3rd row up.

APT wrote:How old are you talking or budget? Performance wise, anything with a 6-spd trans will greatly out-perform the 4-spds from 10+ years ago. If you can find a 2007+ Yukon Denali, you'll be very pleased with towing performance. Otherwise, I'd stick to older Excursion V10 or Suburban 2500.If you need 3-rows of seats, skip the short wheelbases, Tahoe/Yukon. Worthless and no cargo storage with 3rd row up.$10,000 reasonable?I have seen units around 7-8K, with 130+K on the ODOSuburbans, Tahoes...

OIder SUV for towing hybrid trailer | Good Sam Community

captnjack
Explorer
May 01, 2015
Wishin wrote:
I would not tow that much with an Explorer. APT has good advice overall.

It has been 1.5 years but I found a 2003 8.1L 4x4 2500 for $9800 at the time. It was very clean and had 134k miles on it. They are rare so I jumped on it when I found it. Had to go to Tennessee to get it. I'm at over $13k including taxes, plate, title, repairs, upgrades, etc.... It is a great vehicle now. You have to be willing to go anywhere to get the rare ones if you want one bad enough.

I'm on Long Island in NY and I bought a 2002 8.1 2500 around the same time. They are scarcer than hen's teeth here (and I think everywhere else). Paid 10K and put about 4K into it (shocks, AC, brake lines, fluids, tune-up). I am very happy with it. You really don't feel the trailer (Hybrid Roo 233S about 6K(?) towing weight). First couple of trips were with an 07 5.4 F150 crew cab. I'm sure that combo was perfectly safe but I much prefer the 2500. With the pickup I always knew the trailer was back there making itself known.
Last summer we did 9000 miles out west and back combined towing and not towing (mostly towing) and averaged 10 MPG overall. Not bad, considering I met a know it all in a campground who told me I'd get 6-7 MPG. And we love the interior space.
Fordlover
Explorer
Apr 30, 2015
Veik wrote:
Any take on Ford Explorer as tow vehichle?
2002 + model

I tow about 5,500lbs. with my Explorer, which is rated for 7,000. Most Explorers were equipped with the V6, which top out at 5K if it has the heavy duty tow package. While I'm perfectly pleased with my towing experience, I'd recommend you upsize to a Expedition or Suburban.
the_happiestcam
Explorer
Apr 30, 2015
Curious question - there's a hybrid that weighs that much?
Campfire_Time
Explorer
Apr 30, 2015
Are you stuck looking at large SUVs? Or would you consider a crew cab PU? Usually you'll get more truck for less money. Often a much greater payload and higher towing capacity compared to a similarly equipped SUV. And while a 6 speed is very desirable, don't let that be the deciding factor. A 4 speed with the right gearing will tow just fine.
colliehauler
Explorer III
Apr 29, 2015
Suburban 2500 series.
Veik
Explorer
Apr 29, 2015
APT wrote:
Explorer is the wrong way. Bigger and more powerful. 2007+ Ford Expedition got 5.4L/6-spd trans. A reliable, strong performer. There seems to be availability in your price range.

Ok Thanks

(I was looking at this http://www.tedbrittchevy.com/used/Ford/2002-Ford-Explorer-Sterling+VA-fcbb4f600a0a00652d36b4d576925779.htm)
APT
Explorer
Apr 29, 2015
Explorer is the wrong way. Bigger and more powerful. 2007+ Ford Expedition got 5.4L/6-spd trans. A reliable, strong performer. There seems to be availability in your price range.
Wishin
Explorer
Apr 29, 2015
I would not tow that much with an Explorer. APT has good advice overall.

It has been 1.5 years but I found a 2003 8.1L 4x4 2500 for $9800 at the time. It was very clean and had 134k miles on it. They are rare so I jumped on it when I found it. Had to go to Tennessee to get it. I'm at over $13k including taxes, plate, title, repairs, upgrades, etc.... It is a great vehicle now. You have to be willing to go anywhere to get the rare ones if you want one bad enough.
Veik
Explorer
Apr 29, 2015
Any take on Ford Explorer as tow vehichle?
2002 + model
_tpc_
Explorer
Apr 29, 2015
APT wrote:
At best with a half ton you'll have adequate towing performance with the 5.3L and the rare 4.10 axle. And $10k doesn't seem to get a 2007+ 6.2L/6-spd. Wow, 250k miles $12k asking!

Looks like V10 Excursions should have some options in the price range, but becoming rare.

I paid $10k which was minus a 4k trade, so 14k altogether for my 07 5.3 with 175k on it..