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The Perfect Pickup to Tow With and Be Towed ?

USMC46
Explorer
Explorer
I am considering replacing my old Jeep liberty with a Pickup which can be towed now and which later can tow a small camper when I sell my coach. I sure would appreciate any advice on what pickup can fit both jobs. Thanks.
Jim & Carmel

2016 Escape 17b
2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk With Factory Tow Package
26 REPLIES 26

USMC46
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks to all for your replies and advice. I will review the recommended vehicles.

Jim
Jim & Carmel

2016 Escape 17b
2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk With Factory Tow Package

OutdoorPhotogra
Explorer
Explorer
Ford gives exact specifics on four wheel down towing for all of their vehicles. I think it's in their towing guide which is downloadable as a PDF
2008 Rockwood Signature Ultralite 5th Wheel
F-250 6.2 Gasser

Former PUP camper (Rockwood Popup Freedom 1980)

VernDiesel
Explorer
Explorer
The new 8 speed Ram 1500s can be towed but that might be dependent on which 4wd unit. I would consider and drive the Ram 1500 Hemi & Ecodiesel. Also the Ford 3.5 EB and the GM 6.2 8 speed maybe even the Canyon diesel while you are there. All per OPs goals.
Transportr TT & boats RAM EconoDiesel Factory TBC, Tow mirrors, Hitch camera, Axle to frame air bags, Tune w turbo brake, Max tow 9,200 CGAR 7,800 CVWR 15,950 axle weights 3,340 steer 2,260 drive Truck pushed head gasket at 371k has original trans at 500k

The_Texan
Explorer
Explorer
GM stopped putting steering locks on their trucks sometime in 2002 or 2003. You can have a mechanic remove the pin, so the steering will not lock, too.

Bob & Betsy - USN Aviation Ret'd '78 & LEO Ret'd '03 & "Oath Keeper Forever"


2005 HR Endeavor 40PRQ, '11 Silverado LT, Ex Cab 6.2L NHT 4x4, w/2017 Rzr 4-900 riding in 16+' enclosed trailer in back.
Where the wheels are stopped today

Grit_dog
Navigator
Navigator
Yeah how do you all deal with the steering unlock when flat towing long distances?
Leave the key on but run the toad every once in a while and turn the key off when you stop for a while?
I could see me forgetting to unlock the steering and dragging the toad around in park with no steering!
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold

ROBERTSUNRUS
Explorer
Explorer
bucky wrote:
^^^^^^^^^^^fan guy^^^^^^^^^^^

I didn't say I'd buy the Nissan, just look at it, consider it, however it's worded is up to the individual.
I would certainly consider an older Ford WITH A STEEL BED 🙂



🙂 Hi, why; Do you plan to drop a load of concrete blocks into it 14 times so you can show people your Chevrolet is better??????? :S
🙂 Bob 🙂
2005 Airstream Safari 25-B
2000 Lincoln Navigator
2014 F-150 Ecoboost
Equal-i-zer
Yamaha 2400

bucky
Explorer II
Explorer II
^^^^^^^^^^^fan guy^^^^^^^^^^^

I didn't say I'd buy the Nissan, just look at it, consider it, however it's worded is up to the individual.
I would certainly consider an older Ford WITH A STEEL BED 🙂
Puma 30RKSS

carringb
Explorer
Explorer
No restrictions on the F150, other than "Place the transfer case and transmission in the neutral position and engage the four-wheel-down towing feature."
2000 Ford E450 V10 VAN! 450,000+ miles
2014 ORV really big trailer
2015 Ford Focus ST

Flashman
Explorer II
Explorer II
Careful - having flat towed toads over 60,000, miles I know a little about this - with many vehicles you cannot simply put the transfer case in neutral - many have to be started and ran every 200 miles or so.

The output shaft bearings of most transfer cases will not get lubed if the rest of the gears are not spinning. Jeeps are made to flat tow without running the drive train. But jeeps cannot tow shite.

Another thing to consider is making sure the steering wheel is not locked - If you have the key turned on - there goes the battery charge. Again Jeeps have a key position to unlock the steering and not turning on power.

carringb
Explorer
Explorer
bucky wrote:
I'd be looking at Nissans with the new Cummins 5.0.


This would be the opposite of a lightweight pickup.
2000 Ford E450 V10 VAN! 450,000+ miles
2014 ORV really big trailer
2015 Ford Focus ST

Grit_dog
Navigator
Navigator
Basically any half ton 4x4 that you can easily put the t case in neutral, or one of the midsize variants like the Canyon or Tacoma would be a better toad if the camper you're planning on pulling can be handled by a midsize pickup.
I don't think there's a huge difference with respect to it being a toad othe than weight. They all have 4 wheels and roll pretty well.
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold

Brisk
Explorer II
Explorer II
bucky wrote:
I'd be looking at Nissans with the new Cummins 5.0.


I wouldn't. A new Ram, Silverado, or Ferd Diesel is the same price and has a bunch more capability for the same price.
Brent('85) & Lindsay('86) DDs('08 &'11)

'14 RAM Laramie 3500SRW CCLB Cummins/4x4/68RFE
-B&W Turnover Ball/Anderson Ultimate Aluminum

Toyhauler-'06 Forest River Sierra Sport F32

2001 Malibu Sunsetter VLX Wakeboat

Charlie_D_
Explorer
Explorer
I would look at the disappointing Titan sales before deciding in a Cummins. Extra cost for a diesel that is used for putting around instead of work it is designed for. Low resale and Nissan is having a great deal of difficulty because of sales. Weight of engine reducing an already low payload.
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Native Texan
2013 Prime Time Crusader 330MKS
2018 Chevy 2500 D/A Z71 4x4 Offroad
2006 Holiday Rambler Savoy 33SKT-40,000 trouble free miles-retired
2006 Chevy 2500 D/A-retired
2013 Chevy 2500 D/A-retired

bucky
Explorer II
Explorer II
I'd be looking at Nissans with the new Cummins 5.0.
Puma 30RKSS