Need recommendations for a Tow vehicle.

[hurley842002]

I would have her consider not having a trailer at all. What's so important about it that she feels she needs to have it?

With all do respect Irv, I appreciate your minimalist approach to living life, but people have things because they enjoy them, otherwise I suspect they wouldn't have them.

[Irving]

That's not what I'm getting at. If she's worried about having a "gas guzzler" then towing a trailer is probably not for her. I had to go back and read that it was a camper, and not just a "trailer." After having just driven across Nebraska in 50 mph wind gusts for most of the trip, and seeing at least one travel trailer on it's side in the median, I don't think one can go half way when towing. She's either going to have to bite the bullet of having to buy a real tow vehicle, or ditch the camper.

[ACE2GOOD]

The Ecoboost engine is great until you put any extra weight on it and the gas mileage goes through the floor. It tows like a dream with the Tow Package on my F-150 but the gas mileage drops to about 5-8mpg so you have to fill up often. Can't even tell you are towing anything behind you most of the time. but when towing gas mileage is gone. I was getting 18-20mpg highway on the stock BFG KO1 All Terrain tires. I upgraded and went up one more size with a BFG KO2 more aggressive looking tire and I now get 15mpg.

If I ever get a new truck I will be getting a V8 again. Ecoboost is great and all but as soon as you add any weight with camping gear, or toolbox, or new tires the extra gas mileage is gone and you might as well just have the V8 at that point. That's my two cents.

[brutal]

Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel

[Martinjmpr]

If I ever get a new truck I will be getting a V8 again. Ecoboost is great and all but as soon as you add any weight with camping gear, or toolbox, or new tires the extra gas mileage is gone and you might as well just have the V8 at that point. That's my two cents.

That's pretty much why we went with the Suburban. My thought was, "If I'm going to get 11 - 12 mpg anyway, I might as well be comfortable."

Driving the Suburban is like piloting my living room couch down the freeway. (my sister and brother-in-law borrowed it last weekend and they said it was more like driving their WHOLE LIVING ROOM down the road. )

I was toying with maybe the shorter Tahoe (since it's just the wife and me, kids are all grown) but when I looked at the numbers I realized that the Tahoe and the Burb get just about the same MPG but the 'Burb is 2' longer and has 5 more gallons in the tank. Also having a 14" longer wheelbase it tows better on the freeway.

No, it's not fun to park in a big city (though I parked in downtown Seattle in the middle of rush hour last year!) but for everything else it's been perfect.

[brutal]

P.S. There was a nice Excursion diesel in the TP here...

[meatman]

Something with auto-leveling suspension that eliminates the need for a weight distribution hitch, even though the 3500 lb trailer doesn't really need it. It helps keep everything more stable. The only examples I can think of off hand are the VW Touareg V8 (we have the V10TDI and tow a 4000lb+ 21ft travel trailer), or a newer Grand Cherokee.

[brutal]

Something with auto-leveling suspension that eliminates the need for a weight distribution hitch, even though the 3500 lb trailer doesn't really need it. It helps keep everything more stable. The only examples I can think of off hand are the VW Touareg V8 (we have the V10TDI and tow a 4000lb+ 21ft travel trailer), or a newer Grand Cherokee.

Auto leveling doesn't redistribute weight, it just raises the rear of the tow vehicle.

A weight distribution hitch transfers load further to the front of the tow vehicle using leverage. The best WD hitches also include good anti-sway control and easy hookup. I've been happy with my Equal-i-zer WD friction hitch but I only use it to tow my 20' boat behind my 5th wheel. It tames the little bit of sway I was getting but also controls the pogo you get pulling doubles.

However, agree while it's probably not really necessary for a #3500 trailer, sway control with a short wheelbase SUV is going to be needed.

[spongejosh]

Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel

If she has the money for it this is the answer.

[zulu01]

With all do respect Irv, I appreciate your minimalist approach to living life, but people have things because they enjoy them, otherwise I suspect they wouldn't have them.

I wouldn't doubt she possibly decides to sell it at some point. Right now she is probably emotionally attached. They were looking forward to doing a lot of camping in retirement but her husband died unexpectedly.