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Old 10-13-2018, 11:03 AM   #1
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SUV Tow Question.....

Did a search and researched my topic a little, but, looking for some additional help. I have a 2019 Surveyor 287BHSS (which is awesome) that I towed all summer with my 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. It did fine and I had no issues. However, my wife wants an SUV that we can haul the kids friends in when we go camping. I have been looking at the Expeditions with the twin turbo Eco-Boost, but, am not married to a brand. The second part of my question, well more of a concern, is how well will these SUVs tow through the mountains? We are going to Ft. Wilderness next September and are planning to go out west in a couple years. My Ram did fine here in the Midwest, but, I have hesitations about towing through any mountainous areas. Any advice/suggestions would be awesome.

Thanks,

Z
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Old 10-13-2018, 11:13 AM   #2
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Originally Posted by zmandunk4 View Post
Did a search and researched my topic a little, but, looking for some additional help. I have a 2019 Surveyor 287BHSS (which is awesome) that I towed all summer with my 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. It did fine and I had no issues. However, my wife wants an SUV that we can haul the kids friends in when we go camping. I have been looking at the Expeditions with the twin turbo Eco-Boost, but, am not married to a brand. The second part of my question, well more of a concern, is how well will these SUVs tow through the mountains? We are going to Ft. Wilderness next September and are planning to go out west in a couple years. My Ram did fine here in the Midwest, but, I have hesitations about towing through any mountainous areas. Any advice/suggestions would be awesome.

Thanks,

Z
I have the Lincoln Navigator with the TTEB. I towed 6,300 lbs over 6,000 miles round trip from PA to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. It did a great job. I always had power to spare. Not once did I ever have to floor it up a mountain.
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Old 10-13-2018, 11:54 AM   #3
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I’m using a Yukon XL 2500 with and 8.1. Unfortunately, these are no longer made. All manufacturers have a blind spot for our segment of the market, since they eliminated 2500s and never offered diesels. That being said, if I had to buy a brand new TV today, I would get the Yukon XL with the 6.2. These will do the job. However, I will also say, I’m not a fan of anything with “eco” or”boost” or less than a V8 (no replacement for displacement).
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Old 10-13-2018, 01:47 PM   #4
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That trailer is too big and heavy for a 1/2 SUV.
Maybe a 2500 Burb or Excursion but they are no longer made.
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Old 10-13-2018, 02:19 PM   #5
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Your trailer has a GVWR of 7610 and a probable max hitch weight of 1142 lbs. Add a WDH @ 100lbs for 1242 lbs hitch weight. To that number you have to add the weight of any gear store aft of the rear axle. All of it must be subtracted from the Vehicle's payload (CCC). You may not exceed the rear axle's load rating (RAWR.) So when you go shopping, keep those numbers in mind. Example: assuming You+wife+kids+friends+gear weigh 1000 lbs, the vehicle CCC must be at least 2242 lbs without exceeding the axle load ratings.

None of this covers the advisability of running at vehicle load maximums. Both longevity and safety margins are diminished. To me, it appears though you are in 3/4 ton territory.
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Old 10-13-2018, 11:28 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by Beachbourbon View Post
I’m using a Yukon XL 2500 with and 8.1. Unfortunately, these are no longer made. All manufacturers have a blind spot for our segment of the market, since they eliminated 2500s and never offered diesels. That being said, if I had to buy a brand new TV today, I would get the Yukon XL with the 6.2. These will do the job. However, I will also say, I’m not a fan of anything with “eco” or”boost” or less than a V8 (no replacement for displacement).
My turbos will do better than your displacement at high altitude. GM 6.2 and EBTT 3.5 are scary close when it comes to HP and Torque.

Read this and watch the video. Imagine if they did a fair comparison with the Navigator L with the 4.10 rear?

https://www.tfltruck.com/2015/02/201...-ike-gauntlet/

Have fun!
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Old 10-13-2018, 11:38 PM   #7
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I will take a turbo charged engine over a normally aspirated engine at high altitude any day.

That being said, a 3/4T is needed here.
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Old 10-14-2018, 07:20 AM   #8
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I will take a turbo charged engine over a normally aspirated engine at high altitude any day.

That being said, a 3/4T is needed here.
If a 3/4 ton is needed, the OP has limited options...

An older model Suburban 3500 or Ford Excursion.

A '15-'18 Fleet Suburban 3500 (Very hard to come by)

Or if he's bleeding cash, this...
This Florida Company Builds Duramax Suburbans | GM Authority

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Old 10-14-2018, 08:42 PM   #9
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My turbos will do better than your displacement at high altitude. GM 6.2 and EBTT 3.5 are scary close when it comes to HP and Torque.

Read this and watch the video. Imagine if they did a fair comparison with the Navigator L with the 4.10 rear?

https://www.tfltruck.com/2015/02/201...-ike-gauntlet/

Have fun!
Ron
No they won’t, but keep telling yourself that to feel better about your poor engine choice
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Old 10-14-2018, 08:43 PM   #10
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I will take a turbo charged engine over a normally aspirated engine at high altitude any day.

That being said, a 3/4T is needed here.
They haven’t used carburetors for years.
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Old 10-14-2018, 09:01 PM   #11
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Strange how the OP stated he was towing with a 1/4 ton truck when everyone else is saying “won’t work”. Good thing he didn’t hear that to start with or he would’ve been stuck all this time.
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Old 10-14-2018, 09:08 PM   #12
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Strange how the OP stated he was towing with a 1/4 ton truck when everyone else is saying “won’t work”. Good thing he didn’t hear that to start with or he would’ve been stuck all this time.
“1/4 ton” truck?!?!
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Old 10-14-2018, 09:33 PM   #13
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Duplicate post
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Old 10-14-2018, 09:36 PM   #14
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They haven’t used carburetors for years.
LOL. seriously? Look up the definition of normally aspirated.
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Old 10-15-2018, 05:01 AM   #15
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“1/4 ton” truck?!?!
1/2
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Old 10-15-2018, 06:24 AM   #16
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No they won’t, but keep telling yourself that to feel better about your poor engine choice
Lol. You are funny.
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Old 10-15-2018, 07:37 AM   #17
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I towed all summer with my 2011 Dodge Ram 1500
Once you start hauling a couple more kids I think you need a 2500...

I have the RAM crew cab... as spacious in the back seat as any SUV. Trade in trucks are worth a good $ or $$
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Old 10-15-2018, 07:41 AM   #18
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We upgraded to a 287BHDS, and went with a 3/4 crew cab diesel. With the camper shell there is plenty of storage space. For the rare times you have more than 5 people, take an extra vehicle.
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Old 10-15-2018, 10:30 AM   #19
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I think you're in 3/4 ton territory, but if the DW wants an SUV then take a look at the Dodge Durango. It's supposed to tow up to 8700 lbs with the 6.4L engine
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Old 10-15-2018, 10:36 AM   #20
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Tow vehicle weight is important in the mountains, going up you need power, going down you need braking, a heavy trailer will push a lighter vehicle down the hill. Also consider sway recovery, wheel base and weight.
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