Tow vehicle options... suggestions?

[ApexBunk]

Hey all-

We have an Apex 300bhs which weighs 5960 lbs. We currently pull it with a 2005 Chevy Silverado half ton. The truck has been re-geared, has airbags, a built transmission, and brake controller.

We can only bring our daughter and the dogs in the crew cab. I would like to look at options to trade my sedan in for a used 7 passenger (or 4 passenger with large space for dogs) that can pull this thing.

What are all the possibilities? I like the Sequoia, and kinda like the Tahoe. Suburban feels too big. If possible, I'd also prefer something AWD/4WD... and the kicker? Under $30k, as well as under 60k miles.

We have several daily vehicles, so this just needs to be the tow vehicle where we can bring the dogs and have our daughter bring a friend.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance!

[Scotty]

Just one opinion, with a TT that long I personally would want something with a longer wheel base. I'm sure others will join in that may have something close to your set up. Some people tow long TTs with short wheel base TV using a Hensley WDH.

[davel1971]

I would want a Suburban or Yukon XL for the wheelbase. Keeps the swaying down. I would look for a 3/4 ton version

[asquared]

See this thread

large suv options for towing

[ApexBunk]

I have been looking at that thread for the past 2 days but there is a lot of chatter between the suggestions. I need something in the 8500 lb towing range (to make me feel safe) and enough room for 4 people and 3 large dogs.

[Loraura]

You're going to want the longer wheel base vehicles.

[mike.t]

This is going to be fun.

[gfarmcafe]

Originally Posted by davel1971

I would want a Suburban or Yukon XL for the wheelbase. Keeps the swaying down. I would look for a 3/4 ton version

I agree! You should be able to find a good used 3/4 ton, older burb with the 454 or 8.1 motor that will pull almost any thing you want. Won't pass too many gas stations though.

[RVBikers]

definitely look for a long wheel base vehicle and a 3/4 ton. I pulled a 32' (ball to bumper) with a 1500 Suburban and it was a handful sometimes because it was light on the hitch. It weighed in at 5200 empty, but by the time we had all our stuff in, we were about 6500, which was at the limit of the 'Burb. So we then upgraded to an Excursion since it had the 3/4 ton frame. I had to upgrade the shocks, and add a RAS but it towed it great. We have since gotten a 30' toy hauler, and it tows it fine too.


With a shorter wheelbase, the trailer will be pushing you around a lot.

[dmdomokos]

I have a 2014 Suburban, should have gotten the Expedition EL. 9200lb tow capacity. Pulling a 6250lbs dry Rockwood. Suburban is just ok, friends have a similar trailer with the Expedition EL, they out perform us on every trip.

[Springerdad]

Originally Posted by Loraura

You're going to want the longer wheel base vehicles.

X2.

Just going from a short bed to a long bed made a big handling difference in essentially the same truck.

[Cathcartww]

Go for a one ton van - if you look around you can even find a 4x4, but they are few and far between. Look for a big gasser or diesel. Plenty of towing capacity, plenty of cargo capacity, and lots of room for people and gear. Drive one before you decide - I think the visibility and par.ing, etc. are better than a long pickup. Nice long wheelbase, and can handle up to 10,000 lbs

[MCTroy]

We towed with a full sized Dodge 3/4 ton van. At the time we had a 30' TT no slide. It did ok but the front end would get light if the WDH wasn' t set just right.
Why not get a crew cab truck? Kids in the back seat and dogs on the bed, secured in crates for their safety of course and with a cap on the truck. BTW, the dogs go in the crates, not the kids...

[lewgoins]

A used Ford Excursion would fit your budget, the long wheelbase to compensate for the trailer length, and the diesel gets pretty good milage. Also 4WD.

[ApexBunk]

Ok, so a turn of events and a little background. I think my husband is considering giving up his desire to purchase a Cadillac CTS-V and purchase a Cadillac Escalade with the 6.2 liter motor. Everyone has mentioned the wheelbase- will this pose an issue?

I have to disclose that hubby is an ASE master certified tech. The wheelbase on our silverado is 143.5, while the escalade is only 116".

This whole idea is opposed to me trading in my lovely sport sedan for something like a tahoe/suburban etc

[RVBikers]

Wheelbase is just too small for a rig that size. Even a Suburban (130" ) or Excursion (137" ) is less than what you have now. From personal experience I wouldn't go less than that.

[Springerdad]

I'm sure hubby has some strong opinions as to what he would like to be driving and fixing. As a master tech myself (retired) I know we all do. What are his thoughts? I get the impression you are leaning toward GM based vehicles. I've had short wheelbase and long wheelbase pickups, and I can tell you from experience wheelbase makes a HUGE difference in ride quality, handling, and control. Please consider going that route. DW actually likes wheeling around in Big Red.

[Springerdad]

I offered up advice without thinking it through. These folks have a interior space issue above all else. 4 humans and 3 big dogs almost limits them to a 3/4 or 1 ton van, Burb, or Excursion, I would think. Both options have been offered up already. The only other option I can think of would be a topper on a pickup with the windows removed. Being a dog lover, that wouldn't be for me.

[Springerdad]

Oops, the windows between the cab and topper.

[PHS79]

Seeing all the things that you would like to have in a tow vehicle, a 3/4 ton Suburban/Yukon or Excursion would be the best option but a Expedition EL with the bigger tow package could also do the job.

IMO, the longest campers that should be towed with the short wheel base Tahoe, Yukon, and Expeditions is only around 26', anything longer than that is an accident waiting to happen!!