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Old 01-02-2018, 04:42 PM   #1
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Best Vehicle to Tow my Clipper?

Hello everyone. This is my first post. I have been an avid reader in the past and I have always been impressed by the knowledge of the group members. I don’t know why didn’t think of asking this question earlier.

My trailer is an 18 foot Clipper which weighs around 3500 pounds loaded. I have been pulling it with a 2000 Pathfinder. The towing capacity of the Pathfinder is rated at 5000 pounds. However it has a small 6 and is barely adequate. Thus I wish to get a new tow vehicle.

I want to get a V8 believing that anything with a large enough diesel will be too expensive. I do not want a truck. Thus far I have come up with a Dodge Durango and not much else. Does anyone have any thoughts on this choice or any other recommendations?

BTW, Happy New Year to all!
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Old 01-02-2018, 05:05 PM   #2
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If the large SUV is your choice of TV, your options are limited.

Tahoe/Yukon, Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada, Toyota Sequoia. Each would tow your TT with ease. Just make sure you have a WDH and sway control.

Safe and happy travels.
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Old 01-02-2018, 05:05 PM   #3
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I did a lot of researching when I was looking for a new tow vehicle and also ended up with the Durango (I had garage size limitations and did not want to go with a large SUV). no other midsize SUV has the tow capacity except the Jeep GC but the Jeep has less seating (5 seats versus 7 of the D).

And I ended up getting a 2011 Durango back when they first came out, adn have been very happy with it.
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My camper is a 25 foot with a GVWR of 6200 lbs. The D has taken that trailer over 9,000 miles in two years to include alot of mountains (yes, even the Rockies).
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Old 01-02-2018, 05:14 PM   #4
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When I had my 3500 lb pop up trailer, I normally used a 2006 Ford Explorer, which is a mid-size SUV. I had the optional 4.6L V8, which actually towed better than my 5.4L F150 -- pulled just as well and got better gas mileage. The only place the F150 was better was with stability ... the longer wheel base of the truck handled the sway of the trailer better. I didn't use a WDH when I towed the PUP.

Anyway, not sure if there is still a V8 option on the Explorer, but I'd add that to the list, if you're looking at used vehicles.
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Old 01-04-2018, 06:02 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Donald Rex View Post
Hello everyone. This is my first post. I have been an avid reader in the past and I have always been impressed by the knowledge of the group members. I don’t know why didn’t think of asking this question earlier.

My trailer is an 18 foot Clipper which weighs around 3500 pounds loaded. I have been pulling it with a 2000 Pathfinder. The towing capacity of the Pathfinder is rated at 5000 pounds. However it has a small 6 and is barely adequate. Thus I wish to get a new tow vehicle.

I want to get a V8 believing that anything with a large enough diesel will be too expensive. I do not want a truck. Thus far I have come up with a Dodge Durango and not much else. Does anyone have any thoughts on this choice or any other recommendations?

BTW, Happy New Year to all!
You do not say if you want a new or a used tow vehicle. A quick search of Auto Trader shows that both Ford (Excursion) and Jeep (Grand Cherokee) have diesel options. Either will tow the Clipper. If you ever contemplate upgrading to a larger camper, the Excursion should get a hard look. It will handle a significantly larger TT than the Grand Cherokee.

In my experience a good used, low mileage diesel is much less expensive. I purchased an 08 Silverado with less than 100,000 miles for less than 1/3 the cost of a new one.

I am sure you can find something similar if you look and take your time. Also, be willing to travel to get what you want at a price you are willing to pay.
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Old 01-04-2018, 11:44 AM   #6
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I don’t have any experience towing with a Durango but will say that will be my wife’s next vehicle. Currently we have a 2011 Explorer with v6 and it tows our 2500lb utility trailer without issue but I’ve test driven the Durango R/T with the V8 and night and day difference. Power will not be a problem just look at payload capacity needed for your camper and occupants.
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Old 01-06-2018, 08:00 PM   #7
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My personal rule of thumb is as long as my TV cargo capacity exceeds the tongue / pin weight of the trailer by 1000lbs or more, I'm good to go.
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Old 01-07-2018, 02:50 PM   #8
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I think any of the newer mid size SUVs like the Grand Cherokee, Explorer, or Durango with a V-6 would be fine towing your trailer. Engines and transmissions have come a long way since 2000. A Grand Cherokee with the V-6 diesel would be cool, probably get a little better MPGs with it over a gas engine. The only thing I don't know about is the payload capacity of them. Fortunately the tongue weights on our trailers isn't crazy heavy, I'm around 600 lbs with two propane tanks and two batteries.
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Old 01-07-2018, 03:09 PM   #9
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I recommend the durango with a V8, great tow vehicle, you will not be disappointed.
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