Tow capacity ( first time owner and very nervous)

[rockwooddave]

I as well was not bragging about my diesel. I was clearly stating that the Hemi even though I was well below the pulling capacity of the truck, was inadequate. I ended up replacing valve springs and the dealer thought I had been racing the truck. I let them know exactly how I felt as they had told me it would pull this camper just fine. Needless to say I didn't give them my business on the next truck.

[Rchel72]

I just got this suv last summer, I would like to get something with more power but I'll have a huge negative equity if I trade in now, I'll try and exchange the trailer and I guess no more I can do that pay for my huge 31' mistake

[tentcamper1]

like the guys above said, not bragging about my truck just letting you know what I did. I think we are all on your side and really feel bad about what the dealer told you. all the advise given was great and most came from experience and lesson learned. I hope you are able to exchange the trailer and work something out - let us know what happens. with all that said you will get past this and really have a great time camping!!

[Terier]

Originally Posted by Rchel72

I just got this suv last summer, I would like to get something with more power but I'll have a huge negative equity if I trade in now, I'll try and exchange the trailer and I guess no more I can do that pay for my huge 31' mistake

I'm in the same boat - just finished year 1 in a 3 year lease. Looked into trading it early but I will take 5-7k loss which would be tacked on to the new truck somewhere. The good news is that I only have 23 more months to go unlike last month when it was 24 months.

Any chance that you can borrow a truck from family or friends? I use my sister's Yukon to tow and she uses my SUV. I did find one place close to home that will rent a truck for towing but there is a milage restriction and I got the impression they were not crazy about it. There's always U-Haul but it will have to be a ugly box truck.

I'm sorry things didn't work out as expected. I know this has to be disappointing and upsetting.

Take care and please do keep us updated.

[toadswife]

We fell into the same issue. Toyota Tacoma v-6 4x4 with max tow of 5k. Bought a rockwood mini lite 2503s 4400lbs or so. Really pushed the limits of the truck, it did ok, but rpms would scream. Loved the Tacoma, but just not enough power or wheelbase. Upgraded to a Tundra 5.7 liter with a tow package...much, much better. Take it easy when towing, short trips until u can upgrade or borrow a friends tow vehicle. I totally understand your concern.

[Rchel72]

Well after all I think I'm going to trade in my pathfinder for a GMC YUKON
Hybrid or not?

[Surveyor Sam]

Make sure its an automatic. What size engine? What tires? What is its hitch rating tongue weight? What is it's combined GVW? Does it have a tranny cooler?

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by Rchel72

Well after all I think I'm going to trade in my pathfinder for a GMC YUKON
Hybrid or not?

Going from a wheelbase of 112" to the Yukon with 116" is not that big of jump. The maximum trailer length for that vehicle should be in the 23' area.....not 31'.

Since you are thinking about a GMC Yukon Hybrid which starts around $51,000, you could get a crew cab 3/4 ton pickup for that. That would be a much better choice for towing a 31' trailer.

[Surveyor Sam]

F250 or equivalent. You're better off letting one of us shop for you. I'd go for overkill if I were in the market for a new truck.

[Surveyor Sam]

In my state, if you purchase a "tow vehicle", the dealer has to guarantee the vehicle can tow your trailer if you own one. This is a state law. When auto dealers sold too small a vehicle for towing, they'd obviously have problems. In your case, you bought the vehicle first, then later decided to buy the trailer. You need to tell the dealer the specs of the trailer.

[flyrotor]

Originally Posted by Surveyor Sam

In my state, if you purchase a "tow vehicle", the dealer has to guarantee the vehicle can tow your trailer if you own one. This is a state law. When auto dealers sold too small a vehicle for towing, they'd obviously have problems. In your case, you bought the vehicle first, then later decided to buy the trailer. You need to tell the dealer the specs of the trailer.

While that may be the law, the dealer will follow the letter of the law, using base minimums for meeting criteria, if the dry weight stated even a pound below the truck's GVWR, then they would probably win. I would expect that it needs to be in writing in your original contract that you intend this to be a tow vehicle and the trailer specs would probably have to be included on the contract. I don't think this is a fail safe by any means

[hockeytownmom]

Originally Posted by bikendan

i'm sorry folks, but advice like better tires and rear end gear changes, IMHO, are not useful.
remember, she has a V-6 PATHFINDER, pulling a trailer that's over 31'!
gear changes and tire changes aren't going to change the fact that this TV is not adequate, for that long of a trailer.
and, she may be also at the TV's weight max.

I agree. If you aren't comfortable towing it because it feels like it's too much, it's too much. I know I wouldn't be towing it based on the weight specs you listed, and you can't base anything on dry weight limits.

[Rchel72]

Well the one I was looking is a v8 with transmission cooling package and tt brakes, but I don't know if a hybrid will make a good towing V
I do need an SUV I have 3 kids, and I like the third row.
Thank you for your help

[Surveyor Sam]

I think your pulling our chain.

[Surveyor Sam]

Originally Posted by flyrotor

While that may be the law, the dealer will follow the letter of the law, using base minimums for meeting criteria, if the dry weight stated even a pound below the truck's GVWR, then they would probably win. I would expect that it needs to be in writing in your original contract that you intend this to be a tow vehicle and the trailer specs would probably have to be included on the contract. I don't think this is a fail safe by any means

What I stated was the law. What you are doing is twisting words, meanings, and injecting your opinion. Stick to facts.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Rchel72

Well the one I was looking is a v8 with transmission cooling package and tt brakes, but I don't know if a hybrid will make a good towing V
I do need an SUV I have 3 kids, and I like the third row.
Thank you for your help

Rchel72, there's no hybrid out there, that can tow a trailer like the one you have.
the hybrid SUVs have heavy batteries that will lower its tow capacity, by a lot.
they have a much lower tow capacity, than the equivalent non-hybrid ones.

[miatared]

Originally Posted by Surveyor Sam

I think your pulling our chain.

....hum.... could this be a troll ?