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Old 02-17-2016, 06:59 PM   #1
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Smile Hello from a SoCal Gal

Hello All!

I'm newly retired and eager to live the dream of hitting the road with my 4-legged companion and a little lightweight trailer. I'm here to learn as much as I can about making the right purchase decision and handling a rig on my own.

I also want to know about the reality of pulling a max 5,000 GVWR with a suitably equipped V-6 SUV. All advice and guidance is much appreciated!
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Old 02-17-2016, 07:15 PM   #2
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Tried pulling my 4,000 lb (actual) Roo 19 with a Chevy Traverse (3.6L V6, 281 hp, 266 lb-ft torque, 5,200 lb tow capacity) for one season in the flat mid-west. I wasn't happy. The drag is the biggest problem, but weight doesn't help. Got a Silverado.

Suggest you look at smaller trailers or a bigger tow vehicle (TV).
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Old 02-17-2016, 07:48 PM   #3
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It would help if you posted what your TV is and its specs.
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Old 02-17-2016, 10:58 PM   #4
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Hello and welcome to the forum from Wv
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Old 02-17-2016, 11:03 PM   #5
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Old 02-18-2016, 07:37 AM   #6
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Welcome to the forum from GA. As mentioned need a little more info on your tv and type of tt your wanting to tow. Later RJD
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Old 02-18-2016, 10:58 AM   #7
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Mid-Size SUV TV's

I am in the fortunate (and challenging!) position of shopping for both TV and TT. I am leaning toward used for both. The reason that I am considering a mid-size SUV is that this will be my only transportation vehicle and mileage is a factor for everyday use.

In shopping, I've been looking at GVWR maxing at 5,000. I'm on the fence about a slide, as it adds a good deal of weight, but the floor space makes a slide appealing. I find the Rockwood Mini Lite 1909S to be an attractive model with a GVWR of 4,000.

As for TV's, according to my research, here are some of the vehicles with V-6 engines and tow capacity of at least 5,000:
Dodge Durango
Ford Explorer
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Kia Borego
Nissan Pathfinder
Toyota 4Runner
VW Touareg

I learned from another RV'er that his Kia Borega does a "respectable" job of towing his 19 ft. TT.

I've also had the advice to find the trailer first and then find a suitable tow vehicle. Any thoughts on this - whether to put the purchase of the cart before the horse?

Thanks for sharing!
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Old 02-18-2016, 11:22 AM   #8
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My vote is for a V8 Durango....
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Old 02-18-2016, 12:55 PM   #9
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You may be surprised at the milage some larger trucks get, my F350 6.0 has been averaging 18.6 combined milage with winter blend fuel. There are good deals on used equipment and if you shop you'll find something with mods already done, myself I would opt for the larger TV just for the carrying capacity and allowing for the feature larger Trailer.

Welcome to the forum this is a great place to get questions answered and other folks opinions on fixes and equipment.
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Old 02-18-2016, 12:58 PM   #10
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Old 02-18-2016, 02:34 PM   #11
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Buy the trailer first.

I'd drop the Pilot and Santa Fe from the list.
Honda is ANTI-WDH for their vehicles and I would never tow a TT without one.
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Old 02-18-2016, 10:10 PM   #12
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I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a v8 and towed a 19 foot hybrid and it did just fine. The new v6 grand Cherokees have more horsepower than my old v8 did so it's a decent option.
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Old 02-22-2016, 11:59 AM   #13
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Is there anyone else out there who has personal experience with pulling a light travel trailer (GVWR max 5,000lbs) with a V-6 equipped with a tow package?

I really want to stay small and light, and avoid a big ol' full-size SUV or truck, because I don't anticipate to be physically towing more than about 10% of the time, that's more vehicle than i want or need for just myself and my pooch for day to day driving.

I live in SoCal and my intentions are to travel to various areas of the West, Northwest and Southwest of the country. I'm not planning any strenuous mountain treks such as the Teton Pass between IA and WY, but I do understand I'll be faced with some degree of up and downhill traveling (I am familiar with that just going 50 miles from home over the Grapevine towards Bakersfield).

I would really appreciate anyone with real-time experience towing a TT with a V-6.

Thanks!
Terrie
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