What options for a full size SUV as TV?

[BiigDaddy]

Originally Posted by campingwilliamsons

Fullsize vans offer some advantages, primarily fuel economy and payload. They will give you ~15% bump in fuel economy as compared to most 1/2 pickups.

I agree. My last truck was a 2007 GMC Sierra crew cab 1500 w/MAX towing package 6.0/4speed. The '13 Savana is a 6.0/6 speed and the mileage difference both towing and unloaded is significant. I used to average around 6 mpg towing the Puma, and the van gets 8-9mpg. Unloaded the Sierra got about 16 freeway and the van can hover about 20mpg. Also to be truly honest, the Savana pulls the Puma with dramatically less bump and sway. It just gets up to speed and settles right in..its a MUCH better tow vehicle!

[rawlus]

we have a 2006 Jeep Commander with the 5.7L HEMI engine and tow package - its a beast and youd hardly know you were towing with it. we bought it because we wanted a jeep, most of our trips are within a few hours drive (new england everything is relatively close together), MPG was not a primary concern (the big engine gets about 15MPG towing) and i wanted to buy a vehicle outright rather than finance. the used 2006 with all the options and less than 60K on the odometer was $15K out the door. i think this vehicle originally retailed for closer to $40K. so a fantastic deal. its my wifes daily driver but she works 5min down the road so its a low mileage vehicle most of the time (another reason why the big engine didnt make as much difference for us)

3 dont use the 3rd row for seating, its just the two of us, but its got good cargo space and its probably the nicest vehicle in terms of amenities we own. haha.

I did add the monroe spring-over rear shocks to improve rear end sag when towing - this was a 30min install anyone can do.

Engine/Transmission : 5.7L/Automatic
Model : 4x4
GCWR (Gross Combined Wt. Rating) : 12,620lbs
Frontal Area 60 sqft
Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) : 7,200lbs
Max. Tongue Wt. (See Note 1) : 720lbs

[thebrakeman]

4400 lbs dry will be around 5400 lbs loaded. Not sure how big your family is. I tow slightly less than that with my 7000 lb rated Mountaineer. But the Explorer that it's based on was only rated that high thru 2010. If you're looking used, 2009-2010 Explorer I would highly recommend. 2011 Explorer went crossover (5000 lbs MAX rating).

But if you have family of 6 or more, I'd look to the Expedition/Suburbon size. And if you're thinking new, the 2015 comes standard with the Ecoboost, and will likely have the same 9000 lbs rating as the current 5.4L V8.

[Jeff in NC]

We towed our 27' TT and 24' deck boat (not at the same time) with a 2500 Suburban until we recently upgraded to a fifth wheel. We loved the extra space behind the 3rd seat for carrying "stuff". If shopping used if you can find one with an 8.1, it is a tow beast!
An Excursion was also on our short list when shopping

[dcheatwood]

I think armada, navigator and expedition had highest tow ratings for 2014 at 9000+ each. Sequoia and durango was 7000+. Tahoe, yukon, land cruiser and suburban are at 8000+. Jeep Cherokee and land rover at 7000+ also.

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[wickedwyrm]

I use a BMW x5 diesel for my sp220. It works great and gets excellent Fuel economy. But you are limited to a 600/6000 trailer weight.

[greti]

I currently have a 2010 Nissan Pathfinder (600/6000) This is what I'm using to tow the new TT home with. I'm concerned that with the length of the TT I will have a hard time towing on highway. I will have the equalizer hitch set up. We'll know for sure soon enough. Am thinking of purchasing a vehicle only to be used as a TV- older model with higher miles. These suggestions are great.