Dumb newby questions

[jdftwrth98]

Hi,

I have 2016 gmc acadia that came with a factory installed hitch and towing package, is it capable of towing a Flagstaff HW29SC, if so would you do even try to pull that kind of tent camper?

Thanks,

JD

[bikendan]

you need to post the car's specs.
engine size, payload capacity, towing capacity to start.

that trailer has a GVWR of 5000lbs., too pretty heavy for any minivan made, except the Astro.

if the acadia is rear wheel drive, then the rear end ratio.

if i remember, the Acadia has only a 3500lbs. towing capacity, even with the towing package.

but i could be wrong. it might have a 5000lbs towing capacity.
but even if it does, you'd be close to exceeding that amount when it's loaded for camping and you have passengers and cargo in the vehicle.

[Bama Rambler]

The tow rating on your Acadia is 5,000 lbs. and the GVWR of the 29SC is 5,000 lbs., so technically you can tow it. It's all going to depend on how you load the RV and the TV as to whether it's a good fit.

[RollingDownTheHighway]

my wife has the same SUV, you can tow #5200.

The only thing different between AWD and FWD is the actual weight of the SUV.

2016 Acadia Trims: Mid-Size SUV Options - GMC

[jdftwrth98]

Well Duh!

Like I said in my initial post, dumb newby question.

Its a front wheel drive 6cyl with 7pin connector and a 2 inch hitch opening.

max tow capacity 5200 lbs

max hp / torque 288 @ 6300 / 270 @ 3400

MAXIMUM tongue weight rating of 600 lbs with or without a WDH

We live in Texas so its pretty flat.

JD

[RamsFan1]

The Acadia has the same 5200# towing capability as our Traverse.
Get a weight distribution hitch and you should be fine.

[pgandw]

With a non-turbo 6 cylinder engine, and a High Wall PUP, and towing 5,000lbs, you will probably struggle with keeping up to Texas speed limits. Wind resistance is more important than weight in determining what/how well you can tow in the lighter RVs and 6 cylinder tow vehicles.


I tow a normal height Rockwood A122 (A-frame) that weighs right around 2800lbs in camping trim (+120lbs for full water tank). Tow vehicle is a Hyundai Entourage minivan that's rated for 3500lbs in US and 5000lbs in Europe. TV has a 3.5L 250HP V6 with over 250 ft-lbs torque and a 5 speed xmsn with a large xmsn fluid cooler.


Because I live in Colorado and camp in Nebraska, Colorado, Texas, Utah, Wyoming, California, we have to contend with serious mountains. I would not want to tow anything bigger on the grades or in the winds we encounter. The wind has caused my gas mileage to dip from 19 (normal towing) to 13mpg (30MPH headwinds) at 65 MPH. Speed and acceleration is OK at my weight and windage, I can maintain highway speeds up a 6% grade in 3rd gear. I can pass slower RVs on the upgrades when a passing lane is present.


Because of the 13 in ST tires, I try to refrain from going over 65MPH on the interstate - this may not be practical in Texas. If I can find some tires rated for higher speeds, I will replace mine.


A WDH was essential to giving the minivan a near-normal ride while towing the A-frame.


Previously, I had a 1993 Ford Explorer (175 HP 6 cylinder, 4 speed xmsn) that slowed way down going up the mountain grades towing a 3200lb PUP. Going to the Eisenhower tunnel (11,000ft on I70), I was down in 1st gear at 20MPH.


These are just my experiences, yours may differ. I suggest you be prepared to want a more substantial TV, or go with a smaller camper (we chose the latter so it would store in our garage).


Fred W
2014 Rockwood A122 A-frame
2008 Hyundai Entourage minivan with Equalizer WDH/anti-sway


1993 Ford Explorer
2000 Coleman Westlake PUP (no WDH, not a comfortable tow)

[jdftwrth98]

Fred,

Thanks for your comments, that pretty much matches the conclusions that I had come to.

So, its time to rethink my ideas and find a better solution, (i really do dislike the idea of buying another tow vehicle but if thats what its gonna take then so be it).

JD