Vehicle recs

[ndchickrules]

Hi, We're looking to buy a 2021 Wolf Pup 16BHS but are stuck on what towing vehicle to purchase. We'd like a 7 seater, but beyond that, don't have many preferences. I'm leaning toward a Tahoe, but really don't know what I should be looking at. Would appreciate any advice and suggestions! Thank you!

 

[bikendan]

A Tahoe should be fine IF it has the factory tow package.
Expect a ballpark loaded tongue weight of 500lbs.
If there’s anything chance that you might upgrade to a larger trailer, consider a bigger tow vehicle, like a 6 passenger crew cab truck.
Here's the trailer specs:

2021 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 16BHS specs and literature guide

www.rvusa.com

 

[ndchickrules]

Thank you so much for your feedback! We're not looking to go bigger - trying to keep it simple with this. I appreciate the guidance around factory towing package!

 

[Tlmgcamp]

A quick search found that the weakest 2025 Tahoe has a towing capacity of 7600 lbs and the above link says the gross weight on the Pup is 3900 lbs. The stock Tahoe should be very comfortable towing that TT.

 

[kenandterry]

Hi, We're looking to buy a 2021 Wolf Pup 16BHS but are stuck on what towing vehicle to purchase. We'd like a 7 seater, but beyond that, don't have many preferences. I'm leaning toward a Tahoe, but really don't know what I should be looking at. Would appreciate any advice and suggestions! Thank you!

Are you looking at the Tahoe because you WILL be transporting 7 people?
Vehicle tow limits are also dependent on how loaded the tow vehicle is.
I found this spec sheet on the Wolf Pup too.

2022 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 16BHS specs and literature guide

www.rvusa.com

 

[ndchickrules]

Are you looking at the Tahoe because you WILL be transporting 7 people?
Vehicle tow limits are also dependent on how loaded the tow vehicle is.
I found this spec sheet on the Wolf Pup too.

2022 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 16BHS specs and literature guide

www.rvusa.com

We have 5 in our family, but sometimes my parents come to town and I like having room to drive them around. We shouldn't ever have 7 and towing.

 

[ndchickrules]

A quick search found that the weakest 2025 Tahoe has a towing capacity of 7600 lbs and the above link says the gross weight on the Pup is 3900 lbs. The stock Tahoe should be very comfortable towing that TT.

Thank you! I get so overwhelmed with weight limits and such, but mostly want to make sure it can handle it easily.

 

[Tlmgcamp]

It is a matter of watching the numbers at understanding what each means. The type of TV also matters as a pickup without a cap will not move through the air at highway speed as well as with a cap or as an SUV because of shape. Also, never size things on the dry weight of the trailer as this does not take into account food, gear, propane, etc. Hitch weight needs to be acknowledged as part of the cargo weight of the TV. If the cargo capacity of the TV is 1000lbs and the tongue weight is 750, there is only 250 left for passengers and stuff in the TV. You also need to decide if you plan to run with a full water tank and/or go to places without sewer or a dump station that may result in running with full waste tanks. There is a lot of stuff. I am sure that there are publications out there to help.

DO NOT RELY ON THE SALESMAN. I was watching an RV show on television where a salesman told a newbie that their minivan could tow a particular TT because it's dry weight was 500 pounds under the tow capacity. That is simply irresponsible and dangerous

 

[ndchickrules]

Thank you for this! I generally don't trust saleman, because they're just trying to get you to buy their product! I appreciate knowledge folks like you genuinely trying to help.

 

[dalford]

Thank you so much for your feedback! We're not looking to go bigger - trying to keep it simple with this. I appreciate the guidance around factory towing package!

lol..”we’re not looking to go bigger”. Most of us have said that. So, it looks like you have a young family and once you have a camper you might find that you really “like camping”.

We did the same but all our kids are grown. We started by pulling a small Apex 19’ trailer with our Toyota Highlander with the towing package. Decided that was too small so went to a 30’ Rockwood and had to upgrade to an F150 Eco-Boost. Just had that for a couple of years and bought a 36’ 5th wheel which also required an upgrade to an F350…phew.. we are done. This all happened within a few years

I think you are doing the right thing investigating tow vehicles and going with what you got but don’t be surprised if down the road the “bug bites” to go bigger. You can adjust your TV at that time.

Get the RV and TV and get out there..it Is about building memories with your family…

 

[ndchickrules]

Hahaha, I have definitely said that before, but I mean it this time! We've had a popup for 5 years and are only upgrading to this because we need a bathroom for medical reasons. We just want a place to sleep at night. We try to stay out of the trailer as much as possible so no need for the extra room. I plan on running this trailer and vehicle into the ground!

 

[kenandterry]

I plan on running this trailer and vehicle into the ground!

You REALLY REALLY need to keep an eye on your trailer because of your last statement. Trailers are NOT built anywhere near as tough as your Tahoe, so unless you keep an eye on it……into the ground can come quick. Just my $0.02.

 

[D W]

Keep in mind, the Tahoes & Yukons are not like their predecessors (Blazers & Jimmys). They are designed for comfort and cruising. The suspensions are soft. They are also equipped with P metric radial tires instead of LT's. A lot of complaints of "porpoising" when towing with them. Just so you know.

 

[moose074]

Tahoe will be fine, I tow with a diesel and a 1ton but I have reasonable expectations of performance while towing. I think this is where people go wrong they don’t expect a big drop in performance they want to go 0-60 in basically same time if you know what I mean. Tahoe aren’t what they were neither are trucks. Technically speaking I believe they have longer wheel base than the predecessor I know they have twice or more the HP and torque then they used to. They aren’t designed for real off road use, brakes are better even the p rated tires are better than most tires offered back in the day. Go to a Tahoe ( any model vehicle) forum see what they say and what they tow. As I saw in a movie once go to the source.

 

[D W]

My bride had a late model Tahoe. Really disappointing. Yes, plenty of power and torque from the oil guzzling 5.3L LS engine. Had a tow package. Had 20" tires. Not good in snow. Soft suspension, almost seem to "float" on the roads. Didn't handle very well towing an 20 ft loaded ATV trailer. Got rid of it after 1 year.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

With these numbers, I'd expect the loaded hitch weight to be 500 lbs. Be sure the Tahoe and hitch are so rated plus some margin for safety.
Dry Weight
3,097 lbs.
Payload Capacity
780 lbs.
GVWR
3,877 lbs.
Hitch Weight
377 lbs.


Bob

 

[RetiredOutdoors]

With these numbers, I'd expect the loaded hitch weight to be 500 lbs. Be sure the Tahoe and hitch are so rated plus some margin for safety.
Dry Weight
3,097 lbs.
Payload Capacity
780 lbs.
GVWR
3,877 lbs.
Hitch Weight
377 lbs.


Bob

We bought our 2022 Wolf Pup 16FQ new and thought our Honda Pilot 4WD (4500# tow capacity w/450# hitch capacity would be a piece of cake. When we got home, I went straight to Love's scales and found the hitch weight to be 500# dry. It was a nightmare to manage weight distribution so that the hitch weight would be 400# or less. I got tired of the battle and bought my Ram 1500 4WD.
Notice: both vehicles list 4WD. You never know when you will encounter conditions, in which you need 4WD to be safe or to rescue yourself.
Tim

 

[Chuck_S]

I'm on my second 7-passenger Ford Expedition 4x4 either of which will tow 9300 pounds with factory HD Tow package (when empty). Rides like a Town Car around town and handles my Roo 23SS "like it's not even there."

-- Chuck

 

[ejl923]

My 2017 16bhs has a tongue of 550lbs loaded, and I keep the front of the trailer fairly light. I do however have an aftermarket mattress that adds 50 lbs over stock I bet. With a family of 5 your payload could be sucked up quickly with luggage so keep an eye on that. When looking at the vehicle peep the payload specs, yellow sticker inside door jam. The tongue weight, weight dist hitch, all passengers and everything added to the vehicle counts towards that payload. My advice is go to the lot and see the stickers yourselves, could vary a lot depending on trim. Power should be fine. I tow mine with a 1500 Silverado with the 5.3, even with 3.23 rear end gears the 10 speed trans takes care of that.