Community Forums

ssimmons23 · 06-22-2012, 07:06 PM

We are looking for a lightweight 4wd under 3500 lbs that can be towed 4 on the ground. We are interested in purchasing a used vehicle that will also be used for daily commuting. This vehicle will be towed behind a 2003 Georgie Boy Landau. The hitch is rated for 3,500 pounds. We would also like to know the best (and most economical) equipment used to tow the vehicle. This will be our first time towing a vehicle. We understand that we also should take into consideration the cost of replacing the tires in the whole equation. All advice is welcome.

Gary RVRoamer · 06-22-2012, 07:15 PM

Suzuki Grand Vitara or Honda CRV. Older ones, e.g. 2000-2004, are lighter but the current models are still right around 3500 lbs as far as I know. The Chevy Tracker 4 door 4WD is a sister to the Grand Vitara and another great little 4WD vehicle.

What does towing have to do with replacing all the tires - or was that just another topic you are dealing with at the same time?

Skip426 · 06-22-2012, 10:48 PM

Hi and Welcome to iRV2.

As Gary , asked, is your tire inquiry for the coach. If you are looking at or have just purchased the 10 year old coach, and the tires are original to the coach they should be replaced before you travel. Other posts have the info and pictures for reading tire date codes.
Price and availablity of towing equipment will depend largely on your choice of a tow vehicle. JHMO. Blue Ox makes great ,reliable equipment .

wanderso · 06-22-2012, 11:17 PM

We tow a 2003 Chevy Tracker. 2,900 lbs. Use the Roadmaster all terrain tow bar. Easy tow, good rig. You can find good deals on them used. I think they are the lightest "true" 4WD with low range, etc for the vintage.

Bryan H · 06-23-2012, 01:10 AM

You might also consider '99-'06 jeep wranglers. Actual weight will depend on model and options, but you can get them sub-3,500 lb.

Re: the towing setup, I just purchased the ReadyBrute with integrated brake, Currie base plate, and cool tech wiring kit.

max power · 06-23-2012, 06:13 AM

My 95 geo tracker is only 1900 lbs!

HD4Mark · 06-23-2012, 06:32 AM

New Jeep Wrangler Sports are just over 3500 (3700). Our 94 Tracker is 2200, not a 4X4 though.

For a tow bar, take a look at Readybrake RV Tow Bars and RV Surge Braking Systems for Car Towing - NSA RV Products for new stuff. Craigslist for used. We found a Blue Ox tow bar on Craigslist that looked like it had never been used for $170. The car had a tow plate when we bought it. I added a Ready Brake and Ready Stop and off we went. The whole thing cost less than most tow set ups and included the car

Do yourself a favor and do not consider going without a brake system for whatever you decide to tow.

ahicks · 06-23-2012, 07:30 AM

Another vote, CR-V w/Ready Brake! Both awesome in this application.

Mekanic · 06-23-2012, 08:09 AM

another 97-06 Jeep vote here.

Dav5942 · 06-23-2012, 08:11 AM

Jeep Cherokee(not Grand Cherokee) hands down! Lighter than the Wrangler and a lot more room. We tow both(not at the same time) an '04 Rubicon(3500 lb.) and a '98 Cherokee(3100 lb.).

slapfoot · 06-23-2012, 08:22 AM

Chevrolet HHR is working well for us and meets requirement of being under 3500 pounds.

paz · 06-23-2012, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slapfoot

Chevrolet HHR is working well for us and meets requirement of being under 3500 pounds.

...but not the OP's requirement of being 4WD (or even AWD).

Coached · 06-23-2012, 10:56 AM

I think you'll find that your hitch is rated for 5000 pounds or do you mean your tow bar? We towed a Jeep Grand Cherokee for two years behind our 2002 Georgie Boy Cruisemaster using the Roadmaster Stow All. What makes you think your limit is 3500 lbs.??

paz · 06-23-2012, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssimmons23

We are looking for a lightweight 4wd under 3500 lbs that can be towed 4 on the ground. We are interested in purchasing a used vehicle that will also be used for daily commuting. This vehicle will be towed behind a 2003 Georgie Boy Landau. The hitch is rated for 3,500 pounds. We would also like to know the best (and most economical) equipment used to tow the vehicle. This will be our first time towing a vehicle. We understand that we also should take into consideration the cost of replacing the tires in the whole equation. All advice is welcome.

IMO, you will have a difficult time finding a newer SUV in 4WD or AWD that can be towed 4 down and still be under 3500 lb. The stated curb weight of our Saturn Vue is around 3700 lb, but the curb weight usually doesn't include options, fluids or fuel. The actual weight of our Vue (6 cyl, AWD) is 4000 lb.

If you want a newer vehicle, there are plenty of FWD vehicles that meet your weight requirements like the HHR mentioned by slapfoot above, or like the Chevy Malibu, as well as many other sedans. A lot of FWD vehicles nowadays have traction control which provides grip almost as good as AWD.