Community Forums

Billythedog · 05-01-2013, 09:46 AM

I know this has probably been talked about ad nausem, but hoping to narrow down the discussion a little by asking is there an suv large enough to tow a 3000 lb boat itself but small enough to be towed by a diesel motorhome (38' Dutch Star)? We have a Chev Tahoe but that is bigger and heavier than we want to tow and probably not recommended by the mnfcter anyway. We also want it to be an automatic transmission and a company still in business (so, not a Saturn). And, looking at used ones cuz new is too expensive after buying this big rig!

Any recommendations would be welcome! Thanks!

Rmiscoord · 05-01-2013, 10:13 AM

Jeep Grand Cherokee. Can tow 5000#, weight is just a bit more then my Wrangler that I tow with no problem with a 34' DP that is rated at 10,000#. Can be towed 4 down with 4x4 auto trans.

jamesrxx951 · 05-01-2013, 10:17 AM

Ford Edge with the 3.5LV6 will do very well for both your needs. They started production in 2007 so getting one at an affordable price should be easy. The powertrains in the Edge are almost bullet proof also.

Billythedog · 05-01-2013, 01:32 PM

Thank you! We have heard that the Jeeps are great for towing - we looked at some many years ago- over 10- and thought they were not that comfortable inside- have they gotten better over the years? Spoiled by the plush large seats of the Tahoe!
We have thought about the Edge too so good to know that is a good option. Any others?

pagosajoe · 05-01-2013, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billythedog

Any others?

GMC Acadia - wonderful car, and tows up to 5200 pounds. We have a 2010 and love it. Very spacious, quiet, and the seats - yup, plush.

We tow the Acadia with our 2012 Discovery 36J, 4 down, by just pulling one fuse (I installed a switch to make it easier).

elkhornsun · 05-05-2013, 12:14 AM

The Subaru Forester will handle that tow load and gets 28-30 MPG on the highway. Much better reliability than Jeep, though what isn't. Honda CRV has a 3500 lb tow rating and it is one of the top 10 all time most reliable vehicles of any type. Honda also provides gas mileage in the high 20's combined.

Winnebeater · 05-05-2013, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkhornsun

Much better reliability than Jeep, though what isn't.

My Jeep Cherokee can tow 4,000lbs and has been virtually trouble free for 240,000 miles (many hit 400k with no issues). It is easily towed four down and will get me many more places than a Subaru or Honda CRV could ever go.

CampDaven · 05-05-2013, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billythedog

Thank you! We have heard that the Jeeps are great for towing - we looked at some many years ago- over 10- and thought they were not that comfortable inside- have they gotten better over the years? Spoiled by the plush large seats of the Tahoe!
We have thought about the Edge too so good to know that is a good option. Any others?

Yes, they have gotten much better. 2012 brought new drive train and suspension. I get 21 mpg with my Wrangler, and get to see wildlife and scenery a common tourist cannot dream of.
You owe yourself a test drive!

jackfish · 05-05-2013, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkhornsun

The Subaru Forester will handle that tow load and gets 28-30 MPG on the highway. Much better reliability than Jeep, though what isn't. Honda CRV has a 3500 lb tow rating and it is one of the top 10 all time most reliable vehicles of any type. Honda also provides gas mileage in the high 20's combined.

Foresters have never been able to tow more than 2500 lbs.

HabitatGuy · 05-05-2013, 06:53 PM

We tow a 2012 Jeep Liberty behind our 37 ft gas ( ford chassis, v10) motorhome. It tows great, very comfortable and drives very well and rated to tow 5000 lbs. Highly recommend.