Community Forums

TSM · 03-21-2016, 06:31 AM

2006 National Sea Breeze, Workhorse Chassis, Allison Transmission 25,000 miles.

It's time to replace my wife's vehicle, so it makes sense that we purchase a vehicle that we can flat tow but will serve as her everyday vehicle. Our intentions, as we are approaching retirement, was to purchase a 2016 Honda CRV. However, as Honda changed the transmission that is no longer possible, and we have attempted to find a 2015 with NAV, no luck.

We are car shopping and are looking at several vehicles. Chevy Equinox, Ford Explorer, Ford Escape, Jeep Cherokee., obviously we prefer an SUV. Dealerships / Sales have no answers and have no clue regarding flat towing. We normally keep a vehicle 10 years so we need to nail down this decision.

The Equinox seems to be very simple to flat tow; The Escape is of similar size but on the lot yesterday just $5000 less that a fully equipped Explorer.; The Explorer is 1000 lbs heavier; A jeep Cherokee is about the same cost and weight as the Explorer. Ninety percent of the vehicle use will be as her everyday vehicle. We have not spent much time with the Jeeps.

Any advice from those of you that have faced the same decision would be very appreciated.
Considerations:
1) Vehicle
2) Towing ease
3) Braking systems

Thanks in advance 🇺🇸

pcurt23 · 03-21-2016, 08:06 AM

Family Motor Coach Association maintains a list of approved tow vehicles.

FMCA is for motor coach and motorhome owners. Motorcoach articles, motor home blogs, motor coach advice and motorhome videos.

Gary RVRoamer · 03-21-2016, 10:21 AM

If you want a smaller suv, the Equinox is a good choice. Or the GMC Terrain, which is mechanically the same.

lanerd · 03-21-2016, 11:31 AM

We went through this process several years ago and after much researching, test driving, and asking questions here and other rv forums, we narrowed our search to the GMC Terrain and the Honda CRV....both fully loaded with all options.

As mentioned the Terrain is essentially the copy of the Equinox except for the exterior body style...plus the Terrain has more features that are standard whereas they are options on the Equinox.

We found, after several test drives, the Terrain was quieter, smoother riding, better mpg, more power, had more available options and the seats were more comfortable....plus a V6 was available (which we didn't want)...not so on the CRV.

Fully loaded, the Terrain was a little over $1000 more than the CRV but we found that the positive differences was worth that amount.

I was initially concerned about the reliability the GM product and knew the Honda had a much higher rating in this category. However, we decided on the Terrain and now after 6 years and 90,000 miles, the car has been absolutely problem free. I have only done oil/filter changes and have replaced the tires and battery...... that's it, nothing else.

So.... as you can tell, I'm very satisfied with our Terrain and highly recommend it.

Ron