Community Forums

chawkins99 · 11-03-2013, 10:01 AM

We currently have a Chevy Impala which we tow on a dolly behind the MH.
We have just purchased a boat which weighs around 2700 lbs including trailer (no brakes). We currently pull the boat with a 2003 Expedition.
I am looking to replace the Expedition next year but want a vehicle which as well as towing the boat comfortably, can also be flat-towed (not at the same time - no plan to triple-tow).
I have identified the Ford Edge, new Explorer and Equinox/Terrain so far.
I would like 4WD to aid in launching and retrieveing the boat but not essential.
Anyone have any additional suggestion?

The trailer does not have brakes and while I would prefer to have them. It is what it is and is legal in my home state and everywhere we're likely to take it.

Bryan H · 11-04-2013, 02:35 PM

Are you looking at new cars only?

FlyingDiver · 11-04-2013, 03:56 PM

Jeep Wrangler or Cherokee are likely fits as well.

tncruiser · 11-04-2013, 04:31 PM

we toad a 2012 explorer love it and altho we dont tow with it ,it does have the tow package and i am not sure of its rating ,but i know it much higher than 2800#'s
brianj

chawkins99 · 11-04-2013, 07:58 PM

I originally thought a new car would be out of my budget but if I could get a good enough deal, may look at new.
The Chevy Equinox/Terrain and Edge, when equipped with the tow package and V6 motor are all rated at #3500. The Explorer 3.5L with tow package is rated #5000.
I'm not a big fan of the Wrangler. Most of them seem to have a #2000 towing capacity. Some are rated at #3500 but not easily identifiable.
Grand Cherokee is too big and too expensive for our needs.
Another requirement is accommodation for a 100lb Siberian Husky

Bryan H · 11-05-2013, 08:10 AM

FYI, easiest way to ID the 3500 lb rated wranglers is the number of doors. The 4 door (Unlimited) version is 3500 lb, the 2 door version is 2000 lb. I personally owned a 4 door and towed a 2700 lb camper. It towed fine, but power was lacking. However, the 2012 and newer versions have substantially more power and would be a very good tow vehicle for a boat of that weight. Not trying to convince you to go that way though, b/c the other vehicles you have mentioned are much more 'practical'.

You may also think about 4wd trucks. That would be an option as well (including some of the midsize trucks like Colorados).

chawkins99 · 11-06-2013, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

Jeep Wrangler or Cherokee are likely fits as well.

I wasn't aware of the new Cherokee. It looks like a great candidate.
To suit our purpose, will need the 3.2L engine, Active Drive II and the tow package.
I'm not finding that combination in stock anywhere close so may need to special-order which will likely put it out of reach price-wise.
Other than that, I'm favoring the Explorer.

FlyingDiver · 11-06-2013, 08:54 PM

You're not going to find many Cherokees in stock anywhere, since production was held up for quite a while due to tuning issues with the new transmission. They're in very short supply for now, so you're not going to get a deal because it's sitting on a lot.

BTW - my experience is that you get BETTER pricing with a special order, if you can wait for delivery. The dealer has NO money tied up in a special order, since he doesn't have to add it to his floor plan inventory. FWIW, this applies to RVs as well. Brand new, that is, not older models.

chawkins99 · 11-07-2013, 01:49 PM

Reading some other articles about low-balling on a vehicle and offering maybe 80% of sticker price and being prepared to walk away doesn't seem it would work in that situation.
How much negotiation do you think is available on a special-order?
My Expedition is worth about $7,000 as a private sale but as trade would probably only get $4,000.
My thought was on a car with a sticker-price of $30,000, offer $20,000 plus my trade. At 7k for the trade, that's 10% off but to them, (at 4k) it's 20% off.
Just wondering how far you can push...

Chiefbvfd · 11-08-2013, 03:13 PM

We tow a Chevy Colorado 4 door - 4WD with the 5 Cylinder engine. It tows great and I'm sure it will handle the 2,700# boat...

Submustang · 11-09-2013, 04:17 PM

That was our challenge and why we ended up with the Tundra. Big enough to handle the boat, but small enough to tow behind the MH. Had to go with a driveshaft disconnect, but it has been worth it. Trouble free for 9 years. Unexpected benefit was the ability to haul the motorcycle in the bed. Was not even thinking motorcycle when we bought this setup.