Community Forums

ahrma175 · 12-25-2011, 07:41 PM

We are looking to find an SUV preferably that we can flat tow and occasionally pull our pontoon boat with. It should be a 6 cyl. with an automatic trans. Any suggestions?

KIX · 12-25-2011, 07:50 PM

Look at 4WD Jeep products for flat towing AND pulling your boat

Grimesy · 12-25-2011, 07:51 PM

There are many vehicles which fall into that category.Motorhome Magazine lists the new ones each year but I prefer contacting Remco.com to ask them if the one you have chosen can be flat towed or if they need modifications. I see lots of Jeeps, Suzukis etc which would suit you.

Don

bluepill · 12-25-2011, 08:04 PM

Acura MDX & Honda Pilot should do well.

Mekanic · 12-26-2011, 12:46 AM

I'll second The Jeep sugestion.
My faves is the 97-06 Wranglers+04-06 Wrangler Unlimited (AKA TJ, LJ), The 99-04 Grand Cherokee (AKA WJ), and 96-01 Cherokee (aka XJ)

jdoc · 12-26-2011, 08:55 AM

I don't know if you have thought of this or not. How much does your pontoon boat and trailer weigh? I don't know for sure, but if you do some checking you may find a Jeep with a six cylinder will be overloaded. Even with a V-8 it might be overloaded. Although engine size has nothing to do with how much weight a vehicle can tow. Just something to think about.

Jerry

wa8yxm · 12-26-2011, 09:43 AM

Just one.. I echo JEEP, I mean, they invented the SUV after all, and nobody does it better.

Gary RVRoamer · 12-26-2011, 10:21 AM

My GMC Acadia SUV will tow 5000 lbs and can be flat towed without modifications. Has a 276 hp V6 and seats six adults comfortably as well. Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave is the same chassis with slightly different body style. The Saturn Outlook (no longer made) is also the same vehicle.

ahrma175 · 12-26-2011, 09:31 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions. We were actually looking at the Liberty, not realizing that the tow weight is only 2000 lbs. until now. The boat and trailer are almost 3000 lbs. We wanted something small and lighter since we would be pulling it with an A gasser. Pulling the boat with the dinghy isn't a high priority. Most of the time it's hooked up to the MH and the campgrounds we go to will launch the boat for us.

Mr_D · 12-26-2011, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluepill

Acura MDX & Honda Pilot should do well.

Pilot is not towable since 2005 according to Honda unless they changed it for 2012.

B Bob · 12-26-2011, 09:52 PM

Acura MDX only towable in older version. I think they went to new version in 2007.

Some friends of ours have Saturn Vue V6 that would work well for what you want to do.

saydiver · 12-26-2011, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahrma175

Thanks for all the suggestions. We were actually looking at the Liberty, not realizing that the tow weight is only 2000 lbs. until now. The boat and trailer are almost 3000 lbs. We wanted something small and lighter since we would be pulling it with an A gasser. Pulling the boat with the dinghy isn't a high priority. Most of the time it's hooked up to the MH and the campgrounds we go to will launch the boat for us.

If you get a Liberty with a trailer tow package, you can tow more weight. A 2012 Liberty with a trailer tow package can tow 5000 lbs.

Sue