Community Forums

Unicorn Driver · 01-23-2019, 09:30 AM

Hi,

I keep on switching back and forth between trading in my 8 year old Toyota Sequoia for a flat towable mid sized SUV or keeping it and get dedicated toad. This is too heavy to tow for for my coach.

I absolutely love the Sequoia 4x4, it's a fully loaded platinum model, its paid for and have a set of winter tires on it on extra rims (live up north).

I can purchase a small car and setup for flat tow/dolly for about 10,000$ but where as if I purchased a newer SUV it would be about 20,000$ once setup. I would also drive the car to work in summer.

Cost wise its probably a wash each year when extra car payments vs extra registration, insurance and maintenace.

I can go either way on this.

Thanks,

fagnaml · 01-23-2019, 12:10 PM

When I "upsized" from a 30 foot travel trailer to my motorhome, I knew I needed a "toad" to go on adventures while the motorhome was parked at an RV resort. The 2011 Silverado 4-door 4x4 I had as my everyday vehicle and to tow my T-T was too heavy for the 5,000 lbs. max tow rating for my motorhome. Not wanting a third small vehicle to own, maintain, etc. I opted to trade my Silverado for a new 2016 Jeep Wrangle Sahara. I had concern I would miss the everyday hauling capacity of a pick-up but soon learned that with the second row seat folded down that I could nearly as much "stuff" into the Wrangler as I could into the box of my Silverado which had a hard tonneau cover.

Better yet, the Jeep Wrangler Sahara being smaller than the Silverado size is much more nimble to navigate the concrete jungle / parking garages of Houston and is great fun to drive! From my experience, your downsizing from a big Sequoia to a smaller SUV like a Jeep Wrangler Sahara wouldn't be much of a change.

Unicorn Driver · 01-23-2019, 12:40 PM

Thanks for the reply Mike,

I did look at 4 door Wranglers but the weights I got were over 5000lbs when I factored in roof racks, kayaks and tow gear.

Unicorn Driver · 01-25-2019, 04:04 AM

If I get an SUV it would have to have leather heated & cooling seats, front and back parking sensors, radar cruise etc. My Sequoia has these already. If I get a small car (and keep the Sequoia I am not so bothered about these)

That puts the CRV out of the running, I don't really like the look of the Chevys. The newer Jeep Cherokee and Ford Escape/Linclon MDX could fit the bill.

MRUSA14 · 01-25-2019, 04:21 AM

It’s Lincoln MKX, Acura has MDX but that’s not towable.
My MKX has all the goodies you desribed and much more.

Unicorn Driver · 01-25-2019, 05:52 AM

Thanks Marc,

It was indeed the MKX.

What year Mkx did you get? And what engine?

blueridge-fl · 01-26-2019, 06:19 AM

The Ford Edge, similar to the MKX can be flat towed. There are several trim grades that can be had so you might find a grade that meets your needs without stepping up to the Lincoln. We considered getting a dedicated toad but the added insurance and registration costs quickly made it impractical.

Unicorn Driver · 01-26-2019, 08:08 AM

Thanks Blue ridge.

I do like the look of the Edge.

I spoke with a buddy yesterday and he reckons I would not be happy with a smaller SUV. I really need go test drive a Edge and MKX to find out.

For a dedicated toad registration would be about 120$. Insurance would 600$ (would have storage only for winter). Winter storage would be about 150$ as only have 2 car garage. Pil change 70$.

So an extra 900$ a year for a dedicated toad. Some of that would be offset by offset by using the toad as a daily driver so better fuel economy.

The Seqouia does have 2 years left on an extended warranty.

Decisions, decisions :-)

camcas · 01-31-2019, 01:14 PM

Are all these models you are talking about, manual transmission.

Unicorn Driver · 01-31-2019, 01:15 PM

Yes, all manuals.

Robf · 01-31-2019, 05:47 PM

I went thru the same thought process. I pulled my Lexus on a Dolly for the first 2 years when we bought our motorhome. When I decided to flat tow I thought about buying a new Suv to replace the Lexus....which would have been $30K +/-. or a designated flat tow car.......I decided on a Kia Soul, found a 3 year old clean as a pin stick shift for $11k and still have our nice older Lexus for the every day driver. Plus I had much rather throw diesel exhaust and rocks at an $11k car than a $30k car Ha. Very happy with the decision, the Kia is light weight, no speed restrictions etc. Put in neutral and go !!!!!

Unicorn Driver · 01-31-2019, 05:50 PM

Hi Rob,

Thanks for posting.

Sounds like a great choice.

What Lexus did you dolly tow?

Robf · 01-31-2019, 05:56 PM

I towed an es330.... basically a toyota Camry with lip stick. Great car. But now I find myself driving the Kia as much as the Lexus. Ha !.... it is a fun little car. Also I think I shaved off about 1200 lbs going from the tow dolly-Lexus combo to the Kia !!!! Added Bonus. I want to say the Kia weighs 2700 Lbs ???? don't hold me to that but I don't even know it is back there.