need 7 passenger toad

debra1967 · 10-09-2014, 09:25 AM

We are a family of 6. DH, myself and kids are 14,13,11&9. We often take my mother on trips with us. I need suggestions on a 7 or 8 passenger vehicle to tow behind our 2015 Redhawk 31xl. We currently have a 2002 Suburban but is way too heavy for our 5,000 lbs. max tow rating. Have thought about renting a vehicle for trips, but sometimes I travel by myself with the 4 kids so there is no other driver to drop off/pick up rental. Heading cross country next summer and want the convenience of coming and going as we please without having to reserve a rental and having it back on a certain day/time.
Would love to flat tow and not have to worry about additional weight of a dolly.
ANY THOUGHTS/IDEAS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!!

Ustabslim · 10-09-2014, 11:24 AM

Used Suzuki xl7 , or chevy version, with manual shift.

nbhybrid · 10-09-2014, 12:00 PM

Just get a base caravan and retrofit it....cheap way to go

Camper_bob · 10-09-2014, 12:45 PM

+1 on a minivan. Lots of space and good mileage.

However, my dad's company vehicle is a new Chrysler mini van; he was wanting to tow it behind his Class C and it cannot be towed 4-down. I don't know if some of the older models can be, but the new ones cannot. I asked him if it was because of AWD, and he said that not even the FWD ones can be towed 4-down. That's also just Chrysler, some of the other manufacturers may be different.

nbhybrid · 10-09-2014, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

+1 on a minivan. Lots of space and good mileage.

However, my dad's company vehicle is a new Chrysler mini van; he was wanting to tow it behind his Class C and it cannot be towed 4-down. I don't know if some of the older models can be, but the new ones cannot. I asked him if it was because of AWD, and he said that not even the FWD ones can be towed 4-down. That's also just Chrysler, some of the other manufacturers may be different.

No they can't be towed 4 down. I said above it would need to be retrofitted...not a hard job

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...ive-lp-1/12493

Camper_bob · 10-09-2014, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nbhybrid

No they can't be towed 4 down. I said above it would need to be retrofitted...not a hard job

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...ive-lp-1/12493

That's pretty cool! I sent the link to my dad, maybe he can use it to solve his issue.

Ustabslim · 10-09-2014, 01:43 PM

I have flat tracked automatics in the past by just leaving the engine running and trans in neutral. Wouldn't use $100 in gas all year while towing.

Camper_bob · 10-09-2014, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texashighsheriff

I have flat tracked automatics in the past by just leaving the engine running and trans in neutral. Wouldn't use $100 in gas all year while towing.

Leaving the car idling for that long isn't bad for it?

Ustabslim · 10-09-2014, 01:50 PM

Easier on it idling than driving down the road.

nbhybrid · 10-09-2014, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texashighsheriff

I have flat tracked automatics in the past by just leaving the engine running and trans in neutral. Wouldn't use $100 in gas all year while towing.

this can work as well for sure

Grumpy · 10-09-2014, 02:26 PM

What's wrong with a dolly, minimum weight added.

livelylittlecampers · 10-10-2014, 07:40 PM

We have a Ford Flex and love it! Weighs under 5,000.

Greyhawk01 · 10-10-2014, 08:25 PM

Gmc acadia and chevy equinox are just under 5k have the seating you need. They can also be flat towed with the automatic transmission. You just need to stop every couple hundred miles and run the engine to circulate the transmission fluid for a few minutes

LLCRVING · 10-12-2014, 01:47 PM

We have a 2006 7-passenger Saturn Relay 3. Has everything! Two sets of bucket seats (air bags in 2nd row) and a comfortable bench seat behind that with storage behind that. Has OnStar, DVD system with TV on track that goes to the back of the van; power slide doors on both sides, roof luggage rack, leather seats, back-up alert, climate control for front and back. Newly charged a/c, new shocks, new brakes and newly serviced. We need a smaller vehicle to tow behind our newly purchased Class A. My husband is looking up the blue book now. If interested, please respond. Need to sell ASAP.

debra1967 · 10-12-2014, 05:50 PM

Thank you to all that have replied. I think we are going to go with a used (2012-2013) GMC Arcadia or Chevy Traverse. Had seriously considered a dolly but with the added 450 lbs or so-thought it would be better to flat tow. If we purchase a FWD we will still have several hundred pounds of "extra space" for bikes etc.......
Thank you all for your suggestions!!!!!!!!!!!

bgermane · 10-15-2014, 03:30 PM

2012 and newer Ford Explorer. 7 passengers and 4450 lbs.

Bobx2 · 10-15-2014, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy

What's wrong with a dolly, minimum weight added.

My thoughts exactly.

2JayBirds · 01-16-2015, 01:54 PM

I have a list that should help you out. We are new RV owners too and I have been doing some research on this very subject. Found this through an Edmunds site, it was a free down load so I have in in my IBooks on my IPad for safe keeping. This link should give you in correct info. I happen to drive 2014 Dodge Durango, great vehicle and I'm getting an average of 21/22 mpg' just around town. It seats 7 and when you don't need the back seating they fold flat so you can carry whatever. Mid seats also fold flat. I love mine! Here is the link to the info your looking for: The link to my down load did not work, but it is free so let me go back to where I found it and get that link for you. Ok here it is. Click under the 2014 tow list. Click Add To Cart right under Free just below the picture. Put in your info just like your buying, you will not be asked for any card numbers or anything. When you click submit another page will pop up. Don't leave that page, go to the bottom of you receipt and click onto Download. Don't forget to save it.

http://www.motorhome.com/download-dinghy-guides/

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