Towing vehicle forLite Hawk 24FB

[carvermitch]

WE have a 1999 Lite Hawk 24Fb which we tow with a Dodge ram which seems to be an over kill.
As it weighs 3460 LB base plus extras so say 3800 - 4000 ib , I was wondering what would be a smaller vehicle that would tow this.
I was looking at a 2007 Cadillac SRX or a ML350 Mercedes but have seen such things as Dodge Caravans advertised towing these in Jaycos own ads.
What is the view of you more experienced campers please.
Thanks
Paul

[nbhybrid]

obviously over a caravans ability as they only have a 3500 lb rating but the others should tow it fine. All the mid size SUV's would work(explorer,cherokee,durango,traverse for example)

[Ustabslim]

I'm a firm believer in that you can never have to much tow vehicle.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by carvermitch

snip...... but have seen such things as Dodge Caravans advertised towing these in Jaycos own ads.......

Paul,

Welcome to JOF!

Not everybody has the same loading habits, tow expectations, and/or towing environment (flats, hills, mountains, etc.)......, so be mindful of this when looking at that advertisement.

Also, the passenger weight and cargo that you take in your existing Dodge Ram isn't going to change and will be subtracted from a smaller payload capacity (Dodge Caravan, etc.)........, plus subtracting the 24 FB's loaded tongue weight (based on your loading style).

The smaller the vehicle you go from the Dodge Ram, the higher the tendency of approaching (or exceeding) that particular vehicle's limitations.

Bob

[nbhybrid]

The Cadillac only has a 3500 limit as well so that one is out

[carvermitch]

Ok thanks, looks like the Mercedes ML may be a good bet then other than keeping the Ram and keeping the gas companies rich

[nbhybrid]

I hope the change of vehicles has more to do with personal preference rather than fuel economy. The money lost in trading usually buys a lot of gas

[Boss Wagon]

Originally Posted by Texashighsheriff

I'm a firm believer in that you can never have to much tow vehicle.

Reserve capacity is nice.

[carvermitch]

Hi Boss Wagon

What is the consumption of the V10 ? Is it better than a V8 or more ?
This was our other thought to get a smaller vehicle and a drive RV.

Would ideally like a diesel but not to many around in the C class.

[Paulx213]

Originally Posted by Texashighsheriff

I'm a firm believer in that you can never have to much tow vehicle.

But you can have too much daily driver. Sometimes it's better to compromise if you spend vastly more time commuting to work then camping.

[ChrisM]

I tow mine TT with 2013 Nissan Pathfinder... rated for 5000lb.
While the car has no problems towing our TT, there are time I wish I had more towing power.

[Boss Wagon]

Originally Posted by carvermitch

Hi Boss Wagon

What is the consumption of the V10 ? Is it better than a V8 or more ?
This was our other thought to get a smaller vehicle and a drive RV.

Would ideally like a diesel but not to many around in the C class.

Hey Carvermitch,

The V-10 likes gas! It gets about 14 highway empty and about 10-11 towing. I bought it 8 years ago from a friend moving from a trailer to a motorhome. I was looking to move from a motorhome to a trailer. I bought the van and didn't get around to switching to a trailer until 4 years ago. We only put about 3,000 mile a year on the van so gas mileage isn't a big deal.

10 mpg is about average for most gassers towing. Some folks with smaller or marginal tow vehicle report a mileage drop of 50% when towing. In my opinion their engines are really straining if mileage has dropped by 50%. Gas motorhomes are roughly in the 10 mpg range also. Towing a vehicle with the motorhome in my experience results in almost no difference in mileage as the motorhome has already punched the big hole in the wind.

I enjoyed the motorhome and especially travelling in it, but life is easier with the trailer.

Ed

[carvermitch]

Hi everyone and happy new year
Well I changed tow vehicles and got a 2008 Ford explored Limited V8 with factory class 3 / 4 hitch tow pack.
Its black so it matches my wifes Black Mustang
It is rated at 7300lbfor towing so should be perfect once I can find the trailer when to snow melts.
Will let you know how it goes

Paul