Need help finding the right size tow vehicle

[ward005]

Our Jayco 170bh weighs 3050lbs dry. Hitch weight is 315lbs. We need to replace our current tow vehicle: a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. It is a 3.5L V6 but the trailer is little too much to handle for the transmission in it. So we need another vehicle. We’re thinking a Honda Pilot. A 2015 Honda Pilot will tow 5000lbs and the payload of it is around 1500lbs and a max tongue weight of around 450lbs. We are not driving but a few hours a couple times a month to do some weekend camping. Hoping to get away with something like a Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander or a Jeep as opposed to a larger pickup truck. I would disperse the weight so not all on the tongue. Any thoughts?

 

[604_matt]

We have a 2018 Jayco 174bh 3500 lbs loaded and a 400 lb Tongue Weigh (Added second 20lb propane tank and second battery). We tow it with a 2016 Toyota Highlander 3.5L V6 5000lbs towing capacity and 500lb tongue weight. We use a weight distribution hitch.

It tows decent with 2 adults and 2 kids. We have done highway and some hills. However wouldn't take it up any long mountain passes ( transmission temp would max out)

The Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot all have the same tow ratings as the Highlander. A larger SUV may work Lexus GX, VW Touareg, etc if you don't want the truck route

However it would be nice the have the extra power to haul more firewood and bikes etc.

But like you we can't justify owning a truck for many reasons.

Hope this helps

 

[dora-XRD]

I'm in the same boat as you and wanted an all around SUV type tow vehicle that was convienent to use year around and fit in my garage. My tow vehicle is a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Hemi V8 engine, and includes the tow package, which is rated for a GVWR of 7,200 pounds. My trailer when loaded is just under 4,000 pounds and the jeep pulls it with ease. Though I also use an Equalizer WDH to keep everything steady eddy. For your size and weight of trailer I would assume that you plan to use a WDH but I don't think Honda, per their manual, approves of using one on the Pilot so something to check out further or use google. Whatever vehicle you end up choosing I would suggest that the vehicle has a factory tow package, which normally includes a larger radiator and transmission cooler or you should add a cooler if it doesn't. You'll want to make sure that the GVWR of the vehicle is at minimun 20% higher than the GVWR of the trailer, and you'll want to install a brake controller as well.

 

[DaddysBigTruck]

In addition to what's mentioned above, usually the limiting factor is the payload capacity of the tow vehicle. Make sure to consider the weight of the loaded camper tongue weight and all items and people you put in the tow vehicle. Good luck

 

[ward005]

We have a 2018 Jayco 174bh 3500 lbs loaded and a 400 lb Tongue Weigh (Added second 20lb propane tank and second battery). We tow it with a 2016 Toyota Highlander 3.5L V6 5000lbs towing capacity and 500lb tongue weight. We use a weight distribution hitch.

It tows decent with 2 adults and 2 kids. We have done highway and some hills. However wouldn't take it up any long mountain passes ( transmission temp would max out)

The Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot all have the same tow ratings as the Highlander. A larger SUV may work Lexus GX, VW Touareg, etc if you don't want the truck route

However it would be nice the have the extra power to haul more firewood and bikes etc.

But like you we can't justify owning a truck for many reasons.

Hope this helps

Great info, thank you Matt. I will see if it’s in our budget to get a truck.

 

[ward005]

I'm in the same boat as you and wanted an all around SUV type tow vehicle that was convienent to use year around and fit in my garage. My tow vehicle is a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Hemi V8 engine, and includes the tow package, which is rated for a GVWR of 7,200 pounds. My trailer when loaded is just under 4,000 pounds and the jeep pulls it with ease. Though I also use an Equalizer WDH to keep everything steady eddy. For your size and weight of trailer I would assume that you plan to use a WDH but I don't think Honda, per their manual, approves of using one on the Pilot so something to check out further or use google. Whatever vehicle you end up choosing I would suggest that the vehicle has a factory tow package, which normally includes a larger radiator and transmission cooler or you should add a cooler if it doesn't. You'll want to make sure that the GVWR of the vehicle is at minimun 20% higher than the GVWR of the trailer, and you'll want to install a brake controller as well.

I do use a WDH on my Nissan Pathfinder. I was going to just use that on the Honda Pilot. Certain vehicles do not recommend using a WDH?

 

[ward005]

In addition to what's mentioned above, usually the limiting factor is the payload capacity of the tow vehicle. Make sure to consider the weight of the loaded camper tongue weight and all items and people you put in the tow vehicle. Good luck

My SUV can tow up to 5000lbs. As long as the trailer and payload are under this, I should be good?

 

[DaddysBigTruck]

My SUV can tow up to 5000lbs. As long as the trailer and payload are under this, I should be good?

Do you know what the payload capacity is of your tow vehicle?

Usually an SUV like the ones you mentioned are around 1200 - 1600lbs.

Consider your loaded camper's tongue weight that you will put on your hitch and all the people, items, etc.. you will carry with you in the vehicle when you go on a trip. Do your best to stay under the limits of the vehicle's suspension and carrying capacity. A lot of people assume because their tow vehicle can pull 5000lbs that's the only number to consider... but it may not be able to carry the weight of the tongue and all things in the car safely. Something to look out for. We've towed with SUVs, half-ton trucks, etc.. in the past.

 

[ward005]

Do you know what the payload capacity is of your tow vehicle?

Usually an SUV like the ones you mentioned are around 1200 - 1600lbs.

Consider your loaded camper's tongue weight that you will put on your hitch and all the people, items, etc.. you will carry with you in the vehicle when you go on a trip. Do your best to stay under the limits of the vehicle's suspension and carrying capacity. A lot of people assume because their tow vehicle can pull 5000lbs that's the only number to consider... but it may not be able to carry the weight of the tongue and all things in the car safely. Something to look out for. We've towed with SUVs, half-ton trucks, etc.. in the past.

I believe the Pathfinder has a payload of around 1500lbs. As far as limiting tongue weight, does it help to load heavier things in the rear of the trailer behind the axles? We have a single axle RV and I figure loading things behind the axle will cut down on tongue weight.

 

[bow-man]

To much weight in the rear with introduce potential for sway, best if you can do move over center of axle and slightly forward.

 

[DaddysBigTruck]

To much weight in the rear with introduce potential for sway, best if you can do move over center of axle and slightly forward.

yes exactly

 

[JFlightRisk]

I do use a WDH on my Nissan Pathfinder. I was going to just use that on the Honda Pilot. Certain vehicles do not recommend using a WDH?

That's correct. There are some that say not to use one in the owners manual.

When shopping for a TV, you may be surprised that trucks are priced better than SUVs. The DW wanted a blue SUV to replace her 2008 RAV4. (A color of vehicle she hasn't had yet). Many were either super expensive due to high demand or had a gazillion miles on it. She's now the proud owner of a black F150 super cab and loves it. Black is the new blue, I guess.

 

[Jayhawk 29]

That's correct. There are some that say not to use one in the owners manual.

When shopping for a TV, you may be surprised that trucks are priced better than SUVs. The DW wanted a blue SUV to replace her 2008 RAV4. (A color of vehicle she hasn't had yet). Many were either super expensive due to high demand or had a gazillion miles on it. She's now the proud owner of a black F150 super cab and loves it. Black is the new blue, I guess.

Did the black truck come with its own kid to detail it as it goes down the highway? We owned the prettiest black sports sedan that we waxed almost once a month. We paused taking it out of the garage because it would look dirty as soon as we opened up the door, so to speak. For some reason white looked clean, even when it had road residue from rain on it.

 

[JFlightRisk]

No, but I wish it did. I'm going to take it to Ziebart this summer and have it Diamondcoated. One of their versions of a ceramic coating. Had it done to mine and it helps.

 

[Kim Gass]

We still have a Hoda Ridgeline ( same as the Pilot re suspension etc ) We towed a 195 RB with it with no modifications 120,000 miles over six years including two cross the entire US ( Alaska included)
We moved to the bigger 212 QB so we moved to a bigger truck
We did a good bit of mountain driving out West including the wonderful Rt 12 in Utah
We still drive the Ridgeline every day and it is going strong after 280,000 miles
No more towing
The weak spot is definitely the brakes. They need frequent maintenance

 

[Tunce the traveler]

I’ve been towing with a VW Touareg TDI for 11years now. The trailer weighs 4,800 lbs. + about 600 lbs added and I’ve never had a problem with any hill, even the grapevine in Southern California. It’s tow limit is rated at 7,700 lbs.

 

[ward005]

We still have a Hoda Ridgeline ( same as the Pilot re suspension etc ) We towed a 195 RB with it with no modifications 120,000 miles over six years including two cross the entire US ( Alaska included)
We moved to the bigger 212 QB so we moved to a bigger truck
We did a good bit of mountain driving out West including the wonderful Rt 12 in Utah
We still drive the Ridgeline every day and it is going strong after 280,000 miles
No more towing
The weak spot is definitely the brakes. They need frequent maintenance

Did you use a weight distribution hitch with your Ridgeline?

 

[ward005]

I’ve been towing with a VW Touareg TDI for 11years now. The trailer weighs 4,800 lbs. + about 600 lbs added and I’ve never had a problem with any hill, even the grapevine in Southern California. Its tow limit is rated at 7,700 lbs.

Any problems or noticeable strain or wear on your VW?

 

[Kim Gass]

Did you use a weight distribution hitch with your Ridgeline?

No we did not. But we were careful and packed like tent campers. Actually packed a tent and full freeze dried rations and sleeping bags and tent for a ten day canoe trip We did have a small 12 V tv that we stored in the closet. Honda does not recommend a WDH. And we did not have any sway. even when in OK City someone was driving the wrong way in our lane and we had to take evasive action

 

[Tunce the traveler]

No, I now have 154,000 miles and I change the oil every 5k & the transmission at every 50,000 miles. I replaced the timing chain at 140,000 miles just as a safety measure. Other than that it’s running great. When I bought the car they gave me 30 days to return it if it didn’t perform well towing my trailer, well I still have it.