Which tow vehicle to buy ??????? - Page 2 - Fiberglass RV
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 08-22-2015, 08:24 PM   #21
MC1
Senior Member
 
MC1's Avatar
 
Name: Wayne
Trailer: Airstream Sold, Nest Fan
Ontario
Posts: 2,002
Quote:
Originally Posted by stu-ru View Post
Have always been impressed by Toyota products...have you any info on 4Runner as a TV?
I was at a towing seminar a few years ago and the speaker, a highly respected towing specialist used the toy 4 runner as an example of "how not to build and design a tow vehicle", although they do make for a very reliable off road vehicle. This was one of the early gen models. Apparently the later models are better.
MC1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2015, 08:35 PM   #22
Senior Member
 
honda03842's Avatar
 
Name: Norm and Ginny
Trailer: Scamp 16
Florida
Posts: 7,517
CRV and Casita 17

Quote:
Originally Posted by stu-ru View Post
To Norm, I was interested in your comments on RAV 4 and Honda CRV. I had a 'o4 CRV, v-4v which was a very good car, but I was a bit disappointed in the mpg & it wasn't rated to tow my 3500# Casita 17'. I now have a 2008 Merc Mountaineer 4L v6. Power of ok, tho torque a bit low, and towing mpg sucks at around 14. So I'm curious how RAV4 stacks up, also Highlander. Have always been impressed by Toyota products...have you any info on 4Runner as a TV?

My Merc has the advantage that I own it, and it's under 70k miles, but tho I like it ok I'm not truly fond of it!

Thanks, Stu
Ps o3842 if your zip, means we are close by; we're in Concord/Loudon.
Stu, I once had the opportunity to get a very nice Casita 17 for $7,000 and did not buy it because our CRV could not tow it. I'd kept our Scamp 16 which the CRV towed easily. We towed with the CRV for 6-7 years and averaged 20-21 mpg depending on the trailer. The heaviest vehicle we towed was a Casita 16.

We had a manual transmission and I'm a conservative driver. SInce we have only one vehicle, I can tell when Ginny drives just by looking at the mpg read out. Individuals drive differently. WHen I was a mayor the police department told me Ginny drove one speed 50 mph, on main street or the highway.

We are nearby in Hampton. WE've lived here for 30 years but are selling this year.
__________________
Norm and Ginny

2014 Honda Odyssey
1991 Scamp 16
honda03842 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2015, 11:05 PM   #23
Senior Member
 
Carol H's Avatar
 
Trailer: 92 16 ft Scamp
Posts: 11,756
Registry
Quote:
Originally Posted by tractors1 View Post
Chilliwack is on THE main highway across Canada (Route 1 I think) and is a freeway. Not likely to have winter road issues on that.

Last February the cherry trees were blooming in Chilliwack & people where in shorts ..... but Chilliwack has been known every few years to get snow in February -lots of it- yup even on the main highway ;-) & that stretch of highway is know to get pretty icy in snowy cold conditions but normally only on the road for a day or two. Snowy road conditions in March or later are a pretty rare thing in Chilliwack. So no real reason to leave the pick up date much later than that.

If one was to travel through the southern portion of the US and come up the coast the odds of hitting serious winter road conditions are not great. Most probable spot to hit snow would be in Grants Pass in Oregon.... then again last February there was little to no snow visible at the top of the pass on the sides of the road and the roads where clear and dry for most of the winter.
Carol H is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2015, 04:55 AM   #24
MC1
Senior Member
 
MC1's Avatar
 
Name: Wayne
Trailer: Airstream Sold, Nest Fan
Ontario
Posts: 2,002
Quote:
Originally Posted by honda03842 View Post
WHen I was a mayor the police department told me Ginny drove one speed 50 mph, on main street or the highway.
"a mayor", Norm, I'm not surprised to hear that. We learn a lot about a person from reading 100's of their posts and I can believe you have the right stuff to occupy the seat in the mayors office. Way da go man!
MC1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2015, 05:26 AM   #25
Senior Member
 
honda03842's Avatar
 
Name: Norm and Ginny
Trailer: Scamp 16
Florida
Posts: 7,517
Wayne,
Being Mayor was another life extender that almost turned out to be a non-extender. The first day the town hall was picketed by people who wanted to open a homeless shelter on Main Street. As well I discovered the town was literally bankrupt due the crooks that preceded us. We actually made the front page of the state wide newspaper, something like: 'First CT Town Bankrupt'.

I was able to get the town through it without bankruptcy but .... I ended up serving 3 terms. It was a part time position that became a full time effort We got through it and actually decreased taxes. The previous administration were really crooks.

As to the people picketing Main Street, they became good friends. We did allow the shelter and I became a supporter, sleeping there many nights as the chaperon. After the first night, I realized they needed food as well and opened a soup kitchen. I love to cook but quickly learned the real missing component is companionship. Most people came to the soup kitchen to eat and talk. I swear the talking was at least as important as the food.

There are many great stories from this period. I learned so much. So often you start down a Frostian Road, and it makes all the difference. Definitely our RV time has been equally illuminating.
__________________
Norm and Ginny

2014 Honda Odyssey
1991 Scamp 16
honda03842 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2015, 06:07 AM   #26
Senior Member
 
Name: Bob Ruggles
Trailer: 2015 Escape
Michigan
Posts: 1,537
I picked up my Escape 19 in June of this year. They would not deliver it to me in Chilliwack, I guess due to the import into the U.S. They towed it over the border and I took possession in Sumas, Washington. I guess they could set up your hitch at the factory, though. I didn't go to the factory at all. If your 17 is anywhere as good as my 19, you'll love it.
rgrugg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2015, 06:19 AM   #27
Senior Member
 
Alf S.'s Avatar
 
Trailer: 2007 19 ft Escape 5.0 / 2002 GMC (1973 Boler project)
Posts: 4,148
Registry
Send a message via Yahoo to Alf S.
Quote:
Originally Posted by disneydoc View Post
Thanks Norm, Robert & Wayne, I appreciate your input.

I am waiting for a return call from Reese at Escape Trailers for his opinion, he has sent off many towed 17B trailers from their factory.

I have time on my side, so for now I have stopped looking the classifieds for Tow vehicles.

Seeing the RAV4 & Sienna towing Escape 17B on the Forum reassures me some


Thanks again
Hi: disneydoc... I'd outfit the L 350 and try towing with it first. The performance could surprise you and save the new tow expense for now. We've towed the last two Escapes with the same tow quite successfully and don't mind having the 4 dr. pickup either. The Nissan Frontier has a tow capacity of 61-6500 lbs. and I get 17-18 miles per Imperial Gal. @ 65 mph.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie
Attached Thumbnails
P1040198.jpg  
Alf S. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2015, 10:59 AM   #28
Member
 
Name: Raj
Trailer: Escape Trailer - SOLD
Florida
Posts: 65
Thank you every body for your input. I really appreciate it.

We are coming around slowly to think that our Rx350 at least deserves a try out with towing duties to tow the Escape 17B, but honestly if I see a V8 4Runner passing by on the road my mouth starts watering.

We are holding on to our 2nd car, a 2003 Avalon XLS for now & not replace it with the intended V8 just yet.

We will postpone that decision for next year after the towing experience with the Rx350

Thanks again.
disneydoc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2015, 11:07 AM   #29
MC1
Senior Member
 
MC1's Avatar
 
Name: Wayne
Trailer: Airstream Sold, Nest Fan
Ontario
Posts: 2,002
Glad to see you are going to use the Lexus Raj. I believe you will be more than pleased. We have a very similar engine in our car and it easily handles our 23' dual axle trailer with power to spare.

IMHO the Avalon would overall, be a better tow vehicle than a 4 runner.

Save your money.
MC1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2015, 01:12 PM   #30
Senior Member
 
Name: Patrick
Trailer: Shopping for new RV
North Carolina
Posts: 702
News Alert!.....Most 4 Runners are powered by a V6, 4.0 Ltr developing in the neighborhood of 269 HP....tow rating 5,000lbs to 6,000lbs depending on year.
Uplander is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2015, 01:47 PM   #31
MC1
Senior Member
 
MC1's Avatar
 
Name: Wayne
Trailer: Airstream Sold, Nest Fan
Ontario
Posts: 2,002
Quote:
Originally Posted by Uplander View Post
News Alert!.....Most 4 Runners are powered by a V6, 4.0 Ltr developing in the neighborhood of 269 HP....tow rating 5,000lbs to 6,000lbs depending on year.
Fore sure, that's what they say. But realize the old Ford Aerostars had a 5,000lb tow rating, and some Hyundai Elantras had a 3,000lb tow rating which in either case made lame tow vehicles. The Toy 4 Runners fit right in with that group. "Lame"
MC1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2015, 01:57 PM   #32
Senior Member
 
Trailer: 1985 13 ft U-Haul
Posts: 596
Reponse to Stu-ru re towing with a Rav4. Obviously I'm not Norm but I have towed with a Rav for 3 years now first with a 5500 Trillium now with a 17 Bigfoot and a Trailswest Campster. The Trillium certified scale loaded weight was 2480 lbs the Bigfoot slightly less at 2400 even. The bad news is that Toyota quit making the v6 in the Rav in 2012 in an obvious move to push you up to the more expensive Highlander ( didn't work with me as I will be moving on not up ). You won't be impressed with gas mileage, best ever for me is 16mpg ( I tow at 60 mph) Nebraska and Kansas perfectly flat, no wind. In my real world, we live in Idaho and travel mostly in Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, Utah and Oregon all subject to mountains and high elevations, average 12mpg not what you are looking for but I am well pleased with that mileage, not towing 17mpg around town and up to 28/29 hwy. The Rav is an excellent tow vehicle and I would recommend it as a tow vehicle up to maybe 3000 lbs. Now to the downsides, vehicle is structured such that any hitch is low to the ground, will drag on the least little dip. Tongue weight on the Bigfoot is approaching 300 lbs and makes this even worse ( I will be adding airbags in the off season ) Toyota has a strange definition of tow package ( I think they may even call it tow prep and it doesn't even live up to that designation ) Their " tow package " does not include the hitch or wiring, doesn't even have a "plug and play setup" for wiring. Your RV guy, or yourself, if you are electrically savvy, will have to wire from scratch. Hope this helps. Lee
Lee Senn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2015, 02:01 PM   #33
Senior Member
 
Carol H's Avatar
 
Trailer: 92 16 ft Scamp
Posts: 11,756
Registry
Quote:
Originally Posted by rgrugg View Post
I picked up my Escape 19 in June of this year. They would not deliver it to me in Chilliwack, I guess due to the import into the U.S. They towed it over the border and I took possession in Sumas, Washington. I guess they could set up your hitch at the factory, though. I didn't go to the factory at all.
The practise of Escape looking after exporting the trailer and del'v the trailer to a US buyer on the US side of the border if I am not mistaken came about due to concerns from the Canadian Tax department. Concerns as to whether or not they were being paid the taxes owning on any trailers that remained in Canada and not actually exported to the US as the sales documentation indicated they were .... or I seem to recall that was the story behind why Escape changed their practise from letting US buyers pick up right at the factory & handle the export of the trailer themselves.
Carol H is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2015, 06:00 PM   #34
Senior Member
 
Mike Magee's Avatar
 
Name: Mike
Trailer: 2012 Escape 19
Oklahoma
Posts: 6,021
Quote:
Originally Posted by stu-ru View Post
To Norm, I was interested in your comments on RAV 4 and Honda CRV. I had a 'o4 CRV, v-4v which was a very good car, but I was a bit disappointed in the mpg & it wasn't rated to tow my 3500# Casita 17'. I now have a 2008 Merc Mountaineer 4L v6. Power of ok, tho torque a bit low, and towing mpg sucks at around 14. So I'm curious how RAV4 stacks up, also Highlander. Have always been impressed by Toyota products...have you any info on 4Runner as a TV?

My Merc has the advantage that I own it, and it's under 70k miles, but tho I like it ok I'm not truly fond of it!

Thanks, Stu
Ps o3842 if your zip, means we are close by; we're in Concord/Loudon.
The 17' Casita can be very heavy on the hitch. Have you weighed your tongue? The Rav is no good over 350 lbs hitch weight. Highlander is fine, 5000/500 lb rating; I towed with my '08 for about 140k miles and it handled very well.

I recently picked up a used '08 Lexus GX470 and am now towing with it. Power is great, and I really like the air suspension with auto leveling. But I have to say, it does not handle as securely on the highway as the Highlander. The GX is not inadequate, but it just doesn't feel glued to the road the way the HL does. That truck frame and higher center of gravity, and whatever else, makes me feel like I need to drive a little slower.

If you get 14 mpg now with the Casita, chances are you will get 14 or maybe 15 when towing it with some other gas engine vehicle. If you want to get closer to 20 mpg, IMO either start driving very conservatively (maybe Norm will give lessons? lol) or buy a small diesel (like the Jeep Grand Cherokee).
Mike Magee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2015, 06:15 PM   #35
Senior Member
 
Glenn Baglo's Avatar
 
Trailer: Escape 17 ft
Posts: 8,317
I don't think not selling the RAV4 V6 was a plot by Toyota to get you to move up. The 4 cylinder was much more popular ( buddy who sold them said the power in the V6 scared a lot of people ) and by eliminating the V6, Toyota could lower their Corporate Average Fuel Economy ( CAFE ) which the government mandates.
Another buddy traded his Hyundai Santa Fe on a Highlander and is extremely happy with his tow.

As for Escape and exporting, taking the trailers down across the border made the process of importing easier on everybody and ETI didn't have to spend weeks chasing down paper-work that buyers didn't send in to government as required.
__________________
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht
Glenn Baglo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2015, 08:16 PM   #36
Senior Member
 
Name: bill
Trailer: 2013 Escape 19
The Mountains of North Carolina
Posts: 4,137
Registry
If you want to fully evaluate tow vehicles, be sure to check GVWR. I know with my pickup truck, I run out of GVWR long before I come close to the tow rating. Tow vehicle empty weights don't include any options. Who buys a vehicle with no options?? Add to the GVW the driver, all passengers, gear, and the tongue weight.

My other vehicle, Honda Element, has a really low weight capacity, limited to 675 pounds, which includes the weight of all passengers and driver, tongue weight, gear, etc. A lot of people are at or above the limit BEFORE any tongue weight.

The Element has the Honda CRV drive train.

I've towed in the past with marginally rated tow vehicles. I didn't like pulling mountain grades at 30 MPH. I would rather have a little too much tow vehicle than a marginally rated one. I ended up upgrading after one season of towing. Up to you of course.
thrifty bill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2015, 06:38 AM   #37
MC1
Senior Member
 
MC1's Avatar
 
Name: Wayne
Trailer: Airstream Sold, Nest Fan
Ontario
Posts: 2,002
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Magee View Post

I recently picked up a used '08 Lexus GX470 and am now towing with it. Power is great, and I really like the air suspension with auto leveling. But I have to say, it does not handle as securely on the highway as the Highlander. The GX is not inadequate, but it just doesn't feel glued to the road the way the HL does. That truck frame and higher center of gravity, and whatever else, makes me feel like I need to drive a little slower.
Hi Mike. Your GX470 is a really nice vehicle. A few years ago we parked beside one towing a 27' Airstream. It was a pro set up so it had the fine tuning. I'm sure it handled very well coming out of Cam Am.

Anyway I know that many times changing tires can make huge difference in how the rig feels when on the road.

I know the feeling and difference. On our car I went from High performance V rated Yokohama performance tires to a V rated Goodyear "comfort tread" performance tire. The Goodyears were a slightly lighter tire yet had the same ratings as the Yoko's. I suspect a softer sidewall in the Goodyears and I could feel the difference in the highway drive when towing.

Point is tire types and brands can make a huge difference on a TV. In your case more research needs to be done to determine the right tire for your application. Something to think about.


PS.... I read all the time about folks on another forum that when they change tires on Suv's they drop down one level of profile and sometimes go one size larger in tire size.
So what you end up with is a tire that has a wider tread/profile, but a slightly smaller diameter. The smaller sidewall keeps the side to side motion to a minimum and also "in effect" increases the drive ratio which gives the vehicle more get up and go. It's all goodness especially when towing.
MC1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2015, 09:29 PM   #38
Senior Member
 
Trailer: 1985 13 ft U-Haul
Posts: 596
tow vehicle

Note to Glen Highlander is wayyy above my pay grade and ( and I hope this is incorrect ) I read today that the 2016 Highlander will have a CVT transmission. I have heard very little good about them , better mileage seems to be their claim to fame. Most of the problems I read about are in vehicles that are just used for transportation and if they have problems there I cringe at the thought of towing with one. Lee
Lee Senn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2015, 09:55 PM   #39
Commercial Member
 
tractors1's Avatar
 
Name: Charlie Y
Trailer: Escape 21 - Felicity
Oregon
Posts: 1,583
The CVT technology has been around since DAF built cars in Europe from 1958. Very proven technology, used on many brands (Subaru and Volvo, I owned both) which I have owned for decades and have never had an issue with. I have had to have a Ford torque converter replaced and did a few Chevy clutch & pressure plates.
__________________
Charlie Y

Don't drill holes, try custom storage you design: https://RVWidgetWorks.com
tractors1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2015, 10:23 PM   #40
Senior Member
 
floyd's Avatar
 
Trailer: 2004 13 ft Scamp Custom Deluxe
Posts: 8,520
Registry
Quote:
Originally Posted by tractors1 View Post
The CVT technology has been around since DAF built cars in Europe from 1958. Very proven technology, used on many brands (Subaru and Volvo, I owned both) which I have owned for decades and have never had an issue with. I have had to have a Ford torque converter replaced and did a few Chevy clutch & pressure plates.
The only DAF I've seen had exposed V-belts and levers, seemed more like a riding lawn mower. One look at that contraption might sour most folks to the point you are trying to make.
They have certainly progressed in viability.
floyd is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
13 or 16 ft standard scamp which to buy? steve dunham Towing, Hitching, Axles and Running Gear 60 04-20-2011 09:45 PM
Which trailer to buy. brslk General Chat 22 10-15-2010 11:15 PM
if you were gonna buy a new tow veichle, what would you buy? Robin G General Chat 43 01-21-2009 08:04 PM
newbie confused..which trillium to buy,,Outback (canada) or Trillium u lloyd cicetti General Chat 17 08-04-2008 07:46 PM
Got tow vehicle, now which RV? Frank G. General Chat 0 05-06-2007 03:01 PM

» Upcoming Events
No events scheduled in
the next 465 days.
» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:19 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.