Good SUV tow vehicles?

[jscurtiss]

I was looking at the v8 4runner v the sequoia, can anyone chime in on experience?
what i've seen seems to be some issues with tounge weight and the squat, but i'm also curioius about mpg as a daily driver in addition to towing. As for distance, i'm looking at around 30 miles wiht a few longer trips.
Thanks!

[azwakeboarder]

Armada...Not!

I am looking at this on Sunday:

2006 Ford Diesel E350 4x4 Van - $31000
2006 Ford E350 Extended Van 4x4, 6.0 Power Stroke Diesel, Roof Cargo Rack, Rear bench seat that folds into bed




Seems like a no brainer to me, it's rated at 10,000 #'s towing and has all the room in the world.

[nautique95]

The 6.0 is a great pulling engine, I have that in my F-250 and love it! By now they should have must of the bugs worked out of it so it should make you a great engine. I know you won't be dissappointed with it! Seeing how the van is a 350 I can't imagine you will hardly feel the boat behind you.

[TRBenj]

I was looking at the v8 4runner v the sequoia, can anyone chime in on experience?
what i've seen seems to be some issues with tounge weight and the squat, but i'm also curioius about mpg as a daily driver in addition to towing. As for distance, i'm looking at around 30 miles wiht a few longer trips.
Thanks!

What size boat are you towing? Are you considering 2wd or 4wd?

[jscurtiss]

The current is around 2300 - 2800 depending how much "stuff" i have piled in. However, assuming I win the lottery, I'd like to go to either the 206 or 216, so from what I've seen, I'd need to have the ability to pull around 4500+ safely.
From what I've seen the v8 4runners "can" pull 7000, but i'd prefer to stay under that limit mainly for fuel efficiency reasons.
I figure 4wd for tow ramps and adverse weather, but I'm wondering how the 4runner holds up to cross winds etc. I've heard some people complain about smaller SUV's and the tail wagging the dog.
My family has an old 84 3/4 ton suburban we used to tow with then upgraded to an 02 F150. So I've had a variety of towing experience, just looking at something newer and hopefully more fuel efficient. That 'burb got about 8 mpg uphill, downhill, towing, idling -- didn't seem to matter.

[M3Fan]

Both 4Runners I've had have been suprisingly stable towing in all sorts of adverse conditions. I've heard complaints of the Sequoia feeling sluggish due to its own heft but I've never driven one.

[igkya]

jscurtis,

I had a 4wd (V6) 4Runner and towed a 196 (single axle trailer) that handled fairly well. Upgraded to a Sequoia when I got a 206 (with tandem axle trailer, I'm sure this helped with handling) and it pulled the extra weight much better. 70+ mph and it handles fine, no sway, and brakes better. Consider the terrain you travel and that you're only towing 30 miles, the V8 may be just fine, but the Sequoia will be better.

[azwakeboarder]

After test driving the van I can't figure out why there aren't more of these on the road. It was awesome! I would suggest anyone looking at big SUV or truck check one of these out!

[M3Fan]

After test driving the van I can't figure out why there aren't more of these on the road. It was awesome! I would suggest anyone looking at big SUV or truck check one of these out!

Whats the MPG rating on that bad boy?

[jscurtiss]

van?

I'm not going to lie -- a full size 4x4 van has never crossed my mind. Having driven the 'burb....it is about the same size, and I'd bet the MPG values would be the same since you're basically driving a shoe box. I think it it were solely for towing or longer trips, that'd be a decent option, but for a daily driver, i'd have some maneuverability issues.

[azwakeboarder]

RE: van?

The current owner told me it averages 13 City and 17 Highway no matter what it is towing.

[darrel409]

RE: van?

azwake, that van looks like a SportMobile.

[bowvan]

4x4 van

...

[SkiBlue]

RE: 4x4 van

bowvan that is a nice setup, very clean looking. I've always thought that the practicality of a 4x4 full size van is overlooked by many people. Lot's of room for gear and people.

[azwakeboarder]

RE: 4x4 van

Bowvan, have you had any trouble with the van? I have heard nothing but good things about the Quigley setup but I guess the Saleme Kroger vans are known for troubles. The van I am trying to buy is a Quigley like I believe yours is.

Thanks,
AZwakeboarder