Good SUV tow vehicles?

[Flux]

crad echoes my sentiments. I got a big *** truck because I don't want the boat throwing me around when driving and want to keep my family and friends as safe as possible. I have to drive some crowded California freeways to get to the spots, so it makes the trip safer and less stressful. I also enjoy the fact that on the highway I can pass quickly to get into less crowded spots where people aren't making stupid impatient dangerous moves around me. I like my space.

Powering over hills and mountains is a huge plus for me as well. The diesel motor brake systems make downhills alot less hairy and easier on the brakes. Ford has the tow command, it works nicely on steep hills. Conversely, I can power right up them as well.

Knowing what kind of roads you have to negotiate makes a difference in your vehicle choice. If all I ever had to do was flat cruise a few miles I would have stuck with my Ford Bronco. 100 miles with a mountain pass and big rigs makes the F250 a better choice and worth it for the safety alone.

[tdc_worm]

"the Armada / QX-56 comments have also peeked my interest."
peeked-->looked or glanced quickly.
"This Armada discussion has also peaked my interest"
peaked-->having a peak

i believe your interests were piqued...as were mine, which is why i now tow with an armada!
piqued-->to excite interest or curiosity

[Dukes1]

Thanks for all of the great responses!

Andy

[EchoLodge]

1995 GMC Suburban half ton I went through 3 trans and three sets of rotors in under a 100 k miles. 2002 half ton GMC van with 60 k and just replaced rotors for the second time (also had them turned - twice per each rotor = 4 brake jobs). Oh, the calibers also went bad too. I do pull through the 115-123 desert and two good grades. Good thread, I will be in need of a new tow vehicle in a couple of years. Responses are educational.

I don't think I will ever buy another half ton tow vehicle.

[MtDew]

I have a 2004 Expedition with the 5.4 engine and air ride susp. I don't even know my Nautique is there. On the road you can run 75 -80 all day long with seven or 8 passengers plus gear. Best yet, no mechanical issues. I also have a 2004 Explorer with the 4.6 V8. Again a great little tow vehicle for shorter hops. Power galore and it doesn't seem to suffer any ill effects from towing. Best thing is you can buy a nice used one for a song and 5 people and your gear all travel comfortably.

[Hollywood]

1995 GMC Suburban half ton I went through 3 trans and three sets of rotors in under a 100 k miles. 2002 half ton GMC van with 60 k and just replaced rotors for the second time (also had them turned - twice per each rotor = 4 brake jobs). Oh, the calibers also went bad too.

Just curious, but did the same shop do all the repeated brake jobs and transsiz or were you doing them yourself?

[jthooker]

I've towed with two different Suburbans and had similar brake problems that EchoLodge describes. They were great for towing but rough on brakes. My 2005 Expedition is an outstanding tow vehicle for my SN196 and my wife's 2004 Explorer (4.6 V8) does a good job for the shorter trips.

[MtDew]

I agree with jthooker. The Explorers and Expeditions are awesome tow vehicles

[EchoLodge]

Brakes

1995 GMC Suburban half ton I went through 3 trans and three sets of rotors in under a 100 k miles. 2002 half ton GMC van with 60 k and just replaced rotors for the second time (also had them turned - twice per each rotor = 4 brake jobs). Oh, the calibers also went bad too.

Just curious, but did the same shop do all the repeated brake jobs and transsiz or were you doing them yourself?

The tranny was rebuilt and went bad under warranty so same shop fixed it. As for the brakes... I did all the brake jobs myself. I can replace the rotors and repack the bearings in under 20 mins a side. Practice makes perfect or at least proficient... Thanks GMC! The older GMC 1/2 ton trucks breaks are weak.

[soaresfive]

Good SUV Tow Vehicle

Reliability...Toyota. Not a lot of frills and no problems...

[EchoLodge]

RE: Good SUV Tow Vehicle

Nice looking rig. I see the rear end is squatting a bit. One of the problems with half ton tow vehicles. It's a Toyota though so you probably wont go through brakes as often.

[BP22]

We are towing with a 04 Excursion 4wd with the 6.0 PSD. I am hooked on the diesel now.

My brother tows his Mobius LSV with a 06 Tahoe 2wd with the bigger V8 and tow package and I was surprised on how well it did.

These boats aren't that heavy and the diesel is probably overkill, but I love it. :grin:

[EchoLodge]

My boat stays at the river now but if I had to tow it 275 miles each way over grades and in extreme heat, I would definitely go with a diesel. You can never have enough torque and the braking ability of a diesel is another plus. Cost of diesel is a minus but better gas mileage and longevity of the engine helps balance things out.

[Flux]

I'll just say I am hooked on my F250 with the 6.0l Diesel. Going back would be a letdown.

Overkill?? **** yes.

Power, safety, hill climbing with a boat?? Again, **** yes.

Most SUV's and trucks will get it done and are more than sufficient if not very good. If you have the opportunity to drive a newer Diesel truck, do it, and open it up, it's pretty amazing when 7000 lbs accelerates like that.

[BP22]

Safety was a huge factor in us getting the X. This is my wife's daily driver which she hauls my 2 daughters around in. This thing is a 8500lb tank.