SUV for Towing

[Brougherc]

I am considering purchasing a 30-32-foot travel trailer and want to tow it with an SUV. The trailer's weight will be around 8,000 pounds. Does anyone have a recommendation for a brand and model of SUV that they would recommend? For example, I researched the Lexus GX, and it has a towing capacity of 9096. And I want something other than a pickup.

 

[huntindog]

I am considering purchasing a 30-32-foot travel trailer and want to tow it with an SUV. The trailer's weight will be around 8,000 pounds. Does anyone have a recommendation for a brand and model of SUV that they would recommend? For example, I researched the Lexus GX, and it has a towing capacity of 9096. And I want something other than a pickup.

My first TT over 30 years ago was 24'. I towed it with a 73 Blazer. Before the internet so info was not as easy to get. I thought being on the edge was normal. I would not do it again.... I still hsve that Blazer, but I no longer tow with it. Your newer SUV is more capable, but your TT is larger. I would advise against it. Tail wagging the dog is not fun.

 

[Riverbug]

Warning: you are opening a can of worms!

I'm sure you'll people that say they do it and it's great. But a 30'+ travel trailer and an SUV suspension does not sound like a solid combination. No advice on a good SUV but you need to pay particular attention to the payload rating on the vehicle and its hitch rating along with towing capacity. A 30'+ travel trailer @ 8,000 might be too optimistic as well so be sure you use the GVWR of the trailer you are interested in and not unloaded weight. Personally, I would look at a pickup with a matching truck cap if you want the storage space. Best of luck with whatever you decide.

 

[RV2600RB]

An 8,000lb trailer will out weigh the short wheelbase SUV. Not a good combination in my opinion.
Get at least a 3/4 ton crew cab truck.
My rv weighs a hair under 8,000lbs and I would never consider towing it with an SUV or 1/2 ton truck.
Rich

 

[BoredWeasel]

An SUV is too generic, so are you towing with a volvo c90 or A GMC Yukon XL ? The issue will be tongue weight and payload on the suv. Keep in mind the payload includes, people, fuel and other cargo carried inside the vehicle.

I agree with the above post, short wheel base and 30 foot tt is a recipe for disaster especially in windy conditions or a poorly loaded trailer.

So the yukon xl or suburban has a max payload of 1800 pounds, with a 900 pound tongue weigh, 30 gallons of fuel, 2 people you will have ballpark 400 pounds of payload left.

reread the post......saw the lexus gx mentioned. the max payload is 1470 pounds. which is not enough for the trailer you are looking at. Plus it would be miserable in the mountains or in any cross wind.

Max-tongue weight-fuel-people= too much, especially with nothing else in the suv
1470-900-200-300=1400

 

[robmcqueen]

Your best bet would be a Suburban or Yukon XL with max towing and stay under 30 feet.

 

[FjClay]

Look for a used ford excursion or a 2500 suburban neither of which is still made

 

[jkwilson]

If you want the SUV for passenger space, you’ll find you use up all your payload on people and stuff with nothing left for a trailer.

Get a truck. It’s the answer you don’t want to hear, but need to hear.