Tow vehicle and trailer combo recommendation for me

bucktaker · Feb 17, 2014

Pilot is rated to 6000 lbs, not my choice for towing we have a 2012 it has independant rear suspension

Western · Feb 17, 2014

Steel trailer is hard to beat in almost every aspect other than additional weight IMO. Most repairs (welding) you can do yourself on a steel trailer, you also never know what equipment you may want later (bigger tractor).

Might be good you're waiting to buy the vehicle at a later time. Tow ratings are all done "in-house" by each manufacturer (wonder why), but according to the below article, that should change in 2015. All being tested to the SAME standard, may change a few opinions on vehicle recommendations. We'll see, but it is a good move for the industry IMO.

Detroit Three to adopt unified tow rating system in 2015 | Fox News

Fiziksgeek · Feb 17, 2014

Thanks Guys, I've been looking at the Yukon or Tahoe, very nice, plenty of towing capacity, but getting pricey. Base msrp is like $42-43k...and approaches $60K with all the options. In a slightly smaller, unibody SUV, I could get more options for less money, and get better gas mileage at the same time. However, if they don't safely meet my towing needs, they may not be worth looking at. Which is why I was asking about light weight ATV type trailers. It seems like it would lighten the load and actually make using a unibody suv for towing my tractor.

I am not a fan of the current Honda Pilot, can't quite put my finger on it, but I liked the last model better.

wmonroe · Feb 17, 2014

Fiziksgeek said:
I currently have a 2005 Honda Accord EX-V6 with Nav (I like gadgets). Its been absolutely flawless and is coming up on 160K miles. I am not considering the Ridgeline. I have no particular brand loyalty. As mentioned, I drove a 2014 Silverado a couple months ago. I have driven a Chevy Traverse for 4 days on a business trip in late 2012, and I had a Durango for 10 days in Yellowstone last summer. Both seemed nice. The Durango has a bigger capacity, but I would want the Hemi, which I've heard sucks down the gas...but maybe not more than a pick up would.

The traverse wouldn't have enough tow capability but the Durango would have enough based on what you stated. I also agree with Topkicker's post, a Yukon or suburban would fit the bill nicely.

Fiziksgeek · Feb 17, 2014

The Travers is rated to 5200 lbs. I would not use that for towing my tractor on a steel trailer, but a light weight aluminum trailer seems like it would be just fine....?

wmonroe said:
The traverse wouldn't have enough tow capability but the Durango would have enough based on what you stated. I also agree with Topkicker's post, a Yukon or suburban would fit the bill nicely.

wmonroe · Feb 17, 2014

Fiziksgeek said:
The Travers is rated to 5200 lbs. I would not use that for towing my tractor on a steel trailer, but a light weight aluminum trailer seems like it would be just fine....?

Probably so but my personal opinion is against light weight trailers. Seems like trailers are built to the bare minimum to begin with, I like to have some reserve.

Just my opinion.

Fiziksgeek · Feb 17, 2014

Yeah, I get it, that's why I am here asking questions! On paper, a trailer with a 4K lb capacity has enough margin for a 2.5K or 3k lb tractor. Going from carrying 2 quads to a SCUT doesn't seem like much of a jump....but has anyone done it?

wmonroe said:
Probably so but my personal opinion is against light weight trailers. Seems like trailers are built to the bare minimum to begin with, I like to have some reserve.

Just my opinion.

Diamondpilot · Feb 18, 2014

Fiziksgeek said:
Thanks Guys, I've been looking at the Yukon or Tahoe, very nice, plenty of towing capacity, but getting pricey. Base msrp is like $42-43k...and approaches $60K with all the options. In a slightly smaller, unibody SUV, I could get more options for less money, and get better gas mileage at the same time. However, if they don't safely meet my towing needs, they may not be worth looking at. Which is why I was asking about light weight ATV type trailers. It seems like it would lighten the load and actually make using a unibody suv for towing my tractor.

I am not a fan of the current Honda Pilot, can't quite put my finger on it, but I liked the last model better.

You're splitting hairs with the aluminum vs Steel trailer. At most you're talking two or three hundred pounds not a big deal. Trust me aluminum has its place, I own one, the other two trailers are steel and I don't think I'll ever buy another aluminum trailer.

Chris

Diamondpilot · Feb 18, 2014

wmonroe said:
The traverse wouldn't have enough tow capability but the Durango would have enough based on what you stated. I also agree with Topkicker's post, a Yukon or suburban would fit the bill nicely.

Don't count out the Ford Expedition. My sister has one, 2010, and it's been flawless. Gets about 20 miles per gallon on the highway and hers has plenty of room for everything needed being a EL model.

Chris

Diamondpilot · Feb 18, 2014

Fiziksgeek said:
Yeah, I get it, that's why I am here asking questions! On paper, a trailer with a 4K lb capacity has enough margin for a 2.5K or 3k lb tractor. Going from carrying 2 quads to a SCUT doesn't seem like much of a jump....but has anyone done it?

Remember a quad runner has a low center of gravity. A tractor has a high center of gravity so use your trailer based off of that. Also look towards the future uses. I bought my 18 foot steel trailer as a tractor holler but in reality I use it probably 75 percent of time for other tasks.

Chris