- Dec 4, 2011
- 253
Last weekend, my wife and I had a chance to visit the biggest Camper and RV exhibition show of the year in the Detroit area. It motivated us to move forward on a future travel trailer purchase. But before our next big ticket purchase, we have to think about mating it with an appropriate tow vehicle. I love my 06 Rainier but the GMT360's in my eyes won't tow any TT weighing north of 5000 lbs SAFELY. No way am I selling it as it still has a purpose in our family.
I'm looking for some recommendations on a full size SUV/Pickup that could accommodate up to 9,000 lbs of tow weight. Trailers that interest us range from 6,600 to 8,200 lbs.
The remaining criteria includes a $30,000 max price, 2006+ model years, and one damn good reliable power-plant. I've opened up the doors to light and medium duty trucks as well as body-on-frame, full-size SUV's. Any truck would have to be a crew cab.
Options I've been exploring include:
I'm really considering a diesel as they offer a compelling advantage of low-end torque not to mention their longevity. Long-term maintenance and ownership costs have to be addressed as I plan on keeping this rig for the greater portion of a decade. As far as light-duty trucks, it seems the newer models have very nice towing capacities. Just don't know how they would handle pulling 8000lbs across high-elevation passes. The Yukon's and Tahoe's are options with the larger engine but I'm still not sure on long distance marathan trips.
Finally...fuel economy. I've been reading that some of these turbo diesels can manage respectable mileage even under load. I know some consideration has to be placed on gear ratios and overdrive gears when it comes to mpgs. Again, more personal experience is requested as I have never towed with full size vehicles before.
Much appreciated....
I'm looking for some recommendations on a full size SUV/Pickup that could accommodate up to 9,000 lbs of tow weight. Trailers that interest us range from 6,600 to 8,200 lbs.
The remaining criteria includes a $30,000 max price, 2006+ model years, and one damn good reliable power-plant. I've opened up the doors to light and medium duty trucks as well as body-on-frame, full-size SUV's. Any truck would have to be a crew cab.
Options I've been exploring include:
- 2006-2007 Sierra/Silverado 2500 Duramax 6.6L (per Duramax diesel forums as later models snuff power and efficiency via added emission controls)
- 2007+ Tahoe/Yukon/Denali with either 6.0L or 6.2L gasser
- 2007+ Suburban/Yukon XL 2500 series
- Mid 2000 Ford Excursion with 7.3L turbodiesel
- Late model Ram with the Cummings 6.7L diesel
- 12 Generation Ford F150 (2009-2014) 6.2L gasser
- Late 2000's Ford F250 6.4L Powerstroke Diesel V8
I'm really considering a diesel as they offer a compelling advantage of low-end torque not to mention their longevity. Long-term maintenance and ownership costs have to be addressed as I plan on keeping this rig for the greater portion of a decade. As far as light-duty trucks, it seems the newer models have very nice towing capacities. Just don't know how they would handle pulling 8000lbs across high-elevation passes. The Yukon's and Tahoe's are options with the larger engine but I'm still not sure on long distance marathan trips.
Finally...fuel economy. I've been reading that some of these turbo diesels can manage respectable mileage even under load. I know some consideration has to be placed on gear ratios and overdrive gears when it comes to mpgs. Again, more personal experience is requested as I have never towed with full size vehicles before.
Much appreciated....