If you can do without creature comforts of Lexus and the like, The new Silverado/Sierra line is rated at 10,500 lbs. capacity.

I personally think the new Sierra is sweet too. Detroit has been slipping in recent years, but I feel their truck lineup is still going strong.

 

+1

 

Very timely topic for me. I am considering getting a Dodge Dakota as my next car/daily driver/tow vehicle. It has the highest tow rating for mid-size trucks at 7100 lbs when properly equipped (4.7 V8 + tow package + Quad Cab configuration). I figure my car (3000 lbs) plus open aluminum trailer and gear (1000 - 2000 lbs ??) should be well below the tow capacity as well as the GVWR.

Thoughts on this truck? Or should I look into a Ram 1500/2500, Ford 150/250, Chevy 1500/2500 series truck instead?

-Z-man.

 

DIESEL POWER, tows like nothing is even attached. Mileage was greatly improved over towing with my Yukon, which incidentally was a slug up hills. You may consider the VW or another brand for this especially if you get a larger trailer in the future. PS don’t forget to calculate Fuel, Wheels and the rest of your stuff.

 

Ha!!!!

I blew THREE trailer tires last year. My truck weighs 8000 empty. The trailer and car weigh 3300. The only way I knew about the tires was one I heard blow, and the other two I saw shredding in the rear view mirror. Never any hairy moments driving the Big Box.

Kinda funny looking back after the bang, and seeing the entire tire tread flying over the roof of my girlfriend's 944 behind me. She was slightly less amused.



Z - You answered your own question.

 

What do you guys think about vehicles like the new Acura MDX which used a computer controlled stability system to manage trailer induced sway? Will that make towing with one of those any safer?

Several guys mentioned the Tourareg (diesel or nor) that vehicle has weight and wheelbase no bigger than the Lexus GX470 so why would it be any better as a tow vehicle other than pulling power.

BTW, the Lexus is based on a truck frame, it is essentially the same vehicle as the Toyota 4Runner but all gussied up to be a Lexus.

 

Jeep Commander 5.7L, 7500#. I don't pull a race car but I do pull an enclosed cargo trailer packed with a bunch of sled dogs and equipment. The AWD is nice to have, a bit rough on fuel but who cares your going racing!

 

Z, I wouldn't give that truck any more thought as a tow vehicle.

 

I use a Toyota Sequoia to tow an open trailex and my 944. Works like a charm . . .

 

what do you guys think of a Toyota Land Cruiser as a towing vehicle. I am thinking about getting one as my daily driver. I think it's got a shorter wheel base than Sequoia.

 

Spend that kind of money and get what you need and want. If you need the ability to tow, keep looking. There are MUCH better choices out there. Escalade, QX56, even Navigator. As for reliability, get the QX56. If it bling, then the Escalade.

 

Who said anything about spending "that kind" of money?

I was actually looking at Nissan Armada, a cheaper version of QX56, until I came across a pretty good deal on a used Land Cruiser. What makes QX56 or Armada that much better than Land Cruiser as a tow vehicle? I'm new to this whole towing business.

 

Cayenne at a 7,700 lb rating and a 20' enclosed + 3,700 car and gear w/no problems. About 9 miles per gallon though. The V6 and Touareg's are the same capacity.

 

The specifics are: independent suspension that is steel for a lower center of gravity- better handling.
Towing capacity is 9100 lbs. Has a tow/haul mode on the transand trans cooler, and 3.73 rear diff ratio as opposed to a 4.10 in the toyota which how it achieves the towing capacity that it does have... It's sad that Toyota embarrasses itself with these vehicles. Bang for the buck buy Nissan, unless the ego is in control then get the Inifiniti.

 

I think you may be being a bit harsh. I know several people in Potomac who use Sequoias to tow, and everybody has been extremely satisfied. Now, I am not sure I would use them for enclosed trailers, but my Sequoia has a tow package, a longer wheelbase, and it tows my trailer at speeds I would be embarassed to admit on a public forum.