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Old 12-16-2010, 10:17 AM
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aj986s
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A friend of mine recently purchased an Audi Q7 diesel as a tow vehicle. He also has an aluminum trailer, and says it tows outstandingly!
Old 12-16-2010, 10:25 AM
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VERBOTN
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I'm screwed the next time I need a hauler as I really like the GMC Denali but after the recent US handouts I swore I would never buy another GM product. If you dont share my view I would go for the Denali or Sub. they are wonderful and the new interiors actually look good.
Old 12-16-2010, 10:34 AM
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GT3 Techno
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Originally Posted by gums
Keep the input coming, guys, it's very helpful. I'm towing my 2900 lb race car on a 1000 lb aluminum open trailer, that's why I said 6000 total; to give plenty of extra margin.
GMC Acadia is marginal for that reason.
I road tested a Toyota Land Cruiser yesterday and had to rule it out; third row is only for amputees.
So far I'm leaning towards the M-B GL, seems so nice.
But I'm waiting to see the new Durango as well.
Sequoia, Yukon, etc still in the running.
The GL is really nice... and will leave plenty of towing capacity if you move to an enclosed trailer as so many of us did. We need so many things that it becomes almost a must at some point. Plus you can have 4 wheels in the back of the truck without having to put down the second row of seat when you go to change tires.
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Old 12-16-2010, 10:40 AM
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Veloce Raptor
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Originally Posted by VERBOTN
I'm screwed the next time I need a hauler as I really like the GMC Denali but after the recent US handouts I swore I would never buy another GM product. If you dont share my view I would go for the Denali or Sub. they are wonderful and the new interiors actually look good.


Well......I agree. But on the other hand, I would rather all my $ for this sort of purchase remain in the US. Ford doesn't yet equip its Expedition with a robust enough engine IMO, and there really isn't anything else where essentially all the $$$ stays in the US.

By the way, will you be at WinterFest? If so, let's have a beer or something!








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Old 12-16-2010, 10:41 AM
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Leigh2
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I tow an enclosed Trailex with a Benz ML320 CDi diesel. 400 lb/ft of torque rivals many HD pickups and it tows easily at 70+MPH. Hitch weight is the problem but easy to position the 911 so that the weight is right. I'm thinking of getting the larger GL next time with the air suspension to help keep it level and more space behind the second row of seats.
Old 12-16-2010, 10:55 AM
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gums
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[QUOTE=Veloce Raptor;8136845]You said going into NYC? You need an armored 3/4 ton Suburban. QUOTE]

You may think so, VR, but twice a week this is my ride in, right over the George Wash Bridge while everyone else is bumper to bumper!
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Old 12-16-2010, 12:53 PM
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Cayenne S tows 7,700 lbs.....
Old 12-16-2010, 12:55 PM
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Originally Posted by VERBOTN
I'm screwed the next time I need a hauler as I really like the GMC Denali but after the recent US handouts I swore I would never buy another GM product. If you dont share my view I would go for the Denali or Sub. they are wonderful and the new interiors actually look good.
You do know those handouts made it to Ford....Toyota...and even BMW right?

A lot of car manufacturers received bailout money.

sean
Old 12-16-2010, 01:25 PM
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gums
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Do Cayennes seat 6? I wasn't aware...
Old 12-16-2010, 01:39 PM
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jonmacs22
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Originally Posted by gums
Do Cayennes seat 6? I wasn't aware...
No they don't.

Denali, Tahoe LTZ, Suburban, GL, Armada, Infiniti QX56, 2011 Durango, Q7

That seems to be the list of recommended. The Expedition has a horrible motor.

One option to consider if this is going to be a tow vehicle and kid mobile, pick up a used 2500 Suburban, beat the snot out of it and call it a day. If you are going to have muddy soccer cleats and wheels/tires, tools, etc, who cares. You can find great condition 2006 models that are rated to tow 10k lbs and about $20k asking price.
Old 12-16-2010, 01:59 PM
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Mark Dreyer
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I love my 2010 Touareg TDI as a daily driver/weekend tow rig. Only seating for 5 so I'd consider the Audi Q7 TDI based on my experience with the VW if I needed the 6th seat.
Old 12-16-2010, 02:41 PM
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I picked up an '07 Denali a few months ago-- it does it all very well. I drove all the usual suspects, it was an easy winner.
Old 12-16-2010, 03:23 PM
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Potomac-Greg
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Originally Posted by GT3 Techno
My Mercedes GL 350 Bluetec is the best car I ever had. Can tow my 20 feet ATC enclosed trailer with ease, has plenty of room inside, very comfortable and can go on a full tank for a while... I had and Audi Q7 4,2L and I wouldn't trade back the GL for it.
Big 2nd here. We have a GL320 (same engine as 350 but without the Bluetec additive), and it is a great car. Smaller than the big American SUVs but a very habitable third row for younger folks (and limber older folks). The engine is really quite a torquey beast for its size. Resale value is excellent (which lots of folks tend to overlook when price shopping). I've towed about 6,000 lbs with it (capacity is rated at 7,500) and it pulled effortlessly.

Visual Aid (this with 944 on board from MD to VIR):


Last edited by Potomac-Greg; 12-16-2010 at 04:08 PM.
Old 12-16-2010, 03:37 PM
  #29  
M758
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Originally Posted by gums
I'm sure you've been over this a thousand times, but a new year is at hand and now it's my turn for a truck. Here are my guidelines:
-seat 6
-Tow 6,000 lbs.
-Not too huge, gotta go into NYC occasionally
-run on regular fuel or diesel, no premium
-Cool interior for kids that are growing

So far I'm thinking (and by the way; likely used):
-Yukon Denali
-Escalade
-Benz GL (SDI)

Any thoughts/additions/experience?
Since you planning to tow 6000lbs I assume car on an open trailer. Any of those will probably work fine. My recommendation is 300ft-lbs of torque minimum and not less than 7000lbs tow rating from the factory. That gives you alot of options.
Old 12-16-2010, 04:05 PM
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@VR:
Affirmative on winterfest, sounds good. Regretfully my normal rig will not be in play due to the back to back with 48hrs but the RCC should have strong showing. I'm the guy driving the hairdressers car.......


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