Quote:
Originally Posted by Grace1st
Hello all.
I am also starting my research about coupling a SUV/pickup with a TM. My wife and I currently work overseas (South Africa), but we will be returning to the US in August. At that time, we will purchase a pickup or SUV and a TM.
We are inclined to get a Kia Telluride, as it is very impressive in various ways. It is rated for a 5000 pound towing capacity. It would be easier to drive around town and fit into our garage. But I just am not convinced that a crossover SUV is adequate for pulling a TM, no matter what the rating.
If the SUV doesn’t seem stout enough, we are looking into the 2022 hybrid Toyota Tundra. Won’t be a problem pulling a TM with that whatsoever.
We would be living in New Mexico, but making various trips to Colorado and other locations. Yes, there would be mountains involved, at times.
So, I’m interested to hear first from those who have a midsize or crossover SUV who are pulling a TM. We would also prefer the larger models, as we much prefer a king size bed.
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Hi Grace-
It'd be nice to be able to give you a quick answer, but that'd be a disservice...
Instead, I'll offer some advice so you can make an informed decision.
How many people and how much gear will you need to put into your future tow vehicle and your future TrailManor?
Start with that weight and work backwards to determine the size of tow vehicle you'll need.
I have a 2021 TrailManor 2922KB (purchased August of 2020) which I tow with a 2020 Toyota Highlander (V6) AWD.
That tow vehicle/ TrailManor combo works great for us (a couple with a mid size dog).
I live on the East Coast (NC) and have towed my TrailManor on several extended trips (over 400 miles from home).
The last trip was to Maine to visit Baxter State Park (the northern point of the Appalachian Trail) and Acacia National Park. The total towing distance was about 2600 miles and we stayed about two weeks. We had electric and water available for part of the trip, but primarily had access to full hookup sites (meaning that we didn't have additional water or sewer weight, but carried enough groceries for the trip that we only needed to pick up fresh fruit/ veggies once).
As I said, our tow vehicle and TrailManor combo work great for us, but if there was a need for more weight (a couple of kids, etc) we'd be weight and space constrained.
Could we still pull the TrailManor with that vehicle and a couple extra passengers and extra stuff- yes we could, but we'd really have to manage our weights closely and adjust our trip expectations, as well.
I purchased the Highlander specifically knowing that it would fit in our garage, that 90% + of the use of it would be within 30 minutes drive of my home but that it could carry over 5 passengers, if needed, and that it could tow a TrailManor.
What are your expectations for your trips?
If you have more to carry to begin with, you will be at the upper end of what a 5000 lb towing capacity vehicle will be able to do safely and I'd recommend that you consider a larger class tow vehicle unless you're planning mostly shorter weekend camping trips.