Which SUVs to consider....your opinions please!

[Padgett]

So far we have just concentrated on towing but that is less than 10% of the milage I put on the TV. What else do you want to use it for ?

[TexasCamper]

Originally Posted by Padgett

So far we have just concentrated on towing but that is less than 10% of the milage I put on the TV. What else do you want to use it for ?

Other than towing (which will be a small percentage of overall use), we will mostly use this vehicle for (1) carpooling kids back & forth to school; (2) hauling my kayak (or kayaks) on roof rack; (3) hauling bikes on bike rack; (4) day trips to beach, hiking, birding destinations. It will not be a commuter vehicle.

[tentcamper]

That about how we use it. 3-5 K miles a year with a camper and 10-12K other uses. That is why we went for the mid size suv.

[Padgett]

"Other uses" are why I find that all seats (except the driver's) fold flat is good and I can carry a 10' "something" with the tailgate closed. It also has a rear 12v lighter socket that is only live when the ignition is on (where I plug the cooler in).

This is why it is good to list all of the things you need (col 1) & want (col 2) a TV to do in a spreadsheet. Bluetooth is nice.

[Coulters4]

The information is sometimes overwhelming. I recently purchased a 2008, TM2619. Wanted to make sure my TV, 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7 L v8 with factory tow package will be enough to handle the TM on trips through the Rockies. Also would it be a good idea to add spring assist airbags to vehicle. It is my wife's everyday driver and I plan to keep it until the wheels fall off. Thanks for any info.

[Padgett]

Well, I'm biased but that will make a nice tow package for your 2619. Pleanty of torque and trans is same one I have. Do you have a dash readout of the trans temperature ? If not you might want to add a transmission oil cooler and a lower (180F) opening thermostat.

I have airlifts for my '12 GC but never installed, just do not need them and no WDH since I do not want to add any load to the trailer axle.

[stormpeakco]

Originally Posted by Coulters4

The information is sometimes overwhelming. I recently purchased a 2008, TM2619. Wanted to make sure my TV, 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7 L v8 with factory tow package will be enough to handle the TM on trips through the Rockies. Also would it be a good idea to add spring assist airbags to vehicle. It is my wife's everyday driver and I plan to keep it until the wheels fall off. Thanks for any info.

Absolutely, you'll need to search the tongue wt/towing capacity ratings for your vehicle.
(IMHO) Likely with tow package & properly set up WDH, it should be satifactorio sans consideration of air bladders (unless you're packing for a trip to the moon AND fully loaded with 40 gallons H20 in the tank).
(BTW-we reside @ 7200' and our V-6 Durango with 8 speed, tow package does well with our loaded/distributed 2720QB-trailer w/ 15 gallons of fresh water in the tank). (I'm confident Padgett will add his $0.02...).

[LoveToCamp]

I had a 2004 Grand Cherokee with the 4.7 V-8 when I got my 2417. Loaded for a week, the TM weighed 3,500 lbs. While it "did the job", I wanted more power for the mountains. 55 mph up I-70 west of Denver was not what I wanted. But, if you are okay with slower trips, you should be okay with the 2720. You will likely be 400 lbs heavier. Performance out of the mountains was fine.

As far as airbags, a weight-distributing hitch is better, in my opinion. Puts more weight back onto the front tires, which improves safety.

[Padgett]

In the early '80s I toured the Rockies and Cascades with a single port Westphalia. Taught patience. Going up is only a small percentage of the drive.

Looks like Coulter54's Jeep is rated for about a ton more than mine. Suspect it will have no problem (though might be a bit thirsty).

[Coulters4]

Padgett, the jeep is awd so it is always thirsty even when not pulling.