Another, what tow vehicle to get thread

Here is the deal. I need to replace a 2dr Tahoe for towing my X-1. The longest trip we do is a 3 mile drive on mostly flat roads. I'm looking at Explorers, Explorer Sport Tracs, 4Runners, Expeditions, and Tahoes. I have conciderd the F-150s, Titans, and the new Silverados, but I don't want anything bigger and would prefer an SUV.

The trick is I would like something with no more than 20k miles and would like to pay $25k or less. The search is getting frustrating; I am thinking of just holding on to the 2Dr Tahoe.

If your longest trip is 3 miles and your ramp is not too steep (doesn't require a 4wd), them you could expand that list to include most of the mid size SUV line. Might be able to save some $ there if you like any of those vehicle types?

I got a year old expedition with 14k miles for less than 25 at CarMax... it was over a year ago, but you should be able to find one in that range. (See Profile Pic) I couldn't ask for a better tow rig/SUV

According to WW conventional wisdom, you probably shouldn't be making that 3 mile trip with anything less than a International CXT.

That is why I figured I would throw in the disclamer about trucks larger than an F150.

A friend pulled my XLV (23ft) with his 6cyl Trailblazer. It did fine-didn't feel any different than our 08 Tahoe.

Shop around at some dealerships if possible. Its a great time to be in the market for a used or even new truck/suv. My buddy just bought a fully loaded year old F150 crew cab for right at 26k with around 22k miles on it. You should be able to find something within your range with everything you want the search sucks but it will be worth it in the end when you find what you want

I have towed with the previous generation Silverados and Tahoes and they both tow great with the 5.3L engine. They ride well and hold up well. My buddy has a Titan and I have towed with it, that thing is a beast, tons of power and it rides really well. I don't think the Titan gets quite the mileage that the smaller engine Silverados do though.

Just bought a 2008 Nissan Titan LE for $28K. List on the truck was 38K. This was fully loaded except for Navigation and DVD. Nissan was offering 5K rebate and negotiated another 5K.

Great truck and great deal.

Towed my boat down from New York to Virginia through some pretty nasty hills on 64 and 81 with our king cab Titan, it is defiantly over kill for your needs.Why not just keep the Tahoe, i assume its payed for and will be more then capable of towing the x-1.

midwesttex im just curious how you liked towing with your 2dr tahoe? I love that rig and wish they would bring it back.what kinda mpg? sorry to hijack.

I would keep the Tahoe, but it is getting old, only has two doors and one airbag. We are looking at starting a family, so I need something a little more family friendly that will tow. I get 16 on the highway, not sure about city or under tow; I want to say no more than 12 while towing but I think it is actually less. Towing with the 2Dr is great, good power, but stopping is a little slow. A longer wheel base would probably make for a more stable and comfortable ride but the short wheel base is great for backing into tight areas. If I had a good storage spot, and didn't move every few years i would probably keep the 2dr and just buy a commuter vehicle.

I tow my excel with my sport trac and it tows just fine.

Which Sport Trac do you have? new model, V8? I was highly considering the Sport Trac.

Looks like I messed up my original post. Longest trip is a 3 HOUR drive, not 3 mile.

(Message edited by midwesttex on April 29, 2008)

If you need to stay with an SUV, and all you are doing is 3 mile trexs to the lake, I would consider the Pathfinder SUV. That V6 from Nissan puts out close to the same horsepower and torque as the v8 on the tahoe.