What I have a question for is. We are looking for a smaller truck, Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon, for example. Something with better gas mileage than a full size truck. We are downsizing and are only going to have the one vehicle. 

Any ideas on a good smaller truck or SUV that can easily tow but still get decent gas? I know towing will cut down the mileage but want to make a good choice. 

Thanks in advance...

For a 178, a mid-sized truck such as the ones you mention would work okay. I am towing a 179 with a Nissan Frontier. The only time that it is an issue is when we are at higher elevations where the naturally aspirated engine does not have the same power as at lower elevations. If the vehicle you are considering is turbocharged, that will make a big difference. However, you may find that you need to use premium fuel. 

If you are considering an SUV, something like a Ford Expedition or equivalent would work. Don't consider anything that does not have at least a 5,000 lb tow rating. You can use one with a 3500 lb tow rating. I did so for a while. I would not recommend it though. By the time you finish loading the 178 for travel, it will be reaching or exceeding the 3500 lbs.

Whatever mileage rating the vehicle has, automatically assume it will get about half of that while towing. If you can find a Colorado with a Diesel engine, that would be great and would likely give you better mileage. However, you might not recoup the additional cost of the vehicle in fuel savings. The thing that helps most in mileage is to slow down. The big thing about towing is the frontal area and wind resistance. The faster you go, the more fuel it takes to push through the air. I found that towing no faster than 60 mph is a good compromise between wanting to get there and getting acceptable mileage. Plus, many states have towing speed limits that are 55 or 60 mph. In addition, the tires do better since some really should not be driven past 65 mph, especially the load range C tires. One other benefit to slowing down is that you will arrive much more relaxed. It won't be the white-knuckle experience that towing at 70+ mph can be.

We are happy with the 2010 Frontier (6100 lb tow rating) we have. It does not get the greatest mileage. Newer vehicles that have more gears in the transmission and newer technology engines will likely give you better mileage than we get. I would not mind getting a full-sized pickup such as an F-150 or equivalent, but it is hard to beat 'paid for.'

Besides pretty decent mileage for a pickup, the turboboost truly flattens the mountains.  Not once did I feel the need for more power going over Carson Pass.  The down side is you have less engine breaking on the steep down grades which takes a little anticipatory planning so your speed doesn't creep up on you and require braking.  

The same engine is available in the Ranger series but when we compared the two trucks, we found the F-150 to be enough roomier and more comfortable, without a sacrifice of economy, that we opted for the full size version.

There are a lot of capable trucks on the market.  It's just a matter of matching your personal preferences and the trailer you plan to pull [and may want to pull in the future] to the truck.  Best of luck in your search.

As for size of truck, my wife isn't really keen on driving or getting in and out of a full size truck, actually Im not either, we are downsizing to just the one truck and she is shorter than I am and has a bad knee. 

Thanks again and if you have any other thoughts please let me know. 

Just another factor to consider.

We tow our 2021 R-pod 196 with a 2019 Chevy Colorado with the tow package. Be sure to get the tow package with whatever vehicle you decide on. You want the trailer braker controller, etc.  The Colorado has a 7,000 pound tow capacity so we have some safety margin even with a loaded trailer and stuff in the bed of the truck. We generally carry bicycles in the bed of the truck along with a spare propane tank, etc. We also use a WDH hitch to add another margin of safety. We get 12-14 mpg when towing and up to 30 mpg without the R-pod on the back. Wind and drag are the biggest impact and we try to keep it at 65 mph on major highways. We are are also higher up in Montana which impacts mileage.

Any of the smaller trucks should work. We got the Colorado because my wife could get in it without running boards. Try them out and have both of you drive it before deciding.

Can I ask, what is the difference in buying a truck with a tow package versus having the correct hitch and electric brake system installed yourself by a dealer or shop?

Sometimes you will get heavy duty shocks and/or springs and maybe a better, more aggressive set of tires. On the higher end vehicles you will often see an enhanced camera system and possibly 'trailer memories'. On the really high-end vehicles I have seen a sort of automated 'semi hands-free' trailer backing system. 

It all depends on the specs of the particular vehicle and the manufacturers options.

The factory tow package is generally far more than just the hitch. In our case (2015 F150), it included upgraded suspension, wiring for the 7-pin, transmission cooler. Ours did not come with the integrated brake controller, but it was wired for it. In retrospect, getting the brake controller from the factory would have been the preferred option.

The back up system uses a checkerboard target on the trailer tongue.  It works really well when the target stays in sight.  But when it looses the target usually due to an uneven surface combined with a sharp turn, it gets lost and you have to either pull forward until the target is relocated or just do it manually.  In as much as I am a devout Luddite, I'd just as soon do it myself the old fashioned way.

Here is a video of the back up system:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tby3A29osDg - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tby3A29osDg

It works pretty well on flat ground, even at relatively sharp turns, but it's that rolled curb with an uneven surface the rest of the way to the gate that causes me problems.  In a parking lot, you could drive around backwards all day if you liked and would have no problem with moderately sharp turns.  Using it is also a function of getting used to steering with that little knob.  Like I say, I'm a Luddite and learning new technology tricks for this old dawg is always challenging.

If the back up system was sold as a costly separate option on its own, for my purposes I wouldn't bother with it. 

When you are looking for a vehice to tow your Trailer, what gear ratio is adequate?     

Thanks in Advance.....

BTW - the power converter is an option on Fords other than Hybrids.  My understanding is it is standard on Hybrids.

In regard to regenerative braking, in old motor/generator elevators they used to burn a lightbulb to deal with the energy captured in the ascent of the elevator.  [Contrary to popular belief, the descent is what uses the most energy because the counterweights have to be lifted and they're really heavy.]  Maybe electric vehicles can install a giant search light pointing up on the roof of the car to burn off that excess energy from driving down hill.  

Or maybe add an electric heater for the cabin to dump excess energy to? (might be a problem in the summer... Hrmmm)