Crankster78,

Good advice, thank you.

Greetings

Just make sure whatever you buy has at least a 4500 pound tow rating,  the longer the wheel base the better.

Crankster78

Tow Vehicles ?

Anyone towing with a latest model Chrysler Pacifica of most recent Honda Odyssey  ?

I have been towing my 2013 R-177 with my 14 yo, 210 k miles Toyota Sienna but it's time to buy something new. I don't want a truck or an SUV, SUVs don't have the storage space a van does. My Sienna has 225 hp and works hard to pull the Pod and mileage is horrific, 9-10 mpg but I can live with that while towing because when not towing the Sienna gets 24 mpg on the highway.

Given my preference to avoid trucks and SUVs what suggestions does anyone have?

Ron

Midland, MI

Originally posted by kwaters We are new owners.  Our old Toyota truck has trouble pulling the pod uphill and that is where I want to go.  What, in your opinions, would be the smallest SUV or truck I could have that would pull the pod comfortably??  I am getting push back from my guy.  He isn't sure at this point that he wants to pull a trailer and I want to be able to keep it even if I have to go on my own or with girlfriends. HELP!!

Tacoma? Tundra? Trouble pulling uphill defined as what? Keeping 65 to 70 mph? Headwind also? So many factors that are not known.

We tow with a Nissan Frontier which is similar to the Tacoma. Ours is a 4L V6. What engine is in your truck? What speed are you trying to maintain going uphill? The only time I have problems are if I get stuck behind a tractor-trailer and have to slow down because I can't pass. Then it is slow going to try to gain speed back once I can pass. The engine makes its strongest torque (the ability to apply the horsepower to the ground) at higher engine RPMs. Putting your truck in a tow/haul mode (if available) or turning off overdrive (my option in the Frontier) helps. Deciding that I don't have to be the first one up the hill also helps. As long as you can maintain an adequate speed up the hill (greater than 45 mph), you are probably okay.

Agree with Richand Cindy above; at least 4500 lb tow capacity.  That being said, 2 of the 3 vehicles I have towed my 177 (2400 lb empty) with are: '08 Explorer and '13 Explorer.  Both can tow 5000 lbs.  Only have used a sway bar (no wdh) to haul with, have been in the Rockies 4x with these vehicles, no issues or problems towing.

I am not saying this is the Best vehicle to tow with, but it does work for the 177 and my driving style, which is speed limit or a bit below, after all, I am not in a hurry and want to enjoy the roses along the journey.