EVOizmm

iTrader: (10)

I'm in your exact shoes. I don’t see any issue with pulling a flatbed behind an explorer. As for safety goes, if the trailer has trailer brakes, you should be just fine. Sure you can’t blast at 80mph, but its pretty easy to leave an hour earlier and cruise at 65. Here in Wisconsin, we don’t even know what a mountain is.

Robevo RS

iTrader: (16)

maybe for a reason. Yes we did tow in the beginning woth expoler and then i had a Mitsubishi Monetro Limited ( not a sport) mean while both has enough power to tow , they cant be even mentioned really for a longer distance towing vehicle. For short distances yes they can handle , but a long one its just a pain for everyone including a vehichle.

The Expolere had an air suspension in the bac,k so it was a little better on that field then a Montero. The montero did eat up the fender liner on the rear, but towed much better then the Explorer. Either way if you have a longer distances towing a head , you need a dedicated towing vehicle .
Makes your life , others on the road and the vehicle life MUCH easier.

Rob

EVOizmm

iTrader: (10)

i agree, if towing 500+ miles, a nice 3/4ton trunk is the better choice.

but lets say you only need to get 200-300 miles to the track, 3-4 times a year. AND you also drive 100 miles a day to/from work. To have a $20k+ tow truck take up precious driveway space and just sit there 360days a year isn’t ideal.

Now take $4-5k on an SUV, that could be driven and used for other things besides just towing. This sounds much more appealing. And if the only drawbacks are only being able to go 65mph and have to ride the hills more, and take your time, well I can live with that.

Let the flaming commence…..

Robevo RS

iTrader: (16)

Some new ford toyota ttucks has an equaly good gas milage vs the big suv. Fact the tundra runs under me 17mpg avarge dd. Also sits 5 people very comfortable. I cant se ANY advantige vs her comparable counter part the sequia. Probabaly same for the f150 vs the expoler today.
Plus when you transport tools gas tires etc. It is better if they are not in the cabin.
Of course its my opinion, but this was my base of the tundra vs sequia choice at the dealer when i bought my truck. So for me dd or towing, there is 0 advantige crew max truck vs any big suv which would be decent for towing. Unless u regularly transport 7-8 people...

EVOizmm

iTrader: (10)

I think you missed my price point. $4-5k. instead of buying a $20k truck, I'll pay 4-5k, and spend $15k on track time/tires throughout the year.

to each his own. I just love to go fast.

jerdeitzel

iTrader: (9)

This is a debate that will never end! Look at an old 4runner for a good cheap vehicle that can tow. ( and is pretty darn good off road)

Balrok

iTrader: (15)

The point isn't to knock an upgraded tow rig lol, it's to review what you have/had. Just like you don't "need" a stroker and turbo to go round a track fast...but it'll make going fast easier.

I'd have a Duramax and enclosed all day, but I can only currently afford my shortbed 1/2 ton and open steel trailer...which has no cruse....uncomfortable seats....power nothing....and struggles going up overpass's. 130 miles to Sebring is bad enough, going to Road Atlanta would suck.

Robevo RS

iTrader: (16)

Yes for that money i dont think you can get a decent truck.

EVOizmm

iTrader: (10)

4 years ago i used my 99 dodge ram and an open steel trailer. put probably 30k pulling miles on it, drove it out to New York and back even. It pulled just fine. Got the truck for $3500k and trailer for $1500. Yes it had a bench seat and crank windows, but pulled perfectly fine.

jerdeitzel

iTrader: (9)

If i were to want and spend 50k or better on just a tow vehicle i think i'd look at an RV! There are some good deals out there and it for sure is the best way to go for trackside comfort. And i bet it tow's just fine!

FWIW, i have towed my car on an open trailer with my new Grand Cherokee and can say that it feels just fine towing 5000lbs. I have gotten 13mpg towing and with the air ride suspension it still rides very nice. The tranny temps only went up an average of 3 degree's while towing. (yes it has a trans cooler and gauge from the factory). Downside is, i seem to only get 14-15 mpg around town. without towing.

18bora

iTrader: (8)

I averaged 12.8 mpg towing to the Glen with my Pathfinder, cruising around 65-70mph. That was about 5 hours trip through PA mountains/hills and it towed without a problem. However, it felt a bit uncomfortable above 75mph and got a little hairy at 90mph. Trailer brakes make a huge difference!

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Team Foren

iTrader: (1)

Take off the Kognition wing and you might get an extra 2 mpg!

18bora

iTrader: (8)

I was thinking about reversing it...... extra 4 mpg!

Kidloco51

iTrader: (32)

12.8 is damn good for that pathfinder. What motor do those have?

18bora

iTrader: (8)

4.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine
Horsepower – 266 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque – 288 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm