SUV Towing
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 113
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SUV Towing
Thought I'd start here in travel wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a reliable, not underpowered but not oversized SUV suitable for towing 2 full size bikes and a trailer. I'm guessing towing capacity 3500 (more than I need makes more sense than just making the recommended)Would be picking up something used for around 20k max. siftiing thru all the reviews and models, thought i might be abel to narrow it down with some input. Have been a sedan driver, never owned a SUV.
Thank you
Thank you
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,302
Likes: 275
From: Milton, Delaware
I had a Murano that pulled my single bike with no problem at all. At times I would forget it was back there. This is with the back of the Murano loaded down with 'stuff' for the trip.
I'm now pulling a 2 bike (Deuce & EGUC) trailer with my 2010 CTS (V6). It pulls it just fine but it is a bit underpowered when doing a standing start. It's not badly underpowered, just would prefer a bit more umph to it.
I'm now pulling a 2 bike (Deuce & EGUC) trailer with my 2010 CTS (V6). It pulls it just fine but it is a bit underpowered when doing a standing start. It's not badly underpowered, just would prefer a bit more umph to it.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 480
Likes: 17
From: Northern Virginia
You did not say if you will be using an open trailer or an enclosed trailer. For two full sized motorcycles and the trailer weight you will probably want trailer brakes. Personally I would look for a previous model Ford Explorer or something similar (built on a truck frame). I use a 4x4 Chevrolet Silverado crew cab pickup and an enclosed trailer. Highway mileage with 2 motorcycles in the trailer is about 12 - 13 mpg over relatively flat terrain (I-95) from Virginia to Florida.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
I have a 3/4 ton GMC Sierra SLE Diesel, crew cab, short box. I was tried of under powered under capacity vehicles for towing.
The Diesel is probably overkill for what you want. But my advise to you is whatever you get make sure it's rated for towing from the factory. You need an HD transmission with a tranny cooler. They sell vehicles that have a rated towing capacity, but when you put them to the test on a long highway trip and heat up the transmission you'll be facing a several thousand dollar bill to put in a new tranny.
I had a chevy 1/2 4x4 that I used one time to haul a u-haul trailer 1/2 way across Canada. Within a couple weeks of getting home, first was slipping, then it wouldn't go into reverse. Then first gave up all together. $2000 bucks later I had a new tranny put in.
So heed this warning and take it seriously. Tanny cooler, factory rated for towing, or don't get it.
The Diesel is probably overkill for what you want. But my advise to you is whatever you get make sure it's rated for towing from the factory. You need an HD transmission with a tranny cooler. They sell vehicles that have a rated towing capacity, but when you put them to the test on a long highway trip and heat up the transmission you'll be facing a several thousand dollar bill to put in a new tranny.
I had a chevy 1/2 4x4 that I used one time to haul a u-haul trailer 1/2 way across Canada. Within a couple weeks of getting home, first was slipping, then it wouldn't go into reverse. Then first gave up all together. $2000 bucks later I had a new tranny put in.
So heed this warning and take it seriously. Tanny cooler, factory rated for towing, or don't get it.
Stage IV
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: USA
Why Tow when you can Ride. Now that that is out of the way, a little more info from the OP would assist. Will this be your daily driver, number passengers, will you be driving/parking in a large city, do you need 4x4. Just asking because these will factor into whatever you purchase, and will affect towing, parking, MPG and best bang for your buck.
IMHO, a diesel truck is overkill unless you have a need. Yes, I have one and have a need for it, but that is another topic. My wife towed two bikes on a 4'x10' open trailer when we relocated for career purposes using a 08' Ford F-150 Crewcab with 4.6L. We ran flat and hills and the truck never missed a beat. Mileage averaged about 16-17MPG. Trailer and bikes toether weighed in at 4200 lbs. So, what I am saying is I would recommend a 1/2 ton pickup. You can put a topper on back to store stuff, have room for passengers and enough umph to get where you need to go, and occasionally haul something if the need arises. Just my $.02 worth.
IMHO, a diesel truck is overkill unless you have a need. Yes, I have one and have a need for it, but that is another topic. My wife towed two bikes on a 4'x10' open trailer when we relocated for career purposes using a 08' Ford F-150 Crewcab with 4.6L. We ran flat and hills and the truck never missed a beat. Mileage averaged about 16-17MPG. Trailer and bikes toether weighed in at 4200 lbs. So, what I am saying is I would recommend a 1/2 ton pickup. You can put a topper on back to store stuff, have room for passengers and enough umph to get where you need to go, and occasionally haul something if the need arises. Just my $.02 worth.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 826
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
BMW X5 4.4i. Rides like a big car but can easily pull your bikes. 4.4 V8 between 2004-2006 has 315 HP, 325 Ft lbs torque. And they will outlast anything else. A 2006 books for around $15k, and if your worried about maintenance find an independent BMW mechanic. http://www.bimmershops.com Oil changed are easy as well as most preventive maintenance.
Last edited by doc ock; Nov 12, 2013 at 01:50 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 98
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From: Manitoba
I have an '06 Chevy Avalanche that works great for towing. It's very comfortable to drive, too.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,994
Likes: 5,230
From: Michigan
Before buying a vehicle it is very important to read the owner's manual to check for both towing, and tongue weight capacity, to see that it is rated to pull the combined weight of your trailer and your bike(s).
In the GM line, the mid-sized SUV's (Traverse, Acadia, Enclave) usually have a towing capacity of 5500 lbs, or so, but the smaller models (Equinox, Terrain, etc., have a much lower capacity so it's import to be selective when you're shopping.
When I had an enclosed trailer and a 1500 (1/2 ton p.u) I never towed with the trans in O.D. and I kept the RPM's between 2,000 to 2,500.
Not great MPG's, but the engine and trans stayed cool.
My DuraMax diesel, with an Allison trans, pulls most trailers in O.D but I use the "Trailer Mode" in hilly country. With the price of diesel fuel these days, and the cost of buying a diesel, I wouldn't recommend buying one unless you have a great need for it.
Open style trailers are much easier (and cheaper) to tow than enclosed models, and aluminum are much lighter than steel models, but there's also a price difference, but we all have to make our own choices.
In the GM line, the mid-sized SUV's (Traverse, Acadia, Enclave) usually have a towing capacity of 5500 lbs, or so, but the smaller models (Equinox, Terrain, etc., have a much lower capacity so it's import to be selective when you're shopping.
When I had an enclosed trailer and a 1500 (1/2 ton p.u) I never towed with the trans in O.D. and I kept the RPM's between 2,000 to 2,500.
Not great MPG's, but the engine and trans stayed cool.
My DuraMax diesel, with an Allison trans, pulls most trailers in O.D but I use the "Trailer Mode" in hilly country. With the price of diesel fuel these days, and the cost of buying a diesel, I wouldn't recommend buying one unless you have a great need for it.
Open style trailers are much easier (and cheaper) to tow than enclosed models, and aluminum are much lighter than steel models, but there's also a price difference, but we all have to make our own choices.
Honda ridgeline or pilot would be an excellent choice. I just sold my ridgeline because I needed more than the 5000 lb towing capacity, but for your needs it will more than suffice. I would avoid used luxury SUVs, the reliability is horrible on BMW, AUDI and others. A quick google search will show overall reliability from JD powers or consumer reports.