A Question About Towing a 21

[Iowa Dave]

So the Graham Brothers tow is getting the job done and the Cowboy look suits you? When are the Longhorns going on the hood.
Iowa Dave

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

So the Graham Brothers tow is getting the job done and the Cowboy look suits you? When are the Longhorns going on the hood.
Iowa Dave

Hi: Iowa Dave... First I gotta catchup!!! Last Longhorns I saw had my golf ball. I figured since I drove it into their play ground... they could keep it!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Flyfisherdan]

We tow a 2017 21' with a 2006 4Runner. I have owned several 21' trailers and have towed them with them with this 4Runner since we bought it new. That said, our 4Runner is a V 8 which includes standard engine and transmission coolers, as well as a 7,000 pound tow rating/hitch. Even though Toyota no longer offers a V8 in a 4Runner, you may want to consider purchasing one used if you can find one. They make a very good tow rig and afford good flexibility for a very versatile SUV.
Dan

[jeffrow]

Originally Posted by Flyfisherdan

We tow a 2017 21' with a 2006 4Runner. I have owned several 21' trailers and have towed them with them with this 4Runner since we bought it new. That said, our 4Runner is a V 8 which includes standard engine and transmission coolers, as well as a 7,000 pound tow rating/hitch. Even though Toyota no longer offers a V8 in a 4Runner, you may want to consider purchasing one used if you can find one. They make a very good tow rig and afford good flexibility for a very versatile SUV.

Dan

I own a V8 07 4Runner Sport 4wd and have been concerned that it may not pull my on order 21. Good to see you have had good luck with yours. Any idea on transmission temperature on uphills with yours? I am currently pulling a 17’ Casita and have been hitting 240ish on long grades. I think that temp is borderline and am concerned that the extra weight of the Escape may push me higher yet. Are you running stock cooler etc?

[Flyfisherdan]

I am running the stock coolers on my 2006 Sport Edition V8. I don't have a transmission temperature gauge, but have done 2 transmission fluid flushes in 124K and the fluid was is good shape at each change. I am conservative with driving and don't try to rail up steep grades. As you are probably aware, all towing should be done in 4th gear not 5th (D) We used to live in NM and regularly pulled in temps at or near 100 on some fairly steep grades up to 9,000'. As long as you don't overload the trailer and the 4Runner you should be fine. I also highly recommend weighing your trailer and tow vehicle fully loaded to get an accurate gross vehicle weight.

[jeffrow]

Originally Posted by Flyfisherdan

I am running the stock coolers on my 2006 Sport Edition V8. I don't have a transmission temperature gauge, but have done 2 transmission fluid flushes in 124K and the fluid was is good shape at each change. I am conservative with driving and don't try to rail up steep grades. As you are probably aware, all towing should be done in 4th gear not 5th (D) We used to live in NM and regularly pulled in temps at or near 100 on some fairly steep grades up to 9,000'. As long as you don't overload the trailer and the 4Runner you should be fine. I also highly recommend weighing your trailer and tow vehicle fully loaded to get an accurate gross vehicle weight.

If the fluid looks good that should be all that matters on these trannys. I do tow in 4th always and plan to get everything weighed. Trans services are a bit of a pain on mine as it’s a sealed unit but it’s on my list before we pick up our new trailer. I just put in the temp gauge as I wanted a delta between the two trailers, maybe I’m overthinking it. Thanks for the info, I really like my runner and want it to work for us.

[Flyfisherdan]

Jeff,

Sounds like you are squared away with paying attention to towing details, so you should be fine with your Runner. They are a great rig, and will last a long time if you maintain it. I'd say keep the 4Runner and enjoy your new trailer. Here is a pic to enjoy.

Dan

[paul]

I have been impressed with the Colorado 4 cylinder diesel from GMC People I talked with have no trouble doing the merges onto the thruway. The engine must be reliable since a large majority are reportedly sold in south asia --GM makes these in Tailand. Unfortunately the Mercedes Pickup will not be available in the next year although the new Nissan pickup is made on the same production line in the USA That diesel would be "mercedes approved"

[Gerard W]

How are you? I have Escape 21 feet and I am pulling with no problem.
Gerard W.

[Rossue]

Hi Gerard- what are towing with?

[disneydoc]

Pathfinder 2017 & on wards has a towing capacity of 6000 lbs, which should be good for a loaded 21'.

It has a Unibody & a CVT, refined & improved as per Nissan, but there are lot of disgruntled owners on the Internet who had to pay up for Transmission Replacements.

The CVT transmission would be the concern for towing purposes.

Is anybody towing with a Pathfinder ? am curious as to what their experience was ?

What do you all think about the Pathfinder towing a 21' ??

[War Eagle]

The web link below from 2016 doesn't specifically mention the Pathfinder, but....
Nissan CVT Problems - Lemon Law Case
We've heard from several sources (rumor, gossip, take it for what it's worth) that Nissan transmissions can start struggling after 75,000 miles. But again, while a Nissan problem, it's not related specifically to the Pathfinder, not yet, anyway....

[Loren & Cathy]

I guess there is no perfect tow vehicle out there that would do what everyone would like. I like the full size pickup for towing and on the open road, but in town it is a big hog. Cathy has never driven it. Loren

[Rossue]

Hard to wrong with an F-150. Would not own another vehicle with a CVT trans after trading a Murano for a Highlander. Wanted something more when moving up from a 17 to 21 and love the Yukon. Bought it with 20K miles at a big discount and now have 90K in four years and has been trouble free.

[JaneM.]

We’re looking at the Audi Q7 - maybe a 2015 as they’re so expensive. Looking forward to traveling for longer periods of time, hopefully soon.

[gbaglo]

My recollection from reviews and automotive mags is that Audi products collapse about a month after the warranty runs out. I could be wrong, but I'd certainly check it out before plunking my money down.
I haven't looked, but, I'd start here:

Lemon-Aid New and Used Cars and Trucks 2007–2018 | Dundurn Press

[Doug2000]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

My recollection from reviews and automotive mags is that Audi products collapse about a month after the warranty runs out. I could be wrong, but I'd certainly check it out before plunking my money down.
I haven't looked, but, I'd start here:

Lemon-Aid New and Used Cars and Trucks 2007–2018 | Dundurn Press

Ha Ha

My friend bought a Audi A3, 1.8T with 75000km, ran great, at 110000, the dealer called him in for a recall, soft gear on the cam shaft, the motor lost compression 2 weeks later, all he got from the dealer was a shoulder shrug. The only thing I heard about Audi is costly service calls.

[paul]

I have driven Mercedes now for 42 years but was looking at the Audi Q5 as a replacement tow vehicle. Then I watched the offset frontal crash results. The left front wheel entered the drivers foot well.--I am too old for broken ankles

The mid sized MB has better crash protection in full frontal and offset frontal. Investigate and choose wisely

[Gerard W]

I have no problem. So far so good.

[JaneM.]

Thanks. I will check that link and book out. Consumer Reports ie enamored with the Audi Q7 and I rely pretty heavily on them for information on vehicle so thought it might be an option. We currently tow with a Tacoma, but are looking for something more comfortable for long trips.