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Old 03-19-2014, 10:35 PM   #1
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Tow vehicle for Escape 19

We are looking at buying an Escape 19 and our current vehicle is up for replacement (2005 Highlander).
I am considering either a Jeep Grand Cherokee (6 cal with towing package) or a Toyota 4 Runner.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a towing capacity of 6200 lbs while the 4 Runner has a towing capacity of 4700 lbs. The wheelbase is 12 cm longer on the 4 Runner.

Any recommendations on what you think would be the best tow vehicle? (we will use the trailer for trips to Utah and Arizona)

We only need one family vehicle and a pickup truck is not an option as a daily driver. And I really want to avoid a 7 passenger vehicle with three rows of seats
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Old 03-19-2014, 11:39 PM   #2
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New or newer Highlander? Tows 5,000 pounds with the tow package.
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Old 03-20-2014, 12:06 AM   #3
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Suggest you Google reliability of the Jeep, and 4-Runner. Can't remember where I read that the Jeep GC has some problems in that area.
When it comes to the 4-Runner, I read that it rides like a truck. That could become an issue as a every-day family vehicle.
I've been amusing myself by thinking what vehicle I would get to replace my RAV4. Reluctantly, I think it would be the Highlander. If I had to.
My buddy has the same issue replacing his Hyundai Santa Fe. He doesn't want or need 7 seats, but has to take it to get the tow capacity.
Maybe run the Highlander for another couple years? Save some money, and hope that somebody comes up with a vehicle that you want to buy.
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Old 03-20-2014, 09:26 AM   #4
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Tow vehicles

When we bought our 19 in 2010 we felt we needed more than our Honda Ridgeline, did not want to go back to the full size pickup so we went with the Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Dodge hemi engine. We now tow the 21 with it and could not be more satisfied. It is not complicated in the drivers seat as the BMW and a lot cheaper than the Porsche or Mercedes SUV even though it has the under carriage designed by Mercedes when they owned Chrysler/jeep. We have the nice ride, short turn radius, and all of the power and good gas mileage. After 60,000 miles, half towing, the upkeep has been minimal although a 30,000 mile spark plug change cost $260 at the dealer because of 16 plugs and a couple of hours work. I'm getting too old to reach over a fender to do that work. This is my first Jeep and I may replace it with another when the time comes. Mine is a 2011 model and the new ones probably are a little different even though they look the same.
Jack
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Old 03-20-2014, 09:45 AM   #5
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Jack,

I've been looking at the 2014 Jeep GC (diesel engine). What do you use for towing mirrors? Are the standard/stock mirrors adequate? I have not been able to find an after market match for the 2014 Jeep (yet).
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Old 03-20-2014, 10:30 AM   #6
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After towing our 19 with a Chevy Traverse, I'm going to put in a plug for the 3 row SUV anyway. For a number of reasons, including a pending order for a new 5.0 TA, we now have a new Silverado 1500 that drives like a truck (but I am getting 22-24 mpg on the highway). Despite it's size, the Traverse drove like a car. The AWD version tows 5200 lbs and we didn't need the equalizer hitch...virtually no sag when the trailer was connected. More than enough power and reserve capacity. With the back seats down, we had abundant extra storage for all of the items that just didn't fit in the 19 or were used infrequently (golf clubs). It was extremely comfortable for the longer days. Highway mileage was 20-22 mpg without the trailer and 15-16 mpg with. We also have a Santa Fe Sport (the 5 seater). Even as light as the 19 is, it's too much trailer for the Santa Fe in my opinion. If we weren't looking at the 5.0 TA, I would go back to the Traverse in a heartbeat (same as GMC Acadia or Buick Enclave (minus $10K worth of chrome) ).
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Old 03-20-2014, 10:37 AM   #7
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One thing I cannot understand about the Jeeps is why they make them with such cramped interior seating. Being 6'7" knee room is the first thing I notice. That's a big reason why I went for a Ford Explorer and now a Chevy Tahoe. If the seat don't fit, you must acquit.
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Old 03-20-2014, 01:00 PM   #8
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read some posts recently stating such and such vehicle has such and such tow capacity. remember that max tow capacity generally means 1 skinny driver with no cargo on tug. there are other ratings to keep in mind such as payload, GCWR.
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Old 03-20-2014, 02:06 PM   #9
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Dave, if you need a 5000# tow capacity but don't need 4WD and off-road capabilities, gbaglo's suggestion of evaluating the redesigned Highlander with a tow package is a good one.

If you do need off-road abilities, it would be worth comparing Consumer Reports' reliability ratings for the 4Runner vs. the JGC. The difference in owners' reports on reliability is dramatic. All 4Runners are still made in Japan and my 1998 SR5, and now my 2011 Trail Edition, have been highly reliable.

If you don't go off-road, but would still like AWD for slippery conditions, the Highlander offers that option. Both the 4Runner and the Highlander transmissions allow you to upshift and downshift with a tap on the shift lever. This is a big advantage when towing, or any time you want to be in charge of shift points.

Have fun test-driving!
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Old 03-20-2014, 02:19 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Whiting View Post
We only need one family vehicle and a pickup truck is not an option as a daily driver. And I really want to avoid a 7 passenger vehicle with three rows of seats
I had the same thing in mind, not wanting third row seating, but with many vehicles I found it wasn't an option to not have them. We ended up getting the Pilot that has them, and have actually used the third row a lot more than I thought we would. In most cases it just saved us from travelling with a second vehicle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cargofool View Post
read some posts recently stating such and such vehicle has such and such tow capacity. remember that max tow capacity generally means 1 skinny driver with no cargo on tug. there are other ratings to keep in mind such as payload, GCWR.
While this is definitely something to keep in mind, and many do not bother to consider cargo weight when towing, you still do have some wiggle room with many vehicles. I know with my Pilot I can carry 1,322 lbs (600 kg). of weight. Things that are almost always included, are me, my wife, our dog, the trailer hitch weight, and fuel. A quick guess is that that might be about 900 lbs, leaving us to carry an additional 400 lbs. We are lucky if we ever exceed 200 lbs. Now, if we started adding a couple more people, we would have to be more careful of the cargo weight.

Also with adding people, and cargo weight, it reduces the maximum hitch weight allowed. A chart in my owners manual suggest if I have 4 occupants of 150 lbs, my max tongue weight should be 330 lbs.
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Old 03-20-2014, 02:53 PM   #11
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Myron, My 2002 Tundra still fits me like a glove. Peter
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Old 03-20-2014, 03:11 PM   #12
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tow a 19

With the 19 I was able to just use the stock mirrors on the jeep GC, I could see straight down the side and that covered the next lane over. When 4" were added with the 21 I bought the Milenco mirrors that so many people liked and I agree with them. They clip on the top or bottom of the mirror housing and slide in or out. I cut a couple of inches off the rod so that I could bring them in closer to the stock mirrors and the rod would not touch the door. I didn't want anything against the paint on the mirror housing.
I should be a Rockies fan as I was born and raised in Colorado, and we are there every year at some time between April and October. This is the reason for the close to 400 lbs. of torque I want in my TV. The new diesel has that but I'm going to wait a while to change, I still have 40,000 miles on my warranty and 21 to 23 mpg hiway and 15 to 16 mpg towing at speed limit plus some. I do use premium when towing though as I usually do, trying to get max advance if the magic parts will handle any more.
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Old 03-20-2014, 09:07 PM   #13
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Jack,
Does your manual specify premium gas or is that your choice? My Ram specifies mid range and have wondered if the xtra octane may improve my mpg?
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Old 03-20-2014, 09:25 PM   #14
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From all that I've read and heard, you are just wasting money buying higher octane gas than specified.
Engines these days are computer controlled and the computer is programmed for the gas specified.
Doesn't stop me from using mid-grade to climb the Coquihalla, but the experts say there is no advantage.
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Old 03-21-2014, 09:17 AM   #15
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Many high-performance engines are designed to operate with a high maximum compression, and thus demand fuels of higher octane. A common misconception is that power output or fuel efficiency can be improved by burning fuel of higher octane than that specified by the engine manufacturer. The power output of an engine depends in part on the energy density of the fuel being burnt. Fuels of different octane ratings may have similar densities, but because switching to a higher octane fuel does not add more hydrocarbon content or oxygen, the engine cannot develop more power.
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Old 03-21-2014, 09:40 AM   #16
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tow vehicles for 19 or 21

Jim, my jeep book also says I can use 87 but 89 is preferred. I use 91 when towing to cover the times that I do not get what I think I am buying. I have read in other places that 91 is a good idea when towing, maybe a little extra insurance as I do push at times and I would like to do my part to help out. If I felt I needed to reduce travel expenses I would still spend on my vehicles and cut down on the beer/wine.
While in the book just now towing info for the 2wd, hemi GC:
GCWR--13,200
GTW---7400
MAX TW-740
my GC--5300#

I figure I'm under GCWR by at least 3000#
Under tongue by 200#
Under TW by 3000#

Reasons I'll probably buy another just like this one.
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Old 03-21-2014, 10:38 AM   #17
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As long as you don't hear pinging (detonation) with regular gasoline you should be OK without spending money on the premium fuel. It is true that premium fuel may allow the engine management system to advance the spark timing more which would make more power. Whether it is a worthwhile gain for the dollar is up to you. Detonation if allowed to happen will damage your engine, so put better fuel in if you hear it.
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Old 03-21-2014, 11:16 AM   #18
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Just to muddle things even more auto manufacturers have been slow to adopt the new SAE trailering standards. Toyota was one of the first to do so, it generally reduces the amount a vehicle can tow. Ford, GM and RAM are agreeing to rate their vehicles using the new standards in 2015.

PS We love our 4runner, have had 2 (a V6 and V8. Very comfortable, reliable ride towing and around town. A friend just bought a new Jeep GC, nice car - tough choice, good luck.
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Old 03-21-2014, 03:33 PM   #19
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I recently saw on the news that some "premium" vehicle manufacturers were recommending higher octane fuels than required because owners or prospective owners expected premium fuel for their premium vehicles.
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Old 03-21-2014, 04:59 PM   #20
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tow vehicles for 19 or 21

There is a reason most states check the "posted" octane on fuel pumps. I have over the years had detonation when I shouldn't have and then needed to gently burn a tank down until I could add a good name brand fuel. Most of the cars I have owned did not have computers, it was up to me to adjust the timing so I am a little too sensitive and not too trusting of signs.
Jack

P.S. my wife has one of the cheapest new little cars that has good performance on 1.4 liters but it does require premium to get the performance and mileage.
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