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Old 05-22-2017, 06:03 PM   #1
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Current top picks for tow vehicle for 21'

Curious as to what vehicle to start looking at to pull an Escape 21'? Pros/Cons?
Thanks!

Bobby VanWinkle
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Old 05-22-2017, 06:15 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vanwinkp View Post
Curious as to what vehicle to start looking at to pull an Escape 21'? Pros/Cons?
Thanks!

Bobby VanWinkle
Can you narrow it down at all?

Pickup truck? (lots to pick from)

Full sized SUV? (lots to pick from)

Mid-sized SUV that has a big towing capacity? Such as Dodge Durango (with the big engine) , or an Audi Q7 3.0 ...?

I'd look at torque #'s, not just horsepower.

You'll get lots of opinions here, but if you narrow down what you think you'd like, plus budget, plus new or used, then that'll help a lot.

John
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Old 05-22-2017, 06:30 PM   #3
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FWIW, we're loving our 2016 Ford F-150 XLT Supercrew Fx4 5.0L V8 - tow package, integrated brake controller, #7000 payload option! Rock solid towing performance without a WDH, pleasure to drive.
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Old 05-22-2017, 06:34 PM   #4
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That is one nice rig.

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Old 05-22-2017, 06:40 PM   #5
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Looks like the perfect combination to me . A great truck towing a great trailer.
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Old 05-22-2017, 08:35 PM   #6
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I also think you should look at how you plan to camp first. Campsites with services vs boon docking; long distance travel vs shorter ranging trips where you park it for a week; minimal room for extra gear vs lots of room.

I have a Tundra with canopy, boat rack and often boat on top. We love towing our Escape 21, but if we didn't boon dock and fish maybe an SUV would be a better choice. If your tow vehicle has to serve as a second vehicle in an urban setting, then the ease of parking, gas mileage, etc. would be important. Our small 2005 Tundra fits in our garage, but if we had a larger truck it would have to be parked outside and be subject to break ins (2 trucks broken into on our street this winter). If you don't get an SUV and opt for a truck, consider getting the canopy to give you lots of space to keep your STUFF dry.

When it comes to brand (Ford, Chef, Toyota, Dodge, etc.) we all have our reasons to proclaim ours the best and as you can see my loyalty is to Toyota. If you do plan on carrying a significant amount of camping gear be aware that the 1/2 ton pickups payload capacity can be very low, despite the truck looking beefy. The variation in payload capacity between configurations can vary by over 600 lbs for the same brand of truck. There is a lot of good information on this and other vehicle features on the forum, so be sure to search the threads. Good hunting!

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Old 05-22-2017, 08:50 PM   #7
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Old 05-22-2017, 09:15 PM   #8
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When I ordered our new tow vehicle, we were planning to get a Casita trailer and I was saying that I wanted a tow that would only use a third of its towing capacity. Several months later we discovered the Escape trailers and ended up getting the 21. Since I had ordered so much overkill and towing options on the GMC, it was no problem to hook on to the 21 even though a little more of my capacity is being used.

I load the truck and trailer and don't pay any attention to weights or worry about anything. The truck more or less plays with the trailer and that trailer tows like it is part of the truck. Just get a little extra size and weight on your tow and you won't regret it. I have to admit though that this vehicle is mainly a tow and trip vehicle and not a daily driver. It is a hog around town. Loren
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Old 05-22-2017, 10:55 PM   #9
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Ours is a 2013 F-150 "Egoboost" Supercrew, with matching ARE cap. One reason we like it is the back seat floor of the cab is completely flat and our dog's kennel rides there with minimal bumping and discomfort for our Mavis.
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Old 05-23-2017, 02:21 AM   #10
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Yes I like that too the back seats fold up and I put a dog bed on the floor keeps the seats clean for humans
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Old 05-23-2017, 08:59 AM   #11
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Yes I like that too the back seats fold up and I put a dog bed on the floor keeps the seats clean for humans
And we also like it because it gets about 5 mpg better than our old, Big Blue Gas Hawg (6-cyl. 1999 F-150) did.
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Old 05-23-2017, 12:36 PM   #12
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Open flat floor area

For those who haven't seen the flat floor and open space in the rear seat area of a current model Ford F-150 Supercrew cab, here are a few photos (seats down, seats up). It's a big plus for those travelling with large pets or other big things you want to keep in a climate controlled area similar to an SUV where a flat floor with high ceiling is beneficial. Rear doors open almost 90 degrees for easy pass-through (far door is only partially open for better lighting in these photos).
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Old 05-23-2017, 02:46 PM   #13
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I would add my voice to those who like the F150. We have a 2012 with a 3.5L Ecoboost and a Leer topper on the back. Tows very well, lots of room under the topper for gear, firewood, generator, etc. Back seat room is awesome for our furry camping companions and grand kids. Plus, ITS BLUE!

Attached pic is a one night boon dock at my mother-in-laws as we were passing thru.
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Old 05-24-2017, 12:02 AM   #14
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For our Family of 5 .. the extra space in the Sequoia allows the kiddies to streach out a bit more



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Old 05-24-2017, 05:13 AM   #15
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We have a a Toyota Tundra, 4.7 V8. Tows the 21' smooth and easy. The trailer tucks in right behind it. They have an integrated brake controller now adays too. I use it as my daily driver and it is big, but the smaller V8 Helps. At some point truck will just be towing and trips.

I used to tow with a Tacoma, and hills, and other things were a struggle, for me, I like the power and comfort that I can just Go when needed.

My advice would just be to NOT skimp on towing capacity. Then find the vehicle you enjoy driving and can maneuver.
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Old 05-24-2017, 07:19 AM   #16
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Recent update on my trip to Osoyoos, 4009 miles, avg speed 51 mph, avg mpg 15.3 mpg, total operating hours, 71. My mileage ranged from 16 initially, dropped to 12 with head winds, remained low crossing Arizona. Once in California, started to rise to 13, slowly crept up to 14 and upon arrival after crossing border topped out at 15 for the avg. Using high test helps at least in my Ram 5.7l v8, approximate cost for 4,000 miles is $1,000.
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Old 05-24-2017, 09:53 AM   #17
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Thank You!

Thank you for all of the excellent feedback regarding a tow vehicle for a 21' Escape! I appreciate it very much!

Bobby & Tricia VanWinkle
Midlothian, TX
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Old 05-24-2017, 10:14 AM   #18
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A tow vehicle with a little extra capacity is seldom a problem.
An undersized or marginal tow vehicle usually is.
What works well in the flat land of the central US may not in the Mountain States. My V6 truck was fine when towing in Wisconsin but in the mountains of Tennessee it was a disaster , both for me and others
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Old 05-24-2017, 10:29 AM   #19
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We haven't bought a 21 yet but are looking to. We have an Audi Q7 TDI that should have no issues towing it while still being manageable around town. I am hoping to see 20mpg on flat highway towing with the diesel.
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Old 05-24-2017, 10:43 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cpaharley2008 View Post
Recent update on my trip to Osoyoos, 4009 miles, avg speed 51 mph, avg mpg 15.3 mpg, total operating hours, 71. My mileage ranged from 16 initially, dropped to 12 with head winds, remained low crossing Arizona. Once in California, started to rise to 13, slowly crept up to 14 and upon arrival after crossing border topped out at 15 for the avg. Using high test helps at least in my Ram 5.7l v8, approximate cost for 4,000 miles is $1,000.
So, Jim, is this your current trip, with your new 19? Or a previous trip when you were pulling the 21? (Either way, it's a long way around to Osoyoos!)
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