Tow vehicle for 2022 Escape 17B

[Diane&Doug]

Any recommendations for a good towing vehicle? All my research points to a Kia Tulleride or Toyota Highlander. We own a Toyota Sienna (2002!) and a Toyota Corolla (2010) and both haver served us well so I am leaning towards the Highlander but have read lots of good things about the KIA. Also, not sure what extras are required. This is our first trailer. HELP!!!

[gbaglo]

Many of us here towing with Highlander and happy with the vehicle and reliability. I'd let KIA build a reputation, other than that of being less expensive.
I have 2020 Highlander XLE. I went with the factory hitch receiver ( more expensive, but less obtrusive ) and 7-pin wiring and brake controller installation was handled by a shop here called Burnaby Hitch.

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

I don't think you could go wrong with the Toyota Highlander.

[Ops]

A neighbour pulled his 21 foot stick built from Vancouver Island to Nova Scotia and back 2 years ago with his 2018 Highlander (almost 12,000kms/7500miles). There are plenty of others tugging Escape 19s with Highlanders without any issues.

As you said, your Toyota's have served you well, as have mine.

So like gbaglo said, [I"]let KIA build a stronger reputation"[/I] before jumping into their drivers seat. Two things with Toyota - they have reliability and lower depreciation (and before anyone says it... I know they aren't perfect).

But those two things have to be factored into the equation if you're planning on holding onto any vehicle past its warranty period.

[Bobbie54]

One downside of the Toyota (and I don't know about the Kia) is that at least in the past what Toyota calls the tow package does not mean the trailer is ready to tow anything. I was happy with my Honda Ridgeline in part because all I had to do to tow was add a ball and a brake controller- which was prewired.

On the other hand- the Highlander is a very nice car, so worth checking what the tow package includes nowadays.

[gbaglo]

If you do go with Highlander, you don't want the rear captain seats. They don't fold flat. Go with bench seats. Also, the foot-operated rear hatch isn't compatible with the hitch receiver ( in 2020 anyway ).

[Diane&Doug]

Thank you to everyone for some great insights and advice. Very much appreciated!

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by Diane&Doug

Any recommendations for a good towing vehicle? All my research points to a Kia Tulleride or Toyota Highlander. We own a Toyota Sienna (2002!) and a Toyota Corolla (2010) and both haver served us well so I am leaning towards the Highlander but have read lots of good things about the KIA. Also, not sure what extras are required. This is our first trailer. HELP!!!

If you're getting a new tow vehicle, get one that can tow 5000 lbs (which both the Telluride and the Highlander do), and spend the extra $3000 on the trailer and get an Escape 19.

[camp4528]

Originally Posted by TTMartin

If you're getting a new tow vehicle, get one that can tow 5000 lbs (which both the Telluride and the Highlander do), and spend the extra $3000 on the trailer and get an Escape 19.

And you can bid on one of the three inventory Escape 19’s this week!!

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by camp4528

And you can bid on one of the three inventory Escape 19’s this week!!

I haven't looked, but, i suspect those inventory trailers are optioned well beyond a $3000 price difference.

[Diane&Doug]

So funny! We typically do backcountry camping with a canoe and a tent so the 17B feels like a luxury hotel to us but we should maybe think about it.....

[gbaglo]

My pick for a trailer is also the 19'
You can have friends for dinner or cards in inclement weather. Dinette can be converted to a bed to accommodate the grandkids. Aisle is wider to accommodate my beer belly.

[Fox hunt]

i towed my 17B with a highlander i love that car towed very well i miss it ! had to get an F150 when i got my 5.0.

[Diane&Doug]

Thank you for that recommendation. Feeling pretty good about the Highlander.

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by Diane&Doug

So funny! We typically do backcountry camping with a canoe and a tent so the 17B feels like a luxury hotel to us but we should maybe think about it.....

My personal opinion is that the tandem axle of the Escape 19 makes it a superior choice for both freeways and forest roads.

On freeways tandem axle trailers are less prone to sway. Plus, a tandem axle trailer has twice the number of trailer brakes.

On forest roads as you go over road imperfections tandem axles allow one wheel to carry the load as the other wheel transitions over the pothole. This reduces the severe side to side tilting you can experience with a single axle trailer. Approach and departure angles are similar because the front and rear axle spacing makes up for the additional length. 4 wheels distributes the weight over a greater area.

That doesn't even take into account the larger fridge and more freshwater that allows you to stay out longer. Also, depending on how tall you are the extra headroom is a plus. I'm 6' tall and our trailer has an air conditioner. The vents of the AC take away 3 inches of headroom. Do, my head clears it in my 19, it wouldn't without the extra headroom.

[Doug2000]

Originally Posted by TTMartin

If you're getting a new tow vehicle, get one that can tow 5000 lbs (which both the Telluride and the Highlander do), and spend the extra $3000 on the trailer and get an Escape 19.

I second that. Our 17B lacked storage and I hated sleeping on the dinette. If your using a SUV to tow, storage will be a premium. We had a Tacoma and storage wasn't a problem then upgraded to a 4Runner and we had less room for gear. For the price when purchasing new, get the 19.

[Doug2000]

Originally Posted by Diane&Doug

Thank you for that recommendation. Feeling pretty good about the Highlander.

After owning a few Toyotas, why change brands. I have had 7 Toyotas and no check engine lights or repairs, just oil, brakes and tires.

Consider the 4Runner, full frame big 4.0L truck motor, ours was awesome, but I missed having a truck so we got a thirsty Tundra.

[Diane&Doug]

This forum has us revisiting our decision on a 17B vs the 19. Grateful to have the time to research this again. Will reach out to Escape and find a 19 in our area so we can see it live. Thank you for all your comments. What a great resource!

[thunderworks]

Originally Posted by Diane&Doug

This forum has us revisiting our decision on a 17B vs the 19. Grateful to have the time to research this again. Will reach out to Escape and find a 19 in our area so we can see it live. Thank you for all your comments. What a great resource!

We moved up from a 17’ Casita to an Escape 19. Apart of the larger bed (which would make the change worthwhile on its own), the increase in storage and counter space is significant.

Do find a 19 to look at . . . I predict you like it.

[Diane&Doug]

We are going to look at a 19 on Monday! Thankful for everyone’s input. Invaluable!