Tow vehicle

[GinoandLinda]

As owner of a 5.7L Tundra those sound like impressive numbers to me.

Agreed. Very good mileage. Good for the poster.

 

[z'cachers]

500 miles so far, 21C fully loaded, truck loaded (including terriers) 14.7mpg in the hills, 16.7 flat highway. It's silky smooth.
I like it.

Arrived at Navarre FL yesterday. 750 miles 14.2 MPG. I am a big fan of the twin turbo v-6 Tundra.

 

[Janettefu]

I tow my 2022 19 with a 2018 F150 3.5 L Ecoboost with FX package. My configuration has max tow of 9800 pounds. I know that's overkill but I will become a full timer middle of this year and I am in the West and plan on being in the mountains a lot. I think it tows really well. I get 13 tow MPG. I like the extended gas tank.

 

[BravoDeltaRomeo]

As owner of a 5.7L Tundra those sound like impressive numbers to me.

I don't even get those numbers without towing.

2019 Tundra

 

[GinoandLinda]

I don't even get those numbers without towing.

2019 Tundra

A friend of mine had a 5.7L Tundra. He always lamented that he should have gotten the gas station option with it . He did love his truck, though and it seemed reliable.

 

[BravoDeltaRomeo]

A friend of mine had a 5.7L Tundra. He always lamented that he should have gotten the gas station option with it . He did love his truck, though and it seemed reliable.

In all fairness I didn't my research before we bought so we knew how bad the mpg was.

We bought it for the reliability and nonsense features and electronics.

My wife's RAV4 off sets the gas costs a bit.

I don't really look at the mpg setting any more and don't worry about it.

 

[Selkirk]

I think all new modern 1/2 ton trucks are quite fuel efficient for what they are. Virtually all of them get better mileage than my much smaller/lighter 2nd Gen Tacoma.

I've never been that concerned with my Tacoma's mileage, as I've saved far more money over the last 10 years due to its high reliability, reasonable maintenance costs, and minimal unexpected repairs than what I've spent extra on gas.

My big concern is that despite the increase in mileage overall improvement in power/towing capability, none of the new mid or full-size trucks currently available are going to be comparable to what I currently own with respect to long term ownership costs.

 

[Chamberman]

My big concern is that despite the increase in mileage overall improvement in power/towing capability, none of the new mid or full-size trucks currently available are going to be comparable to what I currently own with respect to long term ownership costs.

Have you considered the Nissan Frontier? I know a number of people that own the older model with the 4.0 V6 that have proven to be quite reliable. My bro-in-law bought a new one back in 2012 and with close to 200k miles on it, he has done little other than normal maintenance. I'm not sure about the transmission in the newer models, but I do not see the 3.8 V6 in the current Frontier as being any worse as far as reliability than the old 4.0L was.

 

[GinoandLinda]

Have you considered the Nissan Frontier? I know a number of people that own the older model with the 4.0 V6 that have proven to be quite reliable. My bro-in-law bought a new one back in 2012 and with close to 200k miles on it, he has done little other than normal maintenance. I'm not sure about the transmission in the newer models, but I do not see the 3.8 V6 in the current Frontier as being any worse as far as reliability than the old 4.0L was.

Even though I drive an F150 now, I am still a huge fan of the Frontier. Easily one of the most underrated mid-size trucks out there, especially the D40 (2005-2021) models. Depending which sources you read, the later models in that generation had better reliability numbers than similar Tacomas. The draw backs for being used as tow vehicles are the same for most mid-size trucks: payload, fuel economy, and fuel capacity.

 

[Chamberman]

The draw backs for being used as tow vehicles are the same for most mid-size trucks: payload, fuel economy, and fuel capacity.

The Frontier is better than most others in the mid-sized truck fuel capacity category. It has a 21 gal tank versus 18.X gal for many others. I believe only the Colorado offers a similar sized tank. This may not sound like a lot of difference, but you have to remember that most tanks will still have 2 - 3 gal in the tank when it registers close to empty. That means an 18 gal tank has about 15 gal usable, the 21 gal tank has about 18 gal of usable, a 20% increase.

For anyone that wonders why I say the last few gallons in the tank aren't usable. You don't want to run a modern in-tank fuel pump dry, the fuel is the lubrication/cooling for the pump. Running a tank dry is a recipe for a dead pump and the dealer would love to charge you $1500 - $2k or even more to drop your fuel tank and install a new pump for you.

Of course you can always carry a 5 gal gas can in the truck, but that eats up valuable bed space.

 

[sumac.rhus (2017 17B)]

Hi. I had a Tacoma that I loved but unfortunately it developed a rust issue on the frame. I was looking at the 4 Runner but it and most other vehicles only have a 5000lbs tow rating. I don’t think that’s enough as I live near mountains so almost any trip means up and down the hills. I don’t want to wreck the engine of a new vehicle

I don’t know if this is useful to you, but 2025 4Runner tow capacity 6000#. I don’t have an Escape 19…so no idea what your needs might be.

 

[Mike G]

I have towed my 2nd gen E19 over 5000 miles with a Ford Ranger Raptor. Tow rating is 5500 lbs and payload is 1350. This setup works very well with no wdh or sway bars. If I was buying a new Ranger, I would get the newly available 2.7 V6. Tow rating would increase to 7500 and payload to 1800 ish. In my opinion living in the Rocky Mountains, an engine with a turbocharger is a huge asset towing up long hills. Mileage 15 to 16 mpg (US).

Curious to know your towing speed to achieve that mpg, and which engine in your Ranger?

 

[dkirk]

Towing speed is mostly 100 kph (62 mph). I have the 3 litre v6 engine.

 

[Selkirk]

Have you considered the Nissan Frontier? I know a number of people that own the older model with the 4.0 V6 that have proven to be quite reliable. My bro-in-law bought a new one back in 2012 and with close to 200k miles on it, he has done little other than normal maintenance. I'm not sure about the transmission in the newer models, but I do not see the 3.8 V6 in the current Frontier as being any worse as far as reliability than the old 4.0L was.

I think the Frontier is a decent choice. Nissan trucks don't seem to suffer from the same reliability issues that plague their cars. They tend to fly under the radar in the current mid-size market. All you have to do is visit Mexico to realize that the Frontier (or the derivatives developed from the same platform) are indeed built to work. The Frontier's power and tow ratings are similar if not slightly better than my 2nd gen 4.0L Tacoma. I'd probably seriously consider one if I had a E17 or smaller trailer.

However, my next TV needs to have significantly more power/towing capability for my E19 than the Frontier provides. I'm considering vehicles with around 400lb-ft torque, 7500lbs+ tow rating, and 1500-2000lbs payload.

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

i spent 4 months traveling around mainland maxico earlier this year, indeed saw a lot of nissan trucks... thing is, most of them looked like junk. saw even more toyota hilux both old and new, also mitsubishi l200's and others that aren't sold here.

 

[SecondWind]

Maybe that would be me?? I still have my Colorado diesel and I would heartily recommend this pickup for towing a 19, but sadly, GM no longer makes either the Colorado or Canyon with the diesel. So a new one is not possible. This is very unfortunate, as their mpg, both towing and not towing, is unmatched, as far as I can tell. On my last trip towing my 19, my truck averaged 19.2 mpg up and down mountain grades of Idaho. I think the only truck that comes close is the Dodge Ram Ecodiesel, which has also been discontinued.

That said, if a person could find a late model used diesel Colorado, Canyon, or Dodge Ecodiesel, these would definitely be worth considering, depending on what a person wants. And if I was going to replace my 2017 Colorado, after much deliberation and researching the options and costs, I would probably do so with a 2024 Colorado, with the more powerful turbo 4 cylinder gas engine. The 2024 Colorados and Canyons are rated to tow 7,700 lbs and would make great tow vehicles for a 19, as did their predecessors. I would also consider a 2024 Tacoma but am waiting to see what the mpg ratings are for the hybrid trim. From what others have said, however, whatever it is may not translate to very good mpg while towing. But, if a person loves Toyotas and prefers a mid size pickup, the 2024 Tacoma lineup, hybrid or not, is definitely worth a look.

Other than that, lots of folks here love towing their Escapes with F-150s and other full size half tons. And Chevy is making a 3.0L diesel 1500 that is rated with almost as high mpg as the diesel Colorados, so they may be worth consideration as well, although the cost of a new one does become a factor. Then there is a whole suite of SUV options out there. Hopefully everyone will chime in!!

How many miles have you got on your Colorado diesel? Has it had any mechanical problems? TY!

 

[salmo7000]

How many miles have you got on your Colorado diesel? Has it had any mechanical problems? TY!

I have about 112,000 miles on it right now. The only mechanical problems I’ve had have been predictably associated with the emissions system, which unfortunately is part of owning a modern diesel in the US (not sure about Canada??). Anyway, at about 65,000 miles, the DEF heater went belly up. That was a warranty fix. At about 102,000 miles, I had to replace the NOX sensor, which is a common problem. That was not a warranty fix, but it wasn’t an expensive one either. I think it cost maybe $200.00 USD.

The only other problem I had was my neighbor’s dog chewed the trailer wiring harness, which had to be replaced. But that wasn’t the fault of the truck…

The truck is currently running as well or better than it ever has. In my opinion, the 2.7L Duramax in these mid size trucks is a great combination, and I would buy a new one in the next year or so if I had that option. It’s been a perfect match for my Escape, and the fuel economy can’t be beat. Nothing would make me happier than hearing a rumor that GM has decided to make them again in 2026, but I doubt that will happen.

 

[SecondWind]

I have about 112,000 miles on it right now. The only mechanical problems I’ve had have been predictably associated with the emissions system, which unfortunately is part of owning a modern diesel in the US (not sure about Canada??). Anyway, at about 65,000 miles, the DEF heater went belly up. That was a warranty fix. At about 102,000 miles, I had to replace the NOX sensor, which is a common problem. That was not a warranty fix, but it wasn’t an expensive one either. I think it cost maybe $200.00 USD.

The only other problem I had was my neighbor’s dog chewed the trailer wiring harness, which had to be replaced. But that wasn’t the fault of the truck…

The truck is currently running as well or better than it ever has. In my opinion, the 2.7L Duramax in these mid size trucks is a great combination, and I would buy a new one in the next year or so if I had that option. It’s been a perfect match for my Escape, and the fuel economy can’t be beat. Nothing would make me happier than hearing a rumor that GM has decided to make them again in 2026, but I doubt that will happen.

Thanks for all the info! Gosh, sorry about the dog chew, that’s kinda unique….perhaps it was attracted to the soy in the wire wrapping like rodents are??? I’ve had diesel vehicles in the past and I love the mpg. It’s tempting to buy a used diesel Colorado, but I worry about finding diesel mechanics as needed as I roam around the country….

 

[CharlesinGA]

The scary part of any engine with a rubber oil pump drive belt running wet in oil is the failure of it. There are several engines on the market now using wet belts and they generally do not hold up well at all.

Those engines, including the little Duramax, get crossed off my list of future vehicles.

I love my old 5.9L Cummins.

Charles

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

...
The only other problem I had was my neighbor’s dog chewed the trailer wiring harness, which had to be replaced. But that wasn’t the fault of the truck…
,,,

how the heck did a dog get to the wiring harness ?!?