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SUV for towing over 5k lbs

heyjerr

heyjerr

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We are currently looking into buying a boat in the near future (TBD) for Lake Tahoe. We anticipate being on the lake all day many times, so I want to make sure there is a small porta potty room. Unfortunately, this means I will want to buy a larger boat (bowrider, >23'). When I add up the boat, trailer, fuel, supplies, etc, the weight goes beyond the 5k towing limit of my 2020 4Runner. I tend to keep my vehicles for many years, so I am looking for a used SUV that is fairly new and reliable while still having some offroad capability.

Currently I'm leaning towards a Z71 Tahoe but am wondering if I have overlooked other options. Curious to know what others might think.
--for those who might recommend a pickup truck, what are your thoughts on driving over Donner Summit during a snowstorm w/o adding weight in the truckbed?
 
Toyota sequoia.

Depending on the year of manufacture, GM v8s in many (not all, depends on the truck or suv) are crapping out under 100k miles. There might be a huge lawsuit either filed or about to be. Google it
 
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We are on our third Tahoe… had one since 2005 and can’t see being without one.

Can’t go wrong with a Chevy!
 
The most important number is the vehicle maximum payload weight. With the suv loaded with all your supplies plus passengers you will hit your max payload way before you hit your max tow weight.
 
A 2500 series Suburban or Yukon XL would be my choice over a Tahoe
Maybe even a 3500 Suburban HD
 
heyjerr said:
We are currently looking into buying a boat in the near future (TBD) for Lake Tahoe. We anticipate being on the lake all day many times, so I want to make sure there is a small porta potty room. Unfortunately, this means I will want to buy a larger boat (bowrider, >23'). When I add up the boat, trailer, fuel, supplies, etc, the weight goes beyond the 5k towing limit of my 2020 4Runner. I tend to keep my vehicles for many years, so I am looking for a used SUV that is fairly new and reliable while still having some offroad capability.

Currently I'm leaning towards a Z71 Tahoe but am wondering if I have overlooked other options. Curious to know what others might think.
--for those who might recommend a pickup truck, what are your thoughts on driving over Donner Summit during a snowstorm w/o adding weight in the truckbed?
Click to expand...
Porsche Cayenne GTS
 
2006 H1Alpha HUMMER
  • Engine: 6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel 300 H.P. 520 lb. ft.
  • Allison Electronic 5 speed Automatic Transmission.
  • Or a good Dodge 2500 or 3500 with turbo diesel and 4 wheel drive.
 
I believe many models of the dodge durango get to the 7000 lbs tow rating.

I have a Ranger ford claims will tow 7000 lbs. have not tested that out yet.
 
Gullwing said:
Which large SUV has the best/strongest transmission?


I would go with a GLS450 or 580, but I am picky.
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If OP is considering used, even the pedestrian GLE 350 (2019 or earlier with the M276 v6) has a minimum towing capacity of 6k, up to 7.7k with 4matic and the tow package. I am surprised the 4runners capacity is so low.
 
Para87frame said:
If OP is considering used, even the pedestrian GLE 350 (2019 or earlier with the M276 v6) has a minimum towing capacity of 6k, up to 7.7k with 4matic and the tow package. I am surprised the 4runners capacity is so low.
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Towing capacity isn’t everything. GLE350 will be underpowered.

I’ve towed my 19’ Yamaha boat with the wife’s GLC43. It pulls fine, plenty of power, but I still prefer to tow with my v8 truck. Took it out one time just to see what it would be. If you change to a 2” hitch, the towing capacity goes up to I think 5,000 (in US, they only sell factory with 1.5” hitch, which limits capacity).

I would highly suggest a n/a v8 for towing. Just my preference though.


And 4 runners are dogs. Most pathetic gutless engine. It was an option for us until we drove one. Even the wife didn’t want to pull into busy traffic in that pos.

IMG_1727.jpeg
 
doz said:
Towing capacity isn’t everything. GLE350 will be underpowered.
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Funny how today (current model year) 255HP 205 Torque is weak, when that would have been great 20-30 years ago. But yeah all that with 2.0 liter 4 cylinder isn't what I would choose for towing. the 450 with 375 and 369 is better. 2019 spec is 302 and 273 from 3.5 liter V6

Make me a good offer and I would part with my 2014 GL450. 4.7 liter twin turbo V8. Sure similar specs to current 3.0 liter I6, but with a simple tune it can make over 500HP and torque. Though mine wasn't set up for towing from the factory and haven't located the electrical plug, huge oversight on my part.
 
I ran a 26 foot Chapparal boat with 99 2500 HD Chevy truck. No problem.

Also toward my buddies 26 foot Nordic heat from South to North Shore Tahoe no, problem.
 
doz said:
And 4 runners are dogs. Most pathetic gutless engine. It was an option for us until we drove one. Even the wife didn’t want to pull into busy traffic in that pos.
Click to expand...

Big thing about the 4Runner is that it has a throttle lag. $300 for the pedal commander and that is gone. My wife was driving an A6 and hated the 4Runner until I made that mod, after which she found it much more acceptable. The Pedal Commander doesn't give you more power but it lets you access what you have much more readily. Cruise control was never able to stay in one gear before that update.

Now if the PC added towing capacity, I would've been really happy!
 
Why not go all the way to the F950 Super Duty Ford? Plenty of towing capacity there!
 
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