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Old 07-21-2018, 12:25 PM   #1
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info needed on..??

I need some suggestions for a tow vehicle,not a pickup,capable of handing a 380# tongue wt without needing wt dist bars..(my RA condition makes it very painful,even impossible,for me to handle them).is there an SUV for me out there somewhere? My '95 1950 is app 3500# dry as equipped..Janalee
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Old 07-21-2018, 07:04 PM   #2
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Hi Janalee,

I am assuming this is for your T1950?

When the camper is loaded the loaded tongue weight will be above the 380# tongue weight. It could be more in the 550 to 650 for fully loaded range. The 650# tongue weight will be harder to make work but if you can trim down to the 500 to 550# range it make it more doable and I have some experience with that 500 - 550# range.

A 2500 (3/4 ton) Chevy Suburban or GMC Yukon XL (the long XL one, not the shorty Yukon) with the proper receiver hitch changed on the back of the truck. The receiver may have to be changed out if it is not adequate from a sizing or rusting situation. The truck will need to have the door sticker size and load range tires on it inflated to door sticker pressures. This would need to be between a year 2000 until 2013 as GM stopped making the 3/4 ton SUV in 2013. If you find an older the year 2000, would need to review it.

On the 2500 Suburban/Yukon XL if you have a 500# loaded tongue weight trailer in weight carrying mode, it will remove 275# off the front axle. The 3/4 ton rear axle on the truck can still handle the 750 # that will be added on the rear axle from not having a WD hitch. And still have some room in the truck for a small amount of cargo and some small number of passengers.

I have towed with a 2500 Suburban and 275# light on the front end. It was however was with a larger camper and a WD hitch but the front end effect was tolerable. I would not want to go a lot more than that but it did work.

When you get into the 1/2 ton SUV that can handle a 500# tongue weight without a WD hitch it gets real tight, real fast to stay within all the truck ratings. The suspension is very soft. They can do this "with" a WD hitch but without is harder. The 1/2 tons can run out a GVWR very quick with some cargo in the truck and more than 1 person in the truck in weight carrying mode. The rear axle would be next.

Hope this helps

John
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Old 07-21-2018, 07:08 PM   #3
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Also a 3/4 ton van may be an option. It all depends on the brand and setup though. Full size vans properly equipped can make a very good tow vehicle.
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Old 07-21-2018, 08:58 PM   #4
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I’ve heard the Dodge Durango SUV has some respectable tow ratings but haven’t looked it up.
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Old 07-22-2018, 08:30 AM   #5
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Well guys..again I thank you for your knowledgable advice! I was hoping to find something I could use for my daily drive to replace my Nissan Murano...however,I am really not wishing to get into a 2500 or larger. Have to reconsider the towing aspect and content myself with my bro towing me to campgrounds,etc.--the loss of independence kills me! I towed with full size (1500) conversion vans for years but always had my little Saturn for second vehicle, but my life has changed considerably since then. Ty again though....Janalee
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Old 07-29-2018, 07:16 PM   #6
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Perhaps a different W/D hitch with an electric tongue jack? Our Equalizer bars are very easy to connect, once the trailer tongue is lifted high enough.
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