SUV to tow 26M

[cybers]

Hi all,

I am looking into purchasing a new 26M within the next several months. I am thinking about towing the 26M (with an 50hp-70hp outboard) with a Lexus RX300 or Lexus RX350 or BMW X5 (3.0 liter). Has anyone use any of these SUVs to tow a 26M? What has been your experience? Both Lexus are rated at #3500. I talked to my Lexus dealer and they didn't recommend using either vehicle to tow (instead they try to sell my a Lexus GX470, which I don't want). The BMW is rated above #5000, so I am thinking that this might be a better (but more expensive) choice. My other option is to convince my wife to buy a third vehicle (maybe a cheap Truck or SUV for around 7K or so).

I am probably going to be towing on the highway (20-30 miles at a time), with some hills to climb (I live near Seattle).

Thanks.

[Bobby T.-26X #4767]

in mexico (Baja) it's always best to stay with a Ford product if you have a choice.
Explorer, Expedition, F-150 is always preferred as parts are sourced easily in all towns and most mechanics know how to work on them over any other vehicles.

Bob T.
"DaBob"
'02X w/ '04 90-TLDI & '06 2.5-Suzuki

[hiram6]

The two Lexi you listed don't have the rating to tow the Mac on a regular basis. The BMW with a 5000# tow rating is a better choice, but I wonder if your last idea isn't the best. Buy a used vehicle specifically for towing, a domestic frame-on construction SUV or pick-up with 4wd and a big 6 or cylinder.

I bought a used Jeep Grand Cherokee specifically for the 5000# tow rating, and have never had an issue with pulling the X up the ramp, or maintaining speed on the highway. Most importantly, the 4 wheel discs stop the Jeep and the X easily.

The two Lexus products you mentioned are both built on an upscaled version of the Toyota Camry floorpan, so in essence they are "car-based" much like a Honda CRV is basically a lifted Civic.

[baldbaby2000]

We use a Suburban, about a 5 liter engine I think. Just the boat with no motor and trailer come to almost 3300 lbs. Once you add the motor and all your stuff you'll be over 3500 lbs.

BB

[Terry]

Why does your SUV have to be such an upscale one ie Lexus/BMW.
Any car based SUV is not up to the task, so your third choice of a dedicated used truck based tow vehicle would be most suitable. The Chevy TrailBlazer or it's twin the GMC Envoy with the extended 129" wheelbase would be a good choice for a domestic tow vehicle and a new one would service you as well as the Lexus/BMW but without the image status. A two wheel drive V8 Envoy/Trailblazer EXT will tow 7100 lbs.

[Dannie]

I have a Nissan Murano with a "Factory" installed hitch to tow my 26X and have had no problems with it, but the factory hitch is expensive and they do change up the frame and mounting system from a regular U-Haul type system. Plus it allows for a very nice ride and enough room to bring passager's or gear along.

[albion]

BUY AMERICAN.

[cybers]

Thanks for all the responses and advice. I think I failed to mentioned in my first posting that I already own a Lexus RX300. My wife was hoping that it would tow the 26M. If not, she was hoping that she could trade her RX300 for either a Lexus RX350 or BMW 3.0.

That was why we are looking into either the RX350 or BMW X5. However, judging from the responses I got so far, a used domestic SUV or Truck would probably be the better approach.

Lots to think about. I guess my options are:

1. Get a use third vehicle (my first choice) dedicated to towing - maybe a domestic SUV or Truck.

2. Trade one of our current vehicles (either my wife's Lexus or my car - Infiniti G35) in for a new (or newer) SUV or Truck.

Thanks.

[Divecoz]

Or do what I am contemplating doing. Numerous fellows here have added a 2nd axel to the Mac trailer . With a axel kit, a trans cooler if needed and Air bags or shocks You'd be just fine,or so it seems from what I read.
I have an 98 Explorer Sport / 2 dr. 4x4 V6 HO . 50 k on the odom. I really dont want to part with it , so Ive been looking and reading. I think I will make the axel mod and IF . . .later if I am not happy ? Well I did all I could and I will buy a F-150 extended cab and it will really pull my twin axel trailer nicely. But I have 8 to 10 months to think and decide. Heck man there is a guy on this board towing a Mac with a Ranger. . . .but he has a twin axel trailer

[Robert]

cybers,

1.) Diesel engines will become more available soon in the USA, because of the new ultra low sulfur requirement in diesel fuel. The new diesels will come out first in luxery vehicles for people who think mpg is part of luxery.

2.) Check out the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450, do an internet search for numerous reviews. It has a 7 speed transmission and a 7500 lb. tow rating. The many speed transmission will spend much less time between gears heating up the transmission fluid and will deliver better torque at all speeds, all good for towing. Only problem, it is all new, maybe smart to wait a couple years to see if it turns out reliable. On the other hand, I think your wife would be thrilled to drive this one. BTW this Mercedes is made in the USA.

The 2007 GL450 SUV

The new GL320 CDI 4Matic will go on sale in the U.S. in January. We are guessing its price at about $57,000. It's slightly slower than the GL450 - about two seconds to 60 mph - but gets more than a third again as many miles to the gallon. By Mercedes combined city and highway testing, the GL320 CDI 4Matic gets 23.9 miles per gallon of diesel, while the GL450 gets 17.6 miles per gallon of gas. That means an extra 166 miles on a tank of fuel. That chops off almost $30 a tankful. It's not that buyers of the GL luxury SUV can't afford the cost, but we know they don't like the gasoline-guzzler image.

What's the diesel tradeoff?

The cost for this fuel efficiency can be found in performance, with the V-6 diesel GL320 CDI taking slightly more than nine seconds to get to 60 mph, while the gasoline-powered GL450 will romp to that speed at about seven-and-a-half seconds. That performance figure, supplied by Mercedes, is a bit deceiving, however. The GL320 CDI feels stronger from a stop than the GL450. The push on your backside is mostly due to the diesel's 376 lb-ft of torque, compared to the gasoline V-8's 339 lb-ft.

[Catigale]

60 grand for a car on a Mac Board.....hmmmm..sounds like Marketing did the old 'fridge pitch to the Eskimos' again...I spent 35 for a brand new VW that seats seven , sleeps four, gets 25 mph highway,pulls the Mac, and has a fridge to boot!!

Sigh

[Robert]

GMC Acadia also available as a Saturn or Buick



http://www.saturnfans.com/Cars/Outlook/


http://www.buick.com/enclave/index.jsp

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

gets 25 mph highway

[Scott]

My scooter is faster but it tows like a pig.



Matter of fact my skateboard is faster too!!

[NiceAft]

Cybers,

As you can see, this is a hot topic on this site. It has been brought up several times, all with quite a diversity of opinions.

As for me, I go for the luxury every time. If you have the disposable income to allow it (family first), go for what your heart desires

When your driving for hours, towing a Mac behind you, an ultra luxurious tow vehicle is my choice every time. My budget allowed an Envoy. I would have loved an Escalade, but couldn't pull it off. Maybe next time?


Ray