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Posts: 21
| My Nissan Armada is about to give up the ghost.
Wondering what anyone is using to pull a 620 (250 optimax, 9.9 kicker) or similar.
I've been looking at the Dodge Durango V8, Grand Cherokee diesel, maybe the new V8 GMC Yukon (not the larger engine). Looking to try and get better mileage than the 12 gallons to the mile I was getting with the Armada.
Looking more towards an SUV vs a truck.
Like to know what you like / dislike about what your using.
Jim |
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Posts: 284
Location: Eagan, MN | My 2012 Yukon gets about 12 miles/ga. when pulling my 621. Not great, but plenty of power and pretty good room for people and gear. The third bench seat is a joke though. I pulled those out and rarely/never use them since basically your passagers in the third row are sitting on the floor. It's a decent SUV, pretty basic console, but rougher riding (don't get the larger wheels) and louder than the newer Armadas (I drove one for a week very recently). I got 190K out of my last Yukon, so thought I'd do it again. I might have looked harder at what others had to offer in hindsight though. Brian |
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Posts: 117
Location: Northern Illinois | A Ford Excursion with the 7.3 or the 6.0 diesel would probably be a good choice. The diesel would have better torque and fuel economy than the gas engines would. |
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Posts: 99
Location: West Virginia | I pull my 620 with a GMC crew cab with a duramax diesel. Once I get out of the hills of West Virginia, I get around 17 to 17.5 mpg's. Around 15 local. The boat pulls so nice that it's overkill, but it's nice to have it if you need it. I like the larger wheel base vehicles. The weight of a towing vehicle means a lot, feels like you have full control. I would not like towing with a grand Cherokee, even if it does have enough power. Can you tow it to the lake, yes. Would you enjoy a cross country trip from the hills of WV to LOTW, probably not. Just depends on where you'll be fishing. |
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Posts: 60
| I have the exact same boat and motor set up, and I have been researching the heck out of this issue.
My conclusion: Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel. Tremendous low end torque, and you will get 16 towing that rig. That is double my Bro in Law's 6.3 liter Yukon. Engine is getting rave reviews, and the Ram truck with the same engine just won truck of the year.
Good luck.
Steve |
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Posts: 1416
Location: oconomowoc, wi | F250 6.2 L V8 gas. 12mpg pulling boat. |
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Posts: 455
| Toyota land cruiser. Bit expensive but sweet. |
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Posts: 791
Location: WI | Tahoe or Yukon. 12ish pulling a boat. 16-18mpg driving around town. Good 4wd system and enough suspension to handle a big glass boat. |
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Posts: 21
| Thanks for all the comments.
Any concern about the Jeep GC being too light, with the boat wagging the truck? Does anyone know anyone who has the Jeep diesel and how it tows? ALso, a little concerned about the Jeep reliability (new consumer reports lists it as a great vehicle, but reliability at the bottom, but then nothing that tows a lot generally gets a good rating). Also looking at the Durango R/T, which seems to have a tighter suspension.
Talked with my brother (who is a mechanic) and he isn't too thrilled with the Jeep or Dodge.
That is one of the reasons I was thinking about the new Yukon. But the new Yukon also is about $10k more than the Jeep and may not be in dealers showroom until the summer.
Jim |
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Posts: 114
| Going through this same dilemma now. I drive 48 miles one way to work everyday and have a Subaru Legacy for my commute. Wife doesn't drive very far and wants a newer SUV, so it will double as my tow vehicle. I'm looking at a 5,000 pound rig with boat and trailer (21' Striper Walkaround) What I've found so far.....
Although the Jeep has all the balls to pull, you're looking at a very short wheelbase. My wife loves the JGC Overland with the panoramic sunroof and a 5.7l Hemi. I have read several reviews on theHullTruth where guys say it pulls great, no problems, but gets pushed all over the place. Also the rear end is 3.09. Weak.
There are Tahoes/Yukons available with the "Heavy Duty Tow Package" that includes an external air to oil cooler for both the engine and tranny. I'm guessing this is the one to get if you're going to get a Tahoe/Yukon
Other vehicles I have considered were the Dodge Durango with a Hemi, but as someone else stated I'm weary of Chrysler/Dodge vehicles, Jeep included. I am likely going to settle on a Tahoe.
Also, I know the Tahoe Hybrid is a 6.0l with the fuel cell. Does anyone have experience with this vehicle and towing?
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Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | I don't pull a boat that big, and I tow with a 1/2 ton pickup - extended cab 6.5' box.
I'd be pretty leery of pulling a boat of that length and weight with the Jeep. Power to pull is only one thing to consider. I'd want something with a longer wheel base to pull a loaded 620. I think the Yukon would be my choice in the vehicles you listed. |
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Posts: 258
Location: Mayville, WI | Although the Jeep has all the balls to pull, you're looking at a very short wheelbase.
The older GC's did have a shorter wheel base, comparatively. But, the new Cherokee is roughly the same size as the old GC, with the new GC being bigger.
Grand Cherokee wheelbase: 114.8"
Yukon wheelbase: 116"
You can get 3.45 in the rear end and the new diesel sounds amazing. I will be looking hard at one when I have to upgrade in a year or two. My main complaint is they make them too fancy now...
sc |
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Posts: 25
| We are looking for the same thing. Went up to the big Auto Show in MPLS last week and found a Toyota Sequoia. Never new this SUV existed. Has a bigger engine than my Ford F150 and has a truck style wheel base. Not the best gas mileage, but no SUV has good gas mileage. We will be getting one of these. They fit our needs better than all the rest of the SUV's on the market! |
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Posts: 131
Location: Lake St. Clair | I two with a crew cab powerstroke and it is awesome for towing. Plenty of power I. The new 6.7 and tons of room in a crew can. The long wheel base is great and gives that total control feeling. I get about 16 mph towing which is about the same as I normally get. I two a 20' Tuffy w 200 opti and a tandem axle trailer. That being said, the rig is heavy but not that heavy. No much strain on the truck at all. If you are committed to an SUV, the excursion would be a great choice with the powerstroke in it. I really like towing with a diesel because of the low amount of strain a boat load will put on it. |
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Posts: 136
Location: Dane Country | I have a 2004 Ford Expedition. My boat is not as heavy as yours. I have a 4.6 and 3:73 in the rears. Seating for 8 plenty of storage. I tow a 1987 Muskie Rampage with a 75hp. Mariner. My friend tows his wakeboard boat with an Expedition that has the 5.4 motor. I feel you are going to sacrifice a little somewhere. The big SUV have plenty of comfort and room, but they are heavy and towing a heavy boat will not do much for mpg. I average 14.5 city, 19-20mpg highway.
Edited by Scooter70 3/22/2014 5:41 AM
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | the Yota Sequoia should come with a field of oil wells and a refinery … you'll fund a few over the years you own it. had one, another problem is they are rust buckets quickly if you live in a place with constant snow and road salt. |
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Posts: 358
| I love my Toyota Tundra Crewmax not 1 issue since new in 2007. Plenty of power. |
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Posts: 38
| i second the toyota tundra rock warrior package awsome for towing |
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Posts: 326
Location: Plainfield IL | I have owned 2 Toyota Sequoia's. 2003 with the 4.6 and a 2008 with the 5.7 towing a Triton 205 and a Ranger 620. I have had 0 problems with either truck. My brother tows a 24' Wakeboard boat with a 2008 Tundra. Another buddy tows a 23' bowrider with a 2010 Tundra. All have had zero issues. Do your research and you will be happy with your purchase. Alot of people have "heard of stories" or issues with trucks and or boats. Talk with the owners. There are a ton of owners forums out there that you can review.
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Posts: 21
| Thanks for all the replies. I think I'm more confused now than I was before. Went on a couple of test drives today. Like the ride of the GC Diesel, diesel was not too loud. GMC Yukon was a bit rougher ride, but that is to be expected. 3rd row in Yukon is still not very good, unless you like eating your knees. Also, got some more specs (although not positive, since some weren't on mfg. website):
Durango V8 hemi - 5331 curb weight, 119.8 wheel base, 14/22 mileage, 3.09 axle (use to be 3.45), 7200 max towing
Jeep GC Diesel - 4,955 curb weight, 114.8 wheel base, 21/28 mileage, 3.45 axle, 7,200 max towing
GMC Yukon 2015 - 5,308 curb weight, 116.0 wheel base, 16/22 mileage, 3.42 axle, 8,500 max tow rating
Concerned about the comments people have about you can tow with any of them, but people would be concerned about stopping / boat ramp with the GC or Durango.
Going to have to do some more thinking.
Edited by zekeekez 3/24/2014 5:36 PM
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Posts: 238
Location: Rhinelander | If it has to be a SUV my choice would be suburban.
Currently own a Suburban, Tahoe and 4 door cab 1/2 ton pick-up towing a Ranger 690vs.
All (3) trucks will tow the boat fine, but the suburban and pickup perform ahead of the tahoe because of longer wheel base. All (3) are 3.42 rear ends with 5.3 engines.
Your choice, but wouldn't get a sub-size SUV towing a 620.
Tow your boat with all three on a test drive...... |
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