Tow Vehicle Suggestions for 196

[FalconEddie]

I need to get rid of my 2000 Expedition and would like to downsize and still be able to pull my 196. I don't travel with it much...mostly just on and off the ramp. What towing capacity is needed to go the job well?

[TRDon]

Anything that can tow 3500 lbs roughly. Anything with a 2" tow reciever and a decent v6 will work. Heck, I think a minivan will typically pull a 3500lb trailer.

[Rick]

My 196 with dual axle trailer weights 4000lbs wet. For years I towed it with a Dodge Caravan and Chevy Uplander. They are all rated to tow at 3500 lbs. I towed as far as 1000 miles round trip. All you have to do is not force it up the hills and be careful braking. I agree with TRDon, any V6 minivan will work.

[DanielC]

I tow my 1997 Ski Nautique with a Ford Aerostar. It is too bad you can not find a mid sized rear wheel drive van anymore.

[jmo]

I think it depends on the length of the trips you take, and how much gear & the number of passengers you want in the car while towing. I would never recommend towing with a vehicle where yoy are maxing out what the vehicle can handle since it will kick the crap out it and be harder to control in emergency situations.

If you just need it to launch and retreive a few times a season then I wouldn't be worried about being at the max, though going over will be a big problem from a liability perspective if you are ever in an accident.

Towing with a vehicle thats maxed out isn't fun if its a long trip, IMHO this is a case where more is better, the more hp, braking, vehicle size and weight lend themselves to a pleasant towing experience.

If you want to down size and don't mind a truck, look at the Toyota tacoma with v6 engine and towing package - that gets you into a max tow weight of 6400 pounds.

[wawasee]

I had a GMC Acadia. It had tow capacity at 4500 lbs. it had a tow button on the dash and could haul our 211 beautifully. I would think most any small suv that has 4500 capacity can do the trick. My dad would haul his old Century with his Lincoln town car back in the early '90s.

[sstexan]

Heat is one of the biggest issue with tow vehicles. You can't get away with maxing out a vehicle very long in 100+ degrees Texas weather. Throw some hills around Austin into play and let me know how those minivans do. I see your from Illinois so you guys see milder temps which shouldn't be a problem. Just watch your coolant and tranny temps and take it easy...

I have heard great things about the GMC Acadia...

[Double D]

I always ask, does your trailer have brakes? Most vehicles mentioned can pull your boat, but can they stop it? If you have trailer brakes and they work, you should be fine. My trailer doesnt have brakes and I used to pull with a 95 S series Blazer. Once I added the transmission cooler it hauled ok, but stopping quickly was a whole different issue. My two cents.


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