compacts/midsizes that tow heavy w/weight distributing class 2 hitch avail?

[stillsearching]

I'm trying to compile up a list of potential future 'minor tow' vehicles for hauling my junk around. :^) I've already moved heavier than I probably should with a Saturn SL (trailer/cargo/car was 4400lbs on scales combined) but need to know what the next step up is.

The highest rating I normally ever see for FWD vehicles like minivans is 3500lbs, and sometimes small SUV's have those ratings too - but i'm not really looking for a minivan or SUV. (too wide, too tall, too low of MPG for daily driving) I'm looking for the best MPG daily driver capable of moving class 2 weights safely. I can get a class 2 folding trailer with brakes that stores easily in the garage, that's why i'm wanting to design around its limit with a 3500lb axle.

I already know about the VW Jettas and Passats who especially in diesel pull more than nearly anyone - something like 4000lbs on the Passat in Europe. What i'm curious is what else is even in the running? I'm also looking for those that support class 2 weight distributing hitches since without that it wont be as safe. (i'm no even sure if an official weight distributing hitch is made for Jetta/Passat though, anyone know??)

I saw on some european site that the new Mazda 3 series seems to tow almost 3000lbs there, which really impressed me. Mazda 3 review - Mazda tow cars | Practical Caravan It's the highest rating i've seen for a compact. They also review the Mazda 6 for 3300lbs max.

I'm just as curious about things made 20 years ago as today as I normally only use older vehicles anyways due to finances.

The easy answer is "just get a VW!" but outside of tow ability they do not always have the best reliability markers or lowest maintenance costs. :^)

[Hersbird]

In the US they won't have the official stamp, but cars like my 2002 Forester manual have a 4000-4400 pound rating in other countries but only a 2000 pound rating here. The cars are identical, the laywers are different. I tow a waverunner or utility trailer pretty often but they are both under 2000 pounds. You hardly notice them back there.

[ChillyBear]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

In the US they won't have the official stamp, but cars like my 2002 Forester manual have a 4000-4400 pound rating in other countries but only a 2000 pound rating here. The cars are identical, the laywers are different. I tow a waverunner or utility trailer pretty often but they are both under 2000 pounds. You hardly notice them back there.

This is very true, American ratings are for liability reasons. You could tow more than the weight of your car with a load distribution system, brakes, and some caution. You probably won't hurt the engine or trans, but troopers will likely stop you.

Talking with CDL drivers and expediters, they said that as long as your vehicle is level and not obviously out of control, you can go over your vehicle's gross limit and avoid tickets, especially as a non professional driver.

Like you mentioned with the vw, IIRC, the beetle is rated for 8-1,200lbs... Something in that range, but in Europe, it's in the range of 3,000-4,500lbs. If you have an auto and a trans cooler, you ought to be fine with whatever you can keep from swaying.

[Fat Charlie]

My 05 Subaru was 2700#.

[Hersbird]

I was surprised to see the new Cherokee get a 4500 pound rating with the v6, the Caravan is next with 3600 pounds, then the Journey only gets 2500 pounds. All not small. The little city vans from both Ford and Ram have some towing ability but I think they are 2000 pounds.
I say it's all a ploy to get people to buy big pickups and SUVs

[roosterk0031]

Most of the V6 Compact CUV are rated 3500, 2.0 ecoboost is as well. This would be the Equinox, Outlander GT, Escape and Rav4 class.

https://www.cars.com/articles/top-10...1420680544464/

Assuming your on a college budget, I'd be looking for a 200x Equinox 3400 v6. An Mitsubishi Endeavor from back then would be interesting as well, MPG not so good and timing belt engine. Last of the Montero/Montero Sports(5000 rating) could do it on a budget, what you save on purchase price you can afford to spend on gas & timing belt.


http://www.trailerlife.com/trailer-towing-guides/

[Hersbird]

Originally Posted by roosterk0031

Most of the V6 Compact CUV are rated 3500, 2.0 ecoboost is as well. This would be the Equinox, Outlander GT, Escape and Rav4 class.

https://www.cars.com/articles/top-10...1420680544464/

Assuming your on a college budget, I'd be looking for a 200x Equinox 3400 v6. An Mitsubishi Endeavor from back then would be interesting as well, MPG not so good and timing belt engine. Last of the Montero/Montero Sports(5000 rating) could do it on a budget, what you save on purchase price you can afford to spend on gas & timing belt.

This is why the 4500# rating on the Cherokee surprised me, it's built on the Dart platform of all things. It also gets pretty good MPG as a 4wd, it is just terrible looking IMO, and to new to be cheap.

I think the most capable, least expensive by far is going to be the Grand Caravan. New the AVP can be had well under $20k, and used even with the current 2011 up 3.6 powerhouse are 10-15k lightly used. Go back to the previous generations and they still have a 3500# rating and can be had quite nice sub $5000. Also a plus you don't need a trailer most times as they are cavernous. Our 2011 will get 29 mpg on a full tank hand caculated highway 65mph.

[Fat Charlie]

The 4500# on the Cherokee is almost as surprising as the 2000# on the Promaster City. It's a 2" class 2.

[jray3]

My 112 mpge i-Miev tows loads up to about 1000 lbs admirably (strong regenerative braking should come with every tow vehicle). However, for 'real loads', I picked up an '87 F250 Diesel with the HD rear axle and only 110k miles for $1800, and I only activate insurance beyond 'storage' on the days that I use it. It isn't challenged until the trailer exceeds about 7k lbs going up a local grade that slows heavy semis to 35 mph., but of course only gets 12 to 15 mpg. Between the two of them, my average mpg equivalent is still north of 80. Plus, the truck could carry the i-MiEV if required, though so far I've only towed the i-MiEV in a trailer, as the truck doesn't have a flatbed.

Pushing the limits is fun, but sometimes it's not expensive to get the right tool for the job.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by jray3

I only activate insurance beyond 'storage' on the days that I use it.

What is storage insurance? Does it cover you if someone steals the car and then wrecks it?