Next tow vehicle

[Matt Herron]

Hi all.  My Audi Q5 is about to be put out to pasture, and I am looking for my next daily driver/tow vehicle.  So far the list includes the BMX x5 40i and the Mercedes GLE 350.  Any experience or opinions on these two?

Thanks,

Matt (J3)

[Roy Bourgeois]

I'm using a 2024 BMW x3 successfully. It automatically detects the trailer light plug and changes all of its settings for the trailer.  The big negative is the need for premium fuel.

ROY 

[kevin anderson]

Land Cruiser or Lexus equivalent,  396,000 on 98 Land Cruiser (Series 100, 98-2007).  If you like putting money into new cars every few years, then look at something else.  If you like getting one and going and going and going, Land Cruiser is hard to beat.  Bought it when it was 5 yer old with 80,000 miles on it.  

Kevin

92

[kevin anderson]

On, and the Land Cruiser has the mandatory contest feature, a split tailgate there the top goes up and you can bungie a windshield cover to it for cover and the bottom goes down for the work bench, seating for lunch at the grid, .............1000 uses.

92

[Armand Charbonneau]

You may want to consider a Jeep Grand Cherokee.  It tows 6,500 lbs with a normally aspired V6 engine that runs on regular gas.  Four glider pilot/owners have them at our club.  With the 'Limted" trim it is nice vehicle.

[Kevin Anderson]

The land cruiser and the LX570 say premium on the gas cap, but over 300,000 miles on regular say different.

92

--
Thanks for using RAS_Prime!
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "RAS_Prime" group.
To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rasprime/q6c52Nw70Pc/unsubscribe.
To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to rasprime+u...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rasprime/af7311ba-24eb-4377-8610-90a9bb8c3fb1n%40googlegroups.com.

[Scott Gross]

My Honda pilot does a great job

Scott 

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 6, 2025, at 12:41 PM, Kevin Anderson <kevi...@gmail.com> wrote:

The land cruiser and the LX570 say premium on the gas cap, but over 300,000 miles on regular say different.

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RAS_Prime" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rasprime+u...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rasprime/8A375FFC-832B-4D71-9930-C86B598B34CF%40gmail.com.

[Cliff Hilty]

I just recently replaced my 2006 tundra with a 2017 Honda Ridgeline twice as good as the Tundra for ride and towing, still have the pickup bed for hauling stuff and great passenger capibilities plenty of power and towing capacity. And so many great options. Only drawback is gas mileage is the same as my Tundra at 20mpg. 

Cliff

Cliff

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rasprime/13D3891B-377B-4A07-A5E8-C82521776110%40gmail.com.

[Erik Mann]

I've recently been driving a friend's Toyota Highlander Hybrid and it's pretty fantastic.     It tows the Duo at highway speeds and doesn't really even know it's back there and still gets over 20mpg towing that beast.   On the airport,  the ability to run at low speed on the electric motor (walking speed) while towing the glider on its towbar is fantastic. 

[Middleline Airfield]

I own a Toyota Highlander Hybrid and it tows a single seat Cobra no problem. It does tow the DUO trailer but you feel it. The good news is that when you aren't towing you can get around 40 mpg. 

[Ian Molesworth]

What is your towing profile? Ie how frequently and how far? And your daily useage when not towing?

--

Thanks for using RAS_Prime!
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RAS_Prime" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rasprime+u...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rasprime/e4804e40-a1c0-42d8-974a-b7b114eac672n%40googlegroups.com.

[christopher behm]

Ian's question is something I consider frequently. 

I'm using my 328D bmw to tow my hph304. 

With 280lb/ft torque out of its little 2L engine, it pulls the trailer well, and gets 35mpg towing, 50mpg not towing on the highway. 

A transmission cooler would be a good addition in my opinion if I did this again. 

I'm looking at a Honda Ridgeline as a tow vehicle, since it has independent rear suspension so the ride will not be truck like. 

I'll save the BMW for non towing road trips with my honey. 

Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
Get Outlook for Android

---

From: rasp...@googlegroups.com <rasp...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Ian Molesworth <imole...@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 7, 2025 11:11:08 AM
To: rasp...@googlegroups.com <rasp...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [RAS_Prime] Re: Next tow vehicle

 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rasprime/CAMJg6AHm_u_mhqWB9jVZw1L64_VuxnD_LrHd_2d-gO%3DhGYkKEQ%40mail.gmail.com.

[Walter Rogers]

I'm currently towing with my 2016 Honda Pilot LX. Tows my Cobra Discus
(nowq JS3) trailer estimated at around 2000 lbs just fine. Get about
19-20 mpg (less in head winds)... without trailer level interstate
cruising 22-24 mpg.

It's about time at 145,000 mi and 9.5 years to replace it.

My criteria for replacement:

* I don't tow long distance that much anymore, since I've just started
tie downs for the glider with covers to reduce the stress on my aching
75yr old body

* Would like a small but convenient sleeping area for 1 or 2 nights
light camping
* Don't want to own a 3rd vehicle, so my tow car needs to be easy to use
for 95pct of time routine short drives

SOLUTION: Minivan Kia Carnival. Starting in 2025 there's a 4cyc Turbo
Hybrid. Get 32-34 mpg... probably 20 or so towing. 2nd row seats
removable and there are Youtube videos of light weight camping with
goldable platforms.

Mark Schmidt Pasadena, CA just bought one for his ASW-27 Cobra. It's
early, but sounds favorable.

Estimated Kia Carnival 2025 or 2026 $45k-50k depending on sales tax.
Toyota Sienna is about $5k more.

What do you guys think?

Walt Rogers WX

[Ian Molesworth]

I ask because I have just crossed the great divide to an EV. 

My Hyundai Ioniq 5 tows my LAK17A-T very capably and the one stop tow range is about 330 miles, more than enough for my needs. Capacity is 1600kg or 5100 lb. It has the added benefit of a mains voltage output under the middle of the rear seat. Really nice to have the ability to power up a soldering iron in the middle of an airfield...... Or heat a tent. 

Daily driving it has reduced my 'fuel' costs ( 1800 - 2000 miles a month ) to less than 1/2 of one tankfull of petrol. 

Just worth considering.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rasprime/SA3PR17MB7180055713B1D440A12FF206A12CA%40SA3PR17MB7180.namprd17.prod.outlook.com.

[Armand Charbonneau]

Hylander hybrid is rated for 3,500 lb towing.  

Armand Charbonneau

469-236-8224

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "RAS_Prime" group.
To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rasprime/q6c52Nw70Pc/unsubscribe.
To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to rasprime+u...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rasprime/CAMJg6AHm_u_mhqWB9jVZw1L64_VuxnD_LrHd_2d-gO%3DhGYkKEQ%40mail.gmail.com.

[christopher behm]

I'm pretty sure 1600kg is 3527 pounds, not 5100 pounds. 

Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
Get Outlook for Android

---

From: rasp...@googlegroups.com <rasp...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Ian Molesworth <imole...@gmail.com>

Sent: Thursday, August 7, 2025 11:37:48 AM

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rasprime/CAMJg6AGyBY250_JWm8ppXbTuQRwvyfDro2f5kOcjSuXgE8Lc%2Bg%40mail.gmail.com.

[Ian Molesworth]

Finger trouble! :) 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rasprime/SA3PR17MB71800C9FF3E41DF0F4075468A12FA%40SA3PR17MB7180.namprd17.prod.outlook.com.

[Moshe Braner]

Any idea why the plain RAV4 is rated (in the USA) to tow 3500 pounds while the hybrid version only 1750?  (Or is the 1750 in kg? :-)

[christopher behm]

I would have to guess that they don't want a load on the engine right when it transitions from electric to gas. 

But it's just a guess. Maybe the transmission is a weaker link in the hybrid?

Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
Get Outlook for Android

---

From: rasp...@googlegroups.com <rasp...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Moshe Braner <moshe....@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, August 8, 2025 8:25:32 AM
To: RAS_Prime <rasp...@googlegroups.com>

Subject: Re: [RAS_Prime] Re: Next tow vehicle

Any idea why the plain RAV4 is rated (in the USA) to tow 3500 pounds while the hybrid version only 1750?  (Or is the 1750 in kg? :-)

On Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 4:22:12 PM UTC-4 abcso...@gmail.com wrote:

Hylander hybrid is rated for 3,500 lb towing.  

--
Thanks for using RAS_Prime!
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RAS_Prime" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rasprime+u...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rasprime/70559d48-8204-4c42-8061-cf3e84d46d7bn%40googlegroups.com.

[Matt Herron]

Thank you all for your thoughtful suggestions.  I ended up buying a 2021 Mercedes GLE 350 (4 banger turbo) partly due to some of my wife's desires.  It came with a hitch!  Just took it on a little test tow and it did fine in the hills. Above 70mph my confidence dropped a bit for sway control so I will be vigilant.  Curious to see how it does in a good cross wind next...

[Bud Shaw]

On Earth maybe, but not on Jupiter.

Bud Shaw

13232 N River Dr

Omaha NE 68112-3618

+1 (402) 455-1581

https://bit.ly/35CqCke

On Aug 8, 2025, at 09:24, Ian Molesworth <imole...@gmail.com> wrote:



To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rasprime/CAMJg6AFooV_kqxWQ_PCfyygUtOtxWxQmySSMc9Q2%2BSmCQYr6dQ%40mail.gmail.com.

[John Johnson]

Matt - for my Ridgeline, its critical that I turn off any lane keeping assistance.  That feature seems to guarantee and reinforce trailer sway.  Also make sure your tongue weight is proper. For my Cobra trailer with ASH -31, I put 12 gal of water in the front compartment (along with wing rigger and other stuff).  Tows like a charm but I won't go above 70mph (unless I'm passing) for tire and safety considerations.

JJ

[Scott Gross]

My Honda Pilot tows  great at75 with lane assist on.

Scott 

Sent from my iPad

On Aug 13, 2025, at 5:36 PM, John Johnson <john...@gmail.com> wrote:

Matt - for my Ridgeline, its critical that I turn off any lane keeping assistance.  That feature seems to guarantee and reinforce trailer sway.  Also make sure your tongue weight is proper. For my Cobra trailer with ASH -31, I put 12 gal of water in the front compartment (along with wing rigger and other stuff).  Tows like a charm but I won't go above 70mph (unless I'm passing) for tire and safety considerations.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rasprime/eee73764-2076-41b2-a02f-952738681345n%40googlegroups.com.

[John Johnson]

Scott, that's interesting.  Every time I tow my glider trailer, I have to check out the lane keeping feature and every time it sets up an oscillation when it kicks in at hwy speeds.  I have plenty of forward tongue weight and zero issues when lane keeping is off - even if I jerk the wheel.   I didn't see the issue when towing a 4800lb U-haul trailer 2200 miles.  Probably just different feedback dynamics between rigs.

thx, JJ

You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "RAS_Prime" group.
To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rasprime/q6c52Nw70Pc/unsubscribe.
To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to rasprime+u...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rasprime/065160AD-9F4A-480C-A6C2-1064C83C9F20%40gmail.com.

[Mark Mocho]

Differences in sway dynamics between vehicles can be caused by several factors:

Distance from rear axle centerline to hitch ball

Play in the hitch/receiver connection ("Slop")

Loading on the trailer tongue vs. total trailer weight

Sidewall flex in the trailer and/or vehicle tires

What you had for breakfast

I am sure there are others.

[Dan Daly]

trailer tires vs car radials

tire size, inflation

[Scott Gross]

JJ

I tow a couple of different cobra trailers, one with a 29 and one with a 33 in it. I find the lane assist helps  reduce the fatigue on long trips. if you get a guest of wind from another vehicle, that starts the trailer to sway, just hold the wheel steady. I find it’s very easy to start over controlling and make it worse.

Scott 

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 14, 2025, at 10:16 PM, Dan Daly <dantw...@gmail.com> wrote:



To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rasprime/ebd39808-9f33-4480-b6c3-676741dfe3a8n%40googlegroups.com.

[Scott Gross]

JJ

I also agree, You need to run the pressure about 5 to 10 psi from the max psi. One of the biggest mistakes people make is running their tires under inflated.

Scott 

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 14, 2025, at 10:16 PM, Dan Daly <dantw...@gmail.com> wrote:



To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rasprime/ebd39808-9f33-4480-b6c3-676741dfe3a8n%40googlegroups.com.

[Colin Barry]

Another factor to consider is the availability of facilities and technicians to fix your vehicle at the remote places we may fly from.

 

My BMW X5 wouldn’t start at Parowan, UT. The nearest dealer was in Las Vegas (189sm), but I found a BMW specialist in St. George (71sm).

 

I was arranging a tow when I got it to start. I didn’t switch it off till I got to St. George.

 

I then decided to swap it out for a Jeep Grand Cherokee. It gets great mileage, on regular gas, at +75mph while pulling the trailer and can be worked on by most mechanics.

 

Cheers

 

Colin

 

From: rasp...@googlegroups.com <rasp...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Roy Bourgeois <ro...@bw.legal>
Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 4:15 PM
To: RAS_Prime <rasp...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [RAS_Prime] Re: Next tow vehicle

I'm using a 2024 BMW x3 successfully. It automatically detects the trailer light plug and changes all of its settings for the trailer.  The big negative is the need for premium fuel.

ROY 

On Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 2:51:49 PM UTC-7 Matt Herron wrote:

Hi all.  My Audi Q5 is about to be put out to pasture, and I am looking for my next daily driver/tow vehicle.  So far the list includes the BMX x5 40i and the Mercedes GLE 350.  Any experience or opinions on these two?

 

Thanks,

Matt (J3)

--

Thanks for using RAS_Prime!
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RAS_Prime" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rasprime+u...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rasprime/af4d3679-d219-4049-a014-aa9b0489f8e6n%40googlegroups.com.

[christopher behm]

Colin- What is great mileage that the Jeep gets? Just curious. 

Thank you, 

Chris

Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
Get Outlook for Android

---

From: rasp...@googlegroups.com <rasp...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Colin Barry <colinb...@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2025 10:38:18 AM
To: rasp...@googlegroups.com <rasp...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [RAS_Prime] Re: Next tow vehicle

 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rasprime/LV3PR02MB9960C5E33AA88BCE5FBBDB90F134A%40LV3PR02MB9960.namprd02.prod.outlook.com.

[herbk...@yahoo.com]

Colin, I remember you were pretty pissed at BMW when that happened. I told you then that you should have bought a Mercedes. Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz...

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rasprime/SA3PR17MB71806259109C43E98ECC401DA134A%40SA3PR17MB7180.namprd17.prod.outlook.com.

[Scott Gross]

JJ

I get 18 miles to the gallon towing at 75 with the Honda pilot on regular gas. Lots of Honda dealerships plus a lot of regular garages work on them.

Scott 

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 16, 2025, at 11:15 AM, herbkilian via RAS_Prime <rasp...@googlegroups.com> wrote:



To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rasprime/51c00c19-36c6-4bfd-bd80-c57af090551f%40email.android.com.