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Recommended 4x4 towable mid-size pickups


Mr.GreenJeans

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Help me understand where you're going with you comment fly2low. I have processed things for a 2014 Subaru Forrester 2.5i manual shift through the Remco.com website and it seems a good fit. I would prefer the XT Premium version, but Remco says I will have to tow the unit with a trailer, which I do not want to do. I also have an older tow bar that was used for an older Suzuki Vitara that I would like to adapt to use if I can, but have little info on that. I would prefer a tow bar that would allow me to eventually mount a motorcycle I want to purchase, to sit between rig and tow-rig. Further thoughts?

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Welcome to the Escapee forums! Thank you for choosing us and we will do all we can to answer questions so drop in at any time.

 

Another good source of information about what vehicles can be towed is the Good Sam Dingy Towing Guides that are available on the net.

I have processed things for a 2014 Subaru Forrester 2.5i manual shift through the Remco.com website and it seems a good fit. I would prefer the XT Premium version, but Remco says I will have to tow the unit with a trailer, which I do not want to do. I also have an older tow bar that was used for an older Suzuki Vitara that I would like to adapt to use if I can, but have little info on that. I would prefer a tow bar that would allow me to eventually mount a motorcycle I want to purchase, to sit between rig and tow-rig. Further thoughts?

There are lifts for motorcycles that are available for use on a motorhome and some of them do have a hitch receiver to connect another towed vehicle behind but you do need to then be concerned about weight issues. All motorized RVs have a number of designed weight ratings that impact the safety and reliability of the vehicles. Your Workhorse chassis probably has a maximum tow rating of no more than 3500 to 5000#. Your hitch receiver also has a limit to be concerned with as does the rear axle. Very few gas chassis have the needed excess weight capacity when loaded to be able to carry a large motorcycle on a lift.

 

Also keep in mind that tow bars do wear out and are probably not the best choice of place to save money since they connect two very expensive pieces of equipment together, so be sure that the one you use is in good condition. The major tow bar manufacturers of tow bars will recondition their equipment if yours was built by one of them.

 

Are you planning to go on the road full-time or part-time?

Good travelin !...............Kirk

Full-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.
Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure

            images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQqFswi_bvvojaMvanTWAI

 

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You might be surprised at how heavy some of the middle size trucks are. I was looking at the GM Colorado and GMC unit too. It was only a few hundred pounds lighter then what I nicked named the 'Coors Light F150' (Aluminum really saved the weight.) Could be worth adding to your comparison shopping.

 

Best of luck to you,

Smitty

Be safe, have fun,

Smitty

04 CC Allure "RooII" - Our "E" ride for life!

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FYI... I have a 10,000 pound tow rating and pull a 2012 F150 weighing in at around 7500 (as I tow it). The ISL Cummins does a great job with it and I am well under CGWR. I also have a Street Glide weighing in at 925 pounds. I installed a carrier on the back of the motorhome and, when the bike is loaded, I transfer over 450 pounds OFF of the front axle. In other words, a 925 pound bike & a carrier added nearly 1500 pounds to my rear axle!

 

By adding the carrier I also cut the tow rating in half so I cannot tow my F150 AND take my bike (darn). All I am trying to tell you is watch the weight!

 

Lenp

USN Retired
2002 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom

2012 F150 4x4

2018 Lincoln MKX

2019 HD Ultra Limited

 

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Thanks everybody. Kirk, Smitty and Lenp posts have caused me to reconsider a few things. For now, I'm headed in the direction of purchasing a 2014 Subaru Forrester, weighing in at around 3500 lbs. I'll have to suspend the idea of a bike at this time, to see how we like RVing. We are starting out, working toward full-time, but taking it slow. We'll be at the Congress, AZ Bootcamp... I have a lot to learn! Thanks everyone (no hard feelings, no bad attitude... loving life!).

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We are starting out, working toward full-time, but taking it slow. We'll be at the Congress, AZ Bootcamp...

Great plan! If you can it may be helpful to consider attending the next Escapade in Tucson next March.

Good travelin !...............Kirk

Full-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.
Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure

            images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQqFswi_bvvojaMvanTWAI

 

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Depending on the pickup you purchase, consider carrying/hauling it in the pickup bed if it has the hauling capacity, and your MH has the hitch capacity. This eliminates the weight of a motorcycle lift and mount.

 

2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD, ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG retired;Good Sam Life member,FMCA ." And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.  John F. Kennedy 20 Jan 1961

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Hi fellow RVers...

I'm still looking for the correct 4X4 vehicle to flat-tow behind my Winnebago Workhorse. I've been looking, test-driving and the likes and keeping this forum in mind. There always seems to be one issue that prevents me from purchasing. I'm presently looking at the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, perfect in every way except weighing in at 5,500 lbs. Question: although this vehicle is technically 500 above the stated pull weight of 5000, can this not work? Am I able to put a bigger receiver hitch to make it work and keep me within the legal parameters? I'm sure my Workhorse will pull it, but I also do not want legal issues in the event of some accident. Thoughts?

 

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