Looking for a replace for my Escape

[SkaterRace]

I currently have a V6 Escape and since I am looking to get a new boat that will push the Escapes limits I want to upgrade so towing is not as big of a deal. I have a 20k CAD budget for a new tow truck/SUV. I have little requirements, needs to tow 5000 lbs or more and must be less than 80,000 km on it. Suggestions on models to look for?

 

[89retta]

Do you like trucks or suvs ? And what part of Canada are you in ?

 

[SkaterRace]

Do you like trucks or suvs ? And what part of Canada are you in ?

I am fond of both SUVs and trucks, I like the Escape now and not much I would change about it TBH. Main things I don't like are the towing and it is an '08 so not exactly new and up to date on the electronics.

The ideas I have came up with so far are the new generation Ford Explorer (like the police ones) or a new generation Chevy Colorado. I would honestly be happy with both options. I know the Chevy would tow better (7000lbs vs 5000 lbs).

I am towing a 17-19' bowrider, had a Glastron 175 lined up but that fell through.

 

[roscoe]

Aren't the Explorer and Colorado about $40k new, , and $30,000 a few years old ?

Given the tow ratings of newer suv's, and budget, "newer", and mileage under 80,000km (50,000 miles), I think you are going to have a hard time finding one.

Newer with current electronics with tow rating and low miles, all point to bigger, as the smaller suv's just don't have the tow rating anymore. And $16,000 US probably won't be enough.

Two years ago, I was looking for a new vehicle, and I figured I could get by with a 3500# tow rating.
The options were Dodge Grand Caravan and Chevy Equinox. Imports were out due to my location, and price.

Looking at a 5000# tow rating, the only real option was a Nissan Frontier, but price was much higher and dealer was far away.

I'm real curious what other members have for suggestions, because I am coming up empty handed.

 

[89retta]

Finding a vehicle for under 20,000 and low kms is going to be hard. The explorer your looking at would be good. One thing is if your towing a bow rider like the one that fell through it only weighs around 2500 pounds. My self I would look for a chevy or dodge either with a 6.0 or 5.7 hemi. I don't like fords as I know how they are built and are not good in most collisions. I do autobody for work.

 

[SkaterRace]

Aren't the Explorer and Colorado about $40k new, , and $30,000 a few years old ?

Given the tow ratings of newer suv's, and budget, "newer", and mileage under 80,000km (50,000 miles), I think you are going to have a hard time finding one.

Newer with current electronics with tow rating and low miles, all point to bigger, as the smaller suv's just don't have the tow rating anymore. And $16,000 US probably won't be enough.

Two years ago, I was looking for a new vehicle, and I figured I could get by with a 3500# tow rating.
The options were Dodge Grand Caravan and Chevy Equinox. Imports were out due to my location, and price.

Looking at a 5000# tow rating, the only real option was a Nissan Frontier, but price was much higher and dealer was far away.

I'm real curious what other members have for suggestions, because I am coming up empty handed.

There are not a ton of options I am seeing but there are enough for mew to make a decent selection on. I found some options that were above my price range and it looks like it might be best for me to go up in budget. I consider 2013 fairly new so I am not looking at 2016+

My escape was me thinking 3500 lbs was enough to tow a boat. Well turns out it is when you own a small boat but not when you upgrade to a normal sized one.

 

[SkaterRace]

Finding a vehicle for under 20,000 and low kms is going to be hard. The explorer your looking at would be good. One thing is if your towing a bow rider like the one that fell through it only weighs around 2500 pounds. My self I would look for a chevy or dodge either with a 6.0 or 5.7 hemi. I don't like fords as I know how they are built and are not good in most collisions. I do autobody for work.

Thanks, those choices far as engine size go are a bit overkill and when living in the city it doesn't make sense to go wiith such a large engine because of $1.35 /L for gas

I have mostly given up on the 20k budget, I am looking more towards 20-30k instead.

 

[89retta]

If you want to tow something 3 to 5000 pounds you need the bigger engine. I drive my avalanche daily but has the 5.3 in the city. Also it tows ok but would be easier with the 6 liter especially going thru the mountains.

 

[SkaterRace]

If you want to tow something 3 to 5000 pounds you need the bigger engine. I drive my avalanche daily but has the 5.3 in the city. Also it tows ok but would be easier with the 6 liter especially going thru the mountains.

That is craziness! Something as simple as a '10 Ford Ranger with a 4.0L will tow most boats just fine, "needing" a 6.0L is just wanting it to be super easy and have more power, because well more power. 6.0L for a 2500lbs boat and total package of less than 5000 lbs is excessive to say the least.

Each to their own though, I am personally not interested in going totally overkill. If that was the case I would be looking at F250 class trucks and no SUVs or mid sized trucks.

 

[Sprig]

Take a look at Toyota Tacoma trucks with double cab, v6 and tow package. They seat driver plus 4 passengers . Tow capacity 6500 to 6700lbs. Most reliable truck on the road. You can expect 300000 miles out of it. I have one that is a 4x4 off road. I tow a 3500lb boat and you really don’t notice the boat is behind me. It has all the extras for towing including oil cooler transmission cooler, large capacity radiator, high output alternator and more.

 

[SkaterRace]

Take a look at Toyota Tacoma trucks with double cab, v6 and tow package. They seat driver plus 4 passengers . Tow capacity 6500 to 6700lbs. Most reliable truck on the road. You can expect 300000 miles out of it. I have one that is a 4x4 off road. I tow a 3500lb boat and you really don’t notice the boat is behind me. It has all the extras for towing including oil cooler transmission cooler, large capacity radiator, high output alternator and more.

They have been a model I have been interested in, they keep their value really well, and new is too much cost for my liking. I will keep an eye out for a good deal though. Thanks for the suggestion.