Re: tow vehicle for 4 + lab
I also have been looking for a newer tow vehicle. My boat is only around 1100 lbs and no dog, 1 kid and a wife, so I have smaller load. Take a look at the Toyota Highlander with the V6 or the Rav4 also with a V6. The Rav is a little hard to find. Highlanders are easy to find. I also want either AWD or $WD, so that limits me. The RAV4 is probably a little small in the back for you, but it has the best gas mileage of any of the small SUVs.
As far as the Escape/Mariner the new Consumer Reports tested a V-6 Mariner pulling a 3500 lb trailer. 60MPh in 18.6 seconds. This is the 240HP V6 2009 model. I think the older ones may be a little lower horsepower. My wife does not like the step-over to get into the vehicle on these. I personally agree with TD on the Escape/Mariner.
As far as the Honda Pilot, I test drove one. Plenty big enough for you, very comfortable. Make sure if you get an older one to get the towing package (after market at the dealer), otherwise you are only rated for 1000 lbs. To my understanding, the towing package is a transmission cooler and a power steering cooler.
Keep me posted, as I am interested to know what you ended up with. By the way, I am also currently towing with a 1999 Dodge Caravan with the 3.3 liter engine, but mine has 200,000 miles. You are right, the Caravan is a little Horse Power limited. The new vehicle will need to be able to take on towing when the Caravan finally dies.
TerryMSU
I also have been looking for a newer tow vehicle. My boat is only around 1100 lbs and no dog, 1 kid and a wife, so I have smaller load. Take a look at the Toyota Highlander with the V6 or the Rav4 also with a V6. The Rav is a little hard to find. Highlanders are easy to find. I also want either AWD or $WD, so that limits me. The RAV4 is probably a little small in the back for you, but it has the best gas mileage of any of the small SUVs.
As far as the Escape/Mariner the new Consumer Reports tested a V-6 Mariner pulling a 3500 lb trailer. 60MPh in 18.6 seconds. This is the 240HP V6 2009 model. I think the older ones may be a little lower horsepower. My wife does not like the step-over to get into the vehicle on these. I personally agree with TD on the Escape/Mariner.
As far as the Honda Pilot, I test drove one. Plenty big enough for you, very comfortable. Make sure if you get an older one to get the towing package (after market at the dealer), otherwise you are only rated for 1000 lbs. To my understanding, the towing package is a transmission cooler and a power steering cooler.
Keep me posted, as I am interested to know what you ended up with. By the way, I am also currently towing with a 1999 Dodge Caravan with the 3.3 liter engine, but mine has 200,000 miles. You are right, the Caravan is a little Horse Power limited. The new vehicle will need to be able to take on towing when the Caravan finally dies.
TerryMSU