Hi Scotty. I need a recommendation from you on what kind of a newer (but used) SUV to pull a 5,000 lb small camper trailer with. Wife doesn’t want a massive SUV or pickup. Will a Toyota 4-runner do the job or Honda Pilot? 6 or 8 cylinder? Any year make or models to stay away from? Anything to help us decide would be appreciated. Thanks for all you do!
Will a Toyota 4-runner do the job or Honda Pilot?
The 4runner has a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs so it should be fine and for the Pilot, make sure it is the AWD one.
Any year make or models to stay away from?
Scotty has already made videos of worst SUVs ever made, watch his videos.
A 5000 pound camper isn't all that small. How much are you planning to tow, just a rare occasion, or numerous times a year, for longer trips?
Here are some things to keep in mind.
A camper that shows a weight of 5000# is likely much heavier, they often show dry weight. Get it on a cat scale to find the real weight. Also consider, are you going to be towing your trailer with no weight? Likely you will have water weight, and luggage or equipment that can easily add another five hundred pounds or more easily.
A vehicle that can tow 5k doesn't mean it will do it well, or safely.
I towed a 3500# camper with my 98 4runner, capable of doing 5k, but it struggled on flat land, hills would have been a nightmare. It was light though, and had the weak 3.4 V6.
My GX470 with 4.7 V8 can tow 6500, but I would be hesitant to do a camper weighing 5k. It would likely do okay though, as it is pretty heavy, and has a strong tranny. I wouldn't want to do it all that often though.
I would not use a pilot for a tow vehicle, I think their max is 4500, and Honda's trannys are a weak point. It is also lighter than something like my GX470.
As for 4runner being used, I wouldn't suggest it, they just don't have the tow rating, and are lighter than you want for a tow vehicle. That being said, a 4th gen with v8 could likely handle it better, and has sufficient tow capacity, around 7k like my GX470. They all have the same transmission, the very solid A750, but some are just made to tow more. They are lighter though.
I am not saying the 4Runners can't do it, their transmission and engine can handle it, but their tow capacity may not be able to handle it.
I understand that your wife does not want a massive SUV, but the best tow vehicle could likely be a sequoia, super heavy gas guzzler, with the long wheelbase. It will be much steadier, and safer to tow with. Your camper won't be able to push something like that around so easy.
Finding a smallish vehicle that can handle the weight you want is not so easy, trust me, I have tried.
Hopefully that didn't muddy the waters too much.
