Towing The Line (36-3)
Special report on the tow vehicle class of 2007
By Garth Cane
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The
class of 2007 provides RV enthusiasts with a very wide range
of vehicles, ideally suited for towing the most popular models
of fold-down camping trailers, travel trailers, and fifth wheels
currently available in Canada. In most cases, advances in engine
design and technology have enhanced the performance of the 2007
models, while keeping emissions under control 每 some models
feature new electronic fuel delivery systems and related advances
to provide greater fuel efficiency 每 RV enthusiasts looking
for a new tow vehicle in 2007 should consult their local RV
dealer as well as their automotive dealer to select the ideal
vehicle for their family＊s requirements.
It should be noted that in most cases, the RV dealership is
better prepared to answer your questions regarding the hitches
and RV system hookups required to properly mate your RV to a
new tow vehicle. We recommend that you discuss the ※towing
package§ components available through your automobile dealership
with your RV dealer to be certain that your new vehicle will
be suitably equipped.
Here is a cross-section of the tow vehicle class of 2007, available
now throughout Canada. For additional information, and for links
to the automotive websites, please visit our website at www.rvlifemag.com.
Acura MDX
The 2007 MDX has an all-new chassis to complement its 300-horsepower
VTEC? V-6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive? (SH-AWD?).
For family recreation, the new MDX tows as well as it goes.
With its 2,268-kg (5,000-lb) towing rating, standard trailer
pre-wiring, high-capacity radiator with twin cooling fans, ATF
cooler and Trailer Stability Assist, the MDX needs only a dealer-installed
hitch and wiring harness to tow a substantial trailer. Towing
package (includes complete class III hitch, harness and hitch
ball)
Audi Q7
The new Audi Q7 sets new standards in the sport utility vehicle
(SUV) segment. It ingeniously combines sporty good looks and
versatility with sophisticated technology and the luxury of
a premium-class vehicle. Standard on the Audi Q7 is a robust
loading sill made of high-grade steel, which seamlessly joins
the loading floor. The through-loading facility is an impressive
45.7 in. wide, sufficient for large golf bags. The Audi Q7,
with the 4.2L engine develops 350 bhp at 6,800 rpm. But its
torque curve is even beefier; it achieves 325 lbs.-ft. (440Nm).
Trailer towing capacity of 5,500 lbs (with 550-lb. tongue-weight)
or with the stronger cooling and alternator, electrical control
unit, increasing towing capacity to 6,600 lbs (with 660-lb.
tongue weight) is capable.
Buick Terraza
Terraza, Buick＊s premium crossover sport van, now features
GM＊s 3.9L V-6, which features variable valve timing and variable
intake technology, standard on all trim levels for 2007. The
engine, coupled with the Hydra-Matic 4T65 electronically controlled
automatic overdrive transaxle, generates 240 horsepower (179
kW) and 240 lb.-ft. (325 Nm) of torque. A FlexFuel version of
the Terraza, capable of running on gasoline, E85 ethanol or
a combination of the two, will be available later in the model
year. Trailer tow rating is 3500 pounds.
Cadillac Escalade
Based on General Motors＊ all-new full-size SUV platform, the
＊07 Escalade features new powertrain, chassis, safety and interior
systems. These integrated systems deliver the most powerful,
efficient luxury SUV in the segment, led by a new 6.2L all-aluminum
V-8 engine with variable valve timing technology delivering
403 horsepower (301 kW)* and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm).
Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra
Best每in每class power, towing capability and fuel economy are
features of new GM's 2007 full每size pickups. Three cab styles
and three box lengths are offered, along with eight powertrain
combos with 2WD or 4WD. Among the five suspension packages there's
a NHT option for maximum towing capability. The light每duty
model's trailering capability ranges from 4,300 pounds to a
segment每topping 10,500 pounds. Engines include a 4.3每litre
V每6, plus 4.8每litre, 5.3每litre, 6.0每litre (rated at 367
hp and 375 lb每ft of torque) and a 6.2每litre (rated at 400
hp and 417 lb每ft) exclusive on GMC's Sierra Denali.
Chevrolet Kodiak / GMC Topkick
The GMC TopKick C4500/C5500 pickup by Monroe Truck Equipment
(MTE) is the ideal vehicle for those who demand the ultimate
level of comfort and luxury in a head-turning package. For 2007,
a new, six-speed Allison automatic transmission is available
later in the model year, and all Allison transmissions receive
Allison Edge Standard Transmission extended service coverage.
A new MTE So-Low suspension is also available and enables TopKick
pickup to accommodate nearly any fifth-wheel trailer. With either
a 300 or 330 hp Duramax engine, this is a great toy hauler.
Chrysler Aspen
Boasting elegant Chrysler styling, unsurpassed capability and
performance, and abundant premium amenities, the all-new 2007
Chrysler Aspen is the latest addition to the Chrysler brand
showroom - a premium SUV that is a value alternative to luxury-priced
competitors. The 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 engine features best-in-class
335 horsepower and 370 lb.-ft. of torque with a tow rating of
8750 pounds.
Dodge Magnum SRT8
The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 is more menacing than ever with a
completely redesigned hood, grille, front fascia and functional
performance hood scoop. Under the newly designed hood of the
2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 is the 6.1-litre HEMI V-8, delivering
425 horsepower (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 N!m) of torque
. Max. Gross Trailer Weight, 1724 kg (3,800 lb)
Dodge Caravan
With 35 new and improved features on the 2008 Chrysler Town
& Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, the Chrysler Group again
raises the bar for the competition. A key ingredient in the
seating and storage mix is the all-new Swivel ＊n Go seating
system with second-row quad chairs that rotate 180 degrees to
face rearward for conversational seating. The 4.0-litre V-6
engine produces 240 hp and 253 lb.-ft. of torque. 3.8-litre
and 4.0-litre V-6 engines mated to a six-speed transaxle). Towing
capacity is 3500 pounds. (Page Top)
Dodge Durango
Dodge Durango continues to achieve new levels of fuel efficiency
with the award-winning 5.7-litre HEMI? V-8 engine, featuring
Chrysler Group＊s fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS),
and an E-85-compatible, 4.7-litre V-8 engine with the flexible-fuel
vehicle (FFV) designation. Durango offers superior versatility
in a real SUV, with three rows of seating and room for eight,
and a best-in-class towing capacity of 8,950 lbs.
Dodge Ram 1500
The Dodge Ram 1500 sparked the light-duty pickup truck market
by offering legendary HEMI? power with Chrysler Group＊s fuel-saving
Multi-displacement System (MDS). With the 5.7L engine and a
3.92 rear axle ratio, the Dodge Ram can tow 8700 pounds.
Dodge Ram 3500
The 2006 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Cummins Turbo Diesel leads the
heavy-duty segment with a class-dominating 610 lb.-ft. of torque
(830 N?m) at 1,600 rpm and 325 horsepower (242 kW) at 2,900
rpm. In addition to the most torque available in a production
heavy-duty pickup, the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty boasts towing capability
of 16,400 lbs.
Dodge Ram 4500/5500
New Dodge models for this year include two cab and chassis configurations
for the large trailer haulers. The trucks can be equipped with
the Dodge Cummins high output 6.7 litre turbo diesel engine.
Ford 2008 E-Series
New SuperDuty front end with revised steering system and front
and rear suspensions improve driving dynamics, and braking performance.
AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control is standard on E-350
passenger vans with the 5.4L V8. Engine-only traction control
system is now available on all other models. The larger grill
improves increased air flow to the powertrain. The standard
engine on the E-350 is the V8 Triton 5.4L with the 6.8L V10
Triton as an option. An available Class 3/4 trailer tow package
offers up to 10,000 pounds towing capacity.
Ford Escape
The 2.3-litre Duratec 23 4-cylinder engine has surprised customers
with its combination of power and fuel economy. The engine develops
153 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque, while a balance
shaft provides exceptional smoothness. Maximum trailer tow rating
for the Escape is 1500 pounds, 3500 pounds with tow package.
Ford Explorer
Explorer＊s optional three-valve, 4.6-litre, single-overhead-cam
(SOHC) V-8 delivers 292 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque.
It is mated to the first six-speed automatic in the segment,
with a wide, 6.04:1 gear ratio, enabling the engine to spend
more time in its optimum powerband Maximum trailer towing capacity
with the V6 is 5390 pounds , with V8 7300 pounds. The Explorer
can be also towed behind a motorhome with the Neutral Tow package.
Ford Expedition
Expedition is powered by Ford＊s tough truck-proven 5.4-litre
Triton? V-8. With single overhead cams, three valves per cylinder
and variable cam timing, the 5.4-litre engine delivers a balance
of refinement and muscle. Rated at 300 horsepower and 365 feet-pound
of torque, Expedition can tow up to 4,082 kg (9,200 lbs).
Ford Excursion
Excursion is Ford's largest sport utility vehicle and the only
vehicle in the segment to offer a diesel engine - Ford's 6.0-litre
Power Stroke? diesel, with the most power and torque in the
segment. The 6.0-litre Power Stroke? V-8 engine is a direct-injection,
32-valve diesel with a cast-iron block and cylinder heads. Combined
with a five-speed TorqShift? automatic transmission, the diesel
powertrain delivers 325 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque
- both best in class.
Ford Super Duty
Featuring an integrated tail gate step, Tow Command (the integrated
braking control system), and the new 6.4L Power Stroke diesel
engine that cranks out 350 hp at 650 lb-ft of torque for a conventional
trailer towing rating of 16,000 pounds and a 5th wheel rating
of 24,000 pounds. This engine has sequential turbo chargers,
a bigger crankshaft, and a high pressure common-rail fuel injection
system. Optional engines are available with the 362 hp V10 6.8L
Triton or the 300 hp 5.4L Triton V8 engine. For even higher
payload capacity, F-350 Super Duty is available in a dual-rear-wheel
(DRW) ※dually§ configuration.
Ford F150
The F150 pickup with the 4.6L engine and 3.31:1 rear axle can
tow 6500 pounds, with the 5.4L engine and 3.73:1 rear axle it
can tow 8400 pounds. With the maximum payload capacity option,
you can tow up to 13,500 pounds with the 5.4L and the 3.73:1
rear axle. The Ford F-150 boasts "best-in-class" towing
capacity of 4,763 kgs (10,500 lbs). With a maximum tow rating
of 4,763 kilograms (10,500 pounds) when properly equipped, the
F-150 is the most capable full-size pickup under 8,500 pounds.
GMC Acadia
The all-new Acadia is GMC＊s first crossover SUV. It features
a body-frame integral design that enables lower step-in height
and the generous interior space of larger SUVs. Acadia is powered
by GM＊s 3.6L V-6 VVT rated at 275 horsepower (205 kW) and 251
lb.-ft. of torque (340 Nm).* The engine is backed by a new,
fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission.
The suspension systems enable a 4,500-pound (2,042 kg) towing
capacity.
GMC Yukon
Several standard and available engines in the new SUVs offer
fuel-saving Active Fuel Management?, which helps increase fuel
efficiency by seamlessly shutting off half of the engine＊s
cylinders in certain driving conditions. The Yukon Denali and
Yukon XL Denali offer unique exterior design and interior features,
as well as an all-new 6.2L all-aluminum small-block V-8 engine
with variable valve timing and a new six-speed automatic transmission.
The 6.2L engine is rated at 380 horsepower (283 kW)*, the most
horsepower in its class. A lineup of six powerful, Gen IV small-block
V-8 engines complements the stronger chassis to deliver the
light-duty segment＊s highest-rated towing capacity (10,500
pounds / 4,763 kg) (Page Top)
Honda CRV
Besides being a useful tow vehicle for moving your smaller trailer,
the CR-V with automatic transmission can also be towed behind
a motorhome. Powered by Honda＊s 2.4-litre, Dual-Over-Head Cam,
i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, the CR-V offers refined and responsive
performance with good fuel economy and low emissions.
Honda Pilot
The Pilot has a 244 hp VTEC engine with 240 lb-ft of torque.
Its 3.5L V6 engine has Variable Cylinder Management to allow
it to run on three cylinders when you are towing on the flat
and not accelerating or climbing a hill. With Grade Logic, you
will always be in the correct gear for your towing or driving
conditions. Tow rating is 3500 pounds.
Honda Ridgeline
This attractive entry into the tow vehicle category pulls up
to 2268kg (5000 lb) and features the durability of unibody construction.
This 247 hp 3.5L VTEC engine has 4-wheel drive system that can
handle just about anything from a steep hill to a slick country
road. A big asset is the lockable storage trunk under the rear
floorboards of the pickup bed.
Hyundai Veracruz
The 3.8-litre DOHC V6 engine is optimized for the Veracruz,
delivering an estimated 260 horsepower and 257 lb-ft. of torque.
Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a multi-plate
clutch without any extra effort from the driver.
Infinity QX56
The QX56 blends responsive acceleration with agile handling
through use of its leading edge engine and chassis design. For
2007, the standard 5.6-litre DOHC V8 has been revised to produce
320 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 393 lb-ft of torque at 3,400
RPM. Nearly 90 percent of the engine's impressive torque is
available below 2,500 rpm 每 where it's needed for hauling,
towing or slow-speed off-road driving. Every QX56 also comes
with a 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission
with tow/haul modes for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency.
It has a towing capacity of 3992 kg or 8800 pounds. The max
tongue weight is 400 kg.
KIA Sorrento
A new, all-aluminium, 3.8-litre V6 powerplant producing 262
horsepower 每 a 36-percent increase over the previous-generation
engine 每 and 260 pound-feet of torque is mated to an electronically
controlled five-speed Sportmatic? transmission, allowing drivers
to choose between automatic or manual shift mode. The new powertrain
setup also yields a class-leading 5,000-pound towing capacity
for true versatility and utility, as well as improved fuel economy.
Lexus LX 470
The 2007 LX 470 is powered by a 4.7-litre, quad-cam, 32-valve
VVT-i V8 engine that delivers 275 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and
a convincing 332 lb/ft of torque at 3,400 rpm. A 5-speed, electronically-controlled
automatic transmission is fitted to the sophisticated Lexus
4WD system to ensure that the right amount of power is delivered
to the wheels at all times. It delivers 268 hp, And 328 lb-ft
of torque. Towing Capacity kg (lbs.) 2,948 (6,500)
Mercedes Benz
The new GL-Class will compete with vehicles such as the Cadillac
Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. The new GL-Class entered the
Canadian market with a 4.6-litre four-valve-per-cylinder V8
engine producing 335-horsepower, a seven-speed automatic transmission,
4MATIC all-wheel drive and AIRMATIC air suspension. The GL also
comes with four-wheel independent suspension, speed-sensitive
power steering and 18-inch 265/60 all-season tires. The vehicle
has a 3,400 kgs (7,500lbs) Class IV towing capacity.
Nissan Frontier
For 2007, Frontier Crew Cab adds a Long Bed model, with a bed
that is over 13 inches longer than the traditional Crew Cab.
The 2007 Frontier is offered in both King Cab and Crew Cab body
styles and in 2WD and 4WD driveline configurations. The Frontier,
like Titan, provides exceptional acceleration, towing capacity
and all-around off-roading ability, due in large measure to
its powerful engine 每 a 4.0-litre DOHC V6 producing 261 horsepower
and 281 lb-ft of torque. The Frontier＊s maximum towing capacity
is rated at up to 6,500 pounds (maximum, when properly equipped).
Nissan Pathfinder
Pathfinder remains true to the adventure roots of the original
with a powerful design featuring, three-row seating, enhanced
off-road capabilities with a 4.0-litre version of the award-winning
Nissan VQ-series V6 engine and a fully boxed, all-steel frame
based on the full-size Armada. Powering the Pathfinder is a
standard 4.0-litre DOHC V6, rated at a class-leading 266 horsepower
and 288 lb-ft torque. Towing capacity 6000 pounds
Nissan Titan
Titan was the first in class to offer features such as Wide-Open
rear doors (King Cab) that open 168 degrees for nearly unlimited
interior access. The 2007 Titan, as an available Flexible Fuel
Vehicle (FFV), is equipped with a common fuel tank designed
to run on varying blends of gasoline with ethanol or other fuel.
Other 2007 Titan enhancements include an increase to 317 horsepower
(from 305 horsepower) and to 385 lb-ft torque (from 379 lb-ft).
Towing capacities 9,400lb (Crew Cab); 9,500lb (King Cab)
Subaru Forester
The turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-litre engine in the Forester
Sports 2.5 XT and 2.5 XT Limited models produces 224 horsepower
at 5,600 rpm and 226 lb.-ft. of peak torque at just 3,600 rpm
for powerful responsiveness in everyday driving conditions.
The i-Active Valve Lift system helps to ensure responsive performance
at all engine speeds. Towing capacity is 2400 pounds.
Subaru Tribeca
Subaru of America, Inc. has enhanced the B9 Tribeca SUV for
2007 with new safety technology, additional comfort features
and audio upgrades after its successful first year on the market.
The first-ever Subaru SUV with available seating for seven passengers,
the B9 Tribeca features a 245-hp 6-cylinder Boxer engine and
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as its core technology. The B9 Tribeca
is powered by a 3.0-liter DOHC 6-cylinder Boxer engine that
produces 245 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 215 lb.-ft. of peak
torque at 4,200 rpm. Towing capacity Class II, 3,500 lb. (350
lb. tongue weight) (Page Top)
Suzuki XL7
The all-new XL7 is bigger, bolder and more powerful than the
previous generation XL-7 and offers available all-wheel drive,
and standard seating for seven. The all-new XL7 is a front-wheel-drive
vehicle that features four-wheel independent suspension and
available all-wheel drive. The 3.6-litre engine is near the
top of its class with 252 horsepower and 243 lb.-ft. of torque
and is matched to a five-speed automatic transmission that features
a manual-shifting (manumatic) mode. The four-wheel-drive model
can also be flat towed behind a motorhome with no accumulation
of mileage. . Towing capacity 1588kg (3500 pounds)
Suzuki SX4
Not much for towing a trailer, but this one is ideal with manual
transmission for towing behind a motorhome
Toyota 4Runner
Powering V6 4Runners is Toyota＊s high output, low mass 4.0-litre,
DOHC 24-valve V6 engine, which produces 236 horsepower at 5,200
rpm and 266 lb/ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The DOHC 32-valve,
4.7-litre V8 engine that powers both 4Runner SR5 V8 and the
Limited V8 is similar to the commanding powerplant under the
hood of Toyota＊s full-sized Sequoia SUV. In the 4Runner, it
produces 260 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 306 lb/ft of torque
at 3,400 rpm. Towing capacity 2268kg (5000 lb) with factory
installed hitch.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Both refined and retro, Toyota's new FJ Cruiser takes its styling
cues from Land Cruisers of the past, but ergonomics and amenities
definitely come from the present. With a maximum tow rating
of 5,000 pounds and a payload of 1,325, the Cruiser is no poser.
Power is provided by a variable每valve每timing version of Toyota's
proven 4.0每litre V每6, which is rated 239 hp and 278 lb每ft
of torque and requires premium fuel.
Toyota Highlander
The 5-passenger Highlander 4WD V6 is equipped with a 215 horsepower
V6 engine and meets Environment Canada＊s stringent Tier 2 emission
standards. The 7-passenger Highlander 4WD V6 adds third-row
seating for owners and families who need the extra room for
passengers. The 4WD V6 Highlander, in both 5- and 7-passenger
configurations, is equipped with a 6-cylinder engine with dual
overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder that produces
215 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 222 lb/ft of torque at 3,600
rpm. Towing capacity is 1587 kg (3500lb)
Toyota Sequoia
Sequoia is powered by a double overhead camshaft, 32-valve,
4.7-litre V8 engine equipped with Toyota＊s Variable Valve Timing-intelligent
(VVT-i). When combined with Toyota＊s other advanced engine
technologies, it enables this powerplant to produce 273 horsepower
at 5,400 rpm and 314 lb/ft of torque at 3,400 rpm. Sequoia is
equipped with a standard class III towing hitch, for a towing
capacity of 2,812 kg (6,200 lbs.)
Toyota Sienna
Sienna continues to offer several well-equipped trim levels
in 7- and 8-passenger configurations, as well as a choice of
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) powertrains.
Sienna is powered by a responsive 3.3-litre V6 DOHC engine that
produces 215 horsepower and 222 lb/ft of torque at 3,600 rpm
for brisk acceleration and effortless highway cruising. Towing
capacity is 3500 pounds.
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is the compact pickup that performs like a
full-sized truck. Every Tacoma 4X4 model and the 4X2 X-Runner
Access Cab are powered by a 4.0-litre V6 and deliver outstanding
performance with 236 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 266 lb/ft of
torque at 4,000 rpm. Standard towing capacity of the Tacoma
4X4 models can tow 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) or with optional package
2948kg (6500 lb)
Toyota Tundra
From bumper-to-bumper, under the hood and from the inside out,
the new Tundra is a true North American truck that will set
a new benchmark in the full-size truck segment. Two engine options,
including an all-new 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine mated to an
all-new six-speed automatic transmission. The Tundra is offered
in three cabs and 31 models. A towing capacity of over 4,500
kg (10,800 lbs)
Volkswagen Touareg
Available with 3.6L 280 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, or the 4.2L
engine with 350hp, and 325 lb-ft of torque, the Touareg makes
an ideal tow vehicle for those who want to travel in first class.
It has to be ordered with Volkswagen＊s hitch receiver that
is now installed at the factory. The Touareg has a six speed
TipTronic automatic transmission, four-wheel ABS, Electronic
Stabilization Program and Hydraulic Brake Assist. We towed a
34-foot Airstream with this one. The tow rating is 7700 pounds.
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