Best SUV/trailer combo

[SFVine]

I did a search first, but the newest thread I found was 10 years old, so I figured it was worth an update!

I am looking to purchase a new SUV and trailer. I currently have a RAV4. I love this size, but I know it wouldn’t work. I would like to stay as close to that size as possible with the lightest 2 horse trailer possible. I would only be using the SUV to trailer one horse at a time, and it needs to accommodate 17hh.

We do have a Silverado 3500, but that is my husbands farm truck. I can’t be taking it away from him for hours at a time just to go to a lesson, but it would be available if I needed to fill the trailer, go a long distance, etc. I am just looking for a pair that I could do 15 minutes to my friend’s indoor, or 45 minutes to my trainer with one horse, without bothering my husband or sacrificing safety.

Great gas milage is also a plus because I have a hike to and from work everyday. Any suggestions?

[Ponycatraz]

Kbb has their 2021 SUV towing guide out.

Best SUVs for Towing in 2021: Everything You Need to Know | Kelley Blue Book

Once you get and idea of trailer weight + horses + tack + passengers you can find the SUV’s that are rated for that.

[Lusoluv]

You’re probably looking at a Euro trailer and SUV with a 96" wheel base and minimum of 140 hp if you want to avoid getting a truck. My trailer is 1450lbs empty with a tongue weight of 135lbs. I used to tow it with a Hyundai Santa Fe, but upgraded to a Lexus RX350 a couple years ago. Lexus has a bigger engine (240hp) and it’s an easy haul to go the places I want to - usually no longer than 3 hrs. I know people who haul my type of trailer with a RAV4. So figure out your trailer and make sure your tow vehicle meets the safety and power requirements. No SUV has “great” gas mileage, but will be better than a truck like your husband has. If you want a traditional American trailer that puts the weight and braking on the tow vehicle, you can disregard the info in my post.

[Jarpur]

When you say 45 minutes to your trainer, is that on surface roads at a moderate of speed, or at highway speeds on an interstate, being passed by speeding 18-wheelers?

In my experience, towing with a mid-sized SUV, there’s a big difference between going 40-50mph, more or less, on county roads, and trying not to get run over on a multi-lane highway where everyone else wants to travel at 75+ (plus tailgate, dart in and out of traffic, and cut others off).

My vehicle had a V6, and plenty of tow capacity, but I switched from a relatively lightweight American trailer to a European one (Brenderup Baron - which towed like a dream). Only dropped 500# of trailer weight, but it mattered.

The mileage thing is part of why I switched back to a full-size truck with GN trailer when my SUV needed replacement. SUVs have gotten so very expensive, plus I didn’t really get better mileage with a V6 than with the newer V8s. I can get 17mpg in town with my long wheelbase crew cab truck with a V8, and 22+ on the highway.

[SharonA1]

Well, could you truly not switch vehicles with your husband for a few hours, if you have given him alittle notice? Maybe you work during the day and trailer over to your friend’s indoor at night; is he using the truck for farm work at night?

It seems maybe alittle silly to be buying a new truck/large SUV, as well as a trailer, when you already have a truck, and your current SUV works well for everything else in your life, but of course you know best what would work for you and your family.

That said, I’m really happy with my Dodge Durango, which gets decent mileage for an SUV, is easy to drive and park for my day job in a crowded city, and can tow 7500 lbs easily. I have a European trailer, from the days when I towed with the family minivan, so can’t help you with American trailer recommendations.

[Xanthoria]

I have a V8 4Runner (most dependable vehicle ever) and an EquiTrek Show Treka L. (Before that a Brenderup Baron.) Works great.

[sheltona01]

I do not recommend an expedition. I have a 2018 to pull my saddle fitting trailer. It is very much rated to pull it, but too many issues including transmission around 50k.

[soloudinhere]

Can’t recommend a Bockmann trailer highly enough. It would tow very easily behind a highlander, 4Runner, rx350, etc with no qualms. I sold mine and regret it immensely, have been thinking about another one.

[BigMama1]

Definitely the Equi-Trek trailers!

[demidq]

I agree with Soludinhere- I tow a Bockmann Comfort model with a Hyundai Tucson with no problem, and horse loads and travels calmly in this trailer.

[SFVine]

My RAV is a 2010 and we are ready for an upgrade, so I want to make sure my new car is adequate