Chevrolet Traverse towing an open 4-place?

[Jeff C]

Folks:

Getting a bit closer to the end of owning my 2003 Ford Expedition.

Beginning to take a look at a replacement..........

My year Expedition had 260 hp, and 350 ft. lbs of torque.

The Traverse has 280 HP and 266 ft. lbs of torque.

I realize that I would not win any land speed records pulling a 4-place open trailer.

I had no trouble pulling my crew and four sleds in an open aluminum 4-place trailer with my Expedition. Yep, the mountain passes slowed it down, that is ok......

The wheelbase is 199" on my Expedition and the same on the Traverse. The width on Traverse is actually an inch wider (Suprisingly) than the Expedition.

THe Traverse, with towing package is capable of towing 5,200 pounds.

Here is what I am thinking:

4 sleds at 600 pounds each = 2,400
Open aluma aluminum 4 place trailer = 1,000 pounds?
4 adults and gear at 400 pounds each = 1,600 pounds

That puts me right at about 5,000 pounds........

I know I am getting at the edge of what I can tow.......

The torque figure on the Traverse is almost 100 pounds less.........

I am thinking of going this way to improve mileage, and I need to eventually get into a replacement vehicle.

My Expedition gets 11 in town, and MAYBE 14 on the highway. The Traverse is at 16 in town and 23 on the highway.

I take 1-2 trips from Minnesota to Idaho each year to go sledding....

Anybody have any experience with towing with a Chevrolet Traverse?

Give me your thoughts on this option please even though you don't have the vehicle.......

Looking at doing something in the next year...........

 

[NorthMNSledder]

The Traverse is the same as the GMC Arcadia right?

I have a buddy that tried out his wifes 2010 Arcadia on a trip last winter (AWD version) pulling a 18' Triton enclosed inline trailer. I was not with on this trip but he said that it was very doggy getting up to speed with the trailer but once up to speed it pulled very well as it's a heavy vehicle. However his millage was worse then pulling the same trailer with his 2008 Suburban so he has not done it again. He made the trip from Blaine to the UP through Wisc. and even the small hills were very notable. I would assume that might be from the torque difference you were talking about.

I thought the new Tahoe's were supposed to get much improved milage....What about one of those or is the price on those too high? I'll admit I have not shopped the SUV crossover market for some time.

 

[B C]

After driving/owning one I never would have thought about hooking it to a 4-place trailer. Right up until one passed me on the freeway south of IF when I had the cruise on 80mph in the wife's Suburban. He was pulling a car trailer with a mid 50's Chevy pick up on it. Stayed with him almost to SLC and the only time he slowed was on the hills. I was impressed to say the least. I'm sure it took him a while to get up to speed, but it looked like it handled it well once he got going for what that's worth.

 

[NDflatlander]

I complain about pulling a two place trailer with my 07 Avalanche, I would never imagine pulling one with the Traverse.

 

[treemagnet03]

check out some of the newer true suvs like the new durango or tahoe. They get similar mileage (what difference is 1-3mpg in the end...a number that often is lower and not advertised when adding AWD to crossovers). When you put that much less torque in a motor and ask it to pull the same weight, it will blow fuel out the back and constantly be fishing for the right gear (up down up down). While the traverse may have similar numbers with wheelbase and width, I think that seating/etc may be tighter due to the angles on the body work. Definitely check into that. Finally, consider the brakes! The Expedition/tahoes/durangos of the world are given much better brakes to deal with increasing payloads. While you may have trailer brakes, I have had mine go out often enough that having better brakes in the truck is a huge plus. You should let us know how you decide to go...I would be curious to hear what you think...

 

[Jeff C]

Thanks guys!!

Keep the comments coming.....

 

[Mafesto]

My buddy bought his wife an Enclave (same thing).

He said it was similar to Suburban money,
similar to Suburban mileage,
but lacked what makes a Suburban a Suburban, power, seating & cargo room, towability.

They're really just an AWD station wagon......am I wrong?

 

[KG]

I have an Acadia for my wife and never have hooked anything up to it but would never even think about using it for what you are. I was thinking half ton pickups were a pain enough pulling up hills. As far as mileage goes compared to suburban unloaded shouldn't be real close. Consistently 21 mpg highway with it. I don't think it would meet the expectations of your Expedition.

 

[B C]

For what it's worth we no longer drive a Traverse- it does lack Suburban features, especially size. Also like the stability and visibility of the Suburban for the wife. Selectable 4wd, along w/ the auto mode is also nice. But let's face it, not everyone wants to drive one.