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Which engine type and transmission for towing motorcycles to avoid?

NorCal Factory

NorCal Factory

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 25, 2003
Location
Los Gatos
Moto(s)
KTM SuperDuke GT, Aprilia RSV4 RF, Aprilia Tuano, Husky TE 300 I
Name
Tom
I have been towing a Kendon trailer with up to two track bikes @1,500 lbs. total, with a Grand Cherokee 4.7L motor for years. 235HP 275 ft. Lbs torque. It really moves with little effort with the trailer and one bike.

I am researching SUV options that have the same or greater storage for the trackday gear and can tow the trailer and be good at driving to ski areas (AWD with lockout or equivalent preferred.)

I would like to get better gas mileage as most of the driving is highway so a non-plug in hybrid might be considered.
This needs to last well more than ten years. The Jeep is 22 years old with 200k miles and still running great, but it will be a matter of time before it is going to need to be sold.
I have looked at a lot of mid or even compact SUVs like Hyundai Santa Fe and would consider the new one, but that is a 2.5 L turbo with higher HP and torque than the Jeep’s V8.

Other options like the Outback have CVT transmissions and I am reading that they are not as reliable and especially if you are loaded or trailering and going up mountains.
Then the Hybrids have these 1.7L turbos with electric motors that yield higher HP/Torque but I can’t help but think they will be revving all the time to go 80mph especially against a headwind or up the Sierras.

The step up to SUVs with 3.6L V6s and Dual clutch transmissions might be where I need to end up but then the gas mileage isn’t great and the cost of the higher end packages (a must) end up getting into the $60k and higher range.

Any feedback on towing with the hybrids, and 2.5L turbos and CVT Vs std. or DCT would be appreciated. Comments about gas mileage when towing would be helpful too as all the numbers can be affected while towing at 80mph. It may be the smaller engines are working so hard the MPG gains may be minor as compared to a larger engine working less.

I hate the over reving sewing machine sound of small engines.
What are your experiences and recommendations?
 
My experience is that that sort of trailer is so insignificant, as to be towable by literally anything... and so you should be optimizing for the day-to-day use cases, IMO.

If I had to pick an all-arounder vehicle for a one car situation involving snow, I'd go with an AWD Sienna (and run 3PMSF tires). Ample interior room for cargo with seats down/out; comfortable people mover; can tow a light trailer with no issues.

I have a FWD Odyssey here in the snow belt (in a mix of a half dozen 4WD/AWD vehicles), and it gets around acceptably on 3PMSF tires. The body style is highly useful. It'll take sheets of plywood with the middle row out.

The minivan is so handy that if the job is small enough, I take it over the the truck or the truck + one of the several trailers. (Rural acreage, ample parking for equipment and toys..). That's my .02.
 
I would avoid anything that uses turbos to increase a small displacement motor's HP. the turbos just add a level of complexity that you don't want and one more expensive item that can break. Remember there is no replacement for displacement.

If it was me I would stick to something along the V6 line but here in the swamp gas is a lot cheaper than Cali so MPG is not such an issue.
 
Sharxfan said:
I would avoid anything that uses turbos to increase a small displacement motor's HP. the turbos just add a level of complexity that you don't want and one more expensive item that can break. Remember there is no replacement for displacement.
Click to expand...
So you hate turbos? :rolleyes

If you get just about anything from Ford these days that isn't a V-8, it's going to have a turbo. And they do it because it IS a replacement for displacement. Two of the three Fords that I own have turbos and one of those is now past 115,000 miles. Unless you're running full throttle all the time at maximum boost, they seem to do just fine. But they get better mileage when you're easy on the throttle.
 
I guess I got one of the last V6s then.

I am not sure about turbos because it is just one more part to break and if you are on it a lot to tow to make up HP then how long do they last? Do your turbos kick in a lot or is it mostly running on the normal unboosted 4 cylinder?

IDK maybe turbos have gotten way better and last longer now and I am still remembering stories and old wives tales.
 
Just about anything will tow a Kendon trailer. Hell I towed dirt bikes with my then new '75 Civic CVCC, 5 sp. As far as turbos I have a Ford Transit 350HD and continue to be impressed with the twin turbo engine.
 
Tesla Model 3 or Y AWD. I charge with my solar system and the cost is equal to getting 330 mpg. If I charge at an expensive Supercharger it quates to 42 mpg. Towing and traction is hard to beat. Check out Youtubes of Tesla's in the snow or deep water. If you drive much and can use the tax credits it can pay for its premium very quickly. Maintenance is extremely minimal and over the air diagnostics, repairs and updates are way cool. Performamce is dazzling!
 
Thanks all. I am particularly interested in the 2.5 T engines. I’ll probably rent one with a trailer hitch and try going up a mountain.
 
A firm "no" to anything with a CVT transmission. It's a light trailer/ load, but still: no on towing with a CVT, IMO.

What's your price point and new or used? Do you want something pedestrian, Luxury, or exciting?
 
I appreciate the comment about CVT. I inferred that from some reviews. Most or all Subarus use CVT and I have a buddy who likes his Outback. I also pitted next to someone who tows a Kendon with two bikes with thier Outback and said it was fine.

RE budget - under $60-70k probably and it will need to be a high end trim. And no European cars. KIA and Hyundai compact and mid sized SUVs or maybe a Jeep GC limited again or a competitors to those.

The key is, do I eliminate all the hybrids, and then all the 2.5Ts or can they do the job? If I am left with >3.5 L V6,s then the gas mileage isn’t a lot better than the current Jeep so I will keep using it.

The deals including used cars will be getting better through Xmass into spring and next year could be even better for the popular cars as the market is softening.
 
Used car market isn't showing much softening yet, looking at my numbers. $60-70K gives lots of options, especially if used. Despite having two in the fleet, I'd steer clear of Explorers and Jeeps. Quality on both has been subpar, despite really liking Jeep as a brand.

Mazda's CX9 PEV, with an 8 speed auto is one of the most enticing options I've seen in the $50K territory. They're good looking in person and if you've got shorter commutes, the PEV part gets you about 25 miles till the next charge. 323hp options will tow fine, etc. That being said, I'm woefully impressed with our Genesis GV80 Prestige. Except for Hyundai's lack of parts, at the moment.

Just a thought. If you're doing used, PM me and I can at least price out what the market is on specific models. Of course if you have place to store/ park the jeep, the other option is to use it for towing/ track/ skiing trips only and use your budget on a different type of DD.
 
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Thanks for the feedback. I don’t commute and my DD need is only used to go MTB or play hockey or a mile to the store.

Appreciate the value of a hybrid but I don’t want to set up a plug in. If I had the towing power with an engine that can charge the battery and tow then it would be interesting but 90% of the mileage (5k/ yr. Total) is for skiing, or going to T-Hill, Middle Creek or the Sierras to ride dirt bikes. That’s why the Jeep has lasted so long.
 
Sorry, CX-90. Missed the "0". They have a non-PEV version too. Take a look at the GV'80's too. Bentley luxury. I did a write up them a few months back here. Great value used and new, IMO.
 
Holeshot said:
Used car market isn't showing much softening yet, looking at my numbers. $60-70K gives lots of options, especially if used. Despite having two in the fleet, I'd steer clear of Explorers and Jeeps. Quality on both has been subpar, despite really liking Jeep as a brand.

Mazda's CX9 PEV, with an 8 speed auto is one of the most enticing options I've seen in the $50K territory. They're good looking in person and if you've got shorter commutes, the PEV part gets you about 25 miles till the next charge. 323hp options will tow fine, etc. That being said, I'm woefully impressed with our Genesis GV80 Prestige. Except for Hyundai's lack of parts, at the moment.

Just a thought. If you're doing used, PM me and I can at least price out what the market is on specific models. Of course if you have place to store/ park the jeep, the other option is to use it for towing/ track/ skiing trips only and use your budget on a different type of DD.
Click to expand...

even with context clues i can't tell what you mean by that sentence :twofinger

woeful: sorrow, misery
impress: admiration, respect

huh?
 
Jumbo Shrimp.

As I wrote that, our GV80 has been @ Dublin Genesis for almost 3 months waiting on a warranty battery. I've tried to purchase one from alternative sources and they don't exist. I did point out to the service manager that they're getting plenty of batteries shipped in 2024 GV80 "boxes". I love the GV80, but the lack of ability to get the vehicle out of their shop is "concerning". The only good part is they gave up a loner G70 we've had for about a month so far.

Sorrow: Indeed. Impressed: Indeed. Misery....getting there.
 
Holeshot said:
Jumbo Shrimp.

As I wrote that, our GV80 has been @ Dublin Genesis for almost 3 months waiting on a warranty battery. I've tried to purchase one from alternative sources and they don't exist. I did point out to the service manager that they're getting plenty of batteries shipped in 2024 GV80 "boxes". I love the GV80, but the lack of ability to get the vehicle out of their shop is "concerning". The only good part is they gave up a loner G70 we've had for about a month so far.

Sorrow: Indeed. Impressed: Indeed. Misery....getting there.
Click to expand...

So why can't they go down to AutoZone and pick one up? I mean it's just a battery I am sure there are other manufacturers out there that have them. 3 months seems excessive.
 
Good point. I'm about ready to just go buy one and give the receipt to Genesis, but for now we've got this brand new G70 they gave us as a loaner and piling miles on it has been a nice bonus.

I'll let ya know when I go get a replacement. Probably in early December.
 
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