HI all - New to towing, still deciding on a tow vehicle. Do I really need AWD to tow a 13' Scamp? I live in Utah, and like to go on all our back roads, but I do not go 4 wheeling - just gravel, dirt, some creek bed crossings, etc....the easier stuff. But I do plan to boondock, and I also plan to travel through mountains (the Rockies and the Sierras). Don't plan to tow in winter weather. I may put trailer brakes on the Scamp, just to feel safer, as I have seen some posts on this forum recommend that. But FWD is cheaper and gives better gas mileage.
Would also like opinions about the reliability of Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe for towing. It has been difficult to find clear information about factory installed tow packages for these two vehicles. Some information says they have them installed on certain years or only w/AWD, some say they have tranny coolers and others no. And some sources say you can usually have the tranny cooler (and other items) installed after purchase. Any guidance on that?
One last question - I like the Toyota Highlander, but would have to purchase a 2014 or 2015 be able to afford one. Their reputation for reliability is what is important to me. Would it be better to go with an older model Toyota without all the fancy stuff, or get a newer vehicle (2017/2018) that may or may not have the same reliability ratings as Toyota (the Kia and Hyundai) Thanks for your advice!
Can't help with AWD, but we are on our second Santa Fe both with FWD and 3.3 V6, pulling our 16' Std. Trailer weighs 2800lbs and tongue averages 350lbs. Santa Fe has a 5000lb/500lb rating and there have been no problems. We just got back from a two month trip that took us down the Canadian Rockies, into the US Rockies, across Colorado (including Rocky Mtn NP) and had no trouble even with some light snow and sleet.
The 2016 Santa Fe had the transmission cooler factory installed as did the 2009. The small cooler is easily seen just in front of the larger radiator. They seem to have been factory standard at least to 2016, but things could have changed since then. I did the brake system and hitch installation in my driveway. I hope you do opt for the brakes even for the smaller trailer. It might not even be an option to buy without anymore!
For what it's worth, we don't boondock ever. We are nomads and enjoy moving thru the country just exploring the areas, and "bookmarking" places to return later. We have had to travel on many not-so-great roads against our wishes, but the Santa Fe and Scamp came thru it without a hiccup!
Thanks for your advice! I did have the impression tho that the 5K tow capacity is only with AWD; that FWD max was 3,500. But it sounds like you have been doing fine with it all.
Patrice Mott
Seems logical to me to order the 13 with the trailer brakes. You will have to maintain and adjust them occasionally to get the best result. But even a 1500 lb trailer adds considerable push to the rear of any of the vehicles we have today. 1500lb is 50% of the TV weight and it does make a difference in a panic or short distance stop. Especially comforting when stopping on a curve and down hill situation. We have done both ways and the added security is nice. We are already pushing the envelope with our Subaru capacity but the AWD and Trailer brakes is added security and comforting in wet slippery roads.
Just my opinion
2019 Scamp 13 standard
Yes, thanks for the info about getting brakes even on the 13'. I think I'd just feel more secure in being able to handle all weather conditions and mountainous areas.
Patrice Mott
We tow our Scamp 13 , no bath, with a 2017 Kia Sorento EX AWD V6 with no problems. We got the hitch and wiring done locally. No oil nor trans coolers. Mountains are no problem. And the Kia is soooo comfortable and quiet. So far, the Kia is super reliable! Only routine service needed in the two years with 30,300 miles. Gas mileage is about 30% when towing. Don’t use trailer brakes and we keep speed to 55. Sorento mush softer ride than the Highlander. We test drove both and Kia was clear favorite. Unless you are in snow/mud I think FWD would be OK. W lived in snowy WV when we bought the Kia, thus AWD. Now living in snowless climate, I would reconsider the FWD option. We also looked at SantaFe. It is smaller, less comfortable than Sorento and thus didn’t buy it.
less w
bill & valerie 2016 13' 2017 Kia Sorento EX V6, AWD
I appreciate your thoughts Bill - sounds like you are loving your Sorento. Can't wait to get the car so I can get out Scamping:)
Patrice Mott
Just wanted to clear up a couple of points in comparing AWD/FWD and Santa Fe/Sorento. The owners manual for the 2016 Santa Fe doesn't differentiate AWD/FWD in the towing discussion. The 5000/500 rating is for either. The issue is whether there is a "tow package" i.e. cooler, brake controller, proper hitch, installed. Without a brake system the rating drops to 1600+. With just the brakes it's 2000 and with the tow package it goes to 5000.
Also as near as I could tell when I bought the Santa Fe, the Sorento was almost exactly the same vehicle; both V6 with 3-row seats. No real size difference. I do note that Consumer Reports puts the newer Sorento just ahead of the Santa Fe. Remember that there is a Santa Fe Sport with a smaller body, engine, and tow rating.
I really enjoy our Santa Fe and just couldn't leave my thoughts unwritten!
RamRod for your thoughts and help. This is a perfect example of the difficulty I'm having in trying to find good information. I am a rank beginner so it is really important for me to do my research figure out how to determine tow caps.
It seems difficult to get good information from dealers or even the car companies themselves when it comes to trying to find out what a Santa Fe or a Sorento has
installed re: the tow package. Specifically, the transmission cooler. I have read that it is a must, and if a vehicle has that higher tow cap, then it seems reasonable to assume there would be a factory installed tranny cooler. But that doesn't seem to be the case. I understand that you can put on hitch wiring, brakes, etc aftermarket, but is that also possible for the cooler, if needed? Where do I look, or, what does it look like if there is one
already on the vehicle? Does an aftermarket cooler void any of the warranty?
Thanks for unraveling the mysteries of towing - YIKES !
Patrice Mott
I'm pulling my 16' Scamp with a 2WD Mercedes ML350, no problem. No need for AWD. However I recommend a brake controller (if your Scamp is equipped with brakes), it makes it so much easier for the car to brake, no brainer.
2001-16' Scamp
have 2008 kia 2008 sorrento pulled 16 ft scamp one thing very important is to remember is kia has a bolt on hitch 4 bolts that like to come lose please all check this as mine did COME LOSE and i could have lost my scamp pulling it had hitch welded bolt heads to prevent this from happying again ease check for all CHECK THEM HITCHES BOLTED TO FRAMES OF PULL VEHICLES All
Pages