Fuel Efficient Tow Vehicles

Bob, interesting timing for your post. I was driving my sisters CR-V today after having looked in the owners manual to see what the tow rating is. The rating is 1500 lbs with brakes required for over 1000 lbs. Since it is normally a good idea not to use overdrive when pulling a substantial trailer I checked to see how it would drive at highway speeds with OD off. At 60 mph the rpms were up around 3600 and I would probably not exceed that for long periods. For me this will not be an option, I guess the Suburban I have now has me spoiled but it is getting up in miles and age. I think an Odyysey or Pilot might be in my future.

Bob, We had a 04 Odyysey and now have a 07 Pilot, both have ample power and decent fuel economy with the 3.5L six. I must say I miss the power doors and the extra space of the van. A Scot main would fit up the middle of the van! The CR-V is a great SUV, but in my opinion, lacks the space and horsepower to make it a ideal Scot tow vehicle. Of course everything comes at a price! Andy

We've been towing our Scot with a 2004 Toyota Sienna, which has a 3.3 L six. Like the Odyssey, the main can be put inside. The Sienna hardly notices the boat at highway speeds and we use the overdrive. The only time I have felt compelled to use 4th gear is on a long steady uphill. I have also found that the car downshifts a little more abruptly and often when using cruise control. Thus I tend not to use the cruise. We get 27 highway without the boat and about 22 with it. The Sienna has lots of room for crew and gear inside. Phil Scheetz FS 4086

Bob: We just had U-Haul install 2,000 lbs hitch on our 2006 Honda CRV (Limited Edition model, Automatic All-Wheel-Drive). Our Flying Scot is on a Trailex Aluminum Trailer and so far the results are impressive. The Honda CRV's four cylinder engine / transmission pairing perform well, to give plenty of power to haul our Flying Scot. Braking is fine as well and acceleration was great. See you at the 2007 Flying Scot Open House Regatta on White Rock Lake in Dallas, TX! http://www.cscsailing.org

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[i]Originally posted by bobnew[/i] [br]What is your experience with smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles that can safely tow (and stop) the Scot trailer package? I am considering the Honda Cr-V which is rated to tow 1500 lbs. I figure the Scot and trailer at about 1250 lbs.

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Michael Mittman FS# 5804, Fleet 23 Corinthian Sailing Club White Rock Lake Dallas, TX