nancyanddan
Newbie RV’er
2007 Ford Explorer 4.0 V6; 2016 KZ Spree Escape E170S
Posts: 23 
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Post by nancyanddan on Oct 15, 2016 15:01:14 GMT -5
How many of you do? What brand/engine/features? Accessories?
I ask because we've been towing our 2016 Spree Escape E170S with a 2007 V6 Ford Explorer with a WDH and anti-sway bar and though it seems ok so far we feel it's underpowered and just barely does the job. Plus it has 122,000+ miles so we know another TV will be in our future at some point.
We retired and are a one-vehicle family so an SUV suits our needs perfectly. When the time comes, we are considering upgrading to a Ford Expedition but are curious if other TT owners have TVs in this category. Thanks!
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Post by michael79 on Oct 15, 2016 17:56:06 GMT -5
I pull with a 2015 Chevy Tahoe. 5.3 Liter V8. With the max trailing package it can pull 8,600lbs. Plenty of power for that weight. Nice ride with and without a trailer. It is bigger than an explorer and you feel it when you're in a parking lot, but it isn't tough to adjust.
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aron
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 17 
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Post by aron on Oct 16, 2016 3:41:18 GMT -5
I have a 2015 Ford Expedition 3.5v6 Ecoboost to tow my 2017 Spree 240BHS (6500 lbs GVWR). We've towed it about 800 miles so far this year, and seems to handle it pretty well. Though I don't think that I'd want to tow anything much heavier than that.
The Ecoboost has plenty of power up the hills despite being a v6.
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Post by lodost on Oct 16, 2016 8:49:42 GMT -5
I tow my 2016 Spree Connect that weighed out at 6500 lbs across the scales with my 09 Chevy Tahoe Z71 with the heavy duty towing package and am very pleased. Pulled it to
the Black Hills in So. Dak this spring. Usually average 10 MPG
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Post by vagov on Oct 16, 2016 14:27:10 GMT -5
Itow my spree escape with a 4.7 liter grand cherokee. It does pretty good, however I upgraded the schicks, rotors, and brakes to a heavy duty series, even though it works , considering. ,upgrading to bigger tow vechile. For longevity. Looked at a few tahoes, maybe overkill but would buy a suburban or a v10 excursion
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Post by sandymelody on Oct 17, 2016 20:44:17 GMT -5
I have a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 110,000 miles on it rated to tow 6,500 lbs. I tow an 16RBT which weighs 3,100 lbs loaded out. Set in the tow/haul mode this thing pulls like a mule, I've crossed the continental divide more than once and it handles great. I considered something bigger like a Suburban or Tahoe but for it's small size this is a great SUV for towing. You can also look at the Toyota Tacoma, it has a great tow rating for a smaller pickup.
Good luck!
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Post by mdconvert on Oct 19, 2016 6:40:39 GMT -5
As a comparison: A friend and I both have 196S Escape campers. I think the loaded weight is 3500 lbs. We both have a GM 4.3 engine in our vehicles, his is a 4X4 pickup with a standard, I have an 4WD auto van. We both agree that, while it tows ok, we both would like to get vehicles with a larger engine.
Later this week I should be getting a used 1/2 ton 4x4 pickup with a 5.3 engine.
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larryo
Weekender RV’er
Posts: 82
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Post by larryo on Oct 19, 2016 10:03:03 GMT -5
We tow our 26ft Sportsman (GVWR 6000lbs) with a GMC Yukon XL w/max tow package (8000 max tow weight)
Haven't had any problems.
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Post by danbydeerslayer on Oct 23, 2016 9:41:45 GMT -5
I TOW MY 2016 SPREE E170S WITH MY 2008 JEEP COMMANDER WITH A 4.7 LITER ENGINE, & 120000 MILES--- TOWS REAL WELL
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Post by mdconvert on Nov 4, 2016 5:26:35 GMT -5
To add some information to this thread. I've had a chance to pull the 196S with the 1/2 ton 8 cyl., 5.3 GMC truck vs. the 4.3 6 cyl. Chevy van and the difference was quite surprising. The van would do it, but I had to nurse it along. Driving the truck is more like normal driving, while I was still vigilant, I didn't have to nurse the van to keep the momentum up on each rise.
While my trip wasn't long enough to get accurate mileage data I believe I got similar MPG than when pulling with the van.
After this experience I don't think I'll go back to pulling a travel trailer with anything smaller than a 8 cyl. vehicle.
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Post by gamecock on Nov 16, 2016 16:33:08 GMT -5
My folks just purchased a 2015 28' Spree. They are towing it with a 2010 F-150 King Ranch (5.4L). They have the WDH so its no problem. I have a `07 Expedition EL 4x4 that will pull it with ease and have a ton of weight to spare.
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drb
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 6
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Post by drb on Nov 17, 2016 6:54:24 GMT -5
Tow Spree Escape 200s with Town and Country, Does good job 4th gear in hills.
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Post by mdconvert on Nov 17, 2016 7:36:48 GMT -5
I'm impressed that you can pull at 200s with a Town and Country minivan and do it in 4th gear with any hills.
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drb
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 6
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Post by drb on Nov 18, 2016 7:08:42 GMT -5
Does a great job 5th gear on I95 in cruise control.
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Post by Silverbullet on Mar 12, 2017 14:53:30 GMT -5
Interesting thread, Just traded a 2014 Wolf Pup 16fb for a 2017 Spree Escape E170S. Had a 2005 Buick Rendevous that barely pulled it & ended up blowing a head gasket. Sold it & after a bit of research I bought a 2007 Ford Explorer Limited with a 4.6L V8 & Tow Package after reading the 4.0's were under powered. Ford Explorers are a dime a dozen....Except finding one with a V8/W Tow Package.
Empty weight of the camper is 2.800 lbs & towing capacity of the V8 Explorer is 7.200 lbe so I should be good to go. Also have the weight reducing hitch.
Looking forward to this camping season!
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Post by vagov on Mar 14, 2017 7:39:53 GMT -5
Itow my spree escape with a 4.7 liter grand cherokee. It does pretty good, however I upgraded the schicks, rotors, and brakes to a heavy duty series, even though it works , considering. ,upgrading to bigger tow vechile. For longevity. Looked at a few tahoes, maybe overkill but would buy a suburban or a v10 excursion so I did upgrade my tow vechile, looked at tahoes,suburbans, excursions, and pickup trucks, considered a 3/4 ton but thought it was overkill, so I settled with a 2004 chevy avalance with a 5.3. Haven't towed with it yet, but will be next month |
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jeeep
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 5
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Post by jeeep on Apr 18, 2017 19:25:38 GMT -5
Towing a spree escape 196s with a six cylinder, Hyundai Santa Fe. With the electric break addition to the vehicle, it is well within the rated capacity. Similar to others who have responded, I don't feel like it does a great job, but only an adequate job. We live in western Colorado and we frequently travel up and over the continental divide. I avoid I – 70 due to the speed of the traffic on the mountain passes compared to my ability to climb those passes while towing.
Chad
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Post by 2ToyAussieDogs on Apr 19, 2017 6:45:06 GMT -5
We have a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 L EcoDiesel (4 x 4 with tow package, rated for 7200 lbs) and, are about to pick up our 2017 Spree 261RKC with GVWR of 6800 lbs. [This is our 9th RV, second TT. In the past there has been, 38' Class A, 45' class A, 4 fifth wheels, 1 TT, 1 Truck camper] Got the "thumbs up" (in writing) from Jeep when I emailed them concerning the overall length of the Spree as well as the square footage of the face. I'll come back in May and post how this set up works out.....hopefully the tail will not be wagging the dog  Not our first rodeo but, first time using an SUV to tow. |
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Post by bc75 on May 8, 2017 19:54:51 GMT -5
I tow with a 05 envoy 5.3 slt 4x4 its rated for 7000lbs i use weight distribution and added a transmission cooler just to be safe.My camper is 06 Frontier 2405 weighs 5400lbs dry weight. I do live in Arkansas don't pull in any mountains other than the Ozarks. Pulls just fine has plenty of power.
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Post by vagov on May 10, 2017 21:59:37 GMT -5
Start towing my 196s with the chevy avalanche, 5.3. Tows well, but did notice the bed squats pretty good , more so. Than with the jeep, but I had a lift on it, may have to play and readjust the WDH alittle, but very happy with the bigger motor and truck
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Not our first rodeo but, first time using an SUV to tow. 