Need a new tow vehicle - Suggestions please?

[CampinNC]

I had the perfect tow vehicle for my 2011 Keystone Bullet (200 EXP). The hybrid model. It was a 2006 Nissan Armada (aka Princess). I loved this car and just spent $350 on a tune up, new back tires, oil change, etc ... then a drunk driver ran a red light and hit me. Now because of the rear axle and airbags they have deemed it a total loss. I'm crushed. I am thankful I was driving her that night and I am alive to talk about it but it did not look to me to be $11,000 worth of damage.

Okay, I had to share my sob story ... now the problem ... what to get to tow? The insurance company is not offering a lot ... shocker ... I am not a fan of a truck ... I'm a woman and I like an SUV. That Armada held my boys, the dogs, bikes, 8 people and pulled the camper through the WV mountains like a pro!

I would love to hear your thoughts on a new tow vehicle ... will I ever get all the options I had on that car? Leather? Heated seats? Moon roof? Back up camera? I could hook up to my hitch in one minute! Doubtful ... *sigh*

Thanks! I hate I am missing out on some Fall camping ... my Bullet is just sitting in my driveway waiting to go ... sniff, sniff

[chuckster57]

Glad to hear your okay, that's the most important part!

It seems to me to be typical for insurance companies to consider anything over 80% of LOW book value, a total loss. Have you tried negotiating with the insurance company for a cash settlement and the vehicle back?

Where is the idiot that hit you stand with insurance? If he has any, I would be all over them like stink on..... I know it stinks that your losing valuable camping time, but that might also be a leveraging tool in your favor.

Without knowing what your finances are, it would be real hard to make a recommendation. I would suggest you start looking on Craigslist, Auto trader, and your local lots to see what's available.

[cabinfever]

It might take some time, but look for what you lost. If you liked the Armada and it worked perfect for you it will again. I would get as much as you can find and afford when it comes to the options. However, they do not allow you to tow any better. Looks to me the Armada is a good fit for your TT.

[cwill925]

CampinNC, Sent you a PM. Check your mail box.

[jkohler70]

They aren't easy to find, but there's a great value in a 2009 Kia Borrego V8. I got a great deal on one recently, and it tows like a champ. It is a conventional body-on-frame SUV with a tow capacity of 7500. Pre-wired for brake controller. No backup camera, but if you can't find that option, they are available through 3rd parties. I have the leather heated seats, auto climate control, GPS touch screen, electronic transfer case, auto descent and ascent control (keeps from rolling backwards on hill), etc.

[cblong]

a tahoe or suburban. we can fit everything we need in ours. if you want more engine the escalade or yukon have the 6.0l not the 5.3. and around here they are cheaper than an armada the only reason I know is because the DW wants to trade the tahoe for an armada.

[GaryWT]

Have you looked for another Armada? If it worked once... Glad you are ok.

[GmaPaTime]

Glad to hear your OK...
If your insurance has rental coverage, most will work with renting an equivalent model. Could get you out for the short term.

[Shadowcats]

Hey we love are Armada too...glad you are OK, they are supposed to be one of the safer vehicles. We have a 2012 model and it tows great...gas mileage is nothing to crow about though. We've not had any problem with our Armada at all! We call ours "ARRR," and typically haul two small kids, 4 adults, and two big German Shepherds - gotta have that third row seating. Hope you find a good fit.

[Hansel]

Glad you are fine, I have had the same problem, I had a perfectly running Ford F-250 diesel that when a lady ran a red light she totaled it.

I was able too find another F-250 diesel and the insurance company gave me a lot more than I expected for my old truck.

Good luck and I feel your pain

[audio1der]

If the Armada genuinely fulfilled your needs, why not search out another, even if you have to float the difference to get all the options?
I sometimes wonder why we didn't even look at a vehicle with an enclosed rear/bed, be it an SUV or full size van.

[RGene7001]

If new vehicle is within your reach i would consider brand new Grand Cherokee or Durango with diesel and 8 speeds, gasser will do the job either but you will stop for refueling more often. Used Mercedes, especially Blutec may be a good alternative, relatively affordable when 3 or more years old. Backup camera is essential, but it is standard nowadays.
Good luck!

[zuley]

In reference to what RGene has said if the GC diesel is of interest to you and you are not interested in new you may consider the 07/08 version of the Grand Cherokee diesel. My wife has driven an 08 since new. We towed a high wall pop up weighing over 4000 pounds loaded for a number of years with it. The thing was fantastic. There are a couple of major hills (Airport Road for our Ontario camping friends) that we had to travel. Would not even burp heading up those hills. We get 800 km to a tank of fuel non towing. In the shop today for its first brake job with 105,000 km on it. Being in the industry we normally only keep a vehicle for 3 years. However, we'll drag this thing to the dump with the body falling off it before I consider replacing it.