Towing TT with truck vs SUV

Hi! New to the forum (posting, not stalking).

This tread is solely about towing aerodynamics between a truck and SUV/VAN.

I've towed my Airstream 23FB Globetrotter with an SUV for about 1500 miles this season. It tracks very well, has plenty of power (523hp and 550 torque), and never felt sway (centerline TS WDH).

But....I'm at (over) limits on tongue weight, payload, and very close to RAWR. It doesn't feel unsafe due to the massive performance brakes, all wheel drive, wide tires (22" x 325mm), and heavy weight (similar weight to limited crewmax 4x4 I'm looking at). I do experience bobbing going over some bridges/dips since I'm at (over) limits mentioned above.

I know the truck I'm looking at (mentioned above) will handle the load much better, but what I want to understand is will I experience poorer aerodynamics with a truck vs an SUV.
Is there a tendency for more sway with a truck?
Should I just get a large SUV instead?

Anyone gone from an SUV (or van) to a truck? What did you experience?

Thanks!

 

Wow, every other towing thread has many opinions (on topic and off). I guess most here have only pulled with a truck.

I've never owned a truck. Literally only picking up a Tundra to tow the AS. Some will find this offensive, but, I have other daily drivers. Not interested in the big 3 either.

Anyone towed with an SUV/Van (Cherokee, Suburban, Expedition, Rang Rover, X5, Cheyenne, etc) and moved to a truck?

Experience any difference?

 

I only towed once with my 2000 Grand Cherokee before getting my Tundra. For me, the Tundra is worlds better but I'm also comparing a 2018 Tundra to a 2000 Grand Cherokee... I barely noticed I had my 18 foot trailer behind the truck.

 

@RobertD
Appreciate the response!

Once is more experience than I have between an SUV and truck.

I want to ensure I'm not trading one benefit (aerodynamics) for another (towing capacity) to experience a similar ride quality.

My 1500 miles have been between 2 states. But I'm planning a 2700 mile one way trip in 2 months over 9 days.

I'm in analysis paralysis....

 

I believe the long wheelbase also adds to the stability while towing. I’ve towed at the limit with my 4Runner before and it wasn’t too bad. Serious lack of power, but other than that it was fine.

Also I could be wrong but I don’t think the aerodynamics between the two while towing is too big of an issue. You’re mainly just dragging all the air around behind your Airstream.

 

I don't have much to add but I am new to towing, got my first travel trailer this year. I was conservative with weight @4500# dry. I know the Tundras a bit limited by payload ECT an I'm well within it's limits.. What really surprised me is how many mid sized SUVs I see towing bigger trailers then mine.. I kind of scratch my head an wonder how they can possibly handle the weight yet I feel like my Truck is not far from a safe limit... Are SUVs really THAT capable? I'm not talking a suburban I'm talking like a Hyundai.. Its given me a bit of a small penis complex.. lol

 

I have towed a lot with both and overall the Aero qualities are not anything I have given a second thought to ever?

The longer wheelbase of most trucks over the SUV is a definite advantage I think as far as stability and tracking though and the extra storage in the truck bed if you get one with a bigger bed can be a huge advantage as well.

Last year I made a long trip in a new Sequoia towing a small trailer and was pretty much astonished actually about just how terrible the whole experience was compared to pulling with a Tundra overall and the wheelbase and rear suspension design are the only real differences that I can attribute the experience to?

If Aero the properties are a concern of yours though for whatever reason you can always get a Shell or Cap on the truck to make it behave just like an SUV but with the advantages of the truck at the same time.

Is there some reason that you are keeping the identity of the SUV you are comparing a truck to a secret?

 

Trucks tow better than SUVs. SUVs generally have shorter wheelbases and are more about comfort and payload vs towing.

I have towed with a ton of different SUVs- jeeps- wrangler, cherokees, 4runner, trooper, full size blazers and the Tundra tows better than all of them.

 

Thanks everyone!

The reason it came up is a one friend said getting a shell (no other mods) has made their towing experience much better. So I wanted a few more data points.

SUV secret comment - keeping the conversation to SUV vs truck. Not the tundra will tow much better than your ____ SUV

So how about the topic shifts a little: anyone add a shell and notice a difference in towing?

 

Yes Better Towing!

 

Friend of mine commented that he noticed better towing... but he also acknowledged reduced payload (for the already marginal payload capability of the Tundra) due to the additional weight of the shell.

 

I've towed a bunch with GM Tahoes and Escalades (mostly Tahoe length Esky, less the Suburban length ESV) before the Tundra....boats and travel trailers. The biggest single difference I notice is while backing. The short wheel base GM trucks turn quicker especially the AWD Esky / Denali, both because of wheel base and steering gear. My Tundra CM is less fun backing anything in the dark just because I am so used to SWB. I noticed that far more than aerodynamics; with the possible exception of how much air the travel trailer pushes through the open back CrewMax window.

Next would be the gear ratios. Just got back from 1,500 miles with the Tundra CM and 19ft trailer with a WDH. Climbed 2 mountain ranges 2x, and I am just astounded at how much better the 6 speed and final drive in the Tundra is geared over even the GM 6 speed, let alone the crappy GM 8 speed. Gotta keep an eye on Tundra range with 80 miles and mountain passes between some gas stations and only 26 gallons, but you get 6 more gallons after you hit "E" in the Tundra. Also important to note my Tundra is knocking on the door of 200,000 hard miles and I did not even hesitate such a journey, whereas I might have with a GM...the Tundra (and Tacoma before it) have been ultra reliable.

Aerodynamics is third to me. I expected to notice a handling difference downhill sans all the heavy metal in a SUV vs bed on the Tundra, but was just very smooth.

Towing with the Tundra just feels good.