Best toad for my particular needs.

[Jim]

Lots of "toad" threads, but this one is going to list my specific needs.

• Must be flat towable.
• Looking for a nice a toad as possible. Can be either truck or SUV, just don't want a super long vehicle.
• Leather, luxury interior appointments, etc.
• Late model. 1-3 years old.
• Not a Wrangler or a Gladiator.
• Rear area, probably from the rear seats folding down, so that Ryker has room to stretch out.
• Must have its own air condition vents/controls in the rear area.

I looked at a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee yesterday and its seemed OK, right up until the part of air conditioning in the rear compartment. It had air conditioning controls for the middle row, but it would be a stretch for the air to get back to the area where Ryker would be. Also looked at a 2021 (same make/model) and it actually had vents on each side of the C pillars, but even on the high setting, there was very little air actually coming out of them.

Anyone have a comparable vehicle that provides all the above?

​

 

[team bradfield]

we've got a 22 Grand Cherokee L, 3 row seating the mid AC blows pretty strong, passengers in 3rd row stayed cool, I will double check this afternoon. I love it, easy to put in tow mode, lots of storage space, fancy leather and interior lighting, pretty nice, air ride height adjusts to your speed

 

[sheridany]

Hi @Jim, I have a 2023 Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve trim, and it is the best toad I have ever had. Based on what you are describing, it is called the long with the split back seat so you can carry passengers in the rear. Everything @team bradfield describes is spot on. I do not have the long, but some good friends parked right next to me tow theirs, and they love it. I have towed mine at least 1500 miles and it stays right back and never misses a beat. You can't go wrong with it as a great everyday car and toad. The dealer businesses are down, so they are very much more inclined to deal at least out here.

 

[DennisT]

We have a 22 Cherokee that we picked up earlier this year. Tows great.

Lots of room, back seats fold down, rear a/c vents, etc etc.

Can get one about 10k less than a Grand Cherokee.

Would have to be used since they quit making them for now.

 

[Neal]

Tow a Class B. Seems to be some doing this lately and I think @Neemer does it at times.

 

[Jim]

Tow a Class B. Seems to be some doing this lately and I think @Neemer does it at times.

That's what I hear! But @Neemer has more disposable income than me!

 

[Joe Hogan]

We use a Ford Flex SEL. You do not want Limited with front radar. Base plate interference with radar unit.
Installed a battery solenoid to disconnect the battery.
Simple to tow. Start engine, cycle the gears quickly, leave in N, turn off engine and disconnect battery power ( interior button in our case ) Done.
Vehicle is a pleasure to drive and has lots of room. Rear a/c as well.
You can find them with low miles from rust free areas all day long.

 

[GlampDaddy]

Tow a Class B. Seems to be some doing this lately and I think @Neemer does it at times.

A Class B will be just right for Ryker! Besides, he deserves a little comfort after all he's been through.

 

[sheridany]

Why not get one of those humungous stacker trailers? You can take cars, Rykers therapy device and whatever else you need AND you can back it up.

 

[Jim]

Why not get one of those humungous stacker trailers? You can take cars, Rykers therapy device and whatever else you need AND you can back it up.

Don't I wish! But Trish would just take it away from me and use it to grow plants.

 

[Jim]

We use a Ford Flex SEL. You do not want Limited with front radar. Base plate interference with radar unit.
Installed a battery solenoid to disconnect the battery.
Simple to tow. Start engine, cycle the gears quickly, leave in N, turn off engine and disconnect battery power ( interior button in our case ) Done.
Vehicle is a pleasure to drive and has lots of room. Rear a/c as well.
You can find them with low miles from rust free areas all day long.

What year Joe?

 

[sheridany]

This is where @ARD comes in and represents you as counsel in the negotiations—mobile greenhouse.

 

[Neemer]

That's what I hear! But @Neemer has more disposable income than me!

It’s true I have mastered the art of income disposal. Olympic level.

 

[Chargerman]

I would put the Escalade and GMC Yukon on your list to look at

 

[Jim]

It’s true I have mastered the art of income disposal. Olympic level.

Looking forward to seeing you buddy! @ARD has graciously agreed to give up her site so it looks like we have room for you!

I would put the Escalade and GMC Yukon on your list to look at

I pretty much did, and decided against them for size and length. Gut I'll take another look at them, just in case I missed something. Thanks!

 

[Joe Hogan]

What year Joe?

We purchased the 2018 Flex last year out of Cali with 35k on the odometer. Vehicle was reasonably clean , no corrosion. So far it has performed well. We have driven it from Fl to IN without issue. Most other trip were intrastate around FL. And locally when traveling.
Tows easily.

 

[redbaron]

I was doing research for my parents and landed on the Buick Encore GX Avenir AWD. It’s a low price point and very well equipped.

The storage is great and it’s very light.

 

[Neemer]

Looking forward to seeing you buddy! @ARD has graciously agreed to give up her site so it looks like we have room for you!

Very much looking forward to it here as well. Sorry to miss the opportunity to cross paths with @ARD again.

 

[team bradfield]

we've got a 22 Grand Cherokee L, 3 row seating the mid AC blows pretty strong, passengers in 3rd row stayed cool, I will double check this afternoon. I love it, easy to put in tow mode, lots of storage space, fancy leather and interior lighting, pretty nice, air ride height adjusts to your speed

I sat in the far back today, I think Ryker would do fine, AC kept it very cool

 

[GlampDaddy]

Our previous toad was a ‘17 Grand Cherokee Limited. Nothing but good things to say about it. You’ve seen the current one.