TV for 7

[Recumbentman]

Looking for a new TV, to replace our Ford WindStar Van. I am researching mid size SUV

[wynot]

Looking for a new TV, to replace our Ford WindStar Van. I am researching mid size SUV

[zamboni]

Being able to put the vehicle in your garage may dictate what you buy.

For example, with the layout of our garage (2+1), we put out Explorer in the single door.  This puts it against the right wall (it is also the shorter stall by 2 feet).  If we put it in the main door, middle would mostly block from the house to the garage, and left side would mostly block the door to the RV slip.

Because it is new construction, garage doors have SHRUNK - so builders have another corner they can cut.  Our single door is 7 foot 4 wide.  Yup - pretty narrow.

Our Explorer fits through it with about 1 inch clearance between the side mirrors and door frame.  Anything bigger wouldn't.  It also only has about 8 inches clearance between the bumper and door (if the front is touching the wall).

However, with the V8, it is rated at 7,300 lbs, and we've not had issues towing our hybrid up mountains.  Sure hits the mileage when towing uphill, though.

[batsignal2]

I have an Explorer with the third row seating.  I keep it in the garage and do not have problems with it.  It is a little wider than most, but I like that.  I have a two door garage and it works fine.  It does have a tow rating above 5,000 so that would work for you also.  It tows extremely well, I have never had issues.  I get around 17-19 miles per gallon under normal driving conditions so you can decide if that is "decent".  It does fluctuate some with towing but I have gotten over 15 mpgs while towing several times.  The third row is excellent in size for the mid-size SUV in fact I think I remember hearing that it is the best in its group.  I will say it removes most of your rear storage.  You will have about 1.5 feet from the back of the seat to the rear door.

I have a 2003.  I hear the new 2007 has the new foam filled doors to make it drive quieter.  I have a friend who knows someone that has one and loves it.  I don't have a problem with noise in mine so I can't say I would need to have the new doors to satisfy me.

Looking for a new TV, to replace our Ford WindStar Van. I am researching mid size SUV

[ForestCreature]

Have either of you considered a full sized van? They get better mileage than you'd think and have passenger + cargo space as well as the towing capacity you want.

[beacher]

Two years ago I purchased a used 1999 Dodge Durango 4x4 with a 5.9L V8 engine, and third row seats.  It's the SUV that established the mid-size SUV category!  Specifically, I was looking for a cheap TV that could carry four people, (but it can carry seven with the third row seat, and still have some room for cargo).  It had 8,000 miles on it and I paid $11,000 for it, (still had the new-car smell).

It's been a wonderful TV for pulling a fully loaded 3500lb + 2004 Fleetwood Niagara GTE.  It has a rediculously good tow rating, 7,400 pounds, (I have to look in the rear view mirror to make sure the trailer is back there sometimes)!  And it gets decent mileage while towing.

Thanks to the wonderful depreciation that SUVs experience, (and especially my Dodge Durango), I found the perfect TV for me.  And soon I will "upgrade" to a used great price-low mileage 2005 redesigned Durango 4x4 with a HEMI!  And, I'll probably find it for under $12,000!

[dthurk]

I would second the vote on the Durango. We just bought an 06 with a 4.7 V8. It easily tows our 6000 lb loaded TT. It has room for 8 passengers. All rear seats fold into the floor for cargo. When all seats are up, there's not much cargo space left. It's a nice car, though. DW, DD and I all enjoy it.

[PattieAM]

I too have the Dodge Durango (4x4) (2000) and have had relaxing tow experiences with it.  It handles the cargo, kids, dogs, and is my luxury vehicle/people mobile, and it tows my 2006 Fleetwood Niagara with ease.

My other TV is my 97 Dodge Ram, and I've been using it too for towing, but it doesn't have the people mobile properties the Durango has!

[garym053]

I have a 2006 Jeep Commander with 7 passenger seating. It has the 4.7 V8 and tows well. The 3rd row seating IS on the small side but we have had an adult seated there for a 3 hour trip and he had plenty of head room. Said his legs were a little on the cramped side. PLUS it has a 276W Boston Acoustics system in it, so I don't have to hear any whinning unless I want to!!!

Good luck in the search.