Uwpgrad wrote:
I hope someone may be able to help me out with this question. I have
a Sport Nautique and I am thinking of buying a new vehicle to pull
it. Right now I have a GMC Serria (5.3L V8) and I'm looking at trying
to save some money by buying more of a mid-size SUV (Highlander 3.5L
V6) to save on gas because we have to travel a bit of distance just to
get to the boat.

IMO, you've said enough right there. the 3.5 may or may not get you
slightly better fuel economy for normal use over the 5.3.

But towing, I'm sure you'll be quite disapointed in the overall
performance of the 3.5. you'll actually use more fuel than the 3.5
because of the smaller displacement and will have to work the engine
so much harder, that you'll consume more fuel, and overtax the engine
due to being forced to use lower gear ranges , so you're speed will
suffer, and consumption will be higher.

I suppose that's one reason why you find huge diesel engines instead
of 350 chevy's in semi-trucks.

Sometimes smaller isn't better.

I'm not a slave to fashion. my tow vehicle is a 1990 Mercury Colony
Park wagon. Basicly the same drive train as a half ton ford pickup of
the same year.It's a comfortable car to drive, and I really don't need
a truck. and the wagon even though isn't stylish or modern isn't a
"beater" and suits my needs quite well. The wife doesn't really like
to, but if need be she will drive it, ok? It has a 5.0/302 v8 that
when driving with some sense will yield about 23 mpg on a four-lane
with the cruise parked at 65. My wifes 2004 Chrysler Town & Country
van has a 3.5 v6, and under the same conditions will yield the same
milage.

I tow a 23 foot cuddy with the wagon and it sucks on the fuel tank
pretty hard about 12 mpg. ...But it will still pull the beast at 60
mph, with some effort, but not badly. And thats with up to 4-5 people
inside with the cargo end loaded with "stuff". If I was to attempt to
tow the same boat behind the wifes van it would never get out of
second gear with the throttle on the floor.
And in a few miles the transmission would be toast.

just my own analogy, but I think you'd be better off with what you've
got.