Forum Discussion

ESDA's avatar
ESDA
Explorer
Jan 10, 2018

Expedition vs Suburban

So I am looking at getting a new SUV this year and I am looking at a 2018 Ford Expedition and the 2018 Chevy Suburban. My trailer is 5,600 lbs empty. Between the load in the trailer and the load in the truck I am at around 2,000 lbs additional weight, which would put me around 7,600 lbs, so to be same round it up to 8,000 lbs. Looking at the specs the Expedition can tow 9,300 lbs and the Suburban can tow 8,300 lbs so they both should be able to handle the trailer. I currently tow the trailer with a Silverado 2500 so I have no issue at all, however with 4 kids now that truck is too tight for long trips. Anyone have any thoughts on these two vehicles? I like that the Expedition and tow 1,000 pounds more, but I am not sure that matters much at this point. I don't know much about Ford's new Ecoboost engines and I have a little concern that the smaller Ford engine can out perform the larger Chevy engine. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Tow Vehicles
  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    Jan 10, 2018
    ESDA wrote:
    The issue I have with the pickup is the seating. We have 4 kids so that makes six seating. I don't need 2,000 lbs payload, that 2,000 pounds was total weight added to the trailer and the tow vehicle.
    You have to deduct the weight of the people from the payload. Usually RAWR is what limits you.
  • BurbMan's avatar
    BurbMan
    Explorer II
    Jan 10, 2018
    The Expy MAX is the same size and wheelbase as the Suburban, a regular Expy is shorter. The big issue with SUVs is that they run out of GVWR before they get near their tow rating. On the Expy MAX with 3.73 rear axle and tow package the GCWR is 15,300 with a 9k tow rating and a 5,800 lb curb weight. They don't say what the GVWR is, you have to look at the B pillar sticker for that....nonetheless those are some pretty good specs for an SUV.

    You can see from the specs that you only realize the 9k tow capability with 500 lbs in the truck...every pound of passenger, cargo and tongue weight reduces that 1 for 1. But if the kids are small and manage cargo you should be able to stay within weights.

    I'm in the skeptic camp when it comes to the V6 ecoboost, but folks that own them say they run circles around the 5.3 and 6.0 from GM and get better mileage in the process.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Jan 10, 2018
    MegaCab_PL wrote:
    Not sure if any of them has a 2000 payload.....


    What do you think 9 people weigh?
  • ESDA's avatar
    ESDA
    Explorer
    Jan 10, 2018
    The issue I have with the pickup is the seating. We have 4 kids so that makes six seating. I don't need 2,000 lbs payload, that 2,000 pounds was total weight added to the trailer and the tow vehicle.
  • Greene728's avatar
    Greene728
    Explorer
    Jan 10, 2018
    Towing, the 3.5 EcoBoost will easily out perform the Chevy 6.0 while also providing much better loaded and unloaded mpg. The long wheel base of the Burb may make for a better towing experience though. IMHO you’re taking somewhat of a step back on either from a 3/4 ton series truck. Is a bed topper out of the question? If it’s for seating I understand your dilemma, but you’ll also loose some rear cargo area on the SUV with seating being used. Either way, with careful loading and cargo management, either SUV properly equipped should work. Just pay attention to payload ratings on both.
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Jan 10, 2018
    My 6.0L 2500 Suburban can barely handle my 7500 lb. TT so I can't imagine how a 1500 could handle yours.
    If I had to buy another tow vehicle I would look at the Chevrolet pickup trucks and put a cover on the back to hide my tools.

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