Family of six looking for tow vehicle

Lantley wrote:

Fourkidletts wrote:
Thanks again for all the responses, I'm learning so much! It's a lot to sort through.

Wes, you made some points that I have been considering also. We can't afford the best tow vehicle and TT I wish we could. The expy we are looking at is a little over half the price it was new, with only 25k miles on it. We are still doing our research but may likely go with whatever small trailer we can tow with it. Like I mentioned I'm not trying to squeeze us all in a trailer it's just not going to happen. A bathroom, kitchenette, a bed is all we want. Kids love sleeping outside. We are plenty used to car camping just adding a little convenience. (man how i hate that 2 am trek to the bathroom!) And living in sunny california I think I've made peace with the 2x4 and carrying chains. Thanks for the idea about the awning/room attached that's a great idea!

Wes's advice is just plain bad. An Expedition EL does not have the payload capacity to carry your family and tow a trailer. You need a at least a 3/4 ton vehicle.

Your only options are older 3/4 ton Suburban 2500, Excursion V-10 or diesel. Both are only available used.
Or a 3/4 ton full size van.
Educate yourself on towing parameters,GVW,CCC,GAWR, tow rating. Understand what these acronyms mean and how they interact with each other.
When I was towing a 11K GVW trailer I used a Diesel Excursion.
The Excursion is a 3/4 ton vehicle the Expedition EL is not.

Don't rush into this take your time do your own homework. The info is out there. Google is your friend. Do not trust salesman, they are generally not knowledgeable when it comes to towing parameters and are only interested in making a sale vs. selling you the properly rated vehicle.
Experience has taught me to get it right the first time it always cost more to get it right the 2nd time. Good Luck

I agree you will find out an Expy is going to be a poor choice for what you will need and the advice of Wes is IMO ill founded. Even an "X" with six adults, gear and a good sized trailer is going to be cutting it close staying under the TV GVWR. IMO the best by far vehicle is the Van and the New Nissan HD 3500 series looks like a great vehicle for larger families wanting to tow a medium sized (28' or so) trailer. I guess a 2500 Suburban would work, but I'm not that familiar with all it's capacities and drivetrain/rear combos.

Larry