Family of six looking for tow vehicle

My picks-

'99-'03 Ford Excursion, 7.3 diesel, 4R100, 3.73
'03-'05 Ford Excursion, V10 gas, 4R100, 3.73 or 4.30
'05 Ford Excursion, 6.0 diesel, 5R110, 3.73

'99-'03 Ford E350, 7.3 diesel, 4R100, 3.73
'05-'07 Ford E350, 6.0 diesel, 5R110, 3.73
'03-'12 Ford E350, V10 gas, 4R100/5R110, 3.73 or 4.30

'94-'97 Ford F350, crew cab, 7.3 diesel, ZF 5spd, 4.10
'94-'97 Ford F350, crew cab, 460 gas, ZF 5spd, 4.10

'99-'03 Ford F350, crew cab, 7.3 diesel, ZF 6spd/4R100, 3.73 or 4.10
'03-'10 Ford F350, crew cab, V10 gas, ZF 6spd/4R100/5R110, 3.73 or 4.30
'11-'14 Ford F350, crew cab, 6.2 gas, 6R1x0, 4.30

I think a 2500-3500 van makes the most sense for you.

I think I need to add that we aren't looking at getting a huge trailer. The kids like sleeping in tents and we like hanging out outside so I'm thinking something smaller with a bathroom kitchen and a place for me to sleep because I hate the tent. ;) Not necessary to fit all of us in the trailer comfortably.

Does the "traction control" it has make a difference?

I would be looking at the V10 E-350 or even a 5.4L has a lot of power too.

The older V10 or 7.3L diesel Excursion can do the job as well, but the diesel Excursion has a lot of curb weight, not much left for the trailer hitch weight rating.

Fred.

the worst traction vehicle is a 2 wheel drive pickup because there is limited weight on the rear drive wheels .
Next worst is a rear 2 wheel drive expedition / suburban . i know i had ONE .
i will never do that again .
the best traction vehicle is a diesel 4 wheel drive pickup .
that is because the diesel engine adds 400 pounds + to the front wheels and in 4 wheel drive the diesel pickup is 60 % / 40% traction front to rear .
directional control in slippery stuff like snow or muddy or grassy meadows is best with a 4wd engaged .
this is important to us because we have discovered our favorite camping is down gravel roads to beautiful camp spots .
we do virtually no more camping at a fully paved RV park .
we sometimes ford a draw while towing our TT and those can be damp .
i would not do that in 2WD.
so we only need 4WD when we are not on blacktop , for instance when we are camping .
Once we got into dry ( boondock ) camping we prefer it 3 to 1 over the beautiful RV parks .
we always are parked where the view is beautiful or next to a lake or stream .

abc40kids wrote:
Nothing wrong with the Expedition but what about a 2500 Suburban?

If he can find a 2500 Suburban or a Ford Excursion it will have high miles and the owners will want a premium.

Your problem is going to be the Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) of the vehicle. I think you'll be overloaded by the time you add the hitch weight and the weight of all your passengers if you go with an Expedition.

You'll need a vehicle with a high cargo carrying capacity like the 1 ton van, 2500 suburban or the Excursion.

Fourkidletts wrote:
Oh and I forgot to ask how much difference there is with 4 wheel drive vs 2 for towing?The one we are looking at is 2. We don't live in snow and won't be in it very often. Is that the only concern?

Opinions vary wildly but I'm a fan of 4x4.

Better resale value

Better in slippery conditions if/when you do encounter them

"Traditional" 4x4 systems have a 2-speed transfer case; in low range, you have great low-speed control for backing & maneuvering a trailer PLUS it puts much less strain on the automatic transmission & therefore, less heat

Two-wheel-drive trucks & SUVs do, admittedly, ride & handle a bit nicer, maintenance costs slightly less, cost a bit less at purchase, and generally have a bit lower step-in height while getting 1-2mpg better.

No "right" or "wrong" on 2x versus 4x, just dogma & personal usage requirements

Oh and I forgot to ask how much difference there is with 4 wheel drive vs 2 for towing?The one we are looking at is 2. We don't live in snow and won't be in it very often. Is that the only concern?

A truck based SUV with three row seating is probably your best bet but the full size van option is good too.