GM 5.3 vs. Ford 5.4

I like the Surburban with the solid rear axle. They both have coil spring suspensions.

What MY's?

I like the Excursion based on the F-250. It will have more weight than the trailer, a advantage in windy conditions.

I guess it depends on the trailer's hitch weight and number of passengers you plan on.

Fred.

Me I like the 5.4. But then I'm biased. I like Fords. Having said that. My SIL has a 2013 Suburban with the 5.3. It has a hard time getting out of its own way. I wouldn't think of hooking anything to it. But I don't know what gear it has.

The latest version of the 5.4L was a decent small motor for towing within its limits.

Drive both, They are very different. Suburban has a solid rear axle that makes a difference . Fuel economy is very different .

What are you wanting to tow? Both engines have been around quite awhile and have a track record. I have been more than happy with the 5.3 when I used it for what it was intended. It likely will just boil down to your preference.

Terryallan wrote:
Me I like the 5.4. But then I'm biased. I like Fords. Having said that. My SIL has a 2013 Suburban with the 5.3. It has a hard time getting out of its own way. I wouldn't think of hooking anything to it. But I don't know what gear it has.

That was my thoughts when we had a 2010 Tahoe with the 5.3.

I've had 2 Tahoe's (5.3) and Suburban (5.3) and a Ford F-150 (5.4). The 5.3 is a great engine in the Tahoe, seemed a little under powered for the burb though, and I wasn't towing. They make a 3/4ton burb with the 6.0, that would be great. Or a Denali GMC YukonXL with a 6.0.

If you are towing over 5,000lbs then I suggest a 6.0 Chevy.

So, my question is: Who thought it was a good idea to build a Suburban that has no tow capacity?

A huge majority seems to agree that the Expedition is a far better tow vehicle than the 5.3 Burb. I would prefer a Burb but, I have owned sucky tow vehicles before and don't wish to do that again. Back when we were pulling a travel trailer the best tow vehicle we owned was an F-150. Then I thought a Jeep Grand Wagoneer with the V-8 would be the bee's knee's. Wrong!! Then my father-in-law gave me a Landcruiser. It was even worse.

All things being equal, Ford seems to make the best tow vehicles.

I like the Chevrolets but, for my money it looks like Ford is the ticket. I retired from a city that owned thousands of vehicles. When I retired the Ford's were better than the Chevrolets in every way, especially the amount of time that they spent at the garage. Fifteen years earlier it was GM that was superior.