We have been van people ever since the kids needed carting around - over the years we have owned five. I would definitely suggest you test drive one - I think you get a better driving position, better visability, and overall easier driving than either a pickup or suburban. You need a big gas engine or diesel and high ratio rear end, but there are lots of clean vans out there.
Adding a pick up to the fleet is a good idea too. Even though it means driving two vehicles on the trip, everybody might ride more comfortably, and you would have plenty of extra room for bikes, firewood, chairs, coolers, and all the stuff a family of 8 wants to take camping.