Looking for tow vehicle for family of 6
Hello! Trying this again, after finally abandoning the idea of a Ford Expedition. (Payload issues) We are in the market for a truck. But it also needs to be my husband's commuter truck. He drives ...
Forum Discussion
Like others, I would encourage you to seriously consider a full size van. When I was first looking for a TV, I started looking for a 3/4-1 ton truck, but they are way overpriced and I really didn't want to handicap my towing potential with a 1/2 ton pickup. Therefore, I started looked for something else.
After a long search, I purchased a 2013 Chevy Express 3500 just for towing, but it has turned into my favorite vehicle. Easy to drive, great visibility, rides good, plenty of room to haul people and/or supplies (locked up in the dry), lots of payload capacity (~3500#'s), and a respectable tow rating. On top of this I get an easy 18 mpg on the interstate doing 70-75 mpg with the 6.0L 6 speed. Oh, and did I mention that I paid less than $20,000 for it in 2013 with 23,000 miles on it :-)? Try finding that on a comparable 3/4-1 ton truck! The price difference alone will pay for a LOT of gas.
The Nissan NV's are worth a look as well. We really liked it, the interior is much more refined than the Chevy, but finding a good deal on one isn't easy.
Some people also like the Ford E350, though I'm not a fan. I drive one regularly for work and the driving position is terrible (low seat in relation to dash) and the handling just isn't confidence inspiring at all. My Express handles very well for a larger vehicle...doesn't feel top heavy at all and goes wherever I point it. The Ford? Not so much.
Anyway, given what you wish to accomplish, I would try really hard to stay clear of a 1/2 truck. Don't listen to the hype, with 6 people plus a 26-28 TT you are really going to be pushing it's limits and I don't think you would be happy for long. But as they say, to each their own. Good luck!
After a long search, I purchased a 2013 Chevy Express 3500 just for towing, but it has turned into my favorite vehicle. Easy to drive, great visibility, rides good, plenty of room to haul people and/or supplies (locked up in the dry), lots of payload capacity (~3500#'s), and a respectable tow rating. On top of this I get an easy 18 mpg on the interstate doing 70-75 mpg with the 6.0L 6 speed. Oh, and did I mention that I paid less than $20,000 for it in 2013 with 23,000 miles on it :-)? Try finding that on a comparable 3/4-1 ton truck! The price difference alone will pay for a LOT of gas.
The Nissan NV's are worth a look as well. We really liked it, the interior is much more refined than the Chevy, but finding a good deal on one isn't easy.
Some people also like the Ford E350, though I'm not a fan. I drive one regularly for work and the driving position is terrible (low seat in relation to dash) and the handling just isn't confidence inspiring at all. My Express handles very well for a larger vehicle...doesn't feel top heavy at all and goes wherever I point it. The Ford? Not so much.
Anyway, given what you wish to accomplish, I would try really hard to stay clear of a 1/2 truck. Don't listen to the hype, with 6 people plus a 26-28 TT you are really going to be pushing it's limits and I don't think you would be happy for long. But as they say, to each their own. Good luck!
