Forum Discussion

Fourkidletts's avatar
Fourkidletts
Explorer
Feb 24, 2016

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 about 25 minutes one way, city traffic. We are considering TT's in the 25-28 foot range. (Haven't purchased yet) We have a large family of 6, including 4 adults and 2 tall teen boys. Not all have to sleep in the TT, so not looking for ultra huge.

Questions:
1) I'm seeing possible payloads of close to the 2400-2600 lbs range with a 4x4 Ford F 150 SuperCrew. Does this sound adequate for a TT that size? What is the minimum payload we should consider?
2) Obviously a 3/4 ton truck would make towing life easier, but what would be the gas mileage difference on a daily basis driving it to work? The window sticker on the F 250 didn't even have to list the gas mileage.
3) Any other TV we should consider?

Thanks for any input you have for us.
Tow Vehicles
  • Anmacc2's avatar
    Anmacc2
    Explorer
    Feb 24, 2016
    We have a full size Van. Ford E350 super duty. We also have a Chevy Express 3500. It is what we need for passengers and cargo. They are both good TVs but the ford has more power. Gas mileage is about 14mpg. Not bad as a DD but is annoying in parking lots, especially indoor parking lots.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Feb 24, 2016
    Fourkidletts wrote:
    Hmmm....I'm finding f250's to be cheaper than the f150's. Is that due to demand? I'm seeing several thousands cheaper. Could make up for the difference in the gas mileage. Why would they be cheaper?

    There's probably more demand for the F-150. Most people do not need a 250/2500, unless you're towing.
    I agree, a full size van is a good option. Even for a daily driver.
  • Fourkidletts's avatar
    Fourkidletts
    Explorer
    Feb 24, 2016
    Hmmm....I'm finding f250's to be cheaper than the f150's. Is that due to demand? I'm seeing several thousands cheaper. Could make up for the difference in the gas mileage. Why would they be cheaper?
  • Fourkidletts's avatar
    Fourkidletts
    Explorer
    Feb 24, 2016
    I don't think we will be going long distances with it. We live in Northern California and there is a ton of beautiful camping around here within a couple of hours. Hubby driving to work in a full size van doesn't sound like a good commuting option. And we have tried to get into a Suburban, the back seat does not accommodate my tall teens and their legs at all.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Feb 24, 2016
    Smart choices are 2500 Suburban, Ford Excursion, or 350 van..
  • Fast_Mopar's avatar
    Fast_Mopar
    Explorer
    Feb 24, 2016
    Fourkidletts wrote:
    We have a large family of 6, including 4 adults and 2 tall teen boys.


    Are you sure you really want to get a crew cab pickup? With 6 large people, it seems that you would need something with 3 rows. Driving long distances with 3 across in the front seat gets old. If a Suburban or Expedition will not work, have you considered a full size van? I know, not cool to drive around in every day.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,025 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 26, 2025