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MolinuWanderer's avatar
MolinuWanderer
Explorer
Jun 06, 2015

Picking a Tow Vehicle for Large Family

We are looking at taking our four children on the road for a 6-12 month trip while we road school/travel nurse. We also have a dog, plus all our gear, so your typical 3/4 ton pickup just doesn't fit our needs.

We will likely be pulling a TT with a bunkhouse set up, maybe 29-36 feet roughly. The trailers we have looked at have GVWR of 5500-8000 lbs, roughly.

We are currently considering a few different vehicles, after reviewing to capacities, etc. We are looking for a vehicle with the tow package, and will be getting a weight distribution hitch. Here are the options of what we he looked at (approx years 2005-2010, can't afford new!)

Ford Excursion
Chevy Suburban 2500
GMC Yukon XL
Ford E350, 12 or 15 passenger set up

Any opinions on real life travel with these vehicles? Things to look out for or consider? Looking for personal experience with traveling with a large(r) family and towing a trailer. We are looking at touring most of the USA. We will be in mountainous terrain at times (crossing the Rockies, etc), but are planning on avoiding those areas, and snow and traveling in winter weather at all costs!

Thanks for any insight you have.
Tow Vehicles

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  • blt2ski's avatar
    blt2ski
    Moderator
    Jun 06, 2015
    Look for payload, payload, and payload. My family of 6 weighed in at 1200-1300 when they were teens. Add in another 1200 or so for hitch at, 100-150 lb for the dog and crate. You need a rig with 2500-3000 lbs of payload. The ONLY options you have entered is the E350 van. Or if you can find a GM 3500 with a BB gas, then that will work too.

    I personally would not get a 15 passenger E350, 12 yes. The gm van I would get a 15. Because it has a lo.get wheel base, and not as much rear overhang which if you are not carefully of can or may create some handling issues.

    Unless a crew cab pickup is an option, you are stuck with.van.options. been there do.e this!

    Marty
  • ib516's avatar
    ib516
    Explorer II
    Jun 06, 2015
    A full sized v10 e350 van would be my suggestion.
  • mtofell1's avatar
    mtofell1
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2015
    The options definitely get thin once you get that 6th person for the TV. My wife really isn't too big on long drives so my camping usually involves me and some combination of the 4 kids so the HD truck is okay.

    I have noticed in driving around that some of the newer vans look pretty useful. Many are on 2500 platforms.... I can't think of the manufacturers right off but I'm thinking some are Dodge/Ram or even Nissan. Keep in mind also that while a newer vehicle costs more the fuel economy is worlds better than some of the things on your list.

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