APT, I was thinking about 8-15K (depending on clipper or Freedom Express) after negotiation. Again, she is just finishing up college, so we are wanting to do this trip, but can make sacrifices on TT size if it is going to kill out budget. For example, if the 5.3L Suburban can safely tow up to the 5,900 pound Freedom Express model, then that would be fine with us. But, if we are needing a bigger vehicle that is going to cost a couple grand more which would allow us to tow something bigger (which would also cost more), then we will just stay small. Heck most of our trip will be out exploring, so the quality of life in the TT isn't the biggest deciding factor. We are used to backpacking in a 2 person lightweight tent, so anything bigger than that and our Saturn is luxury :)
I have also found several Ford Excursions in our budget, they don't seem to get much different MPG when towing, so that bigger engine doesn't seem to have any downfalls. The only consideration there is A) how do the Excursions hold to Suburbans in regards to reliability? B) sometime after the trip, I plan to resell the vehicle and I'd imagine the suburban will be an easier sell. The suburban also looks like something I wouldn't mind keeping if I had to, where as the Excursion just looks huge if I'm not going to be hauling people or toys around.
Thanks guys, you are helping me think through this!
