Kalabin wrote:
looktotheson wrote:
Kalabin wrote:
Just a quick look on Craigslist in Austin Texas came up with a 2000 Ford Excursion V10 for 5950. I have a 2001 Ford Excursion with the V10, and I can tell you I test drove a few before I settled on the one I have now.
There's also a 2003 Ford Excursion V10 with 130k miles for 7500. Point being I think there are a lot more options out there than just a 1500. If I was towing for six months I would want my older rig based on 3/4-ton parts. If you can find a 2500 Suburban then spring on that, just keep your eyes open I think you will find a solid vehicle.
As for reliability the Ford V10 is known for lasting longer than the body it's put on as long as it is maintained. The GM 6.0 is also another one that is a great long running motor. The bigger thing would be finding the 3/4-ton chassis of either the 2500 Suburban or Excursion for the additional payload, breaking and handling.
While I would totally go for a 2500 in my price range if it was in good shape/mileage, as you know they are harder to find. I'm also thinking of the vehicles use beyond the 6 month trip. Right I need to buy a vehicle anyway, so I figured it would be the one that would be towing on our trip (which is at least 6 months away), so I will be daily driving it until then. I am test driving the Excursion tomorrow, but from my prior experiences with them, they seem rather large and more importantly, more expensive for the age/mileage than the burbs. The TTs I am anticipate towing are the Clipper (UVW 2,700 lbs and GVWR 3,500 lbs) and the Freedom Express 192RBS (UVW 3,800 lbs and GVWR of 6,000 lbs). Are you recommending the Excursion because "if your gonna get something, get something that gives you options" or because "the suburban really will struggle over a 6 month trip". I value your judgement, but when the GVWR of the heavier option is still 1-1.4K lbs under the burbs minimum tow capacity (I've read between 7,400 - 8,400 lbs depending on axle ratio), I guess I don't understand why I need to go to a bigger TV. If anyone can explain this, that would help.
Thanks!
Sorry for the delayed post.
Based on your subject I thought you were wanting to push the 7,500lb mark with a GVWR of 7,500lb trailer. With a GVWR of 3500 or 6,000 any 1/2-ton will do.
Thanks for the response. I started out wondering if I could use the Coachmen Clipper 17FQ (GVWR 3,500 lbs), Freedom Express 192RBS (GVWR 6,000 lbs), or the Freedom Express 246RKS (GVWR 7500 lbs). It seems apparent now that 246RKS is out of the equation. The 192RBS "might" work because as Marquette pointed out, for just 2 of us who are fairly light packers, there isn't a ton of extra weight (would figure out how to balance in trailer/TV if necessary). But the more we discuss it, the more we are leaning towards the Clipper as it is 1) more affordable 2) smaller/lighter which will also ensure we pack lighter 3) probably easier to maneuver.
Also, we test drove 1 Ford Excursion and 3 Suburbans (1500). The Excursion just seemed too big for day to day (I am in those parking garages all the time) and was in pretty rough condition, the Suburbans I could see driving day-to-day, little lower mileage and very smooth (as some have pointed out, drives "car" like). So leaning towards the 'burb for now. Will continue to keep eye out for 2500, but glad to know that we'll be fine with the Clipper if nothing else.
