Tahoe, Yukon EL, suburban or expedition EL
Hi everyone, So this is only a semi rv question, but you all have always been so knowledgable and helpful I thought I'd come here to ask. So our TT owning dreams have been put on hold as we got ...
Forum Discussion
A couple thoughts:
You mentioned the Denali - it does come in XL form, and you should be able to find them in various years. My father drives a 2012, and it is a very nice vehicle; you just need to look carefully at tow ratings, payload, etc. (as with any vehicle you're considering).
We have owned a 2008 Expedition EL since new, and have overall been pleased with it - but I've never been thrilled with it when towing our trailer (5800 lbs). That could be due to hitch adjustments, which I never tried to fix because we usually towed with a Duramax.
Compared to the GM models, the Ford has much more room in the 3rd row (due to the independent rear suspension vs. straight axle in the GM), and the 2nd row seats will recline even in bench form (GM models do not recline unless you have 2nd row captains).
Ours has the HD towing package, which gives you a 3.73 rear end, extra cooling, etc. You should look carefully at what models you find, as many (GMs and Fords) have a lower-ratio read end which will limit your towing ability. I think ours is rated for 8900 lbs., whereas the other rear ends will put you in the low 7000 range.
The newer GMs are very nice as well, but I don't really care for the 3rd seat arrangement. GM now has them folding down into the floor, but again, because of the axle the seats take up much more of your rear cargo area when folded (think: high load floor) and are not very comfortable when used as seats. This may not be an issue for you.
Final word: none of these, in my humble opinion, are not great for towing anything above 5000 lbs, no matter what anyone says. But then again, I got spoiled towing with a 3/4 ton pickup.
Best of luck to you on all your adventures.
You mentioned the Denali - it does come in XL form, and you should be able to find them in various years. My father drives a 2012, and it is a very nice vehicle; you just need to look carefully at tow ratings, payload, etc. (as with any vehicle you're considering).
We have owned a 2008 Expedition EL since new, and have overall been pleased with it - but I've never been thrilled with it when towing our trailer (5800 lbs). That could be due to hitch adjustments, which I never tried to fix because we usually towed with a Duramax.
Compared to the GM models, the Ford has much more room in the 3rd row (due to the independent rear suspension vs. straight axle in the GM), and the 2nd row seats will recline even in bench form (GM models do not recline unless you have 2nd row captains).
Ours has the HD towing package, which gives you a 3.73 rear end, extra cooling, etc. You should look carefully at what models you find, as many (GMs and Fords) have a lower-ratio read end which will limit your towing ability. I think ours is rated for 8900 lbs., whereas the other rear ends will put you in the low 7000 range.
The newer GMs are very nice as well, but I don't really care for the 3rd seat arrangement. GM now has them folding down into the floor, but again, because of the axle the seats take up much more of your rear cargo area when folded (think: high load floor) and are not very comfortable when used as seats. This may not be an issue for you.
Final word: none of these, in my humble opinion, are not great for towing anything above 5000 lbs, no matter what anyone says. But then again, I got spoiled towing with a 3/4 ton pickup.
Best of luck to you on all your adventures.
