Tow Vehicle for Large Family

dodge guy wrote:

Knminton wrote:

dodge guy wrote:
You skipped the V-10 Excursions. They are as reliable as the diesels and still get decent mileage towing and non-towing. When equipped with 4.30's it is just as good as a 7.3, and more reliable than a stock 6.0! And far better than a 6.0 burb!

Great points, and I love that they are coming from "dodge guy" as there is probably no bias, lol. I originally had the 6.8 V10 on my list and for some reason I believe I got away from it because it was an older gasser and it has the same payload issues as the other Ex's, albeit slightly better rating. I am still open to them and still look at them daily on autotrader and eBay. What kinds of weights have you towed with them and was it comfortable?

Yep, I used to work at a Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealer years ago and that`s why I made it my screen name.

My trailer is 35feet long and weighs around 9200lbs ready to travel. I have weighed it and IIRC the X was around 9100lbs for a week long trip, that was with 2 kids 9 and 10 at the time, a 100lb German Shepherd and 2 adults. Yes it is a few hundred over the GVWR. But as you know the X is underrated from the factory, the reason is the soft springs they put under them for the cushy soccer mom ride. once you address the soft springs I feel the X is just as capable as a F350 with a 9900lb GVWR. I have towed with this setup since 07. I`ve done many trips of over 2000 miles with a 12hour drive. the X always has plenty of power and now with the tuner it feels so much better.

Good luck in your search!

Another happy V-10 Excursion guy here. I put a Roadmaster Active Suspension in to help with the softer rear springs and its great. We have 6 kids, ages 18, 16, 13, 10 & 7 yo twins. The 18 yo started college this last fall, so he isn't home much, but there was always plenty of room, and power.