Tow Vehicle for Large Family
Hi, I have browsed the forums but first post. I posted this over on performancetrucks and I am looking for more feedback from experienced haulers:
I have a family of seven and plan to buy a travel trailer soon. Looks like I'm not going to get by with much less than a 30'. We have a 2015 Yukon XL, but I have no intentions of hauling something that big, especially with the 3.08 gears.
I have a narrow set of large SUVs that fit the bill and I have no desire for a van. This vehicle will be my toy as well.
I need help deciding because each of these has its pros and cons:
2000-2006 Suburban/Yukon XL 2500 with 8.1 - stout motor but very hard to find in decent condition and the worst on mileage of my options. Gas mileage doesn't bother me much, however. Large payload (2800 I believe) and 10,000+ towing (12,000 with 4.10's)! Finding them from $10-15K in decent shape.
2007-2013 Suburban/Yukon XL 2500 with 6.0 and 3.73's. Tow rated at 9,300-9,400 (4WD). Still a gas hog with less torque at the low end than the big block. Payload around 2500. Would have a lot of fun modding this one and they tune well from what I understand. I find these around $17K-$22K with under 100K miles and in great shape.
2000-2003 Excursion with 7.3 PSD. The most reliable of the bunch, so they still fetch a pretty penny when they are in good condition. Tow rated at 10,000-11,000, but pulls easily. Payload scares me at around 1500 with a family of 7. The 01&02 wouldn't be real upgradable with the powder metal rods. Again, upgrades will mostly be for fun as this will be my toy, so this is a con for me. Good ones go for $20K-$30K.
2003-2005 Excursion with 6.0 PSD. I know, I know. There are issues.I am willing to deal with that and would likely have any part of bulletproofing done immediately that has not already been done. Higher torque and easy to build upon once the known issues are handled. About the same payload and tow ratings as its predecessor. Can be had from $15K-$25K in great shape. Love the Eddie Bauer leather.
I think I would have the most fun with either the 6.0 PSD or the 6.0 Burb.
I would love to hear some input and experience, or any viable option I missed.
Thanks!
I have a family of seven and plan to buy a travel trailer soon. Looks like I'm not going to get by with much less than a 30'. We have a 2015 Yukon XL, but I have no intentions of hauling something that big, especially with the 3.08 gears.
I have a narrow set of large SUVs that fit the bill and I have no desire for a van. This vehicle will be my toy as well.
I need help deciding because each of these has its pros and cons:
2000-2006 Suburban/Yukon XL 2500 with 8.1 - stout motor but very hard to find in decent condition and the worst on mileage of my options. Gas mileage doesn't bother me much, however. Large payload (2800 I believe) and 10,000+ towing (12,000 with 4.10's)! Finding them from $10-15K in decent shape.
2007-2013 Suburban/Yukon XL 2500 with 6.0 and 3.73's. Tow rated at 9,300-9,400 (4WD). Still a gas hog with less torque at the low end than the big block. Payload around 2500. Would have a lot of fun modding this one and they tune well from what I understand. I find these around $17K-$22K with under 100K miles and in great shape.
2000-2003 Excursion with 7.3 PSD. The most reliable of the bunch, so they still fetch a pretty penny when they are in good condition. Tow rated at 10,000-11,000, but pulls easily. Payload scares me at around 1500 with a family of 7. The 01&02 wouldn't be real upgradable with the powder metal rods. Again, upgrades will mostly be for fun as this will be my toy, so this is a con for me. Good ones go for $20K-$30K.
2003-2005 Excursion with 6.0 PSD. I know, I know. There are issues.I am willing to deal with that and would likely have any part of bulletproofing done immediately that has not already been done. Higher torque and easy to build upon once the known issues are handled. About the same payload and tow ratings as its predecessor. Can be had from $15K-$25K in great shape. Love the Eddie Bauer leather.
I think I would have the most fun with either the 6.0 PSD or the 6.0 Burb.
I would love to hear some input and experience, or any viable option I missed.
Thanks!
