TV Dilemma

Most of the options have been stated already.
Depends what you want to spend and/or how old of vehicle you're comfortable with.
New, Burb 2500 or 1 ton van are about the only 2 I can think of. WIth the van you may be able to get a diesel, but no 4wd unless you get a very spendy conversion, like Quigley.
Older vehicles you have the option of the Burbs with even a 8.1 big block, or the Excursion.
We've made a couple 500mi round trip road trips in a 05 Expedition, 4 adults, 4 kids (1 car seat and 2 boosters) towing a 5500lb wakeboard boat and the Expe handled it much better than I would have expected, but it was not ideal.
Personally, look for a 2500 Burb or a cherry 7.3 Excursion diesel and make it last.

My choice in this order:

2002 7.3 diesel Excursion in mint condition. (I think you would have better luck finding a 34 Ford 3 window coupe in a barn in perfect condition first)

200? Burb with a 6.0.

One ton van.

I have a similar but smaller problem. I have a regular cab truck, which does not leave room for the wife and child (standard, so no middle seat). So my wife just follows in the SUV. Not the best I understand, but maybe you could pick up a truck cheap and just use it for towing? Just throwing out another option to think about.

One ton van would be ideal.

Issue per say is NOT the GCWR or tow rating, but IF you have the chassis and payload for the load you are going to tow! Frankly, a family of 6 will usually have most 15 series rigs at gvwr before loading a trailer on board. You will need as "I" needed, to be one or two gvwr sizes up from a 15 or half ton style truck/suv etc.

A 2500 burb with the 6.0 gas, 6 sp trans will tow your current trailer, along with carry your family and be very safe! and reasonably comfortable. Reality is, the MOST room and comfort will be in a van. BUT, if you want 4wd, unless you are willing to try and find on of the few conversions out there in the used market, or pay a premium to have an 8 lug van converted, right now the only option in an SUV/van is the 2500 burb. OR< as i did, I went with a crew cab pickup for my family of 6! With no regrets mind you.

I was typically 4K over gcwr, but under my axel wt ratings, GVWR I bounced from 200 under to 200 over. That never worried me either!

Marty

3.0charlie wrote:
I wonder what is the TW on that TT, ready for camping... 7k dry weight. Payload with 4 kids. RGAW probably takes a big hit too. Ouch.

I second the 'burb 2500. I too have 4 kids, and my '04 Expy is overloaded if all 4 joins myself and the DW (kids are 18, 15 and twin 13s). The 2500 Suburban is the only large SUV (bar the Excursion, but older) that can man-handle the loads that such large families and equivalent TTs have.

I don't understand how hauling can damage an exhaust, but as far as brakes go, are you sure the TT brakes are functioning / properly adjusted? My brakes are still in good order after 2 years of pulling my 6600# TT for over 4000 miles.

The TT brakes are properly adjusted. It could have very well been time for them to be replaced anyhow. Exhaust I am not sure but there was a big hole just ahead of the converter, which I was told could have been caused by excessive heat.
TW is 876 lbs.

As far as the 2500 burb, what I have read is that it has a towing capacity of 9400lbs for the 4x4, I don't know what the gcwr is, is this right?

I wonder what is the TW on that TT, ready for camping... 7k dry weight. Payload with 4 kids. RGAW probably takes a big hit too. Ouch.

I second the 'burb 2500. I too have 4 kids, and my '04 Expy is overloaded if all 4 joins myself and the DW (kids are 18, 15 and twin 13s). The 2500 Suburban is the only large SUV (bar the Excursion, but older) that can man-handle the loads that such large families and equivalent TTs have.

I don't understand how hauling can damage an exhaust, but as far as brakes go, are you sure the TT brakes are functioning / properly adjusted? My brakes are still in good order after 2 years of pulling my 6600# TT for over 4000 miles.

Short of leaving some of the kids at home, you are right, you have a blossoming problem. I foresee either a new truck or a smaller camper in your future.

A Chevy Suburban 2500 comes to mind. I think it has seating for up to 8.