Yes...another "New to RVing" thread
Sorry in advance for the 1 millionth "new to RVing" thread. But I'm trying to get some advice (and/or feedback) before landing my new tow vehicle. I have a young family, a wife with 3 sons, 6mont...
Forum Discussion
Wow, I didn't expect so many responses so quickly. Thanks for the input so far. It's sometimes hit or miss with enthusiast forum sites. I really want to keep my trailer size as small as possible to accommodate our 3 very young children, my wife, and our dog. The more I talk to friends who RV with children, the more I realize that "smaller" is good. Especially when it comes to pulling into and out of crowded camp sites. Also, my TV capacities won't be challenged as much.
Just read through 24 pages of a previous "RANT" thread that gave me some ideas of trailers that may fit our lifestyle. My wife and I want to make the right decision on a trailer as we plan on keeping it for at least 8-10 years. Murphy bed units with a front bunkhouse are a nice design. (need to investigate more on these).
So it leads me back to my original concerns on the best suited tow vehicle. I would really like to stay away from a 3/4 ton SUV as we would use the truck in Michigan's winter months and my work commutes are never less than 35 miles each way.
My wife and I considered a pickup truck as we could utilize it for home improvement needs. But having that 3rd row (including 2nd row captain seats) makes lugging the dog around or having to feed the kiddos on the move so much easier. That's why I own a Town and Country. And that's why my wife have decided to make the SUV a priority over a Pickup.
6.0L Yukon Denali's and ESV's have become our primary target. I think the 1/2 ton HD platform SUV's switched over to a 6speed/6.2L in the 2007 model year. With that said, it's reflective in the commanding price of 2007's. Is the 6.2 a better powerplant? From a spec sheet, it even looks as if the 2007 is rated to tow less than a 2006 by 500 lbs? (7400 down from 7900). Bigger engine with more transmission gears equals less towing capacity? I'm confused?
Ford has the Expedition EL. Seems prices are lower on the Ford's than on competatively equipped GM 1/2 ton models. My concern with the Fords are transmission problems over 100K miles (from what I've been reading) and parts/service accessiblity. Yukons/Burbs/Tahoes are more abundant and parts are more readily available including respective technicians.
My wife and I 86'd the Aspen/Durango realizing we need additional payload capacity and space behind the 3rd row. The XL's just fit everything better.
Just read through 24 pages of a previous "RANT" thread that gave me some ideas of trailers that may fit our lifestyle. My wife and I want to make the right decision on a trailer as we plan on keeping it for at least 8-10 years. Murphy bed units with a front bunkhouse are a nice design. (need to investigate more on these).
So it leads me back to my original concerns on the best suited tow vehicle. I would really like to stay away from a 3/4 ton SUV as we would use the truck in Michigan's winter months and my work commutes are never less than 35 miles each way.
My wife and I considered a pickup truck as we could utilize it for home improvement needs. But having that 3rd row (including 2nd row captain seats) makes lugging the dog around or having to feed the kiddos on the move so much easier. That's why I own a Town and Country. And that's why my wife have decided to make the SUV a priority over a Pickup.
6.0L Yukon Denali's and ESV's have become our primary target. I think the 1/2 ton HD platform SUV's switched over to a 6speed/6.2L in the 2007 model year. With that said, it's reflective in the commanding price of 2007's. Is the 6.2 a better powerplant? From a spec sheet, it even looks as if the 2007 is rated to tow less than a 2006 by 500 lbs? (7400 down from 7900). Bigger engine with more transmission gears equals less towing capacity? I'm confused?
Ford has the Expedition EL. Seems prices are lower on the Ford's than on competatively equipped GM 1/2 ton models. My concern with the Fords are transmission problems over 100K miles (from what I've been reading) and parts/service accessiblity. Yukons/Burbs/Tahoes are more abundant and parts are more readily available including respective technicians.
My wife and I 86'd the Aspen/Durango realizing we need additional payload capacity and space behind the 3rd row. The XL's just fit everything better.
