Chrysler Aspen

APT thanks for the advice much appreciated.

You already have the proper TV for a larger family and RVing. Don't change that.

If you want an SUV, then Not a Tahoe or Expedition. Get the long wheelbase for the marginal extra cost, new or used. Also, I'd jump straight to a 3/4 ton Burb. I have no regrets with mine except maybe waiting for a 03-06 8.1L.

Payload and receiver ratings are your likely limits at 7500 pounds or less loaded. Many of the half ton SUVs have under 1500 pounds of payload. If shopping 2006+, check this sticker as you browse and test drive.



This should support passenger (all your family), cargo (entertainment for the family while traveling), and trailer tongue weight.

Next problem, receiver limit. All 2007+ full sized SUVs have integrated receivers that are not replaceable/upgradable. GM has the highest at 1000 pounds using WDH. Ford is about 900. Nissan/Toyota are in the 900-950 range. 950 is 12.6% of 7500 pounds loaded estimate, right in the middle of recommendation of 10-15% TW.

If you have the TV and TT and plan to tow the same TT with next TV, load up the family and weigh everything. 3 passes are required to determine all the weights relative to all the TV ratings, receiver, payload, axle and tow ratings.

Truck only (with family)
Truck with TT without WD bars
Truck with TT with WD bars

Once you know where you stand with the current TV, you can better plan for its replacement and what personal limits you will have.

Using Equalizer sway/weight distribution and love it!

Looking at pulling close to 7500 loaded. Using a big 3500 ram van 15 passenger now, it handles it well. But we want to go something different, probably should look at expedition or Tahoe.still have 3 kids so trucks are ruled out. Any suggestions are welcome.

Sheesh, I thought you were talking about using an old Aspen / Volare as a TV!

Yep, it does.
but also agree that you'll run out of payload before you get anywhere near those towing amounts.

SUV's are famous for having much lower payload capacities, compared to the trucks built on the same chassis.
and their suspensions are way softer also.

Power wise, you have about 10% more wheel torque which really helps that (IMHO crappy) geared trans. That will be noticeable when towing, probalby not otherwise.

Neither one really matters for RVing. You run out payload and receiver limit well under 7k loaded. If you are considering towing near 7k pounds, I recommend something with more capability, payload specifically.

walleyeb1 wrote:
Does the gear ratio really make that big of a difference.

Apparently it does to the engineers who designed and built that vehicle!

Yes.

Apparently.