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Large family tow vehicle

Markl_n
Explorer
Explorer
We are a family of 8 and cannot stay within the gvw of our 07 expedition with hd tow package. Any advice for large families. Does anyone take two vehicles when the travel, one for towing the other for family? currently looking at 3/4 ton suburban, or an Excursion. Looking at our first TT, a Jayco 284bhsw, 6000lb dry with a 710lb hitch weight. I'm new to all this, and i'm just looking for a tow vehicle that can hopefully fit my family, and safely get us down the road not feeling underpowered. We are a family that loves to travel, and loves the mountains. Just interested in doing it from a campsite, and not a Marriott. Thanks
38 REPLIES 38

dodge_guy
Explorer II
Explorer II
E250/350 Van! The Excursion would be good also but has a low GVWR only limited by the springs as everything else is the same as a 3/4-1 ton trucks.
Wife Kim
Son Brandon 17yrs
Daughter Marissa 16yrs
Dog Bailey

12 Forest River Georgetown 350TS Hellwig sway bars, BlueOx TrueCenter stabilizer

13 Ford Explorer Roadmaster Stowmaster 5000, VIP Tow>
A bad day camping is
better than a good day at work!

blt2ski
Moderator
Moderator
Sprinter vans frankly would make a.good tow rig. I drive a cargo 2500 at work. Put 6000+ lbs, give around 12000, power is fine. Granted not the.same as pulling a TT.......
But for OP, it might work in a 3500 ,chassis. I would not recommend the 2500. You can also.get 4wd in the 3500 dw version. Wheels sit inside van body vs Bryan's needing to be outside.
With this said, the motor is around a 200/400 hp torque setup, so it will not e the fastest setup. BUT, it will get them from home, to campground and back in a safe and sane.manner.

Marty
92 Navistar dump truck, 7.3L 7 sp, 4.33 gears with a Detroit no spin
2014 Chevy 1500 Dual cab 4x4
92 Red-e-haul 12K equipment trailer

SouthpawHD
Explorer
Explorer
Or take 2 vehicles....
Palomino SolAire 307QBDSK
2016 Chevrolet 2500, CC, 6.0L, 4.10

Markl_n
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks everyone for the replies. Ill start looking into the vans as well.

jerem0621
Explorer II
Explorer II
Van and not the Sprinter or Transit.

You are looking at a Chevy express or a Ford E350 V10. I'd get the 12 passenger in the Ford due to the longer rear overhang . The overhang on the Chevy is the same in the 12 or 15 passenger version.

Another option is the 3500 Nissan NV van. But you will need to manage the tongue weight. I read somewhere that the NV is limited to around 900 lbs of tongue weight. But it's got a lot of payload. IIRC.
TV-2022 Silverado 2WD
TT - Zinger 270BH
WD Hitch- HaulMaster 1,000 lb Round Bar
Dual Friction bar sway control

It’s Kind of Fun to do the Impossible
~Walt Disney~

carringb
Explorer
Explorer
Van
2000 Ford E450 V10 VAN! 450,000+ miles
2014 ORV really big trailer
2015 Ford Focus ST

camp-n-family
Explorer
Explorer
Only thing that will work would be a 1 ton van. Enough seats and payload to fill them and power to tow.
'17 Ram 2500 Crewcab Laramie CTD
'13 Keystone Bullet Premier 310BHPR
Hitched by Hensley

blt2ski
Moderator
Moderator
Van, van or van! An SUV while having seating, those back seats will get small as kids grow. Get a 15 passenger, then 2 kids per seat, middle is free. Make sure it is a 35 series with highest payload options. THere are a few dually versions around too

Marty
92 Navistar dump truck, 7.3L 7 sp, 4.33 gears with a Detroit no spin
2014 Chevy 1500 Dual cab 4x4
92 Red-e-haul 12K equipment trailer

gbopp
Explorer
Explorer
Have you considered a full-size van?