Need tow vehicle - preferably under 10k

[Andrewmart]

I'm looking for a vehicle for our travel trailer. My wife likes the sportsmen 301BHLE. It is 33 feet long and hitch weight of 880. Gross trailer weight is 8000. We both like the double bunk bed options and it's within our budget.


I'm hoping to get TV under 10k if possible (not sure that exists). This would likely just be used for towing trailer several times a year (10-15 times). The hard part is we have 4 children, and it would be preferable to all fit in one vehicle. I looked at the excursion but read differing opinions on whether it could tow something that big. I've also heard about getting a van but don't know where to start with that. Not opposed to getting a 3/4 ton pick up but then we'd have to take two vehicles, which is a little but of a hassle.

We currently have a F150 without HD tow package and 2017 expedition with HD tow package.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[maddog348]

Need tow vehicle - preferably under 10k. 10k[$] or 10k[#] 10

[Grit_dog]

Andrewmart wrote:
Good thoughts.

Can ya'll help me understand payload capacity. I know what it is, but I'm thinking of payload in the context of Excursion vs 2500 Suburban.

Both are on HD chassis with full floating rear axles, etc. The payload is GVW rating (class 2 sub 10klbs in the era of trucks you're looking at and for regulatory purposes, not capability based on the components or construction of the vehicle) minus curb weight. Prolly has a 9kgvw rating and weighs about 7500lbs.
Excursion has lower "rating" because it's pudgier than a suburban.
Realistic payload with little to no suspension mods is more like 2500lbs+.
Payload (within reason) should have zero bearing on your choice of 3/4 ton SUVs for your uses. You're looking for an old truck. Buy the lowest miles and best verifiable condition you can for your money. Brand and "ratings" are quite a ways down the list of important things when buying old and used.
(As long as you stay away from the 6.0 diesel and 6.5 diesel GM if you're looking at 90s Suburbans)

[Jebby14]

expidition or suburbuan would be perfect. They are old, expensive and hard to find.

any modern 1 ton (and most 3/4 tons) with a crew cab and front bench would work. if trips are that close the 2nd car likely most comfortable

[jerem0621]

I have a Buddy who has a Pioneer 30bh quad bunkhouse and he has an 07 Expedition EL. The thing tows the trailer very well. We have some dialing in to do on the Weight Distribution hitch, other than getting the full floating axles I don’t see much of an advantage with the Excursion. The independent suspension of the Expedition gives the big Beast a large, wide, stable platform.

He upgraded the tires to stiffer XL tires.

However, I must jab in there that my 5.3 does out accelerate his rig when hitched even though I just have 3:08 Rear axle ratio and he has a 3:73. My trailer is about 600 lbs lighter than his, but mine has the 6 speed transmission.

For his rig, we need to adjust the hitch head angle as it’s pretty much pointing straight up and we are going to try to get his front end pushed back down some. He is about 3/4 inch higher on the fenders. We are also going to add a second sway bar to his set up.

IMHO giving up the superior modern suspension on your Expedition would not be worth it to me to go with a 20 plus year old design. You can always have the receiver tube reinforced if it is flexing too much from the weight distribution...even though these things are only rated to 10,000 lbs 1,000 lb tongue weight max with weight distribution I have not seen any flex at all with the GM or the Fords integrated receivers.

As to feel, I never want to “not feel the rig back there”. I need to know and make adjustments as needed.

The ProPride will help for sure, but I’d fix any misbehavior before I put that on. The forces that cause sway can break those fancy hitches, its better to be stable first and then add them on for insurance purposes.

Thanks, and of course...JMHO.

Jeremiah

[FishOnOne]

Andrewmart wrote:
https://youtu.be/2T3gpJJaC08

Here is a link he sent me. Could it be aftermarket mods?

He installed front fenders, hood, grill (insert portion is aftermarket), headlights, and rear view mirrors from a '11-'16 Super Duty and a aftermarket front bumper.

[Lantley]

Andrewmart wrote:
Good thoughts.

Can ya'll help me understand payload capacity. I know what it is, but I'm thinking of payload in the context of Excursion vs 2500 Suburban. We are 95% sure gonna get a 3/4 ton SUV. Many people recommend the Excursion, and I agree it does look nice and I like them too. I know it has the power to easily tow my TT, but the payload is not much higher than what we have now of 1441#. Google says Excursion has payload between 1500-1900#. With our current trailer, 4 kids (who will only get bigger), 2 adults and a dog, we are gonna be getting close to it. This might also limit us from bringing along anyone else (e.g., kids' friend, MIL, etc). Compare this to the 2500 Suburban w/ a payload of 2270-2560#.

Since the Excursion is so big and powerful, is it generally ok to be a few pounds over on payload as long as the overall combined weight is within limits?

These are two in my area that I'm considering. One is a sububran and another an excursion. The suburban I like because of the higher payload but it has a lot of miles. Some of my research says a 2500 well taken care can go about 300k. Looking at the carfax, they have a lot of documented service - which I see as a good thing... https://www.cavenderchevrolet.com/VehicleDetails/used-2009-Chevrolet-Suburban-LT1-Boerne-TX/4203909883

The excursion is a few thousand more and looks well taken care of and has low miles. https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/812470985/overview/

Thoughts? I'm liking the excursion (although it's further away to pick up) but the payload has me concerned (hence my question above).

Based on the posted ratings you are wise to be concerned about the payload rating.
However the X came with soft springs to give it a better ride as a result I feel that the payload rating was artificially reduced.
I know every internet guru has inside info and knows better than the engineers;) that built the X.
However I personally towed an 11K GVW TT that was often loaded to 10K.
I added airbags to stiffen the rear suspension and used a Hensley hitch. That set up was fantastic.I still miss the passenger space of my X.
I owned a V-10 and a 7.3 PSD. Both were very capable although there is no substitute for diesel power.
Don't be afraid of an X. If you find one in good shape buy it.
I do agree you can find a newer V-10 passenger van that will be just as capable and have more modern features. Excursion's are at least 15 years old at this point.

[APT]

If you don't need/want 4wd, why an SUV over 1-ton van? I think you can get a 6-8 yr newer van with half the miles for the same budget.

[K-9_HANDLER]

Owned my Excursion since 2003. Towed a 32 foot, 8k# plus trailer with it since 2006. Two kids plus friends.Has worked well for me. V10 with 3.73 rear.

[carringb]

The Excursion has a low payload from the factory because they neutered it with soft springs for a better ride.

If you're going to tow heavy with it, you just need to upgrade to F250 springs. Your factory sticker only reflects the way it left the factory, but Ford has all of the component specs published, so it's pretty easy to determine you axle ratings, and which spring rates you want to swap to. But like I mentioned early... Stock to stock, you're Expedition will handle better. Excursions have a lot of capacity left on the table however, and can be competent tow rigs once you do all the needed upgrades.

The Suburban OTOH, less headroom to play with upgrades, but a little more capable out the door simply because of it's factory payload. Just beware that newer Suburban 2500's have a hard 1,000 pound tongue weight limit, since they changed to an integrated receiver.

[Bionic_Man]

Andrewmart wrote:
https://youtu.be/2T3gpJJaC08

Here is a link he sent me. Could it be aftermarket mods?

Maybe. The interior is right for an Excursion. The grill mirrors head lights doors all look like something much newer.

[Andrewmart]

https://youtu.be/2T3gpJJaC08

Here is a link he sent me. Could it be aftermarket mods?

[Bionic_Man]

I would say that the Excursion isn't a real vehicle (scam). The exterior certainly doesn't match the description. That is a newer body style with a 6.7 (at least badge).

[Andrewmart]

Good thoughts.

Can ya'll help me understand payload capacity. I know what it is, but I'm thinking of payload in the context of Excursion vs 2500 Suburban. We are 95% sure gonna get a 3/4 ton SUV. Many people recommend the Excursion, and I agree it does look nice and I like them too. I know it has the power to easily tow my TT, but the payload is not much higher than what we have now of 1441#. Google says Excursion has payload between 1500-1900#. With our current trailer, 4 kids (who will only get bigger), 2 adults and a dog, we are gonna be getting close to it. This might also limit us from bringing along anyone else (e.g., kids' friend, MIL, etc). Compare this to the 2500 Suburban w/ a payload of 2270-2560#.

Since the Excursion is so big and powerful, is it generally ok to be a few pounds over on payload as long as the overall combined weight is within limits?

These are two in my area that I'm considering. One is a sububran and another an excursion. The suburban I like because of the higher payload but it has a lot of miles. Some of my research says a 2500 well taken care can go about 300k. Looking at the carfax, they have a lot of documented service - which I see as a good thing... https://www.cavenderchevrolet.com/VehicleDetails/used-2009-Chevrolet-Suburban-LT1-Boerne-TX/4203909883

The excursion is a few thousand more and looks well taken care of and has low miles. https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/812470985/overview/

Thoughts? I'm liking the excursion (although it's further away to pick up) but the payload has me concerned (hence my question above).

[Lantley]

I owned a 7.3 PSD Excursion and a V-10. Both will tow your trailer.
Avoid the 6.0 at all cost. It has a poor history and has been problem plagued from the start.
A 7.3 will easily go 250K but you need to consider the whole truck. While the 7.3psd will out perform the V-10 At this point I would not take a 7.3 over a V-10 if the V-10 where in better shape overall.
I think your best bargain would be a V-10 passenger van.
With a large family avoid the pick up truck just not enough passenger space vs. SUV or van

[valhalla360]

Andrewmart wrote:

Grit dog wrote:
There’s a 100k mile V10 Excirsion for $10k in Seattle CL. Just listed.
There’s your rig, if you hurry...

Thanks! Any tips on how to judge gas vs diesel? Most of my searching says the diesel engine (especially 7.3.) will outlast the 6.0 diesel and gas by a long shot and give you better gas mileage. Any general guidelines on what is a decent mileage vs too much mileage when buying used?

The old 7.3 diesel is awesome but they are getting a bit long in the tooth. Sold ours with 265k miles on it running great but the truck around it was falling apart.

I would avoid the 6.0 diesel unless you know the seller and he can give you full details on it being bulletproofed.

Unless you are doing a ton of miles or pushing beyond the limits, I wouldn't shy away from gas. You'll run higher RPM climbing and burn a bit more fuel but they will do the job and hold up just fine.