Need tow vehicle - preferably under 10k
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 option...
Forum Discussion
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.
