Feb-24-2014 06:20 PM
Mar-02-2014 08:40 AM
ExxWhy wrote:
As a 2000 Excursion owner, I would dispute a couple things Tim/Amy says about them. This of course wanders from the original subject. 🙂
IMO, the V10 pulls trailers up mountains just fine, though I will agree the 4.30 gears are a big improvement.
The head issue is don't improperly install the spark plugs or else they are prone to being ejected. The transmission is the same with a V10 or 7.3. I wouldn't call them particularly weak, but they won't last as long as either engine.
Mar-01-2014 04:35 PM
Mar-01-2014 04:04 PM
Mar-01-2014 05:35 AM
jlfought wrote:It sounds like you did your homework. I wish you and your family on a trip of a lifetime good luck.
For an update on what TT we finally got and what vehicle we are looking at go here http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27558912.cfm
THANKS EVERYONE! I seriously could not have done this without all of you!!
Mar-01-2014 05:10 AM
Feb-28-2014 08:54 PM
Feb-28-2014 07:55 AM
Feb-28-2014 07:00 AM
ed6713 wrote:
Everything's possible. Would I do it? Absolutely not!!
We dragged a 27' TT around with our Ford F250 for a few years. Even with that combination, you're really limited with campsites in public campgrounds like Forest Service, National Parks, etc. That's where we exclusively stay, so a 39' TT would be, for us, out of the question.
At 39' + the tow vehicle, forget it. With a few exceptions, only a large commercial campground will be able to comfortable accommodate you.
Feb-28-2014 05:24 AM
Feb-27-2014 07:31 PM
goducks10 wrote:
I think I'd just get a nice 65-70" HD tv and watch the travel channel. Take the extra money and make several trips to Disney World:)
Feb-27-2014 07:12 PM
Feb-27-2014 07:05 PM
dadmomh wrote:
Totally aside from the weight questions....that's a LOT of trailer and finding sites is likely going to take some serious homework. It's not that a CG wouldn't have a site that's long enough, the trick is getting the 39' + your tow vehicle maneuvered around trees and such to get to the site in the first place. I see a potential for KOAs in your future without good planning. With 7 you're for sure going to want full hookups or you'll be dragging the blue tote 3x a day. As for staying off the interstates, unless there is another reason, I think interstates would be a benefit since you won't be dealing with small town streets and corners.
Suggest you check into an app, and I don't know the name of it - someone here likely will, but it gives you info on fuel stops and getting in and out easily. Some of the Pilot/Flying J/Love's are great if it weren't for the cars parked directly in front of the building. Getting in is one thing, getting out is another. This app is supposed to help you with that.
Sounds like a great trip! Is this a travel/home study experience??
Feb-27-2014 06:47 PM
johninedmonton wrote:
I'm also hitting the road, with my 4 kids and wife, for a year. 6 people. We looked at a 3500 truck and a 3500 van and decided against them. Why? Because when we aren't towing the trailer we will still need to go to museums and grocery stores and malls. Those are some BIG vehicles, but with very little room inside.
My decision was to get a '05 Excursion with the 6.0L diesel, get the engine bullet proofed, and fix it up to my standard. I chose against the older 7.3 because of the weak transmission and the general age (wear and tear) of the vehicles.
Our trailer weighs 7,500 dry. Loaded we will be closer to a realistic 9,000lbs. with all of our gear (read: crap).
While the Excursion is rated to be strong enough, 11,000lbs. of towing capacity and 1,800lbs. of payload (family weighs 750 and tongue will be another 850), we will also be adding to the suspension system for peace of mind. Airlift in the rear, upgraded springs in the front, and let's not forget the best damned brakes money can buy. Stopping is the most important part of towing!
It should be a safe hauler. At least the safest I can find/make. A truck isn't as safe for us, because having a kid sitting next to me and pulling at my arm is a danger, no matter the technology or truck size available. Space to work, to move my arms, is as important as anything else. Keep that in mind.
Also make sure you get the best hitch you can. I did months of research, tried 3 different hitches, and finally settled on the Andersen WD. It's spectacular, consistent, and reliable. Easy to use. There may be better hitches if you're an expert, but my wife can hook us up. And it's always the exact same fine-tuned setup every single time. That's also important; a consistent towing feel and experience.
Ultimately, be safe. Don't be stupid and risky. Remain calm and controlled at all times, and you'll be safer on the road than any piece of technology or spreadsheet can provide to you. If the driver is tired or grumpy, hopped up on coffee or not feeling well... don't drive. There's less margin for error here.
Safe towing!
Feb-27-2014 06:43 PM
Mickeyfan0805 wrote:jlfought wrote:
"We'll only be towing our TT for a few hours every week or two. But we will be spending weeks in our TT. Oh wait..." lol
If this is the case, have you considered the possibility of two vehicles? You could keep your current Suburban for family driving and pick up something to tow the camper at a relatively inexpensive price. This would not only open the door to more tow vehicles, but would also open the door to fifth wheels for more room when you are in camp.
We chose to go with the HD Suburban because we do long hauls (500-600 miles in a day). If we were only driving a few hours, however, we would have been far more apt to look at a pick-up and a fifth wheel.