Towing vehicle cunundrum

[njdad2016]

Hi everyone

Just signed up bcs of all the info and great posts here. I am sure similar posts have been discussed before but here's my situation for your opinions. Please feel free to share your thoughts - I truly appreciate every response I'll get.

We have a 31' TT and an Excursion to tow. I have 3 small kids and the 3rd row of the Ex, combined with its 3/4ton capabilities has served me well. BUT, the Ex is showing its age and is getting me worried for my family's safety. It has A LOT of rust everywhere, brake lines got rusted thru and gave way one day, tranny fluid lines rusted also, popped a plug on my last trip to FL that took half a day to helicoil while the family waited in the sun, power is starting to fade, AC is weak at best and on and on, you get the idea.

I will need to replace it soon and I am torn as heck on what to get next. Is a big investment and with the kids growing more expenses will incur so I have to be very smart about this. We are also contemplating getting a bigger (heavier) camper in about 5 years - maybe a 5th wheel. So I've been looking at pick ups but none has the 3rd row and 3 car seats in the back bench with the dog on the bottom space is going to be a war zone with pulling, kicking, pinching and so on.

The SUVs do not have the setup to pull these things well anymore as they're all 1/2ton capacity and very low payload. Also forget about the 5th wheel if I go that route. My TV seats on the driveway 95% of the time as we have commuter cars. I only use it to tow and seldom trip to hardware store for a sheet of plywood, mulch, or to haul some furniture. Even with this in mind, pickups are better as you don't get the smells and debris all over the inside - right now forget about spilling a drop of gas in the back cargo area.

As far as pick ups, I may go that way and have a body shop put in some work and take a couple feet form the bed to give me a 3rd row. For this reason I'd need a 8foot bed pick up.

Than the question becomes diesel or gas. I keep my vehicles for a long time and very handy with gas engines. Never had a diesel before, but I understand when it comes to towing they're king, as they outperform gassers in torque and payload. Maintenance wise those trucks are much more expensive, and we camp about 3-4 times a year (~6000miles) with the rest of the time in idle as I mentioned before. Price wise the newer ones are more or less the same (and very expensive at that) so I need to make a wise choice I won't regret in a few years and see thousands $$ wash down the drain.

So what do you guys think? SUV like an Expedition EL? Pick up? Gas or diesel? SRW or DRW? What has been your experience?

Thank you and be safe wherever the road takes you.

[njdad2016]

Lantley wrote:
I know your pain. Once upon a time I towed a 36" TT with a V-10 and a 7.3PSD Excursion.
The X and TT was a fantastic combo. However the kids eventually outgrew the TT and it became time to upgrade.
The most economical choice and the only current vehicles that compare to an X in terms of towing ability,3rd row seating and passenger space is a van.
If vans are out of the question your next move is a Crew cab pick up.
I currently have a crew cab pick up. While I enjoy my combo I still miss the passenger space of the X.
If you go crew cab be sure to get a front bench seat. You will want the additional seat space vs. a storage console.
I suggest a dually which will allow you to get any Bunkhouse fiver you want.
A SRW truck has lots of 5'er options but at some point it will limit your selection and you will face the upgrade game. Get the dually and you will not need another truck for a long time.
I'm not sure I would go to the expense of a body modification.
A family of 5 can fit into a crew cab truck. It will not be a spacious as an Excursion but neither will your extended crew cab truck.
You mention you only camp 3-4 times a year. That is a big issue. Are you really going to invest in a new truck RV combo for 3-4 trips? If you're only going 3-4 times just buy another X. They are out there still. Just get one with more life in it than what you had.
If you're ready to do a lot more camping gravitate to a dually and 5'er. If you are not ready to make that commitment stick with the Excursion. There is no other vehicle quite like it.
The 3-4 trip thing is really the sticking point. If you are only going 3-4 times a gasser will do. However if you are going to commit to more camping invest in a diesel and don't look back. I would certainly opt for a diesel vs. body work to extend passenger space.

Hi and thank you. I am considering another X - there's just something about paying 20-30k for a 15 year old truck with over 100k miles, just bcs they're dinosaurs. Technology has advanced quite a bit and I'm sure newer 3/4 and 1ton vehicles offer better everything than the good ol X, with the exception of putting it all together in one package. Probably go check out the Dodge ram Mega cab... have to see the specks and get a good look at that extra space behind the bench seat.

As far as vans, I also need a 4x4 - are the new ones 4wheel or not? The Nissan HD ones are not - I like those boxy things though.

[njdad2016]

2Bargos wrote:
Have you given any thought to a 2500 Chevrolet suburban.
I think it would make a great tow vehicle and have the third row seating you need

Hi bargos
The subs are 1/2 ton... less space than Expedition EL and just over 1000lbs payload give or take. Cannot get a 5ver with them, and honestly not a big fan of the auto suspensions with airbags and such when it comes to a TV. They're nice and ride like smooth, but i need some muscle under the hood and the beefy brakes, suspension and tranny that no SUV offers these days

[njdad2016]

ETCrockett wrote:
We pulled a 35' TT with a 2000 Excursion until and 200,000 miles I noticed she didn't like climbing the mountains. Needed to be doing 70 to be doing 20 when you got to the top. My kids grew up using the TT so we are empty nesters. I'm a Ford guy so depending on the size of 5ver you are thinking of getting I would recommend F250, F350 or F450 and you definitely want diesel if you want to keep it long term. Take your time and do your research. While the kids are young, don't rule out a Class C or Class A motorhome. Since you have the commuter cars, you could tow one with the motorhome. You can sell Ex and TT and replace with 1 motorhome.

Good luck! Thank God we live in a country with choices.

Thank you for the advice. Your experience is similar to mine... as far as teh 3-4 times, I foresee that will be the norm as I do not have more time off from work. We try to do one "big" trip a year (cruise, somewhere abroad or so) with the kids and 3-4 times camping trips (couple longer ones and others worth a day driving). I do pull a 26' boat during the season and a medium size enclosed trailer, but not daily or often... all in all I use the truck now on average every 2 weeks for towing or chores. I think other class vehicles do not allow me the flexibility of a TV and a local hauler, or packing the fam in for a trip to grandparents (2h away) with Xmass tree, or a new tv... something like that.

Honestly, if I didn't dread the kids seating elbow to elbow, I'd be all over the large cab pickups, and the question wold be gas or diesel for my use. Had a pickup for many years and loved the ability to just load up the bed with stones if I wanted and go. I guess I can put a jump seat on the bed and save it for the one that's giving me the most lip... lol! Hi DYFS...

[APT]

Get a <5yr old 1-ton van. Ford V10 or GM 6.0L/6-spd. Those should tow your RV with similar ease and comfort. They are cheap to buy new and even cheaper used compared to SUVs.

[KillerIsMe]

What about a Class D? Under rated in my opinion

[2Bargos]

Have you given any thought to a 2500 Chevrolet suburban.
I think it would make a great tow vehicle and have the third row seating you need

[vjstangelo]

It seems that most folks in your position go with a 3/4 or 1 ton van, Ford or Chevy.

[ETCrockett]

We pulled a 35' TT with a 2000 Excursion until and 200,000 miles I noticed she didn't like climbing the mountains. Needed to be doing 70 to be doing 20 when you got to the top. My kids grew up using the TT so we are empty nesters. I'm a Ford guy so depending on the size of 5ver you are thinking of getting I would recommend F250, F350 or F450 and you definitely want diesel if you want to keep it long term. Take your time and do your research. While the kids are young, don't rule out a Class C or Class A motorhome. Since you have the commuter cars, you could tow one with the motorhome. You can sell Ex and TT and replace with 1 motorhome.

Good luck! Thank God we live in a country with choices.

[Lantley]

I know your pain. Once upon a time I towed a 36" TT with a V-10 and a 7.3PSD Excursion.
The X and TT was a fantastic combo. However the kids eventually outgrew the TT and it became time to upgrade.
The most economical choice and the only current vehicles that compare to an X in terms of towing ability,3rd row seating and passenger space is a van.
If vans are out of the question your next move is a Crew cab pick up.
I currently have a crew cab pick up. While I enjoy my combo I still miss the passenger space of the X.
If you go crew cab be sure to get a front bench seat. You will want the additional seat space vs. a storage console.
I suggest a dually which will allow you to get any Bunkhouse fiver you want.
A SRW truck has lots of 5'er options but at some point it will limit your selection and you will face the upgrade game. Get the dually and you will not need another truck for a long time.
I'm not sure I would go to the expense of a body modification.
A family of 5 can fit into a crew cab truck. It will not be a spacious as an Excursion but neither will your extended crew cab truck.
You mention you only camp 3-4 times a year. That is a big issue. Are you really going to invest in a new truck RV combo for 3-4 trips? If you're only going 3-4 times just buy another X. They are out there still. Just get one with more life in it than what you had.
If you're ready to do a lot more camping gravitate to a dually and 5'er. If you are not ready to make that commitment stick with the Excursion. There is no other vehicle quite like it.
The 3-4 trip thing is really the sticking point. If you are only going 3-4 times a gasser will do. However if you are going to commit to more camping invest in a diesel and don't look back. I would certainly opt for a diesel vs. body work to extend passenger space.

[westend]

Follow the Bear's advice. Any modification like adding a third row to a pickup is going to cost you big. It costs capital upfront and you'll lose on resell. Plus, you don't need it. Put the dog in his own kennel box in the bed. He really doesn't like riding with all of you and your odors, anyway.

[njdad2016]

Hi campfire
we considered the C-class before setting on the TT. And yes, you are absolutely right as it hurts me having the truck seat there and rust away. Even more if there was something nice and shinny with a hefty monthly payment on top just providing shade and shelter for squirrels and chipmunks.

But I have other things I tow and Class A or C do not help me with that.

[Campfire_Time]

njdad2016 wrote:
I don't mean to offend anyone but the A-class makes no sense to me for 3-4 times a year trips. If I was lifing it on the road than yes, but to have a fancy bus (with insurance, maintenance, and all other costs related) seating in my driveway is wasteful.

I think the notion of a Class A or Class C motor home makes good sense for your situation.

Think about this, is that any worse than leaving your TV sit all the time? If you were to buy a truck and "stretch" it, is that worth the expense? Just toss it around. With a big family and your desire to have a big trailer obviously your options are limited. Everything is a compromise so be willing to make them, and find a creative solution.

Hope you find a way!

[njdad2016]

As far as extending the cab goes - stretching the frame (limo style) is very expensive you're right. Some places do fiberglass work that adds on to the existing cab flawlessly by taking some footage off the bed. No frame work involved - they can add 40" for a couple thousand which I think is not a bad deal.

[njdad2016]

hey bear - used to live in OC... moving out the way is right.

the problem with upgrading at that time is that I'll need to buy a diesel and a 5th wheel at once - very expensive. I was thinking of getting more vehicle now and it'll still be in good shape when the camper is upgraded.

[njdad2016]

I don't mean to offend anyone but the A-class makes no sense to me for 3-4 times a year trips. If I was lifing it on the road than yes, but to have a fancy bus (with insurance, maintenance, and all other costs related) seating in my driveway is wasteful.

Same thinking goes for DownSouth idea - my car, the van as a tv, the small pickup for errands, wife's car... I'll need to hire a fleet manager lol