Yukon, Suburban, Tahoe in front of a Shadow Cruiser 225 RBS

As new as you can afford

nevadanick wrote:
As new as you can afford

Cost is not an issue. A vehicle that is equipped to do the job well.

the new burbs are nice with the six speed transmission. not sure if you would considr a ford but the expedition el is pretty nice too. if price is truly no object ans you want a more comforTable towing experience, consider a 2500 suburban with the 6.2 and six speed transmission.
a lot depends oh what you are puTting in the vehicle. more than two people and i would consider the 2500. tahoe or expedition is not ideal due to the very short sheelbase.

Thanks "BurbMan"....this is the kind of info I was looking for! Yes, a long wheelbase is a must, 165" on the old Dodge makes for a real stable ride....no wig wag. 3500 one ton is just a bit rough on this old back! :) Oh yeah an old P7100 Cummins with a 4" turboback system and TST plate and a few other goodies is fun....now its time for comfort! Nice set up BurbMan, whats pushing you 30'?

Michael

that trailer is 2500 territory

You visited map has the Sierra's and Rocky's, so I'd pass on the 5.3L

Any of the +7K GVWR SUV's is a 'can do' and not well at that.

The too short a wheel base is muted with or by some WD Hitch systems, but I
don't recommend 'muted' but to have it not needed and just an extra margin. Am
in the vast minority, but you did ask for opinions... ;)

Careful on the 2500 Suburbans (and all of the derivatives...Caddy is the Escalade,
GMC is the Denali and Yukon). Ford's stretched half ton Expedition still is a
half ton and the Excursion is no longer and you'll have to purchase used. The EX
is a consideration for your trailer and terrain/ambient

If new, then the close ratio with double OD has the small block capable. You are
from a low rev'ing diesel and the small block will need to rev to do the job

Depending on how you load up both the TV and TT, consider the 4.1 diff and a
for sure 3.73 because of the mountains...

Good luck!

Ben....Yes, the Rockys and Sierras are favorites. Wolfcreek pass was done. Thanks for the informed/informative reply. Wouldn't it be nice if you could test drive while hooked up...for a week or two!

Never really thought the "visited map" was so important! :)

Michael

A friend bought one of these to handle his kids and dog and the better half pulling his toy hauler. It is a 1/2 ton but powered by the 6.2 V8 and long wheel base with 3 rows. He likes to Off Road at Taylor Park and has to do Monarch Pass. He needs the Daily Driver $$$.

32' tongue to tail....the Denali that Heisenberg liked to would definitely handle 6000 lbs in comfort assuming you didn't fill all 3 rows with passengers....the 2500 Burb (or Yukon XL) would give you a stiffer suspension and better overall control without making the ride too stiff.

I have a 2007 2500 LTZ Suburban which is rare. The LTZ part. It is a great vehicle. Tows well and is rated for 9600 lbs. Has the 6.0 which has plenty of power.

Just realize and I went from a 2008 Dodge MegaCab Cummins, that a gas engine when towing your trailer up any large hill will be tacking 3500+ rpm's. it's not a big deal, these engines are made for it. It just sucks the gas while doing it.

The 5.3 Burb is a very good vehicle also and with the new 6 speed selectable tranny is a very good tow vehicle.

I would go with a 2500 if you can however, because it has better gearing and its all about the gearing.

I seriously considered an Expediation and only bought this Burb cause it was the best deal I found. The expiedition has better tow ratings or it did when I was looking for a half ton vehicle.

I love my 2011 3/4 ton Suburban. We are getting a reasonable 14mpg in mixed driving and about 18mpg highway unloaded. It also tows our 6500-ish pound with ease and comfort. The 3/4 ton comes standard with the things people recommend upgrading their half tons anyway, LT tires, integrated brake controller, 3.73 axle ratio, HD trans cooler, etc. The 2008+ 2500s are mechanically the same.

2009+ half tons with 5.3L/6-spd 3.42 is a very good compromise. 20-ish mpg highway, 17mpg mixed. Owners are very pleased with them. I recommend the long wheelbases (Suburban/Yukon XL).

If you only have 2 people in the TV, the Yukon Denali may be cof interest. The 6.2L is strong, gets somewhere between the 3/4 ton 6.0L and halfton 5.3L fuel economy, is loaded with luxury. I test drove one with my TT and was very pleased. But I wanted the more HD suspension for my family.