...what would it be?
DH and I are are looking at new tow vehicles. (Yea!!! Longer trips and higher elevations, here we come!!![;)]) We have narrowed it down to either the Chevy Tahoe or the Ford Expedition. We can get more bang for our buck with the Expedition (bigger engine, more torque, dvd, leather seats and other cool doo-dads), but DH likes the styling of the Tahoe better. He s also a bit leery of owning a Ford, having always been a Chevy man.
Which would you choose and why? Please vote and post your commments below.
Thanks! [:D]
griffsmomKids are starting to go their own way (DD#1 is in Bangkok at the moment), so we don t need a 5-6- or 7-passenger vehicle. Probably just a good basic pickup such as an F-150 is where I m going next.
PJay might have a different opinion.
Austin
griffsmomOur next vehicle will be a full size four door pickup truck. We re not sure if we ll go Ford, Chevy or Dodge since that purchase is 3 years away. Who knows what the trucks will be like by then. We like the ability to carry just about anything in the pickup bed, while still carrying passengers in the crew cab. Of course, since we own a Durango with the 5.9L engine, I can t imagine the gas mileage on the pickup truck getting any worse than the Durango.
griffsmom[font=" comic sans ms" ]If the new TV was for my family (of 6) I would definitely buy another Suburban. The other (big) sport utes can t touch it for cargo space!
If I only had one child and the choices were the Tahoe or the Expedition ~ I d go with the Tahoe. I also like the styling of the Tahoe better ~ in some cases (not my Suburban, of course [;)]) bigger isn t always better!
If I only had one child and the options were endless I d go with an extended cab pick-up ... for the cargo capacity. We traded our pick-up in years ago and sometimes I really miss having one around. (It s a lot easier to hose down the bed of a truck than to crawl around the back of a SUV with a vacuum cleaner! LOL)
goose may have other ideas, though!![/font]
griffsmomThere are three major functions to the tow vehicle as I see it. Towing the camper, hauling the campers (family) and storage during the trip for the extra stuff (bikes, luggage or what ever stuff you take). We thought a full size van was the answer. In my opinion...I was wrong!!!! It pulls the camper just...ok. It fits the campers (family) good and there is ok room for storage. Problem is the van is too difficult to do even general maintenance on. Things like front end parts and tires seem to wear much faster than other vehicles. Although the van works for us the TCO (total cost of ownership) is much higher. I would consider a few things. Are you going to be traveling a lot of mountain areas or possibly upgrading to a larger unit? Then you want a Tahoe or similar. Is gas milage while not towing a big deal. You may want something smaller. I prefer the Expedition over the Tahoe due to the larger capacities but I imaging the TCO would be higher with it also. Anyone want to buy a van :) I did see the Jeep Liberty had a 5500 pound GVWR. and it gets decent gas milage......hmmmm. It just doesn t fit the family! Darn!
griffsmomJust got our new TV about 1 1/2 months ago (see " sig" line). Went this way because we (I?) like trucks and we plan on moving to a small " 5 er" within the next 18-24 months.
griffsmomLori --
After Paul having the Suburban, he s convinced nothing can compare. However, you didn t ask that.
Since I equally like the Tahoe and Expedition, I d go for the doodads. More importantly, I d check the cargo space. You think Griffin s tricycle takes up room now, try when he s 12 and you need to fit his bike in there, or when he s eating like a horse and you need to pack extra food. You can always add in later that optional CD player, but you can t put an addition onto the cargo space.
As far as Dave being a Chevy man, Paul has always been a Ford man and swore up and down he d never let a Chevy into his driveway. Until he realized we needed a stronger TV and started researching. He bought the Suburban and loves it and raves about it. Tell Dave a leopard can change its spots, and men can change their brand loyalties! [:D]
griffsmomI m thinking Jeep Liberty, too....and with only two of us and the camper dog, it s big enough. So, this time next year it may just be one of those pulling a Palomino.
griffsmomHummer 2 cause they are so COOL ! [:)]
griffsmomI have both a pickup and a mid size SUV. Although we haven t towed the PU with the SUV, it can handle it. I myself would get another pickup only bigger because I would eventually get a different RV. So I want to have the tow vehicle that will handle it.
griffsmomgriffsmom,
I have a mid-size SUV that can pull up to 6,000 lbs. 275 hp six cyc. It runs great. It tows these pop-ups like they are not even attached. In fact it can give you to much security. I have to be careful, so not to over do it. The Ford Expedition is too large. If I am not mistaking I believe they are going to stop making them. The Chevy Tahoe is great but once again to large. The mid-size range SUV s today can handle these popup s with no problems. Save some money both in gas, maintenance, and cost. Just get the right MID-SIZE SUV.
My SUV will tow a TT up to 27 feet long if I wanted to buy one. Try a Chevy Trailblazer or Ford compatible
griffsmomDodge Ram Quad Cab-Good multi-purpose vehicle.Can comfortably carry 6 passengers.Loads of cargo space.Good work vehicle.We know-we own one,like it,and would purchase one again.
griffsmomWe currently have a F150 Supercrew and a E-150 conversion van. Our next vehicle, a suburban, a beefier standard full size van. We could go with an E-150, but I want the V8, and no conversion packages. Just a basic passenger van, tint the windows, install one of the overhead TV s with DVD maybe. I would really like the suburban, because I have seen the cargo space on that baby, plus I like the looks better.
My family is big, with the four kids and the antique dog to consider, plus two adults. Most of the SUV s don t have the necessary cargo space for taking that many people camping once you put all the behinds in the seats. We are ok with the supercrew, but haven t made a trip since we got the antique dog back. Plus I also find it is cumbersome in the supercrew with seating six, and the kids want to take a cd player or a gameboy etc, there isn t really room for their bags of stuff for the travel part of the trip. Course that doesn t even begin to address what we will do when they begin to want to take a friend along for a camping trip. I have visions of having to buy a small bus to get us around!
griffsmomWe currently have an F-150 & an E-150 van. We usually tow with the van. I love it - mainly due to the cargo space. For us - with 2 kids & 2 large dogs - that cargo space is a premium. I never have to worry about if I have enough space with this big van. there s room for the tv/dvd player to keep the kids entertained on long trips, and a good space for the dogs. If I were getting a new TV right now I d have to get a new E-150. If the kids & dogs weren t an issue, I d probably go with one of the larger SUVs - but they re so expensive!!
Sharon
4campinfoxesLike I said,our Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab is quite roomy.We pack mucho stuff in the pick up bed(we have one of those fiberglass bed covers).
forestwalker
QuoteORIGINAL: forestwalker
Dodge Ram Quad Cab-Good multi-purpose vehicle.Can comfortably carry 6 passengers.Loads of cargo space.Good work vehicle.We know-we own one,like it,and would purchase one again.
Diesel![;)]
griffsmomGot the dodge dakota quad cab with a cap now. Love it but would like to comfortably fit 2 more people (we can fit 5 now). Would probably consider the Dodge Ram Quad Cab for more space inside. I like having a seperate area for the dog crates with the pick up, and adding the cap keeps everything dry.
griffsmomwe bought a dodge ram 1500 and would buy a similar truck again, maybe a 2500 next time...its a great truck...and we use the truck for other things besides towing.
Jo AnnJo Ann.Need more power to comfortably tow,or is it for other purposes?
whitestar505
QuoteORIGINAL: whitestar505
griffsmom,
I have to be careful, so not to over do it. The Ford Expedition is too large. If I am not mistaking I believe they are going to stop making them.
The are not going to stop making the Expedition. They are going to stop making the Excursion. It is bigger than an Expedition, more like a Suburban.
griffsmomI didn t vote in the poll, as I think Chevy and Ford make good vehicles. We are also thrilled with our Nissan as a TV, and they are also making a full-size pickup now, which will be available later this year.
Just as when buying a popup, FIND A GOOD DEALER WITH GOOD AFTER-SALE SERVICE! Also, buy the brand you are comfortable with.
Larry
griffsmom
QuoteHummer 2 cause they are so COOL !
I agree, but, the DH says I am a road hog the way it is. I had 3 Chevy Tahoes and liked them, But, now you have to order a larger engine in them. The GMC Denali was Great I loved it. But my DH wanted a vehicle that could get me where I was going without getting lost. The down side of this one is it doesn t have the power to pull the Jayco that it said it had. If I had it to do over again I would have ordered the Cadillac Escalade. But I am stuck with what I for now.
tlhdoctlhdoc,
" " The are not going to stop making the Expedition. They are going to stop making the Excursion. It is bigger than an Expedition, more like a Suburban. " "
Sorry, guess I was mistaken. That is why I put the statement in there. With seeing so much on the internet and on TV can not always keep everything straight.
It has to be the age.[: (]
whitestar505
QuoteORIGINAL: whitestar505
griffsmom,
I have a mid-size SUV that can pull up to 6,000 lbs. 275 hp six cyc. It runs great. It tows these pop-ups like they are not even attached. In fact it can give you to much security. I have to be careful, so not to over do it. The Ford Expedition is too large. If I am not mistaking I believe they are going to stop making them. The Chevy Tahoe is great but once again to large. The mid-size range SUV s today can handle these popup s with no problems. Save some money both in gas, maintenance, and cost. Just get the right MID-SIZE SUV.
My SUV will tow a TT up to 27 feet long if I wanted to buy one. Try a Chevy Trailblazer or Ford compatible
Careful with that Whitestar[:o]. It may be rated in the book to pull that but it does not comfortably. These last 2 weeks while traveling with my parents (3,200 miles) we noted something different. My dad s Envoy struggled very much in the Montana mountains with his 25 TT and then the winds of Wyoming on 6/20 wanted to take him off the road[&:]. My Astro is rated at 5,500 lbs tow capacity but I will not go there. I will not pull anymore than my 3,000 lb PU because of family safety. I could tow more but then I would have to drive slower and I want to get where I am going, set the camper up and enjoy family and/or freinds. If I go to a hybrid in the next year or 2 it will require a new TV with a longer wheel base, more torque, and more TV base weight.
I have been a Chevy man for 16 years[:)] but I sure like my brother-in-laws new Expedition[;)]. Best way to choose is sit in both, check visability and decide which one makes you feel the most comfortable while driving and then buy it. Either one will get the job done so you need to make sure your needs are met.[/color
brainpauseLori, both the Tahoe and Expedition are good choices. Since you only have 1 or 2 kids to go camping with you will probably be happy with either one. But your cargo room will be limited. The way Dave keeps bringing home camping " extra s" you will need as much cargo room as possible[:D][;)]. I also like the Toyota Sequoia. What a beautiful SUV.
I have to say though if we were replacing our old and tired Astro Van I would choose the Suburban, Expediton or the Sequoia. Eventually I know we will move up to a hybrid and I know that either of those TV s would pull it with no problem.
Good luck in your search.
Jacqui
griffsmomI to let everyone know I had to get a new tow veheicle. IT wasn t what I posted I would get. I got the Lincoln Aviator. IT helped me with the problems I was having with my Acura. ( sure do miss the acura)
griffsmomI pull a hybrid, in my dreams, I want one with a slide...If I go seasonal, I want a regular travel trailer.
We have an F150 V6 shortbed regular cab---terrible gas milage, not real great on hills.
Dodges are known to be workhorses.
Chevys, I m scared of, had too much trouble with engines and bodys when I was younger.
Toyotas cannot be beat.
If I went SUV, it would be an Excursion for the power and size.
Pick up it would be a tossup between a Ram quad cab or a Tundra quad cab.
griffsmomI really like my Dodge Dakota Quad Cab. I think it s the best of both worlds - it has four doors so the kids aren t so crunched and, with a topper, I can carry quite a bit of gear and keep it out of the rain. If we re coming home from a rainy camping trip, I can put the wet gear in the back of the truck and not worry about getting the inside of my expensive SUV messy. Plus, the taxes and insurance are cheaper on the Dakota.
Although I have quite a bit of pull with the 5.9L engine and tow package, if I were to get a new TV, it would still be a pickup with camper shell, but possibly a bigger 4 door truck like a 1/2 ton Ford or Dodge.
griffsmomLori,
I just picked up my new Tahoe on Saturday. I am (and always have been) a Chevy guy, so as for a deciding factor (from MY perspective)....I would push a Chevy before I d drive a Ford, but I did do a side by side comparison (electronically) on Edmunds, and the Chevy still won out. It has all that I needed (or wanted) and it was cheaper than the Ford...(out the door and in the long run).
Good luck with whatever you decide. ;-))
tlhdoc
QuoteThey are going to stop making the Excursion.
Say What??? No kidding.... that s the only thing Ford has that really compares to a Suburban. Bummer, I really liked the Excursion.... Ok, guess I ll vote for a new tow rig that could do it all: an F-450 crew cab diesel!
Boy am I gunna get it when the DW reads this. [;)]
brainpauseYou can tell, AB DIVER is well! While on the subject, since your DW is out of town for awhile,( alittle birdie told me), why don t you show that " guy thing" , and go out and buy that new TV?
You could always tell her it is her coming home present! Somehow I have the feeling if that were to happen, you would be living in your PUT by yourself.
QuoteORIGINAL: brainpause
I didn t vote in the poll, as I think Chevy and Ford make good vehicles. We are also thrilled with our Nissan as a TV, and they are also making a full-size pickup now, which will be available later this year.
Just as when buying a popup, FIND A GOOD DEALER WITH GOOD AFTER-SALE SERVICE! Also, buy the brand you are comfortable with.
Larry
Civil_War_Buff
QuoteORIGINAL: Civil_War_Buff
Lori,
I just picked up my new Tahoe on Saturday. I am (and always have been) a Chevy guy, so as for a deciding factor (from MY perspective)....I would push a Chevy before I d drive a Ford, but I did do a side by side comparison (electronically) on Edmunds, and the Chevy still won out. It has all that I needed (or wanted) and it was cheaper than the Ford...(out the door and in the long run).
Good luck with whatever you decide. ;-))
Hey Larry! Congrats on the new TV!![:D] We got one too, although we went for the Expy. It was fully loaded (leather seats, side air bags, DVD player, just to name a few of the cool doodads) and such a great deal, we couldn t pass it up. We wouldn t have been able to even touch a Tahoe price-wise with the same equipment! Bottom line is that my DH is happy, the DVD player may allow us to make some longer trips (like to NNC rallies!) and it can tow way more than our little Sun Valley weighs, so that makes me happy too. I hope I get to see yours up close and in person soon! (including the bullet holes...[;)]
griffsmom
QuoteORIGINAL: griffsmom
QuoteORIGINAL: Civil_War_Buff
Lori,
I just picked up my new Tahoe on Saturday. I am (and always have been) a Chevy guy, so as for a deciding factor (from MY perspective)....I would push a Chevy before I d drive a Ford, but I did do a side by side comparison (electronically) on Edmunds, and the Chevy still won out. It has all that I needed (or wanted) and it was cheaper than the Ford...(out the door and in the long run).
Good luck with whatever you decide. ;-))
Hey Larry! Congrats on the new TV!![:D] We got one too, although we went for the Expy. It was fully loaded (leather seats, side air bags, DVD player, just to name a few of the cool doodads) and such a great deal, we couldn t pass it up. We wouldn t have been able to even touch a Tahoe price-wise with the same equipment! Bottom line is that my DH is happy, the DVD player may allow us to make some longer trips (like to NNC rallies!) and it can tow way more than our little Sun Valley weighs, so that makes me happy too. I hope I get to see yours up close and in person soon! (including the bullet holes...[;)]
And congrats on yours! Wow, it must be the weather that has given so many of us the " bug" . I am sure that your Exped. will serve you well. I wanted to get the new one before the Tahoe Rally, as I didn t have a Tahoe before ([:D])! Actually, I wasn t sure if the Blazer would handle the climb into Tahoe well, so now I feel so much more confident...and it has another 1/2 again towing capacity over the Blazer (7400#).
As for the " bullet holes" ....not yet, but soon! [;)]
forestwalkerForestwalker...didnt see this post
But not for more comfortable towing...it does a great job!!! we love it...just that with the mountains all around, we could pick up a bit more speed going uphill...the dh doesn t want to tax the engine or something...but the truck is wonderful
also we have a rockwood premier 12 box and now sway except in really huge gust of wind.
brainpauseI m fantasizing on getting a new (2003 model) Expedition. The reason I d choose this over the Chevy Tahoe is 1) Bigger size; 2)Third Row Seat folds flat into the load floor; 3) higher tow rating.
However, I believe that the Chevy, when ordered with the largest motor, is both more powerfull and fuel efficient then the Expedition.
One of my friends has the Tahoe, and he really likes it.
Jo AnnJo Ann-Sorry it took so long to answer.We just got back from Seattle.What a beautiful city ! Regarding the topic: We love our Dodge Ram 1500.It has plenty of power to pull our trailer up the local California Coastal Mountains.We may need a little more power to tow in the higher ranges like the Sierras,or the Rockies.Dont know;have not tried to do so,yet.Thanks for your reply to our post.
Steve & Mary
griffsmomWe prefer Fords and we got a 2 year old one for the price of a new Explorer. We wanted extra capacity for towing a larger trailer (TrailManor 3124 coming in the Spring). Our daughters need lots of elbow room.
Al
Steve-o-bud
QuoteORIGINAL: Steve-o-bud
I m fantasizing on getting a new (2003 model) Expedition. The reason I d choose this over the Chevy Tahoe is 1) Bigger size; 2)Third Row Seat folds flat into the load floor; 3) higher tow rating.
However, I believe that the Chevy, when ordered with the largest motor, is both more powerfull and fuel efficient then the Expedition.
One of my friends has the Tahoe, and he really likes it.
Steve-O,
Believe it or not, but the Ford s larger engine has the capacity to tow more than the Tahoe s. As for fuel consumption they re about the same. The Tahoe may get 1or 2 more mpg--but nothing more significant than that.
We ended up getting the Expy, fo the reasons you like it and a few others as well. You can check it out at the Trick-or-Treat in Temecula rally![:D]
griffsmom
QuoteORIGINAL: griffsmom
QuoteORIGINAL: Steve-o-bud
I m fantasizing on getting a new (2003 model) Expedition. The reason I d choose this over the Chevy Tahoe is 1) Bigger size; 2)Third Row Seat folds flat into the load floor; 3) higher tow rating.
However, I believe that the Chevy, when ordered with the largest motor, is both more powerfull and fuel efficient then the Expedition.
One of my friends has the Tahoe, and he really likes it.
Steve-O,
Believe it or not, but the Ford s larger engine has the capacity to tow more than the Tahoe s. As for fuel consumption they re about the same. The Tahoe may get 1or 2 more mpg--but nothing more significant than that.
We ended up getting the Expy, fo the reasons you like it and a few others as well. You can check it out at the Trick-or-Treat in Temecula rally![:D]
We re going to Yosemite this week, so we ll see how our Trooper aka SLX does. It did OK towing our 8 Jayco. Not so sure about the 12 Coleman! I m hoping that the mounting plate adapter for the sway control gets here by tomorrow, so I have time to install it. If not, we ll be taking it reeeal easy heading up the hill.
Steve-o-bud
QuoteORIGINAL: Steve-o-bud
We re going to Yosemite this week, so we ll see how our Trooper aka SLX does. It did OK towing our 8 Jayco. Not so sure about the 12 Coleman! I m hoping that the mounting plate adapter for the sway control gets here by tomorrow, so I have time to install it. If not, we ll be taking it reeeal easy heading up the hill.
Please do take it easy! We want you to get back safe and sound and all in one piece...so we can hear about your trip! [:)]
I d love to go to Yosemite, but for some unexplainable reason, I ve become completely pertrified of bear country! It s stupid really; Dave and I tent camped for 10 years all over bear country!!! I think it s because I never had anything that could even be remotely confused with food in or near the tent and while we haven t ever cooked in the PU, I ve stored food in it while camping, and I guess I m worried that the residual aromas will still be too much for a bear to resist. [&:]