He says I need a dually??

[PharmGeek]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, since we have gotten into the transmission debate, I will add a few things. I had a Chevrolet company truck that I owned and drove. The transmission went out at 25,000 miles. Years later I bought a Ford E-350; One of my customers told me that this was a big mistake because the Ford trans will go out at 75,000 miles. So I proceeded to tell him if that was true, then it will last three times as long as my Chevy did. Any thing can break at any time, you take your chances. I have worked at new car dealers since 1968 [now retired] and in some of that time, I have been a transmission mechanic for both sticks and automatics. In response to having 14 trucks, that means employees are driving them and they don't give a D*** about something that doesn't belong to them. NEVER, EVER, buy a used company truck And never compare the life cycle of a company truck to a privately owned one. Most [not all] company trucks are thrashed and trashed.

seems legit

The new E350 in principle looks nice, the cost is lower, can pull and load all I need, secure stuff nicely..more passengers if needed.....

[perryg114]

Hard to beat a used V10 Excursion for bang for the buck. They are a gas hog SUV as far as most see it. I see it as a pickup with a permanant topper. Last one made in 2005.

Perry

[PharmGeek]

perry...I am going to take a look man...seriously would like to find something as such at this point..."permanent topper"...really?

[PharmGeek]

2005 Ford Excursion Eddie Bauer in Albuquerque, NM- 9368715 at carmax.com

Its 2wd though

[PharmGeek]

in that same vein....thoughts on suburban?

[m.hony]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, since we have gotten into the transmission debate, I will add a few things. I had a Chevrolet company truck that I owned and drove. The transmission went out at 25,000 miles. Years later I bought a Ford E-350; One of my customers told me that this was a big mistake because the Ford trans will go out at 75,000 miles. So I proceeded to tell him if that was true, then it will last three times as long as my Chevy did. Any thing can break at any time, you take your chances. I have worked at new car dealers since 1968 [now retired] and in some of that time, I have been a transmission mechanic for both sticks and automatics. In response to having 14 trucks, that means employees are driving them and they don't give a D*** about something that doesn't belong to them. NEVER, EVER, buy a used company truck And never compare the life cycle of a company truck to a privately owned one. Most [not all] company trucks are thrashed and trashed.

We have about 300 Chevy/GMC Express/Savanas that have given a lot better service than the Econolines. The 4L80E and 4L60E transmissions between 2004 and 2007 were terrible. We replace those pretty often. The 4 speed transmissions 2003 and older and the 6 speed transmissions 2008 and newer have not given much trouble. I can't remember ever replacing one of the new 6 speed transmissions.

[PharmGeek]

consumer reports was NOT happy with the excursion to say the least lol....

[PharmGeek]

what of this F150 spec?

"Maximum Payload 3,120 lbs. (Regular Cab 4x2 with 5.0L V8 and Heavy Duty Payload Pkg)"

??

[PharmGeek]

those chevy vans do not have windows?

[m.hony]

Some of Our Chevy vans do not have windows. Most have windows on the side cargo doors and rear cargo doors only. They sell them with windows and seating for 12 or 15. Those 14 2011 Econolines have windows. They were bought to haul crews, but are being replaced with pickups. The Econolines will no longer be used to tow. We will give them to managers and supervisors. They will be shuttles or taxis, but not tow vehicles.

[m.hony]

We get over 400,000 miles on the Chevy vans, and some are approaching 500,000 miles. We never quite get there with the Fords. We do get 300,000 on the Fords, though.

[cwf]

PharmGeek,

Is anyone nearby who has vehicles you can try? A little experience will quickly give you info only DOING it will provide.

Come to Austin and I will work with you

[PharmGeek]

none of my friends or family have something capable to tow that I could try out.

Will hit dealers on monday and try out some stuff and see if that helps me decide..

Still torn

[switz]

The issue between propane and gasoline generators can be interesting. If a conversion kit is available for the 2k Hondas/ Yamaha that have a clean sine wave output, your electronics will operate properly. Some brands output is more of a square wave and that can cause issues.

[PharmGeek]

I read the "airsteam for newbies" book....I recall some of the bits on such elctricity discussion...will need to glance over the basics of that again...sine wave...etc etc....terminology is unfamiliar to me still...

Indeed, as suggested before, I plan on doing relatively little boondocking...but probably at least a couple times per year I will...particuarly on certain fishing outings possibly or boondocking up around little river canyon here in NE Alabama with my brother on occassion...but not much...and indeed, not enough to feel the need to spend $$$$$ on two generators to run two AC units....

But I digress...my main concern though is regarding storing gas in an SUV or van....probably doable if you have proper containers I imagine....right?

[PharmGeek]

toying around with the idea of seeing if wife wants to trade in honda odyssey for say something like a fairly new or new suburban....she kinda was generally open to this the other night showing her pics of the vehicle.

It would be used fairly little miles as a daily...she drives now to her new job just a few miles each way...on her days off she buzzes around, but because I communte with 2 other folks from Bham to tuscaloosa, *most* of the time I could drive the suburban to meet the carpool leaving her to drive the VW wagon for general use around town...but have the suburban on days she plans on doing significant shopping or meeting with friends and their kids (which she does in a mom's group here).

I just do not know about how reliable or how much she will like the suburban...will just need her to test drive and see what she thinks...

If she liked it, it would be two birds, one stone really...could find one lightly used and have one payment now instead of two...

THen again, this honda minivan is an excellent vehicle...I would hate to trade it in for something that will have a multitude of problems and tires and other things on suburban are more expensive....

Somehow that whole line of thought seems less attractve....but worth considering.

That nissan NV van is intriguing...only hitch with it though is max towing cap of 8800 pounds...if I get the 30' model, that is right on max tow if it is loaded up to the max...although likely, my *guess* is that the trailer would stay well below its GVWR.

[m.hony]

I would not trade the Odyssey. If anything, I would trade/sell the VW or Toyota pickup. Is there a passenger version of the Nissan NV? I have never seen one.

[m.hony]

If we ever get another ride it will be an Odyssey.

[PharmGeek]

Yeah - I LovE that vehicle so far - I'm sticking with a truck likely

Unless I can find a van I truly like - but wife probably will not want it as daily driver - would be out TV only I assume

What of this exhaust brake stuff in diesels? How is traveling in the smokies for example in a 3/4 ton gasser + 30' flying cloud?

Thoughts from the peanut gallery?

How is braking with a late model 3/4 ton truck on steeper grades?

[PharmGeek]

Sell my VW??! Man I have loved this car 45 mpg on highway - I commute to tuscaloosa so it helps - luckily I carpool with 2 others

VW is 2 payments away from being paid off