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Old 10-05-2019, 09:17 PM   #1
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Help Deciding: Suburban vs. Tundra

Hi everyone,
We need some serious help! Our family has started to look for Airstreams and are thinking we will be in the 25 ft range. However, we are having trouble deciding what vehicle to tow it with. Could I get some help deciding if we are better off with a 2014 ( or newer) Tundra or a 2014 (or newer) Suburban. Or neither??? Haha!
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Old 10-05-2019, 09:38 PM   #2
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Neither; check out the Expedition
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Old 10-05-2019, 09:49 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Loftfield View Post
Hi everyone,
We need some serious help! Our family has started to look for Airstreams and are thinking we will be in the 25 ft range. However, we are having trouble deciding what vehicle to tow it with. Could I get some help deciding if we are better off with a 2014 ( or newer) Tundra or a 2014 (or newer) Suburban. Or neither??? Haha!
Welcome to the forum Loftfield!

I drive a class b and don't tow, but you will get many opinions and good advice from others here. I can only add, do you need the inside carrying capacity of the Suburban, or the open bed of the Tundra when towing or when using the vehicle between trips as a daily driver?
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Old 10-05-2019, 09:56 PM   #4
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I tow a 23FB with a Toyota Tundra (2018 4x4 Platinum)and am very happy with performance and comparative economy. Just got back from a 3 week 3200 mile trip...most of it in the Rockies. But...I do tell folks that if I had a longer and heavier AS, I’d definitely move to ¾ ton diesel power.
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Old 10-06-2019, 09:17 AM   #5
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You really should consider the Expedition EL or Expedition Max (newest edition) before making your decision. They have a much higher pay load, longer wheel base and built much more sturdier. Also, rare need for repairs make it a great towing vehicle. The new 3.5 turbo engine is amazing.

If you want the truck, F 150 has been the best made truck forever, quality in and out. 3.5 turboengine here too.

Whatever you do, don't buy foreign. We were in an semi truck induced accident that rolled the Expedition. The roof did NOT collapse. The tow driver said if we had been in a foreign vehicle or truck we would have been crushed/killed. We were not injured, the Expedition saved us. Safety is very important.
Good luck.
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Old 10-06-2019, 09:17 AM   #6
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Tundra vs Sequoia

We purchased a Toyota Sequoia. You might want to check that out as well. An SUV that is on the Tundra frame with the same V8 engine to pull our 20’ FC. In tow mode I hardly know it’s back there. Seats all fold into the floor makes for lots of inside room. Very quiet and comfortable. Best of luck to you. Joe
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Old 10-06-2019, 09:21 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by airtandem View Post
neither; check out the expedition
agree!
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Old 10-06-2019, 09:27 AM   #8
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We have towed our Airstream Basecamp for over 5-10k miles with our 2008 Suburban. We just purchased a 2019 Silverado crew cab pickup and have ordered a Lear camp shell. We love it.
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Old 10-06-2019, 09:33 AM   #9
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Also consider a full size van. Storage space and you don't have to plunk down ANOTHER $3000 for a topper. And access from side or rear door.
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Old 10-06-2019, 09:44 AM   #10
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I think you need to delve deeper into an understanding of towing math.

Do some reading until you absolutely understand Payload, and what it means in relation to what you are likely to have along inside your vehicle, in your vehicle's storage, and what you are going to be towing.
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Old 10-06-2019, 09:46 AM   #11
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Charlotte , North Carolina
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Regularly tow our 25RB as well as a 9500lb boat with our 2019 Tundra (had a 2018 before) and couldn’t be happier w the performance. You’ll spend a lot let time in the shop w the Yota.
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Old 10-06-2019, 10:02 AM   #12
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Im on Toyota #5 since 1993 ....no major breakdowns!! .....3 driven over 200,000km.
I could say don't buy domestic but i won't.
My current tow is a 2010 tundra limited with tow package, and I've towed it from Canada to southern USA every year the last 4 years with no issues. It now has 196,000km. My previous vehicles were all 4rnnrs since 1993..... I plan on driving the Tundra a few more years anyway.
Thru my business ive had Dodge / Ford / Chev / Gm trucks and non compared to the Toyota.
Just my opinion.
You'll never change a Toyota person or a Ford persons mind in my experience.....LOL
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Old 10-06-2019, 10:11 AM   #13
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We tow our 26U with a 2017 Tundra and are very happy with it. Plenty of power, handles well, and excellent reliability. A canopy over the bed provides a clean dry place to carry our bikes, chairs, grill, etc. Lots of good choices and capable vehicles, including the suburban. Really a matter of personal preference.
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Old 10-06-2019, 10:24 AM   #14
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From Experience

We got a 2016 GMC Yukon XL to tow a new 25FC in 2016. It is an SLT with the heavy duty towing package. It is fantastic and surprisingly economical. We then got a new 2017 Tommy Bahama. The Yukon still has the capacity to tow the much heavier 27 foot TB. Even in the Rockies the base 370 hp V8 works fine. In the past you had to opt for the much more expensive Denali to get the 420 hp V8. I believe you have more options on the 2020 model. I hear the Expedition Max is also good, and people like the V6 turbo.
If you can find one, I believe 2014 is the last year Chevy and GMC made a 2500 version of the Suburban / Yukon. This can probably tow even more.
We really like the large protected interior, the.comfort features not available on pickup versions and the third row seating. Useful when carting grandkids at home. As for Tundra/ Sequoa, they also have a good reputation, but check towing capacity. I’m not sure they can handle a fully loaded TV and 25FC.
Good Luck on your search.
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Old 10-06-2019, 10:52 AM   #15
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What tow vehicle

You mention "family". If you are talking about 2/3 kids and all the stuff that goes with, please consider a van as your tow vehicle. You mentioned the 2014 model year of vehicles. If you are trying to keep a lid on the budget take a look at 2012/2016 Chevy Express/GMC Savana vans. They are available with nice full interiors and a 6.0 gas engine that will easily handle your 25' AS. Remove the far back seat and you have loads of secure dry cargo room. The 2500/3500 series vans will have plenty of payload/cargo rating capacity.

Next up would be the Nissan NV3500 van. This is a real horse and has plenty of power. The seating layout provides for lots of combinations. Note that the 2017 and newer models have an upgraded 5.6 gas engine. The 2012/2016 will do the job, but the newer models do have more grunt.

We towed our 2017 23D and now tow our 2019 FC 25' RBT with a 2013 Ford E150 XLT Premium van, factory tow package, 3.73 Limited Slip Axle, 8600 GVW with a 2500 LB cargo capacity. Tows like a champ. Take a look at a van and it may just work better for your "family" than a pickup truck or SUV with limited cargo capacity. Happy travels.
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Old 10-06-2019, 11:15 AM   #16
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Tundra

I have a 2018 Tundra. Tows fine a 25 FB or RB has a close to 900lbs tongue weight, which is close to the limit of a Tundra.. I think my payload is 1200.. that only leaves 500 lbs for people gear and fuel.
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Old 10-06-2019, 11:32 AM   #17
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Tundra, unless you prefer more frequent trips for service

We purchased a new 2013 Tundra for the 5.7 L engine, the 9.8K pound towing capacity (our 32' Excella is EASY to tow), and the reliability.

In 1984 I was struggling with finding a US built reliable car. I was so tired of working on this, then that, then the other thing on GM cars. One day my wife brought home a 1981 Honda Civic for us to test drive. I didn't want a foreign made car. But I realized the God loves everyone and if Honda makes some of the best cars, then so be it. We put 300K miles on that Civic before it was totaled by another driver. We have been driving Hondas ever since and not regretted it.

The Hondas and the Toyota have lived up to their reputation for reliability with infrequent trips to get something fixed, while our neighbors repeatedly take in their Fords, GMs and even Rams to get something else repaired.

So in my experience, a Tundra will do the job and keep on the road instead of in the shop.
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Old 10-06-2019, 12:26 PM   #18
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I don’t care for Toyotas but I think a truck is better for towing a 25’ than an SUV so your choice is probably the truck. Personally for a 25’ I would recommend a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel. You will be glad you chose it.
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Old 10-06-2019, 12:40 PM   #19
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Sure wish they made a 2500 Suburban, better yet with a diesel.
I had one with an 8.1 liter engine and it would pass anything but a gas station.
I’ve had two suburbans, two Tahoe’s, and now a 2500 GMC Duramax. Any 2500 Or 3500 Diesel is the best for towing any AS 25’ and up. (I said towing, not daily driver)��
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Old 10-06-2019, 12:47 PM   #20
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Originally Posted by Countryboy59 View Post
I don’t care for Toyotas but I think a truck is better for towing a 25’ than an SUV so your choice is probably the truck. Personally for a 25’ I would recommend a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel. You will be glad you chose it.
I agree. I have a 2017 Tundra and pull a 25FB. Pulls ok but stopping is another story. The 1300lb payload isnt cutting it. We like to bring bikes, kayaks, firewood, a generator, and a grill along with other things. Lease is up in May. 3500 Duramax is what I'll be purchasing.
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