Well we just bought our airstream. It's a 92 sovereign with a dry weight of 3900 lbs and a tongue weight of 590 lbs. I have to be able to seat 7 passengers. I would love to buy a new diesel excursion but dont have the cash. Any recommendations?
Thanks, dikku@fuse.net
Well we just bought our airstream. It's a 92 sovereign with a dry weight of 3900 lbs and a tongue weight of 590 lbs. I have to be able to seat 7 passengers. I would love to buy a new diesel excursion but dont have the cash. Any recommendations?
Thanks, dikku@fuse.net
Any new or used suburban or expedition should suit you or a used excursion gasser. That is not a heavy tongue weight or heavy tow weight for that matter. Gas powered vehicle ought to suit you fine. Depends on your budget. How much do you want to spend?
Be aware that your Sovereign probably weighs more than that due to factory options and will of course weigh more with water, gear, etc. My point is that a 1/2 ton will do it,but a 3/4 ton would have an easier time, depending on your planned conditions, ie. headwinds, hills, etc. Suburbans work great as tow vehicles and can be found reasonably priced due to fuel prices and many wanting to unload them, at least in this area. The 1/2 ton trannies and rear ends are a bit weak but the 3/4 ton are bulletproof, although more thirsty.
With seven people and (presumbably) gear, you are likely to strain the limits of a half ton anything. I'd be looking at a 3/4 ton van or, as noted, a Suburban or Ford equivalent. Depending upon the engine choice, a 3.73 rear end should sufice.
I would highly recommend a Suburban whether it be a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton diesel or gas. If you can find a 1/2 ton diesel from a 1995 - 1999 year range they will have the heavy duty 4L80E transmission that comes in the 3/4 tons and a slightly heavier duty suspension than the gas 1/2 tons also they will have the same 16 in wheels as the 3/4 tons.So it would kind of be the best of both worlds.The 99`s would be the best choice as they would have all the updates for the engine.Or go with the 94 - 96 years as long as it has the updated injector pump. The Suburbans have a very nice ride compared to the Excursion.
I bought a New 2004 Excursion Limited with the 6.0 diesel and it had lots of power but the seats were not comfortable and created back pain which I never had riding in a vehicle.It was very costly for regular maintenace such as oil changes, fuel filters, and air filters.The ride was ok and had lots of room inside but was a bad experience for me. But if that is what you want see if you can drive it for a couple of days before buying.Good Luck Davis.
On the other hand... we have a 2004 Excursion diesel Limited, love the seats, find the legroom much better than Suburban. The road ride is a dream -- it just floats along the highway and it seems effortless for the vehicle. This is, of course, personal and depends on the human beings in the vehicle.
I find Suburban interiors "plasticky" and tacky.
Again, that's personal.
However, dikku, you should note that, like Subs, used late-model Exes are available cheap if you'll buy the V-10 instead of the diesel. Low-mileage 2003s and even 2004s with Limited trim can be found for even as low as $29,999.
Well we solved the crisis. I purchased a 2000 Excursion for 12,400 dollars. 2x2 model with the 4.6 liter v8 engine. That and the 1992 traier cost less than the new Excursion.
I just checked my 1st mileage in mixed nontrailer driving and got 12.6 mpg. I thought it would do better.
Now my wife just has to drive up to Boston from Cicinnati to pick up the Airstream.
dikku
Congratulations... I hope you love it... and we just finalized our purchase of our new Airstream today!
Tom (and Frank)
Quote:
Originally Posted by dikku@mac.com
Well we solved the crisis. I purchased a 2000 Excursion for 12,400 dollars. 2x2 model with the 4.6 liter v8 engine. That and the 1992 traier cost less than the new Excursion.
I just checked my 1st mileage in mixed nontrailer driving and got 12.6 mpg. I thought it would do better.
Now my wife just has to drive up to Boston from Cicinnati to pick up the Airstream.
dikku
__________________
Tom and Frank
Evanston, Illinois
2004 Safari 28 ft Slideout "Lucy" 4 HI CAMP
2004 Ford Excursion 6.0 PSD PWRSTRK,
and Brittany, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
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