Two Tow Vehicles to Choose From…

[Stephen Mick]

Friends,

I've got a choice to make. We're picking up our 2006 International CCD 28' next week, and we've got two two vehicles that have been offered up to us. Now, I'm sure there are better options for us, but choosing between these two, which is the better pick?

1) 2000 Ford F-250 Super Duty 4x4 (5.4L V8) with HD Towing Package
2) 2001 GMC Yukon XL 1500 4x2 (5.3L V8) with Towing Package

We tend to travel light, only taking just enough to get us where we're going. We're park campers at the moment, so carrying full tanks of anything isn't really necessary for us.

I'm leaning towards the F-250, myself. But would love any additional comments. Either way, we'll be upgrading our TV later this year or early next, so I just need something that's "good enough" for now.

Thoughts?

--SM

[overlander64]

Greetings Stephen!

While I am a fan of the Suburban, given the two choices if all else is equal, my suggestion would be the F250. If, however, the F250 has the same final drive (differential ratio) as the Suburban, my suggestion would be the Suburban. My suspicion is that the F250 may have a 4.10 differential while the Suburban would likely have the 3.73 differential. My choice between the two would be the vehicle with the numerically highest differential ratio.

Kevin

[knunut]

Ford 250 would be my choice. Good luck with what ever choice you make.

[Lumatic]

I have a 99 F250 SuperDuty 2wd and overall like it better than Suburbans as a TV. The 250 has a pretty stiff suspension and I wonder if (since my Tradewind is 4200#) if it is overkill. The Suburban's ride was less truck like. I wonder if a F150 would give a smoother ride and maybe save a little gas.

[moosetags]

Even though I am a staunch Suburban fan (we own two 2500 TVs), I would go with the Ford 250. The 1500 Suburban (Yukon XL) is marginal, at best, to handle a 28' AS. You're really going to want a 3/4 tow vehicle.

Brian

[Safari-Rick]

I agree with the guys (even though I'm a Dodge Diesel kind of guy). But I recall reading somewhere that Ford had a problem with their Turbos. Don't recall which year, but if no turbo on this Ford, I'd go for it depending on the rear end.
(IMHO of course).

[Stephen Mick]

Thanks for the info. I'll double-check the rear end (sounds dirty) on the F250. I think it's got the 4.10.

--SM

[dpandorf]

Originally Posted by Stephen Mick

Thanks for the info. I'll double-check the rear end (sounds dirty) on the F250. I think it's got the 4.10.

--SM

I would third or fourth the F250. My uncle has one with over 190,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. Pulls a SOB with his and I'm sure you should be able to buy this for under 15k or so.

[Stephen Mick]

Well, the beauty of the situation is that both vehicles have been donated in support of a documentary film I'm working on. The film profiles a number of outdoor sport groups that use hunting, fishing, kayaking and surfing to help wounded soldiers recover. We're about halfway through the production at this point, but there's still a long ways left to go.

Once the TV and AS are all set to go, I'll start up a thread that details both the project and our Airstream wanderings.

Thanks again to all for the input.

--SM

[searcher]

I have the F250, I think they come standard with 3.73 rear end. It is a great truck to tow with.

[2airishuman]

hi sm...

seldom is the 4x4 feature needed, but when it is, it is.

turning is a LARGE circle with the 250 and the ride will be a lot more truck like.

there are more wear issues with the ford's front end...

capacity (space) for stuff will be much better in the truck.

there is no mention of mileage (wear) or maintenance on either vehicle, which could tip the choice...

neither tv has great brakes, i'd want new (larger/stiffer) rotors and calipers on the ford.

the ford should have larger and MUCH better mirrors for towing, and if not they can be added very easily.

u won't set any speed records going uphill with the 5.4 ford, a big heavy truck; regardless of gearing but parts are widely available.

the seats in the yuk-n are more comfortable and the headlights are better.

a modern 28 is too much trailer for a 1500 suv so my choice would be the truck.

while u may normally travel without water, most folks support the notion that...

'streams tow better WITH fresh water on board.

have a great adventure and how about posting a travel schedule/location map in advance....

cheers
2air'

[wb13798]

hi
been there done that.
had to buy a larger vehicle the 1500 is over taxed in hilly terrain. even with extra cooling installed the radiator over heated on long grades. or go to a crawl and get ruin over by the 18 wheeleres.
the f250 hands down even with the lousy gas mileage.

[Stephen Mick]

So, the F250 (as I suspected) is the winner. It's got around 100K miles on it, but has just had a complete brake and transmission job. I'm planning on installing fresh tires (any ideas on size/model/make?), an upgraded transmission cooler (if necessary) and a brake controller. It's got big mirrors on it already, so I may not need to add those.

Gas mileage won't be pretty, but safety is my main concern here anyway.

In the short term (mid-August through mid-November), we'll be swinging through the West, with shoots in Jackson (Wyoming), Portland (OR) and San Diego. We'll head back to central Texas through Las Vegas (where the wife and I got married). Haven't planned out the exact route yet, but that'll be coming soon.

Cheers!

SM

[2airishuman]

ok good info and choice....

Originally Posted by Stephen Mick

... I'm planning on installing fresh tires (any ideas on size/model/make?)...

my truck came stock with these and they worked great, are known for high mileage and performed better than expected....

BFGoodrich Radial Long Trail T/A

but when replaced i went with these which are just as quiet but with better grip in rain or snow,

the revo's may not last as long but i do like them better.

Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo

size will be determined by which wheels are on the truck and oem specs...

but regardless of size, GET E RATED tires, the towing performance is much much much better...



cheers
2air'

[Stephen Mick]

Yeah, I had Revos on my last truck and loved them as well. They'd be my first choice.

Thanks again for all the help!

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

ok good info and choice....



my truck came stock with these and they worked great, are known for high mileage and performed better than expected....

BFGoodrich Radial Long Trail T/A

but when replaced i went with these which are just as quiet but with better grip in rain or snow,

the revo's may not last as long but i do like them better.

Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo

size will be determined by which wheels are on the truck and oem specs...

but regardless of size, GET E RATED tires, the towing performance is much much much better...



cheers
2air'

[altamont]

We used to pull our unit with a K2500 454 Suburban which worked fine. Wifey wanted something new so we picked out a 2008 F250 SuperDuty. Night and day in towing. I would never go back to a 'burb from a truck.

[ROBERT CROSS]

For the 4wd, you will need it eventually.

We did over the Forth, 4wd low getting out of a very sandy boondockn' site.

Can almost guarantee you will up-grade when the time comes.

Good Luck, have fun Stream'n.