Tow vehicle

[jric]

Is a Tahoe with 116" wheel base an acceptable tow vehicle for 25' Safari? Also, any comments on using a Expedition XLT for same?

[Wazbro]

What year and axle ratio for the Tahoe?
If you don't have the lower ratio (higher number) you would be really close to the tow rating and really have to watch weights in the trailer and in the Tahoe.

[jric]

Still attempting to find the right vehicle and shopping used lots and Internet.

[handn]

I have a 25 Safari and tow it with a diesel Excursion.
Gvw of the Safari is 6300 lbs. Check out the combined gross vehicle weight of any tow vehicle you consider. If you are near the vehicles' tow rating, you will have little capacity for passengers and cargo in your tow vehicle.
While the Tahoe would tow it, you will be happier with a long wheelbase suv such as a Suburban or an Expedition XL pariticularly if you tow a lot of miles or in mountains.
The problem is not power but braking and handling.

[moosetags]

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

As to your question, We have a 2005 Safari 25FB which weighs 7,400# ready to camp. We have towed our Airstream over 100,000 miles. We started out with a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe tow vehicle. It was OK, but not exactly awe-inspiring. We moved up to a 2005 3/4 ton Suburban. This is a much better tow vehicle for a trailer of this weight. We have also towed with a second 3/4 ton Suburban. For a long time now we have had two tow vehicles because we travel so extensively.

We recently replaced one of the Suburbans with a Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Duramax as we added a truck camper to our traveling fleet. Even with the 3,000# truck camper on board, the Silverado pulls the Airstream effortlessly.

Brian

[Wazbro]

Well with the 4-speed trans you should try for the 4.10. The newer ones with the 6-speed must have the 3.42 and heavy duty tow package. Even with the better gearing it will struggle on the hills but still do a decent job if your only towing 1000-3000 miles a year. If towing more then 3000 a year or if you are getting a dedicated tow vehicle there are better choices. Just make sure to get a good hitch.

[slowmover]

Originally Posted by jric

Is a Tahoe with 116" wheel base an acceptable tow vehicle for 25' Safari? Also, any comments on using a Expedition XLT for same?

Andrew_T (Andy Thomson of Can Am RV) has specific comments about each vehicle worth your time in searching. I'd choose either, but would prefer fully independent suspension as on some models of that Ford. I would not choose the longer body length, however.