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**jcanavera** · 11-04-2008, 03:26 PM

One caution regarding conversion vans is the tow ratings. Conversion vans are inheriently heavier than factory window vans so understand in advance, how that conversion package has altered "factory specs".

Also note that a more robust chasis may not always translate to higher tow ratings. At the time my 2003 GMC 3/4 ton passenger van with a 4.10 rear axle and 6.0 liter gas engine had the best tow ratings of any GM van built (9,900 lbs). The reasons were two fold. First in that year, no diesal was available in the vans. Secondly the one ton van with the same top end engine and axle had lower tow ratings due to the heavier weight of the one ton frame.

A van is a terrific alternative for towing. It punches a big footprint in the air and its wheelbase in the 3/4 ton range makes for a very stable towing platform. Add in the benefits of the protected storage space and a much lower price than a SUV, you've got a pretty good option in hauling your cargo along with the trailer itself.

Jack

ROBERT CROSS · 11-04-2008, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen Mick

Folks,

After pulling our new (to us) 2006 28" International CCD from Texas to the Grand Tetons and back, we realized a couple of things.

One, the 2000 F-250 (5.4L V8) just doesn't have enough juice to get the job done long term.

Two, given the camera gear I usually travel with, an SUV would be a better choice for us.

So, I've narrowed down to a couple of tow vehicle choices. I'm looking at the Ford Excursion (either 2003 7.3 diesel or 2005 6.0 diesel) and at the 2006 Chevy Suburban 2500 (with the 8.1L V8).

That said, the smaller the SUV I can get away with, the happier the entire family will be.

Do any of you have experiences to share on the specific models I posted? Do others have a different (non-pickup) make or model I should look at based on the weights of the trailer I'm towing?

All information and opinions are appreciated.

--SM

What can I say.. we partial.

Love it this way.

ffwilliston · 11-04-2008, 05:13 PM

Am towing a 30' Classic with the Nissan Armada (9,100 lbs rating). Does a great job (I tow a heavy boat too) and has very good creature comforts inside. Looks good, too. Take a test drive; I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Sincerely, Fred

Paul Mayeux · 11-04-2008, 07:40 PM

If I had to chose again I would go with the V10. I had an '03 V10 that was a superb tow engine. Now I've got a '07 6.0L diesel - the fuel economy is a little better (about 2mpg towing) and it's been trouble free with 50,000 miles on it. The oil changes and fuel filters have made it more expensive to maintain then the V10. So for the money, I would go back to the V10.

Stephen Mick · 11-04-2008, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

What can I say.. we partial.

Love it this way.

I'd love a 'burb, but with the 7300# GVW of our trailer, I wonder how well it would pull. Any thoughts?

--SM

Stephen Mick · 11-04-2008, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ffwilliston

Am towing a 30' Classic with the Nissan Armada (9,100 lbs rating). Does a great job (I tow a heavy boat too) and has very good creature comforts inside. Looks good, too. Take a test drive; I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Sincerely, Fred

Wow! Towing a TT that size with the Armada? I guess when you're towing in the "lowcountry" it's probably okay.

I worry about pulling in the "mountains" of West Texas with only 9100# of rating.

But a test drive may be in order.

Diesel1 · 11-04-2008, 09:23 PM

it's true that the early Ford 6.0 DIT(direct inject turbo) were the most troublesome of the 6.0 liter engines. A multitude of problems in the 2003 & 2004 model years. I am a Ford master certified diesel mechanic, I made a BUNCH of house payments off the early 6.o liter engines. The 2005 showed significant improvments, my brother against my advice bought a 2005 and loved it. However they are prone to injecter failure ie: the top of the injecter breaks-into multiple small pieces. On some engines this happens repeatedly on the same cylinder. As has been previously mentioned the Torque Shift transmission on these units is awesome, there were some early(2003&4) torque converter problems but they seem to have been resolved by 2005 model year. My opinion is you cannot beat a 7.3 DIT diesel! Plenty of power & boringly reliable. They will shuck a cam sensor now and again. The 6.0 is a rocket ship, the old 7.3 is always there. And it ain't no slouch in the performance department. Adios, John

Stephen Mick · 11-04-2008, 09:26 PM

Thanks for the info. It really seems like the 7.3L Excursion might be the way to go. Reliable powerplant, deals to be had, and plenty of miles left in those vehicles.

--SM

purman · 11-04-2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen Mick

IIRC, our 28' CCD goes 7300# fully loaded to the max. Following the 80% "rule", I always figured the new Sequoia would be pushing the comfort zone.

--SM

80% would be 7600# so you would be under the your rule... It wont' tow like the suburban, (speed wise) But it handles better than the Nissan and has more torque... over 400 foot lbs... and 372 hp.. (from what I have read)

But it's up to you..... Maybe go a look at one... We like a lot of the features it has... Lots of storage places (unlike the burb) lock the center dif. for if you really get stuck... All seats fold flat 60-40 3rd row split 40-20-40 2nd row spilt... Built in desk on front passenger seat if you sit in second row... It has a lot of cool features...

overlander63 · 11-04-2008, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen Mick

Wow! Towing a TT that size with the Armada? I guess when you're towing in the "lowcountry" it's probably okay.

I worry about pulling in the "mountains" of West Texas with only 9100# of rating.

But a test drive may be in order.

Rich Luhr (Airstream Life) tows his 30' Bunkhouse with his Armada....

Stephen Mick · 11-04-2008, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overlander63

Rich Luhr (Airstream Life) tows his 30' Bunkhouse with his Armada....

Really?! Wow, that's pretty impressive.

I wonder what kind of cargo carrying capacity those SUVs have? (Googling it now.)

--SM

Stephen Mick · 11-04-2008, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purman

80% would be 7600# so you would be under the your rule... It wont' tow like the suburban, (speed wise) But it handles better than the Nissan and has more torque... over 400 foot lbs... and 372 hp.. (from what I have read)

But it's up to you..... Maybe go a look at one... We like a lot of the features it has... Lots of storage places (unlike the burb) lock the center dif. for if you really get stuck... All seats fold flat 60-40 3rd row split 40-20-40 2nd row spilt... Built in desk on front passenger seat if you sit in second row... It has a lot of cool features...

My folks have a Sequoia and it's a sweet vehicle. I'll check out the specs and see about a test drive. (Think they'd let me do a "test tow?")

safari 28 · 11-05-2008, 06:49 AM

Before I leased our 08 f150, I looked at a company called sportsmobile. You can custom order vans anyway you want, and I mean anyway with a dodge sprinter diesel or ford and chev both 250 and 350 series, diesel or gas. Really neat website that allows you to create a full class b motorhome, or just a great day trip/ tow vehicle. It maybe my next choice as I am crossing the country 4 time/year and having a full bed/small bathroom/tow vehicle when not towing and letting my wife do the driving is next on the list indeed. I just wish they would lease them. Sportsmobile Custom Camper Vans - Your Home Away From Home

mustang · 11-08-2008, 06:12 PM

I am surrprised about your towing experience with your F250. I am guessing you have a 3.55 axle ratio. That was a problem with that configuration. I have 4.10 I have no problem with 12000lbs. The new 5.4 ltr also is a 3v per cylinder and 6 speed automatic tranny.

With oil prices as volitale as they have been, I dont know if I would buy a diesel, diesel is very close to home heating oil , along with commercial transportation/fuel sure charges, It wouldnt make much sense to drop the price like gas.

When it comes to tow vehicles, I also couldnt imagine wasting time with a foreign Toyota/ nissan ect unit. I would consider German now. But the quality and longevity of the Toyota's and Nissans isnt there. I am not talking about camry or carrolla. I wouldnt buy one of them either, but I am talking tow vehicles.

I have tested them and would tell you or anyone else to do the same in real world testing. Dont be to immpressed with a over marketed product. The good stuff markets itself. The garbage needs to be rolled out over and over again to convince everyone.

Good Luck

Diesel1 · 11-08-2008, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mustang

I am surrprised about your towing experience with your F250. I am guessing you have a 3.55 axle ratio. That was a problem with that configuration. I have 4.10 I have no problem with 12000lbs. The new 5.4 ltr also is a 3v per cylinder and 6 speed automatic tranny.

With oil prices as volitale as they have been, I dont know if I would buy a diesel, diesel is very close to home heating oil , along with commercial transportation/fuel sure charges, It wouldnt make much sense to drop the price like gas.

When it comes to tow vehicles, I also couldnt imagine wasting time with a foreign Toyota/ nissan ect unit. I would consider German now. But the quality and longevity of the Toyota's and Nissans isnt there. I am not talking about camry or carrolla. I wouldnt buy one of them either, but I am talking tow vehicles.

I have tested them and would tell you or anyone else to do the same in real world testing. Dont be to immpressed with a over marketed product. The good stuff markets itself. The garbage needs to be rolled out over and over again to convince everyone.

Good Luck

He has a 2000 F250, it is a 2 valve per cylinder engine and it has an E4OD transmission, which is a 4 speed. John

Stephen Mick · 11-08-2008, 08:19 PM

Well, I test drove a diesel Excursion (2002), a V-10 Excursion (2003) and a 2005 Suburban 2500 with the 8.1L gas engine.

Now, I wasn't towing, but I think I'm leaning towards the diesel Excursion.

overlander63 · 11-09-2008, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen Mick

Really?! Wow, that's pretty impressive.

I wonder what kind of cargo carrying capacity those SUVs have? (Googling it now.)

--SM

Here's a couple of pictures of it from yesterday:

Stephen Mick · 11-09-2008, 07:54 AM

Okay, okay! I'll go test drive the Armada already!

Seriously, if that combination works for my 28' CCD, I'd be a very happy man.

Mikethefixit · 11-09-2008, 09:40 AM

I think U would be well satisfied with the Excursion. Please don't trade Fuel mileage for safety. A testament to safety . Search here for the thread from thecatandsandi He got hit by another vehicle and managed to maintain control and bring the Rig to a stop. He has a heavy tow vehicle.Check it out.

Stephen Mick · 11-09-2008, 09:47 AM

Just got back from breakfast with the wife, and spent a few minutes looking over an Armada in the parking lot. Looks good, and like the size, but I have to admit, some of the components (brakes, frame, etc.) just don't quite seem "heavy-duty" enough for me. I guess I've come to understand the philosophy many on this site have, which is it's better to have more TV than you need than to need more TV than you have. After all, when you find out you don't have enough TV, it's usually in a situation that could go from bad to dangerous to downright deadly.

So, I'm still leaning towards the diesel Excursion (which I also like 'cause I can run biodiesel in it).

Cheers!