Family Hauler / Tow Rig Question

rroadkilll

Active Member
Joined
Sep 4, 2010
Location
Hertford NC
I'm looking to get a large SUV for my wife as her daily driver and my toy hauler!!!

I'm a Chevy fan so I'm looking at Surburbans or Yukons...

GM Question is what is a good motor? 5.3 is in the Yukon that I'm going to look at this weekend... Is that a good motor? I know I want the 6 speed tranny for better MPG's! (Not going to compete with my HHR!!!)

I'm willing to look at a Ford (even though they circle the problem!)...

What are your thoughts on Ford Expeditions???


I'm leaning towards large SUV's rather than a mini van!!! The MPG's between the 2 are not that far off and I'd rather have my family in a LARGE vehicle than a small one (like the HHR!).

OK... Post up your first hand knowledge, second hand knowledge, opinions, etc...
 
I had an avalanche with the 5.3l and it never let me down, even with 160k. Had enuf power to pull a load but the mpg's dropped like a cliff when doing it. The good thing was in 6 years i had it never broke down. Biggest repair was a water pump. Its a good engine, but could use more towing power. I would recomend it if you only tow on occasion.
 
I had an 03 tahoe with 5.3l. If you are towing something lighter, it will do great. It wont win an speed awards if hitting the hills, but it will get you there...

With that being said, my dad has a new truck with 5.3l and the added gears in the trans make a world of difference of my 03. It pulls better and feels stronger. Also it never seems to hunt for the right gear.

the 6.0L will have more power when towing, but you will suffer in the MPG department.
 
I have a 6.0 in my Yukon XL Denali, it has plenty of power, but MPGs average 13.5 to 14 with mixed highway/city driving day to day. The Denali has a soft suspension, so I am not sure how it would do towing (I have a dedicated tow pig, so this one is only for emergencies and luckily haven't had that emergency yet).

My advice to you would be to find a 2500 Suburban or Yukon XL, it will have the 6.0 (or the 8.1 if you are looking used), it will have enough room to be the family hauler and enough power and 3/4 ton suspension to do your toy hauling. Plus it is an SUV so you won't have to get weighted tags!
 
rroadkilll said:
he amount of towing is VERY MINIMAL!!!

There may be one or 2 LONG trips and one of them may be across country!!!

I'm not looking new nor for a Denali!!!

My guess is my price range will get me an 03-05 yukon/burban!
Click to expand...

OK!!! :lol: !!! :lol: !!!
 
I have owned my Excursion for 8 Years now and definitely recoimmend a 7.3 diesel Excursion. Tons of room decent milage and you can tow just about anything. My wife Drives it more than I do. I can tell you I rear ended a 96 Impala SS doing 40-45 and all that happened to my truck is a bent bumper and knocked out the grill. His car was totaled. Pushed the trunk to the windo bent the frame and roof. It didn't even knock out my lights. I resued everything on the front except the grill and bumper. Anyhow I say a big Excursion is great for safety.
 
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