Need help in picking a tow rig.

[Guipo]

OK, let me preface this with what I'm driving now. I'm driving a 1995 Suburban k2500 with a 6.5 Diesel in it. Its getting older, and really starting to fall apart in the body hardware catagory. Plastic panels falling down, door handles coming apart. Strange electrical issues occasionally. Some overheating issues, which I think I've finally taken care of.

Anyways, I need something big like a Suburban, because I have 4 kids. A Truck is no go for anything longer than a 2 hour trip. Since loaded I'm going to be something like 7000lbs I really would prefer a 3/4 ton as well. I also have money constraints. Maybe around 10-12k.

So I have 2 options with different options in themselves the way I see it.

1. 2001-2006 Suburban 2500 with a 6.0
I kind of like this option. Seems to have plenty of power for towing. The EPA estimate seem to be way off. From what I hear, sometimes, every once in a while on a long trip thats downhill you might get 16 empty on the freeway. More like 14 on the freeway and 10 in town. 8 towing. Easy enough to work on, good engine, good transmission.

2. 2001-2006 Suburban 2500 with a 8.1
The mother of all gas engines in my opinion. Easy to work on, good transmission. 8-10 in town. 8 towing. 10-12 on the freeway. Nothing to really brake on this engine.

3. Excursion 7.3
The best diesel Ford has ever put in a truck. Near bulletproof. Great mpg. 14 in town, up to 22 on freeway. Unknown towing. Transmission may be weak spot. Impossible to work on with cab over design. Expensive to do anything major engine work wise.(Heads require cab lifting to get off, if engine work is needed) With diesel, level of complication does increase. Also, another item is used trucks of this vintage usually have over 200k miles in my price range.

4. Excursion 6.0
Arguably the worst designed diesels ford has ever put in a truck. Has several issues that require modifications to make it bulletproof. One of them I cant do, because of California SMOG requirements.(EGR Delete) Good MPG, good power. Generally easier to find than the 7.3 because of the issues. Once again, near impossible to work on because of the cab over design. Heads require lifting of the cab to complete.

5. Excursion v10
From what I've heard, this is engine isnt all bad, but is a dog compared to the 8.1. And gets similar economy. Still hard to work on because of the cab over design. Easiest of the excursions to find.

Well am I missing anything? A full sized van has been vetoed by the wife, as that would work too.

So any input would be appreciated. Or other ideas I've missed. Thanks!

[Dane]

I would fix the rig you have. I wish I could find a 6.5L Manual combo to swap into my suburban. Like yours mine is falling apart but it's a solid base. Spend a little of the money you were going to use to buy a new rig and fix up the ole rig. I don't like newer trucks they have gone to Luxo.

Chevy has gone weak on their new suburbans.
As far as other options you forgot might be an expedition, though I would not pick one.

[trbobrk]

My Dad's F350 dully with the 7.3 international and 6spd manual gets about 15mpg on the freeway towing about 4-5000 lbs.

It has 250k+ miles on it. Engine is fine, but random ford shit is starting to fail.

[Lildad90]

post pics?...what do you guys tow? I was window shopping for a pick up or truck that would haul cars maybe a four car hauler possibly...would I need a dually??? (sorry if this is a thread jack)

[Chris]

^PMed you.. if you want to haul 4 cars, yes, you really should be looking at a dually! 3500 or possibly even 4500

The 3500 can easily pull 3 cars (4 if they aren't 4 heavy ones)-- IE 4 Lincoln Navigator's are not happening with just a 3500 for example

[HP10DRIFTPRIMERA]

you are very confused as to what a cab over is. navistar made 1 good engine the 7.3 the 6.0 and 6.4 are crap dont buy a duramax or navistar powered vehicle cummins 5.9 and 6.7 are the way to go

[Guipo]

you are very confused as to what a cab over is. navistar made 1 good engine the 7.3 the 6.0 and 6.4 are crap dont buy a duramax or navistar powered vehicle cummins 5.9 and 6.7 are the way to go

This is what I mean by cab over. half the engine is behind where the firewall should be. If you have to do any head work, or major engine work you have to lift the whole cab!

[trbobrk]

...would I need a dually??? (sorry if this is a thread jack)

Duallys are good for extra weight in the bed. If you get a fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer, you might need to get a dually depending on the tongue weight since the hitch is in the bed.

Duallys are also better if your are going to put a camper in the bed.

Duallys suck when you are towing a tiny trailer because you can't see it.

[DMSentra]

you are very confused as to what a cab over is. navistar made 1 good engine the 7.3 the 6.0 and 6.4 are crap dont buy a duramax or navistar powered vehicle cummins 5.9 and 6.7 are the way to go

I have to second this. Cummins will easily outdo the others for mileage and probably life. My 3500 regularly gets low 20's mpg on the hwy WITH the mud tires. With the original tires I was getting 23-25mpg on trips, with rated 325hp and 605ft/lb at your control and sizable seating for 5. Going up to a dually will drop the mpg I'm sure but I wouldn't hesitate to put 3 cars on the gooseneck in the bed. Mine weighs 8200lbs as it sits empty with the canopy. Having that mass ahead of a trailer is a real good thing!

[Guipo]

I'm certainly in agreement.


Problem is no 7-8 passenger cummins.

[DMSentra]

Sounds like a swap is in order.

[javcrodgz]

who says G20's can't tow???