Looking for a tow vehicle suggestion

(hbguy) · (hbguy) **Join Date: Jun 2005** 08-22-2008, 2:48 PM

I want to upgrade my tow vehicle just a little bit and am looking for suggestions. Right now I pull my '05 VLX with a 1998 Expedition with the 5.4. I want to take advantage of the glut of SUVs on the market and am looking for something newer that I can pick up between 10-15k. Obviously, the cheaper, the better. I want it to be a reliable 4x4 SUV that pulls with ease. It will not be my daily driver. My initial thought is a 2003-4ish Tahoe. But, anyone have any other suggestions?

thanks!!!

(bill_airjunky) · (bill_airjunky) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 08-22-2008, 2:54 PM

Along the Tahoe lines, but a little less of a grocery getter is the Chevy Avalanche.

(rio_sanger) · (rio_sanger) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 08-22-2008, 3:13 PM

"I want it to be a reliable 4x4 SUV that pulls with ease"

I swear by 3/4 ton Suburbans. I'm sure right now you can find an 03'- 04' one for cheap!
8.1 or 6.0 liter, either will do fine.

mendo247 08-22-2008, 3:55 PM

Suburbans are good, id recomend the 8.1 over the 6.0, towing youll get the same or maybe even better mileage with the big block.

(mike3500) · (mike3500) **Join Date: Jun 2008** 08-22-2008, 4:01 PM

Tahoe's are the way to go! On another note, I was just pricing Avalanche's, and you should be able to pick up a nice one for $15k.

(rio_sanger) · (rio_sanger) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 08-22-2008, 4:42 PM

My wife had a '98 4x4 Tahoe (5.7 L) that we towed with on several trips, and it worked pretty good, although the rear end sagged somewhat so I put Deaver springs and a mild lift on it and it was much better, but I still prefer the longer wheelbase of the Subs for stability on long trips. Plus by going to a 3/4 ton you get bigger brakes, heavier axles, springs, and rear end, cooling etc. and not to mention as Richard Coop says, the ability to get the big block! I get 11mpg with my 8.1 towing or not, uphill or flat, with a 455 Ft. Lbs. of torque, It's easy to forget the boat is back there sometimes.

(snowfire) · (snowfire) **Join Date: Apr 2006** 08-22-2008, 5:20 PM

I have a 2003 Denali XL. it tows my 21V like its not even there. It has a larger motor than the Tahoe, mileage isn't great though... The longer wheel base is a plus over the shorter Tahoe as well.

(tampawake) · (tampawake) **Join Date: Mar 2008** 08-22-2008, 6:30 PM

You can buy a full sized truck for nothing right now. I just got a loaded up tundra crew max leather etc 08 for 21500 plus a car worth about 2 or 3k