Bluestatueman
Michigan
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Joined: 03/03/2009
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We own a 2002 GMC Yukon XL (aka Suburban). 120k miles and counting with no issues. With seven passengers and luggage it will still do 18 mpg's at 70 mph. 10 mpg while towing. The long wheelbase makes it very comfy on road trips. It does not struggle in the mountains with the 5.3L engine and 3.73 axles.
For me, the ability to stop in any small town and get vehicle parts is one major reason I stick with Chevy. I once had to buy spark plugs ( my own fault) at a Georgia Walmart at 4 am. Let me add that I have great respect for all major vehicle manufacturers.
If you are not carrying a large number of passengers, you also might want to consider an ext or crew cab pickup with a cap. It gives you a place to put things like wet / muddy dogs, bikes, etc. This makes clean up easier.
2002 Chevy 2500HD 6.0L 4x4
2009 Sundance XLT 310QB
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Walter H
Descanso, California
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Joined: 06/27/2009
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I thank all of you for your help. I think I will test drive a Suburban/Yukon with 3.73 differential, a Expedition EL and a Nissan Armada and go from there.
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nowgrn4
Tampa,Fl.
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Joined: 06/21/2007
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The 3 letter GM build codes are on a sticker inside the glove box,on the door.
Look for HO5=3.73 axle ratio and G80=Positraction(GOOD).
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RVcrazy
Puyallup, WA, USA
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Joined: 09/01/2003
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Be sure the Armada you test has the "Big Tow" package so you are comparing apples to apples. We love ours. The limitation is in the GVWR. I suggest that you take them all to a truck scale with your passengers to see how much remaining GVWR you have available for hitch weight before you make your selection. Since there are just two of us, we have 900 lbs remaining for hitch weight with our Armada. The length is great as the Armada fits into normal parking spots, but has a longer wheel base than the Tahoe etc.
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BigPackFan
Endicott, NY USA
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Joined: 07/01/2004
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Add a fiberglass cap & you're good to go.
BPF
Searching for the right RV
2007 GMC Envoy
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npenn
Oregon
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Joined: 11/09/2007
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Good Sam RV Club
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I tow a 25 RKS Jayco with a Z71 Tahoe using an Equalizer Sway Control hitch. No real issues so far in towing this combination for 4 years and about 8,000 miles. I make sure the TT is loaded properly, tires inflated to specifications on the TT and Tahoe, and keep Equalizer lubricated and tension set to 50 lbs before each tow. I also plan our trips for early starts and early stops (afternoon) if winds are going to be a factor. So far not an issue in 35 mph winds on I40 in Arizona just a bit of movement when a gust hit.
Hope that helps.
Happy Trails
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CND SuperCrew
SK, Canada
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Joined: 02/11/2005
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My two cents would be a truck similar to mine. I can get 6 adult pass. comfortably in it. Add a cap and your good for extra room. What I really like about our F150 is the engine spec. 350# TQ at 2500 rpm, which is exactly where the truck runs towing in OD off. I don't think anyone can dial in a better towing engine in that year or class. I can also get 12 mpg (Imp) towing our current TT at 55mph/95kph with average wind. I not bias to Ford only, just this year truck. If I had it my way I would upgrade to a Duramax in a heartbeat.
Ron Lori and Autumn
TV 2007 GMC 2500HD CC 6.6 D/A (new to us)
TT 2008 Jayflight G2 23FB/ Equal-i-zer WD
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carlstone05
Bellevue, NE
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Joined: 04/22/2005
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I love our Suburban for towing. My trailer is about 5500# loaded, and with the upgrade to 4.10's I just cruise along. It's a much better ride than my F-250 was, and much more room for the kiddos too! Although, I think my next TV will be an Armada, it's a great looking and powerful SUV.
Good Luck and Happy Camping!
Carlstone
2005 Suburban 1500 2WD, 5.3L, 4.10
Prodigy Brake Control
Equal-i-zer Sway/Weight Distribution
2008 Cherokee Grey Wolf 26BH, Patriot Edition II
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momof2penguins
UT
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Joined: 07/17/2008
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We tow our 20' trailer with a 2001 Tahoe. We only had a problem once (very bad sway) and that was our own stupid mistake. Once we figured out what we were doing wrong it's towed great. I even tow it sometimes and I used to freak out while just riding in the car with the hubby towing. lol. I have seen people pulling much bigger trailers than that with the Tahoe out here in Utah, it freaks me out!
TV: 2001 Chevy Tahoe, TT: 2002 Aljo by Skyline 190 LT, Equal-i-zer hitch
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mm047
Green Valley, AZ
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Joined: 10/10/2000
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I towed my Nash 22H with a Ford Expedition (119" wb) for 7 years. Worked out great. I went to the F150 since I could get one for almost $10k less than a new Expy.
Be careful of one trailer marketing thing, though. My Nash model 22H is really almost 24'. And some models of trailer that may be marketed as %^ 24*# may be almost 28 feet long!
M²
2000 Nash 22H
2008 F150 w/5.4
Equal-I-Zer, P3
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