fast951

I'm looking for a semi daily driver SUV that will be used for towing 4-6 times a year.

The trailer is a 24-ft enclosed. The car is roughly 2500-2600#. I'm guessing total weight (trailer+car+tools..) is about 7500-8000#.

I know Diesel is the way to go. A Excursion diesel is my first choice, but they are almost impossible to find. I need a SUV, so a truck will not work for me.

I'm looking at a 2004 Suburban 2500, 6.0L gas, 2wd + tow package.

I'm interested in hearing your opinion regarding:
- Safety
- Reliability
- Gas mileage (with and without the trailer)
- Alternatives.

TIA

Bill L Seifert

I towed a 22 foot Pace with a 1500 Surburban, and loved it. It had a 42 gallon fuel tank, so it had good range. I had to tighten the sway bars on the hitch as tight as a banjo string, but it pulled pretty good. The 2500 should be a lot better. Diesel would be great, but hard to find, as you said. I have a friend that uses a V10 Excursion to pull a 24 footer, and loves it. By the way, I could have made it from Daytona to Nashville, (Without the trailer of course) on one tank, if I had not had to pee, when I stopped, I also put gas in it. If I had made it I would have been on fumes. Gas mileage: about 8 to 9, with the trailer, 13-15 without, which is a bummer. Diesel will get about 11 with the trailer, but how much gas can you buy for the $7,000 difference in price between diesel and gas. Surburbans are very reliable, remember, they have been makeing them since 1955.

I use a F250 Superduty now, but miss the Surburban.

Bill Seifert

1987 944S Race Car

chas911

John, I somtimes tow with a 2500 Suburban (8.1 Liter). I have had no issues and the long wheelbase is terrific. The trailer weighs 8800lbs and with a weight distributing hitch and sway control bars, it tows the trailer straight and true @ 70 mph. I avg 8.5 mpg. The large fuel tank 37+ is great and get 13 mpg without towing.

I hope this helps.
Charlie

fatbillybob

+1 with Chas but I don't use WD hitch. My sub has built in airbags that auto control ride height and my setup with 4:10 gears can tow 12k lbs so...my trailer feels like nothing. I'm also not sure if you can use a WD hitch with auto airbags

chas911

I believe the auto ride suspension is standard on the 2500. I still use the WD hitch to better distribute the weight.

Charlie

f1rocks

JV,

Do you have to have an SUV? I'm using a Ford E350 Diesel Van and it is awesome. The brakes are huge. I'm only pulling an open trailer now, upwards of 5500 pounds I'm sure. It's getting 15 pulling and 19 running empty.

The seats come out very easily and it will leave you room for all kinds of gear or people depending on needs.

leif997

I have a 2500 with autoride air function as well....its a bit overkill for my little enclosed trailex (cannot even feel it behind me, have to keep checking the mirrors to make sure its still there!) I only use it to tow so it has only 22K miles and is essentially brand new...people are always asking me if I want to sell it.

The 2500 pull like a bull, rides like a limo and has similar gas mileage as stated above.

Chaos

I cannot imagine a better choice other than the excursion

Jack667

I have the 2500 with the 8.1 and 4WD. Tows my open steel trailer and 944 very well. I get just over 11 around town and not much less towing, but I never check either, I just go by the dash computer. Not much more to add in addition to what was stated above.

fast951

Great information, thank you very much. I don't have the full options list on the Suburban I'm interested in. I will be compiling the data shortly.
So far, other than the gas mileage, I see good reviews. Thanks.

penguinking

1999 suburban 2500 - 5.7L V8, however, so not the diesel or the 7.4L option. basically the same engine as the 1500 line. however the suburban feels much more stable and sturdy than the regular 1/2 ton. i tow about 6000 lbs and no big issues. 10 mpg or so when towing, without its around 15-17 highway, and much much less in the city. the 42 gallon fuel tank is a pleasure - i always wonder, why do the newer suburbans have a smaller gas tank?

Veloce Raptor

I recently bought a new 2007 Yukon XL 2500 (Suburban clone) with the 4.10 rear. 2 WD. Gas 6.0 engine, 360hp, 390 lb-ft of torque, 9,900 pound tow capacity. I towed for the first time with it this past weekend.

Gas mileage not towing has, so far (in 2,500 miles) been around 15 mpg. IMO, the motor is not yet broken in. Mileage this weekend towing (3100lb car + borrowed open trailer of undetermined weight + extra wheels/tires + one tool box) was 12 mpg. Conditions were cold, but with a very strong partial headwind coming home.

Except for when going over bumpy roads, I was not even aware the trailer was there (except for the grille & headlights of my car staring at me in the rearview mirror!). The only exception was going up steep hills, where it was really having to run up the RPM band to maintain speed.

fast951

Great information. The SUV I'm looking at has the 4.10 Rear Axle Ratio.. It gets around 14mpg on the road and 8-10mpg towing.. The owner disclosed this information... Diesel is starting to look much better... I now have an Expedition with the 5.4L, I get 19-20mpg on the road and about 13-14mpg while towing an open trailer..
The search continues, thanks.

renvagn

A friend is unloading his ( I believe) F-250 super-diesel. A few years old and low milage. I think the truck is in FLA. i know he was asking $24,000

penguinking

i'll gladly buy the SUV you mentioned