Hey Guys,

Its time to ditch the Expedition for a new ride. The trucks on my short list are:

GMC Yukon Denali XL
Chevy Surburban LTZ
Lincoln Navigator L
Ford Expedition EL

I will use it mostly as the ultimate family hauler, though I will tow the 20' Thule trailer/Racecar rig around maybe 3X a year.

I like the luxury of the Navigator and the captains chairs in the second row. but it feels underpowered and soft. I like the power and brawn of the Yukon, but the second row is just two seats, and the third row seats dont just fold away, you have to take them out! The Expedition EL also seems underpowered.

Forget the Cadillac, just aint my style!

What do you guys have or think would work out best for what I do? Lots of time back and forth to VT and NY for skiing, and some towing.

Thanks!

Jim

 

We use my wifes CayanneS... the old tow horse was a Tahoe LT.
The P-car works great and my wife loves too ride around in it.

 

Jim

Excursion diesel is the trick. Great tow vehicle and awesome kid hauler.

 

The next Tow rigg here will be a Diesel... But not really diggin that as a family rigg in NY (diesel fuel is more costly here)

 

Thanks guys! I know you love your diesel excursions, but the wife will never drive it, and diesel isnt going to happen!

She did ask about a Cayenne interestingly. But I dont think it will tow a 20 foot 6000lb trailer well. I think its wheelbase is too short.

CW, how big is your trailer and how much does it weigh?

If you guys have a Cayenne that tows a bigger trailer like this, I would love to hear how it works for you.

Any experience with the trucks on my short list?

Thanks! JL

 

QX56 is a great option to consider.

 

The Cayenne can handle up to 7000 lb with no trouble. My current trailer is an 18'er with a 2 ft angled section back behind the cargo area for a total length of 20'. The total weight with car/ tires / tools/ gas ...etc is 5365 lbs. It rides perfect and never gives us any trouble... The Cayenne has hauled from CNY to Georgia without missing a beat. My wife & 5 y/o ride in complete comfort... all their goodies tossed in the back.

I would think that if the Cayenne diesel hits the states I might consider that as a tow rigg.

 

Excellent option!

 

I'll check out the Infiniti. I have to say, though, that I am really tempted to "buy American". We really need to stimulate this economy! ")

 

Jim - I've had two GMC Denalis. They are great, comfortable trucks. I prefer them to the Ford, especially with the larger motors. You will feel the 20' trailer, but it will pull it. Gas mileage will suck, but you said only 3 times a year. Great daily drivers. The Suburban is basically the same truck, if you get the larger motor. One point worth mentioning is the Sub can be 2wd only, whereas the Denalis cannot. They are awd all the time. Yes, diesels are great, but for what you are looking to do, either would be a good call.

 

Oh.. if you are going to consider a Cayenne, seriously consider a V10 TDI touareg. Amazing daily driver, and enough torque to pull just about anything. I love mine!

 

Ben,

Is your Denali an XL? Good point on the 2WD/4WD on the Suburban. But that option has the smaller 5.3L V8, and the Denali XL has the 6.2L (but full time AWD as you point out). Why isnt there a perfect world?

Thanks!

Jim

 

The short wheel based Cayennes, TDI, etc. are not safe for pulling a 20ft., 6k enclosed trailer. Stay safe with the longer Denali or Surburan.

It's really too bad Ford didn't find a way to put their new 6.2 gas motor with 411 horsepower and 434 lbs./ft. of torque in the Expedition. Great platform just way underpowered for hauling anything larger than a lawnmower....

 

Jim - I had the 6.0L Denail XL. I don't drive it anymore, as I gave it to my father a few years ago. It's still in use, and a great truck with 80k on the odo. The 6.2s might be awd in either platform. I'm not sure about that tho. Denalis are a bit nicer than the suburban, albeit not by much. It's basically personal preference. Can't go wrong with either, imo.

 

what about dodge? I know they make the durango with the 5.7L hemi motor. same as my truck and it has no problem towing my 28' enclosed trailer.