View Poll Results: Which vehicle gives best towing capability plus comfort for large families?
Excursion diesel
10
71.43%
Expedition
1
7.14%
E-250
0
0%
E-350 diesel
3
21.43%
Voters: 14. You may not vote on this poll
Which vehicle would be best?
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New User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Which vehicle would be best?
We currently have a 2003 E-150 with a 4.6 engine. We've purchased a travel trailer which weighs approx. 4700 empty. Our van pulls it ok but definitely stuggles on any sort of incline, plus is quite bumpy for the kids in the back. We're looking into getting either an E-250 with a 5.4, an E-350 deisel (probably not, though), an Expedition or an Excursion diesel. A diesel is definitely overkill but would allow us to go into mountains or on long trips without a worry. A conversion van with a larger engine than we currently have would fit all six of us best but I'm afraid of the ride feeling like a cargo van on an every day basis. The Expedition is definitely the best ride while not towing but I'd like some input on its performance while towing.
Any advice on which would be best overall as an everyday vehicle which would also give a reasonably comfortable ride while towing and just motoring around town would be appreciated. Keep in mind, we may need to pack strollers, hockey equipment and small luggage for out of town tournaments without trailer.
Thanks!!!
Any advice on which would be best overall as an everyday vehicle which would also give a reasonably comfortable ride while towing and just motoring around town would be appreciated. Keep in mind, we may need to pack strollers, hockey equipment and small luggage for out of town tournaments without trailer.
Thanks!!!
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
I voted Excursion because of the four doors with six people. Though if you need to carry assorted large items on a regular basis then I would go with the Club Wagon. My wife recently rented a E-350 (gas engine) 11 seater (?) from Avis and she loved it. very nice inside.
If you get the van make sure you get the barn doors on the side. I hate the sliding doors, always problems especially with kids.
One thing you might consider is how easy it is to work on the vehicle. Under the hood and under the vehicle work is much harder on a van then a truck, especially if you do upkeep yourself.
resale value: I imagine after five years, a 4x4 Excursion/Expedition will be much easier to sell at a higher price then a van.
If you get the van make sure you get the barn doors on the side. I hate the sliding doors, always problems especially with kids.
One thing you might consider is how easy it is to work on the vehicle. Under the hood and under the vehicle work is much harder on a van then a truck, especially if you do upkeep yourself.
resale value: I imagine after five years, a 4x4 Excursion/Expedition will be much easier to sell at a higher price then a van.
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
From: OUTER BANKS NC
v10 excursion is my vote! diesel is going up in price fast plus the up front cost and maintenance cost. if you do a search there is a thread on v10 verses diesel i think in the excursion forum had some good points on how long it would take for the diesel to pay for itself. i am bias however since i have a v10 x but i have 4 kids of my own and the x is so nice on long trips or even to the drag strip pulling the trailer they all have room, plenty of cargo space, and it pulls like a champ!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
With the price of gas going out of the roof, choices of used trucks should be increasing.
I would recommend staying with what ya got and using some weight dist. items for the bounce. It is usually only a very small portion of a trip that the tow vehicle is straining. IMHO
John
I would recommend staying with what ya got and using some weight dist. items for the bounce. It is usually only a very small portion of a trip that the tow vehicle is straining. IMHO
John
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
I agree with John if you are not towing all the time and not great distance.
Watch how much you put in the trailer weight wise.
I recently installed air shocks and a sway bar on the rear of my conversion. It made a BIG diff! Most of the improvement is felt in windy conditions and pulling in and out of driveways. No more side to side bounce.
I am now looking at puting 4.10s in it.
Also, if you are talking about a new vehicle, I'll say the same thing I said in the Ford dealership last week- "If I ever consider buying another Ford, I hope my wife kicks me in the head!"
Watch how much you put in the trailer weight wise.
I recently installed air shocks and a sway bar on the rear of my conversion. It made a BIG diff! Most of the improvement is felt in windy conditions and pulling in and out of driveways. No more side to side bounce.
I am now looking at puting 4.10s in it.
Also, if you are talking about a new vehicle, I'll say the same thing I said in the Ford dealership last week- "If I ever consider buying another Ford, I hope my wife kicks me in the head!"
Last edited by Wiskey6; Aug 17, 2005 at 06:21 PM. Reason: Additional comment
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: in da up of michigan
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 7
From: Saint Augustine, FL
No SUV, even an Excursion, has the room and comfort of a Clubwagon. I tow with mine regularly and much prefer it to the Supercrew I used to have. Its waaay easier to move around inside and holds waaay more stuff than an Excursion and a standard box van (not the 15 passenger extended body) is shorter and easier to manuver in tight quarters.
Not to mention that the E250/350 has a good ride quality even empty and a 5.4 or V10 E250/350 should tow your trailer easily. Personnally, I think the 250/350s ride and handle better than the 150s. I would recommend making the investment to rent one for a couple of days and see how you like it. I also prefer my XLT Clubwagon to the conversion vans.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
Not to mention that the E250/350 has a good ride quality even empty and a 5.4 or V10 E250/350 should tow your trailer easily. Personnally, I think the 250/350s ride and handle better than the 150s. I would recommend making the investment to rent one for a couple of days and see how you like it. I also prefer my XLT Clubwagon to the conversion vans.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
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