Tow Vehicles - What's Your Recommendation?

[NautiqueJeff]

I have been pulling my Nautiques around with my trusty 2005 Ford Excursion with the 6.0 diesel engine for almost ten years now. It will probably be time for a new tow vehicle in the next year or two. This one has been wonderful, but at 227,000 miles I think it might be time to start planning for something newer. What are you guys using?

[SkiTower]

I can't imagine stepping down from an Excursion and being satisfied pulling a G23 (short of going to a truck). That being said, I love having a truck to pull my boat. With the cover on the back I can load it up with wet gear.


2007 SV211 SE

[NautiqueJeff]

I am not opposed to a truck, as long as it can seat four comfortably on long trips. Sure wish they still made the Excursion though. It is so perfect for my needs.

[nyryan2001]

This is how I roll.

[nyryan2001]

..

[dttheel]

We use a Ford Expedition EL. It's as close as you will get with SUV (Ford anyway). Has done a great job for us so far. But, we are only pulling a 210, can't speak to how well it would pull a 23.

[cedarcreek216]

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[cedarcreek216]

Couldn't resist. Back to realty though, all the crew cab trucks have great room in the cabin. We took a 7 hour road trip in an F250 pulling a fifth wheel with four adults in the cab and it was very comfortable.


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[swatguy]

Honestly there is nothing in the full size Suv arena that is going to come close to that full size Excursion diesel unless you go pickup. The Excursion was its own animal. The next closest is going to have you swap to GM arena. The Cadilkac ESV or the Yukon XL Denali are going to have the better engines.

Ford has dropped the V8 in all of its full size suv's for 2015 for theV6 Eco boosts. While everyone says the torque and pulling is much better I just can't get passed the twin turbo vs the simplicity of s strong V8. Too much to worry about going wrong and turbos ain't cheap.

I currently own 2013 Expedition. That's after 8 GM's. Suburban/Yukon variants. I was just bored. Don't know that I would go ford again in future, but I am not unhappy with it. Just not completely in love with it. It definitely feels way more "heavy duty" tan the gm's. If I had to tow long distances regularly it would be gone but it's more of a daily hauler of hockey gear for my girls which it is perfect for.

One truck I have not had any experience towing with is s Sequoia.

[NautiqueJeff]

Actually, that F550/650 Excursion clone above would probably be the perfect vehicle for us when we travel and tow. We take a ton of gear with us, and almost always have four to six people with us. I can't imagine the cost for that though, and the fuel would be outrageous. Plus I don't think I am cool enough to drive that.

After having the diesel Excursion, I can't see myself going back to a gas SUV, so I guess that leaves me with diesel trucks.

[Miljack]

Jeff,
You're in Nascar country now, we can find someone to make your Excursion new and custom BAD Azzz! New diesel drive line and custom leather interior will cost you less than a new truck, WAY less! I was at a Ford dealer recently, and a crew cab diesel dually was like $70K!!!

[swatguy]

After having the diesel Excursion, I can't see myself going back to a gas SUV, so I guess that leaves me with diesel trucks.

I would agree 100%. My in laws are all huge farmers....... tons of hauling. I have borrowed their 2500HD's and F250's and i almost hated going back. I just can not have a pickup for our lifestyle. I need two rows and a heated cargo compartment

[NautiqueJeff]

Good point! And I have actually thought about that, since it really is the perfect vehicle. I would consider a dually conversion for my current Excursion, and a freshening up of the driveline and exterior/interior. The interior is in almost pristine shape (exterior too, actually), but it is ten years old, and some of the newer interior features appeal to me. The dually conversion consideration is not simply to pull these boats around. Another opportunity that may present itself down the road will require that extra towing capacity if it comes to be.

[nyryan2001]

Ya those F250 to Excursion conversions aren't cheap. Say $45k for the Diesel Crew cab then another $30-$40 to turn it into an Excursion. A few dealers have them in TX, $80-110k. The $110k one is 6 doors.

[NautiqueJeff]

Yeah, that's what I am seeing too. I haven't found anywhere that converts existing Excursions into newer-model look-alikes.