Suburban vs. Excursion

[THOR]

I am in the market for a rig and wanted your take on these vehicles. I wont be doing a whole lot of towing, but I like both rigs and wanted some honest advantages/disadvantages of having either one.

[Havasu_Dreamin]

I believe that the Excursion is no longer goign to be built by Ford. I've got a 99 chevy suburban with the 454 and it tows the 29 great!

[RiverDave]

Turbo Diesel excursion is pretty tough to beat.. I think it'll do just about everything better then the burban. It will be my next truck unless some smoking deal comes along.
If you buy the burban hit up photoglue..
RD

[Tequila-John]

I had a 2002 Excursion with a V8 and traded it in for a 2004 V10 Excursion last feb. The rig is AWSOME! Pulls our 26 foot Cobra no problem.

[THOR]

I had a 2002 Excursion with a V8 and traded it in for a 2004 V10 Excursion last feb. The rig is AWSOME! Pulls our 26 food Cobra no problem.
Did you notice a big difference in the V10 over the V8?

[HavaTan]

Not a big fan of either...That being said...The Excursion is not being made anymore. You may be able to find one for a good price. Make sure you definitely look for one with a powerstroke. Diesel is the ONLY way to go.
On the other hand the Suburban is very full-size rig. Once again, make sure you look for a diesel. The gas motors are strong and can pull, but nothing matches the torque and mileage of the diesels. Not to mention the life of the motor.
Just my $.02...

[GHTRIM]

If you don't require a diesel then GMC / Chevy is the way to go.

[Havasu_Dreamin]

Right now you can't get the Suburban or the Yukon XL, GMC version, with the duramx. Rumor is not until 06 or 07.

[rvrtoy]

I am on my second Excursion. I had the V10 in the first one and upgraded to the 6 liter turbo diesel.
It is on 37's with the edge programer and exhaust. It pulls like crazy. I pulled Jessies 27 Shadow up the grade out of Vegas at 70 mph with no issues. My vote is the Excursion all the way.
Good luck in your search.

[Rock-A-Bye-Baby]

I've got a Yukon Denali and is pretty sweet. If it were me, i would have to include it in your line-up of cars

[1978 Rogers]

I believe that the Excursion is no longer goign to be built by Ford. I've got a 99 chevy suburban with the 454 and it tows the 29 great!
Your correct. Ford is dropping the Excursion in 2005. Poor sales.

[PHOTOGLOU]

I am in the market for a rig and wanted your take on these vehicles. I wont be doing a whole lot of towing, but I like both rigs and wanted some honest advantages/disadvantages of having either one.
What type of weight are you towing when you are towing???

[rvrtoy]

Your correct. Ford is dropping the Excursion in 2005. Poor sales.
Poor sales everywhere with the exception of California. I belive production will contunue through 2005 so get them while you can.

[Budget Baller]

Thor - Here is my vote. Really like the Sub. Had great luck, no issues at all.
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/6215DSC01910-med.JPG

[Kurtis500]

I bought the new 4x4 suburban. Love it. I test drove the excursion before and the suburaban. No problems towing with the chevy.

[THOR]

I am towing an Ultra 247, but will be doing so with a motorhome. Occasionally with the Burb/Excursion/Yukon so I dont really need the big daddy diesel. The wife hates the Excursion, but she isnt driving it. :wink:

[abraman1326]

I just bought a burban last night, and I love it. haven't really had a chance to pull anything w/ it yet, but we also have a Tahoe and it pulls the 21ft great. I imagine the burban will tow better though in the fact that it feels like it has better power. We've pulled the boat w/ the tahoe over Donner Summit which is going tward Reno, and ran it at 70 the whole way. Still had enough power to pass by the slower vehicles. There was nothing like pulling a boat over a steep grade, and blowing by some of those rice burners thinking they were hot crap. We bought the burban for my hunnie, and she loved it driving it home from Napa. Just my .02. Good luck in looking...
BRA

[THOR]

I am on my second Excursion. I had the V10 in the first one and upgraded to the 6 liter turbo diesel.
It is on 37's with the edge programer and exhaust. It pulls like crazy. I pulled Jessies 27 Shadow up the grade out of Vegas at 70 mph with no issues. My vote is the Excursion all the way.
Good luck in your search.
If I had the $$$, I would do that too. But, then again, if I had your money I would burn mine.

[cjordan]

I had an 01' 8100 Burb with 4.10 gears turned up (hypertech, granatelli MAF, Air box,etc) It towed my Twin I/O 28 Daytona pretty well I thought, then I towed it with my buddys 03' (edge'd) Duramax quad cab dually....What a difference. I traded the Burb on an 04.5' quad cab 2500 Duramax LLY and have left it stock. The difference in towing with the Diesel (even bone stock) is unreal compared to a big block.
If Chevy made the Burb in a diesel it I would still have one....HOWEVER, I was told by a buddy who works at GM HQ in detroit that the Duramax will not be going into a suburban until a complete redesign of the truck..... thats AT A MINIMUM.....The Duramax/Ally will not fit in the existing Burbs frame...only will fit in the HD frame...different assembly line altogether.
Excursions are just to big for most people and the monobeam front ends make the turning radius' suck. For towing only a pretty good vehicle, but for an everyday driver they aren't so good.....

[SHAKE-YO-AZZ]

here is my vote, turbo diesel all the way
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1616MEL4.jpg

[PHOTOGLOU]

I am in the market for a rig and wanted your take on these vehicles. I wont be doing a whole lot of towing, but I like both rigs and wanted some honest advantages/disadvantages of having either one.
Good luck in your decision making process if you want me to bring a Burb by so you can test drive I WILL. IF you take the diesel out of the mix BOTH should be around the same price with similar options. Burb I think will look and little more updated on the inside. Both have 6 disc changer CHEV is in the dash is Fords??? Burb will have Bose speakers, Burb will ride smoother, will brake better weights alot less than the excursion. Excursion WILL have more room in the 3rd row of seats. 714 552 0300 Jay if you need to test drive or have direct questions on pricing

[THOR]

Good luck in your decision making process if you want me to bring a Burb by so you can test drive I WILL. IF you take the diesel out of the mix BOTH should be around the same price with similar options. Burb I think will look and little more updated on the inside. Both have 6 disc changer CHEV is in the dash is Fords??? Burb will have Bose speakers, Burb will ride smoother, will brake better weights alot less than the excursion. Excursion WILL have more room in the 3rd row of seats. 714 552 0300 Jay if you need to test drive or have direct questions on pricing
Did you get my pm Jay?

[PHOTOGLOU]

Just typing a response now

[Drive It Like You Stole It]

ok, on my 2nd diesel excursion and wouldnt buy anything else! first was 7.3 and this is the 6.0 on 38" swampers. i love my truck and wouldnt trade it for anything. drive it daily and lug all the kids crap, turning radius is fine and it stops on a dime even with the big tires.
if you're interested in a ford, call brad (310) 466-6336 - he can set you up with great pricing and will deliver it anywhere - his customer service cant be beat!

[uvindex]

I am in the market for a rig and wanted your take on these vehicles. I wont be doing a whole lot of towing, but I like both rigs and wanted some honest advantages/disadvantages of having either one.Geez, this is like arguing Ford vs. Chevy (wait, this IS Ford vs. Chevy! :)) Seriously, I'm on my second Suburban (I have an '04 with an '01 before that and a '99 Tahoe before that) so you can see where I lean. I have nothing bad to say about the Excursion. One thing to consider: it is bigger than the Suburban, so if you're planning to garage it make sure it will fit (my 'Burbans have always fit in my garage with no problem.) The Excursion is 7" longer, and up to 1" wider (depending on whether you're comparing to a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton 'Burban). Also, those Excursion mirrors, although they look great for towing, also look like they stick out pretty far to me. It's also taller: from 1 to 4", again depending on whether the 'Burban is 1/2 or 3/4 ton).
Happy shopping!

[RiverOtter]

Love my Z71 Burb except it does not have enough HP. Tows the boat great as far a handling, breaking, doesn't sit the bumber down. BUT, I towed my boat from Niagra Falls to the Nooga 900 miles, I could not maintain 75mph with the cruise and overdrive engaged. All these diesel guys say they could maintain 90mph with the cruise and overdrive on. I looked at the Exc and MrsRO said it was too big. Most of my towing is only around town in a 20 mile radius so the Burb does just fine.

[cola]

Get a Excursion.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1268118_1805_1.JPG

[beer hunter]

Get a Exursion.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1268118_1805_1.JPG
Nice rig but not the best for towing with all that lift :220v:

[voodoomedman]

I am on my second Excursion. I had the V10 in the first one and upgraded to the 6 liter turbo diesel.
It is on 37's with the edge programer and exhaust. It pulls like crazy. I pulled Jessies 27 Shadow up the grade out of Vegas at 70 mph with no issues. My vote is the Excursion all the way.
Good luck in your search.
70 geez. I hope you weren't the one towing my boat over to advanced audio for my stereo system. :D

[uglycstmr]

GMC Yukon XL - Best automobile I have ever owned and would buy another one in a minute. I would also choose the GMC over the Chevrolet, the finishing touches just look better to me. My .02!

[Dr. Eagle]

Turbo Diesel excursion is pretty tough to beat.. I think it'll do just about everything better then the burban. It will be my next truck unless some smoking deal comes along.
If you buy the burban hit up photoglue..
RD
Better hurry RD, I think either the '05 or '06 will be the last model year...

[bear down]

IMHO,
The Burb interior is much nicer and has more driver gadgets than the Excursion.

[Dr. Eagle]

I love my K2500 Suburban with the 8.1L. Lots of torque, it has the autoride option so it has an excellent ride which you won't get with the FORD. If you want a diesel you are DOOOMED to the excursion... :supp:

[One Particular Harbor]

We own a Yukon Denali. Pulls our 25' Shockwave fine and has been averaging about 12.5 mpg since we bought it three years ago.
Would have gone with diesel if it were available, especially the way gas prices have been going recently. Longevity of the diesel engines is also a factor; however, with three kids in the car (wife's daily driver), I have found that the interior gives out on our Surburbans long before we run into mechanical issues.
Looked at the Excursion when we bought. Personally, I don't like the interior fit and finish on the Fords. And, my wife just wasn't confortable with the added size.
Good luck with your purchase. Don't think you can really go wrong with either one.
OPH

[THOR]

I love my K2500 Suburban with the 8.1L. Lots of torque, it has the autoride option so it has an excellent ride which you won't get with the FORD. If you want a diesel you are DOOOMED to the excursion... :supp:
What is 'autoride'?

[Havasu_Dreamin]

What is 'autoride'?
Softens up the suspension to make for a smoother ride. Here (http://www.chevrolet.com/pop/suburban/suspension_en.jsp) is the lowdown on what Autoride is.

[al cole'holic]

What is 'autoride'?
..ride controlled air bags. Like the Navigator...

[PHOTOGLOU]

Self adjusting suspension Stiffens up the shocks in a wallowy (sp??) situation and softens them up in freeway cupping fast bumps

[Tequila-John]

Did you notice a big difference in the V10 over the V8?
Big time yes. V8 worked hard. My v10 now. Not pulling anything, i can cruise at 75 mph and be right around 1500 RPM's. Plus way better gas mileage with the V10..

[RiverOtter]

HEY PHOTOGLU!! Is GM gonna ever put the diesel in the dang Burb?!?!?! :D

[Phat Matt]

I have the 6.0 turbo diesel Ex and love it.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/15240311475-R1-004-0A.jpg http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1524DSC03821.jpg

[RiverOtter]

All I see is Goldie and goldie :D

[glh]

Ex.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/522/222504_Setup.jpg

[TheLurker]

Both have 6-disc changer CHEV is in the dash is Fords??? Burb will have Bose speakers, Burb will ride smoother, will brake better weights alot less than the excursion.
For the record the Excursion has the 6 dics changer in the dash.
Now I am not one of those Ford Vs Chevy guys I just want the nicest looking best towing vehicle I could find. I owned a Tahoe for 2 years and was not happy towing with it. I have plenty of seat time in a Sub and I owned a Excursion for 4 years and am more than happy with the ride Vs the Sub. Also while it does weigh a lot more (to me more steel = safer for the occupants) the brakes can more than handle the weight of the vehicle and a substantial trailer behind it.
My opinion I'm sad to see Ford discontinue the Excursion because it is the best tow vehicle on the road. Especially when you have a few kids and a lot of gear to haul around also.

[24ROD]

Ex with the 6.0 only way to go. We love ours.

[DryHeatOnly]

In Oct we bought a new '04 'Burb LS with the 5.3. I'd recommend getting the LT just for the adjustable seat. I think the LS seat is uncomfortable (it doesn't have as many adjustments).
I also notice the front end feels a little "light", almost squirley at times. I wonder if I have a steering problem or something.
We're taking it into the shop on Friday for the second time. Air conditioning hasn't worked since the purchase. Probably a slow leak.
My '92 Burb is solid ;)
I've never owned or driven an Ex, but I do own an '04 F350 PSD 4x4...I do love that truck :).
Ford announced last month that the last Ex will roll off the line in Sept. People think they're not availble, but they are. That plant will be used for extended Super Duty production. They only sold 17,000 last year. It was too damn expensive for me to buy.
My .02

[Phat Matt]

All I see is Goldie and goldie :D
And I can't teach either one to listen to me. :D

[VEGASBABY]

Somthing else to consider, straight axel over IFS! Ford Excursions have a
real truck axel while Chevy has independent front suspension. If you ever need or want to do suspention mods, liftkit and so on, the Ford is less money to work on. I love my EX! If you want a truck buy a Ford, you want a car with 4wheel drive, buy a Chevy or a Subaru.

[jbtrailerjim]

Ex.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/522/222504_Setup.jpg
Damn, now thats one sweet set up. :cool:
Oh.....Thor my vote goes for the Excursion. But my opinion is a little biased. I've never owned anything but a Ford. ;) :D

[Music to my Ears]

Hey Thor, I'm another satisfied Excursion owner (V10), although I have never owned a Burb. My only compaint on the Ford is that they could have used larger brakes. :cool:

[Lake Ape]

You might want to look into one of these, it's pretty nice....
http://www.maximog.com/images/sublevel/veh_side.jpg
http://www.maximog.com/images/sublevel/34_view_big.jpg

[dave186]

Get a Excursion.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1268118_1805_1.JPG
that thing makes me laugh. and where is the front drive shaft???

[Havasu Hangin']

For the record, I've owned both the 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton Subs. Most of these guys seem to be comparing a 6.0 EX to the 5.3 Sub...which is apples and oranges.
My 8.1 Sub is very solid...hauls the Tugboat with no worries (even with the lift).

[al cole'holic]

For the record, I've owned both the 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton Subs. Most of these guys seem to be comparing a 6.0 EX to the 5.3 Sub...which is apples and oranges.
My 8.1 Sub is very solid...hauls the Tugboat with no worries (even with the lift).
..any pics of the 3/4 Sub with a lift? :idea:

[Havasu Hangin']

..any pics of the 3/4 Sub with a lift? :idea:
The only one I got...
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/742004_Suburban.jpg

[al cole'holic]

The only one I got...
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/742004_Suburban.jpg
..me like....hmm... :idea:

[Tom Brown]

Nice truck, HH.
How about taking a couple of pics of your through endgate exhaust?

[boxscore]

The only one I got...
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/742004_Suburban.jpg
Glued 'em back together?..... hmph

[WetWillie]

Very nice looking rig!!!
Thor - Here is my vote. Really like the Sub. Had great luck, no issues at all.
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/6215DSC01910-med.JPG

[Havasu Hangin']

Glued 'em back together?..... hmph
No...duct tape. :supp:
My lawyer says that will be added as a line item in the settlement...
:D

[THOR]

Nice rig HH.
I thought you were getting rid of that though.

[boxscore]

No...duct tape. :supp:
My lawyer says that will be added as a line item in the settlement...
:D
Didn't we already settle?.... You get a 12 pack of min 40 degree Corona's, limes, and a 10 minute session with that short and famous DCB baller in your cabin while I'm driving your rig to Catalina. Right?

[Havasu Hangin']

Didn't we already settle?.... You get a 12 pack of min 40 degree Corona's, limes, and a 10 minute session with that short and famous DCB baller in your cabin while I'm driving your rig to Catalina. Right?
Sure...sounds good. :D
After my lawyer takes his cut...we should be able to share a whole beer! :(

[boxscore]

Sure...sounds good. :D
After my lawyer takes his cut...we should be able to share a whole beer! :(
We'll smuggle it into our AA meeting. :cool:

[Havasubum]

heres our excursion tows great and rides smooth. has the v10 http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1269random_pictures_092-med.jpg

[RiverOtter]

And I can't teach either one to listen to me. :D
You know how celebs are :rolleyes: :D

[RiverOtter]

For the record, I've owned both the 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton Subs. Most of these guys seem to be comparing a 6.0 EX to the 5.3 Sub...which is apples and oranges.
My 8.1 Sub is very solid...hauls the Tugboat with no worries (even with the lift).
Still apples and oranges. Gas vs Diesel.

[SDLifesaver]

We just bought an Excursion also and it Rules. Eddie Bauer, 6.0 Turbo Diesel, loaded and the price was reasonable but the ride and comfort are second to none. The back bench seats recline so you can lay back and watch a movie. It's great for kids too because you can recline the seats and in the car seat it mimics almost lying flat for naps. I have an 02 Chevy HD and it is a pig and not nearly as comfortable on trips. My .02

[Trigger]

.
If Chevy made the Burb in a diesel it I would still have one....HOWEVER, I was told by a buddy who works at GM HQ in detroit that the Duramax will not be going into a suburban until a complete redesign of the truck..... thats AT A MINIMUM.....The Duramax/Ally will not fit in the existing Burbs frame...only will fit in the HD frame...different assembly line altogether.
This alone tells you all you need to know if you are looking for a good stong tow vehicle. The Ex is on the Super Duty frame and the Sub is not on a HD frame. If you are hauling alot of weight etc... it pays to have the equipment to do it. If you don't like the Diesel then the new V10 for 2005 is incredible.