Tahoe or Expedition

[Wet Dream]

I'm looking to go to a bigger tow vehicle. I already have a junker pick up so the SUV is for the trips with the kids, dog, etc. Is the bigger engine (5.7 and Triton) noticable? I noticed posts earlier about problems with the Tahoes, but I'm sure Ford has theirs too. This is going to be used for towing a 19' jet, about 2000 lbs +/- with gear. Thanks for the input.
[ April 28, 2003, 09:23 PM: Message edited by: Wet Dream ]

[SCUBA STEVE]

only towing aprox 2000lbs, you can get a v6 explorer. fords expedition has the highest suv towing cap. at 7900lbs. I believe the tahoe is at or around 6500 lbs. Im sure some chevy lovers will argue with that. :D

[Wet Dream]

Actually, I am towing with a V6 Explorer now, but it is SEVERELY underbraked. They fade way too quickly for me and I have overshot the road to the ramp at the bottom of a steep hill, about a mile long to the ramp, while in 1st gear. The trailer doesn't have brakes. The family is outgrowing the Explorer.

[77charger]

ford vs chevy.I'll take a tahoe over the expo
sidenote i do not mind ford motors as long as they are 429/460 based. argue

[Hallett19]

Hey Bill, whats going on !?!?! Here is how I feel about it. At my tender young age I have towed a few boats in my time. My boat is heavier than yours for sure. Now I have towed my boat with my brother's old S-10, 2.8 V6 5spd and it did a pretty good job, 92 V6 exploerer, 96 V8 explorer, 00 Jeep grand cherokee 4.7 V8, F150 4.6, my 5.4 Expo, but never with a tahoe :( I love my expedition, I have a non-brake trailer and it does a good job, it has beg vented discs in the back and a ton of room inside. Room for a tv and what not for the kids. But mine is 2000, the new ones are way diffferent. Only full size SUV with 4 whl independant suspension, so it has WAY WAY more room on the inside, electric fold down seats and all that fancy stuff and the dash looks real good. I personally like the new Explorers though, they are bigger inside than the previous ones, cheaper than the Expo, only mid size with the indipendant suspension and they have to 4.6 which will do a great job of pulling your boat. I personally think both tahoe and expo look great, in fact I like the way the tahoe look a little better with the Denali pacakge, but those top 50K !! I say drive both, do your homeowork then go pull the trigger. I drove the jeep, the expo and the denali when I went to get a tow vehicle. I really wish I got the Explorer, the new one had just come out and the indy susp. ones are SOOO sweet, ride awesome and handle sweet and have much more room inside.

[SCUBA STEVE]

Wet Dream:
Actually, I am towing with a V6 Explorer now, but it is SEVERELY underbraked. They fade way too quickly for me and I have overshot the road to the ramp at the bottom of a steep hill, about a mile long to the ramp, while in 1st gear. The trailer doesn't have brakes. The family is outgrowing the Explorer. what year is your explorer? I used to tow 2 sea doos in my 91 explorer with no problems what so ever. anyway the tahoe & expeditions have came along way with their towing pkgs since the mid to late 90's. 4 wheel disc brakes just to start.
go with features & cost, because both vehicles will suit your towing needs just fine.

[Kindsvater Flat]

We have a 2002 Expedition with no problems pulling a 19' v-drive. The 2003 Expeditions have been having some problems with the new rear independent suspension. If you do get the Ford, get it with the 5.4 and the E4OD trans. Don't get the lighter transmission.

[Sandbar Mike]

tahoe, pulls my 29 like it's not back there, even with a lift and 35" tires

[HavasuDreamin']

Wet Dream:
For your application, either will do just fine. One piece of advice is to get the trailer tow package because this generally includes a oil cooler and tranny cooler, not to mention it is prewired for trailer lights.
Good Luck

[THOR]

http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/42boatmiddle-med.jpg
Here is a pic of my current Expedition pulling my boat. I had a Tahoe before this and speaking from experience, go with the Tahoe if you plan on getting a bigger boat. The Expedition doesnt pull as strong as the Tahoe.

[HOSS]

Looking at both now. Wife now doesn`t want the Land Rover.Thank goodness. 12 miles to the gallon! Unreal! She kinda doesn`t want the Expedition because everyone else has one she says. But bang for buck its a lot cheaper than the Tahoe. But if we got the Expo it would be a Bauer. She always liked the BMW`s. I want the new Stang coming out in `05. But am always SECRETLY pushing her for the Vette.

[HOSS]

sorry doubled up
[ April 29, 2003, 07:43 AM: Message edited by: HOSS ]

[Mandelon]

HOSS:
Looking at both now. Wife now doesn`t want the Land Rover.Thank goodness. 12 miles to the gallon! Unreal! She kinda doesn`t want the Expedition because everyone else has one she says. But bang for buck its a lot cheaper than the Tahoe. But if we got the Expo it would be a Bauer. She always liked the BMW`s. I want the new Stang coming out in `05. But am always SECRETLY pushing her for the Vette. Uh...what the tow rating on a vette?????? :cool:

[HOSS]

Sorry, I pull with an unsafe `99 Wrangler. She wil be driving new vehicle. Will be selling her `01 Celica as soon as she makes up her mind. :D

[spectratoad]

I have a 99 Yukon, Same as Tahoe and pull my Spectra 20. It tows it great. The trailer brakes makes alot of difference though.

[riverracerx]

I had the 4.6 in an Exped and towed a 22' Nordic fine. I have the 5.4 in a Supercrew now and it tows great. I tow a 28' Nordic now, but only in havasu around town. I like the bigger engine better, more torque. I have had Chevy's too, but I have been happier with my Fords.
http://www.riverracerx.com/mb/uploads/post-23-00703-truck.jpg

[Havasu_Dreamin]

A GMC Yukon with the 5.3 will tow 7700 lbs. I know of a coworker that is getting 18 MPG on the highwway while not towing.

[HOSS]

Damn, 18. My Jeep gets like 14 and thats in 2 wheel.

[Hallett19]

I like the way my Expo is set up as well, and I'm sure the new ones are available in similar packages. I have the 5.4 with tow pckg which includes E40D trans, trans cooler, oil cooler, tow bar, 3.73 gears and load leveling suspension in back which is super cool, but the best part ..... 30 gallon gas tank, never ever have to stop for gas!! In fact, I have drivin to vegas and back on a topped off tank and stopped for gas 3 exits away from my house in Pasadena !! Almost 21 MPG on that trip !!
[ April 29, 2003, 10:58 AM: Message edited by: Hallett19 ]

[Wet Dream]

Hallett19:
Almost 21 MPG on that trip !! Not bad at all. Thats better than what my little V6 gets.

[Wet Dream]

Riverracer, how much tongue weight do you have on that? It looks like it really pushes the back down and lifts the front of that truck. How does it ride? I really do like those trucks, but not enough for the kids, dog, gear etc.
[ April 29, 2003, 11:03 AM: Message edited by: Wet Dream ]

[Ziggy]

Go Blue Oval and order with a diesel, forget about all the towing nightmares.

[24sleekenforcer]

I have a Yukon XL with the 5.3 engine about 18mpg on highway w/o boat. Pulls my 24'Sleekcraft no problem.

[BUSTI]

My wife and I have two Expoditions, mine is a 2002 Bkack Eddie Baurer with the 5.4 motor and the towing package and bigger tranny and hers his a 2002 XLT wuth the 4.6 motor but still with the towing package. Both are great vehicles and the reliability and comfort has been great. We tow my 19 foot Sanger Super Jet with my wifes and my sons 20.6 Eliminator Sport Cruiser V-Drive with mine. We travel to Parker and Laughlin frequently and have plenty of horsepower with both. We picked the Expos because of price and features for the money over the Tahoe. My son has a Chevy and loves it. I think both are excellent SUVs compare and shop and pick the one that is the least expensive. Climbing the hill on the way to Victorville on I15 or the grade climbing to Chiraco Summit on I10 both of my Expos climb the hills fully loaded with people and gear just find. With plenty of pedal still left for passing slow moving vehiclesI might add. However my brothers Yulon xl with the big motor just flat kicks ass...but it cost significantly more than the Expo or the Tahoe.

[SchellSchock]

For the money you will spend on the Tahoe or Expo cough up a few dollars more and get a Suburban or Yukon XL with the "mongo motor". 8.1 liter over the life span of a vehicle will cost more in gas $ but will be offset in less wear and tear on the driveline. Plus if you move to a bigger boat your all set. My '03 2500 will pull up to 12,000 lbs. (It currentley pulls my 5000 lb boat and trailer in OD, Cruise control 65mph no problem and it gets 10-12mpg towing.)
With the LT package and the Autoride, 4x4 it is the most comfortable TOWING vehicle I have ever driven.

[Back To Havasu]

I have a 2001 Tahoe LT 4x4, 5.3V8, tow package, & 3.73 posi. It has 41,000 miles on it and has never given me any trouble or been back to the dealer for other than maintenance. I bought it new and have towed various boats up to 5,000 pounds. The Fords are excellent also, but I am very pleased with the Tahoe. wink

[Kilrtoy]

Had a 99 expo and it towed awesome. Wanted to get the 03 250 supercrew diesel, but then the wife saw the 150 we have now. I don't think it tows as good as the expo though. Moral to the story dont ever let the wife go to the dealership alone....

[mtndewdrops]

GO TAHOE or you can Fix Or Repair Daily. :D Sorry BLUE OVAL fans. burningm
MY 1999 YUKON XL 4X4 pulls the heck out of my Toy Hauler...GVWR 6600lbs dry. :) I just took it to Emerald Cove and dropped it off for the summer. I can't wait to make the trip again with the boat :cool: .
I used TOW/HAUL mode and I never went slower than 55mph...even up Hemet/Sanderson grade up to Beaumont. I have 5.7L engine with 373 Gears and 18x8.5 rims.
Don't settle for a FORD-get a BOWTIE with 20" alloys.
Peace Out

[01RENEGADE]

I have a 00 Expy with 33 in tires and 4 in lift tows my 21 great and lots of room inside

[MagicMtnDan]

Here's a suggestion - get yourself a Chevy Avalanche! It's built on a Suburban chassis, got room for 5 and can be custom ordered like mine:
2003 2500 4x4 with 496 cubic inch (8.1L) motor (almost every option - purchase price was $37,000) - tows lots of weight effortlessly, great brakes, lots of room and it's really versatile.
I know most Avs are ugly but once you see a lifted one you'll probably like it a lot more.
Here's a pic of mine in Death Valley (all 7,000 pounds - unloaded) offroad:
http://www.wind4power.us/SouthernCa/Dan.jpg
[ April 30, 2003, 08:27 AM: Message edited by: MagicMtnDan ]

[riverracerx]

Don't know what the tongue weight is with the 28' on the back. I have Firestone air bags on the back too, too keep the tires from rubbing.
That pic also has all my weekend gear and cooler back there so it was loaded pretty good.

[B-rad502]

Definitely go with a Chevy Tahoe!! We just bought a 2000 (new body style) last year and absolutely love it!! It's got a lot of power, plenty for your set up. The 5.3 that replaced the old 5.7 is a powerful little engine! Got 17 mpg (not towing)going to Laughlin 80 mph 2 weeks ago! Probably close in on 18-20 mpg if we set the cruise at 65, but who wants to go that slow??!! :D :D
Go TAHOE, you'll love it!
Brad

[riverbound]

I have a 2000 expo with 4.6 and tow a spectra18 does all right until you hit the grades buy the bigger motor and towing package especially if you add rims or tires (i added 20's with 50 series tires) also have f-350 diesel which will be tow vehicle for now on tows like nothing is back there

[Ziggy]

Blue Oval, Blue Oval, Blue Oval, Blue Oval
:D
Did I mention you should get the one with the Blue Oval in the Grill.
.
Cheby argue FORD First On Race Day

[78Eliminator]

Tacoma!
Oopps, you said Tahoe. Nevermind :D :D :D

[Ziggy]

78Eliminator:
Tacoma!
Oopps, you said Tahoe. Nevermind :D :D :D ROTFLMAO--- :cool:

[tewfiddy1]

I pull with a 2k 4x4 Suburban with the 5.3 litre, I spent the extra money and bought it for the room and comfort. It has the 3rd seat and 4 capt. chairs along with a flat screen tv built in. It was a left-over Debut Conversion. I added the K&N filter pack, Tornado, and a few other little cosmetic things. I get 22 mpg city driving and get around 17 while towing a 23 CaravelleInterceptor. The 5.3 has a set of balls like you wouldnt believe. You get what you want but I have had alot of tow vehicles and this is far the best. If I could figure out how to get my pics over to this post I would.

[Lakemead1]

So how big a boat could you pull with the tahoe with the 5.3? Could you pull a 28 Nordic up the Baker grade? Anyone have any experience with that?