Is the suburban the best TOAD for a family of 9?

[9pauls]

We are a family of 9, so ive been looking at a used 9 pax suburban as a tow vehicle. Is a newer, say 05+ 4WD the way to go? Planning to spend some time on the East coast, the wind our way accross thru TX and on up the west coast to AK. Thanks for any input.
Erik

[billbunch47]

You will not go wrong with that pick you can go all the way to about a 13 then they get creative with the electric ast sterring I tow an 12 Avalanche and its the simplest vehicle to tow, just put transfer switch in N and away you go no speed or distance restrictions plus it a good rideing truck.

[Joe Camper]

Ya know there is a bigger choice out there with so much more room it's almost uncomparable.

A maxi van is 15 passangers and lots more room for "stuff". Would be a bit more involved than a 4by4 to set up to tow.

[Gil_J]

Good choice, especially given your journey to Alaska. Otherwise and as a possible alternative, I wonder if the new Ford Transits are flat towable. You can't go wrong with a 4W drive Suburban or Tahoe XL, as I believe they were branded for a few years.

[Joe Camper]

Colorado bus used to pull a class b motorhome for a toad. Total personal preference type choice anything under the sun these days.

[9pauls]

Will prob stick with the burb. I wish transits were flat tow able since that is what we were going to get anyways down the road.

[Seabyrd]

We towed a 2007 Z-71 suburban for years and loved it... upgraded to the 2015 Suburban and love it too... you won't even know it's back there... go for the comfort and safety of your family !!

Cheers, Diane

[9pauls]

Ended up getting a 2015 Ford Transit 10 passenger low roof van. Having a Remco Driveline Disconnect installed. I'm stoked it's the same weight and length as and newer burb and about the same price for a 2015

[Joe Camper]

I think u made a good choice and u have actually added a good tool as well. Since I have switched to the "van" I love it and have never looked back.

[Gil_J]

Congrats! That seemed like a great choice, if towable.

[9pauls]

Thanks guys! It's been great! Actually passed on the 10-passenger low roof because nobody makes a bracket for that van yet. I bought the 15 passenger medium roof T350 with the Ecoboost V6. A foot and a half longer but hasn't been an issue. We're in Micco, FL and just got it back from Palm Bay Ford. They had to replace an A/C line that was cut by the installer during the tow bracket installation. That guy was a nightmare by the way. Steer your friends away from Humphrey's Hitch in Pensacola. Guy is straight out of the movie Deliverance. I had the shop check over the rest of the work he did and luckily it looked ok. Still have a PTO cable to install which I picked up from NAPA. The stock flimsy one will barely re-engage the collar on the driveshaft disconnect. It tows beautifully behind the bus though.

[9pauls]

Have been pulling the medium roof Transit van for the past 9 months through 30 states. It's been good! Only issues were lack of parking in the big cities with only parking garages, and the wife driving under a 7.5' high parking area with a van that's 8.5' tall. Haha

[dale farley]

Erik,

Sounds like you had an interesting 9 months. I hope the 7.5' parking spot left the top on the van.

[Gil_J]

Glad to hear your trip has been going well, except the height issue. I hope no one was hurt and that the van is back in service.

I hope you continue to enjoy the journey. It sounds like you still have 18 states waiting to welcome you.