The Family and TVs

[Bikester]

All,
I have a family of five (DW, 3 kids, and oh yeah...a mutt). I currently have an HTT that weighs 4k lb. and my TV is a Toyota Sequoia with pulls the rig just fine. The Sequoia has 3 rows of seats, so I have 2 kids in the middle row and the oldest in the 3rd row with the dog. All nicely spaced out. You see where I'm going here. The DW and I are considering a bigger camper...one that would probably weigh more like 10-11 lb. but it looks like the only kind of TV that I can get to tow that would be a pick-up. They don't make big diesel suv's anymore, that I know of...so I guess a pick-up is my only option. Is this true? We just got off a 3,300 mile trip from NJ to the UP of Michigan and back, and I can't imagine the 3 kids and dog across the back seat of a pickup...though I assume folks do it. Help me!!! Is a pick-up my only option here?

[Bluestreak]

Be different, be radical-Consider a full-size van! You'll be glad you did!

Lots of space, flat floor, comfortable seats, plenty of windows, short distance from axle to hitch, good strong brakes and up to 10,000 lbs of towing capacity.

We've towed all over the US with a '99 Ford E350 Chateau with the V10 engine. Two adults, Two teens and two dogs. Four captains chairs and a bench at the back, with 4 feet from the seat back to the inside of the back door. Space for "stuff" was not a problem. One trailer was a 33' bunkhouse and the next a 34' bunkhouse with Corian countertops, a built-in vac system and a separate door on the street side into the head.

Vans have great systems, fewer geegaws and the Mfgr's do not try and make all their profit from that class of vehicle.

My $0.02

[milw156]

I travel with my in-laws plus DW, 2 kids and a dog. Basically 6 people and a 60 lb border collie/aussie mix in the cab. It's not that bad but we don't do long distances in one day and stop at rest areas periodically. Our Chevy is smaller in the back than the F150 SuperCrew we had before, and we do notice the 4" reduction in legroom. I did consider a Mega Cab Dodge but the lack of an 8' bed was a dealbreaker for me. However if you can live with a short bed, it may be an option as you get an epic amount of room in the 2nd row, plus the option for a diesel powerplant.

[clubhouse]

We have 3 kids (8,6,2) and a 90lb dog. Went from a Tahoe to CC pick-up in preparation for the bigger heavier trailer we now have. Dog rides in crate secured in pick-up bed, kids across the back and DW and I in front. It works for us, and is becoming even better now that the oldest is done with car seats and the 6y/o is a no back booster seat only.

[Bikester]

Bluestreak, you just blew my mind with the van idea

[Bluestreak]

Originally Posted by Bikester

Bluestreak, you just blew my mind with the van idea

Glad I could help!

[glsimms]

You know what Bluestreak? I've had the same idea about a full size van as a possible TV option!

I was looking at the big Nissan full size van, (can't remember the model name), but WOW! They want big bucks for it!

[Bikester]

Yes, I'm seeing like 50-60k for vans...wow!!!

[cb1000rider]

Expect the same for a diesel truck... Easily.

[Lifespalette]

You could always go with something like this.....

[Brownie]

Do they make that in brown to match my Eagle?

[Bluestreak]

Originally Posted by glsimms

You know what Bluestreak? I've had the same idea about a full size van as a possible TV option!

I was looking at the big Nissan full size van, (can't remember the model name), but WOW! They want big bucks for it!

Yup, new vehicles are new vehicles. You get to pay for the privilege of that new car smell....

You might consider a recent Ford E350 or Chevy Savanna 3500. Once you figure out the various engines and tow capacities, you can target a couple that might work for you. The Wikipedia article on the Ford vans is pretty infprmative and I imagine the Chevy entry has good info as well.

The two vans are stable designs, with not many changes between years and with a recent used example, warranty is still available and initial depreciation hit was taken by someone else. You will have to search, but it could be worth it. We have been totally satisfied by our ’99 Ford van (which we bought used at just under 3 years old) and still tow with it today.

[Lifespalette]

Originally Posted by Brownie

Do they make that in brown to match my Eagle?

I'm betting you could get it in brown to match your eagle.....heck, I've seen one with a reptile aquarium in it....

[eldermike]

We showed dogs for many years pulling TT with vans. It's a good option for someone needing the space. Just make sure you get enough Van or you can quickly lose your hitch weight head room by filling the Van with people and stuff. So read the specs and do some math.

[gtsum2]

I have a 2014 ram 3500 megacab and two kids (3.5 and 7). The megacab has a ton of room in the back and of course has a cummins diesel.....but three kids would be pushing it IMO....unless they are all young. A 1 ton van likely best option for u...unless u could find a mint excursion diesel or something but I personally am not Into buying other people's problems

[Canadian couple 1983]

Maybe consider an older ford excursion?