Looking for a family people mover that can tow a good size travel trailer. I do not have the TT yet either, but am thinking about combos. It looks like the LGH will be offered in 2011 passenger savannahs/expresses. I have considered a crew cab half or 3/4 ton pu, but I just don't have the need for the box over the occasional headcount/locked stuff space. I am thinking hard over the 6.0 gasser versus the diesel due to initial cost. The van - engine maintenance ease also makes me wonder the relative $ pain factor should something go wrong with either engine. The diesel also drops the towing rating (pretty sure). Anybody got a guess what mpg I might get with the 6.0 versus the new duramax? I am expecting a city/hwy mix of maybe 50/50 overall; maybe 12-15 k mi/year. Also, thinking about towing a big old boat at some point. I have access to the gms discount, but not sure what that really means anymore as I haven't gotten serious with a dealer.

Thanks.

If I were you I'd look more toward a 3/4 ton suburban. If you aren't needing a van I'd try to stay away from it, but that's my personal preference. Also trade in/resale on the van isn't going to be anywhere close to that of a suburban

Along with thinking about the type/size of horse do some equal thinking about the wagon size/weight the horse is supose to pull. Then you can guess at how much the horse is going to eat.

I sat in a few burbs and an older yuk xl; the extra van volume still felt meaningful for my cause. Been doing lots of reading since my orig post. I figure a used 2010 3500 ext 6.0 gasser may end up being the best value for my particular tasks (will get the 6 sp AT). I will wait to see the official ratings on the oem sites for the 11s though. If I could swing the 2LT dmax and hang on for a long time I could convince myself (long enough to sign). Some crazy mileage/fuel inflation assumptions could help the dream (since my miles won't be that much). I have looked at TTs and will end up (all inclusive) close to whatever ratings the tv yields (different answers but acceptable). As long as the total people head count is critical the choices seem limited.

I figure the horse is going to eat a lot no matter what and be near maxed out.

Thanks for the feedback. I am guessing the 6 speed may get a mpg or two over the historicals.

I have talked with Van owners, the downside is labor as the van has a dog house and typically is more difficult to perform maintenance on. The Suburban would be the better bet and as quote earlier the resale would be better. To tow a TT with either you would need to beef up the rear somewhat to handle anything decent. Maybe looking at tow ratings would be something to do too.
The 6.0 gasser would be in about the same ballpark as the diesel mpg towing wise. However the diesel would do a better job of it because of the increase of torque. Alot less downshifts while climbing hills and just overall better.

The duramax will give much better MPG. We own 2 Dmax, a 6.0, and 5.7 vans. The 6.0 gets about 15 MPG on average. Where as my van has rarely dropped below 20 in the Winter and have seen as high as 25. The 6.0 might be better for you since you will drive it so few many miles. Worried about taking the doghouse off to work on it ? The 5.7 has over 300,000 miles and it has been off maybe 3 times. Take care of it and you will be fine.

Thanks for the feedback. All good thoughts. If I can get closer to 20 mpg average with my mix it could work out. I will poke around at the dealer for a build. One problem seems to be there is not a lot of van volume and inventory so there is likely not going to be big rebating. It makes for presales and generic 15 people mover inventory rather than every possible option builds.

The burb comments have us thinking hard. Do we give up the 8 headcount (with some child seats) and and a ton of stuff scenarios for the more frequent 6 count? Still thinking no as I like the idea of a bed back there for some of the boat focused camp trips.

I remember my Dad pulling the doghouse in the econoline passenger. It happened enough, but that was one of the original soccer vans. It had a three speed on the column (if I recall and H). That made for a few burnouts as a teen.

My 2007 3/4 Burb gets 7-8 pulling our 35'10 tongie to bumper GVWR 10000lb trailer..... It does well on hills and the 6 speed is good. I get 15-17 highway and 9.8-12 city. I do have a heavy foot :)

Something else to consider on a "new Style" Burb is that the Hitch receiver can not be upgraded. You get a 500/1000lb rated hitch, it is integrated into the rear crumple zone. This is absolutely absurd IMO, as why else would you get a 3/4 ton burb...... I fought with Gm over this when i had discovered it.... my 2005 Burb and 2006 Tahoe both had 750/1500lb rated receivers......... My dealer actually could not believe it either and did pick up the bill to have some welding done.... Plated the corners and installed a down tube to frame cross member. Also this Hitch sits Extremely High (25" off the ground, i need a 12" drop to set up the trailer properly.

Good luck in your decision.... But to answer your original post.... Diesel with out a doubt!!

My 2007 3/4 Burb gets 7-8 pulling our 35'10 tongie to bumper GVWR 10000lb trailer..... It does well on hills and the 6 speed is good.

you dont have a 6-speed transmission. you have a 4L80.

ben

you dont have a 6-speed transmission. you have a 4L80.

ben

i'm fairly sure the 07 2500 burbs had the six speed just like the 07 2500 pickups

i'm fairly sure the 07 2500 burbs had the six speed just like the 07 2500 pickups

No, the 2500 suburbans didnt get the 6L90 until 2008. 2007 had the 4L80.

No, the 2500 suburbans didnt get the 6L90 until 2008. 2007 had the 4L80.

i stand corrected..thought it was 07 but guess it was 08

Ya I got a new 6.0 sub for my wife, it hauls great and the motor has come a long way. Her old 2500 quad steer pick up was a gas guzzler. I have been real happy with the suburban. I am sure that 6 speed helps out the mileage.

Sorry about that and the confusion.... Hot here frying my brain, My burb is an o8 and i do have the six speed.

I love It but it is not easy on gas, but not bad, again i have a heavy foot. It has a S&B cold air intake and Diablo tuner set on economy.

Sorry about that and the confusion.... Hot here frying my brain, My burb is an o8 and i do have the six speed.

I love It but it is not easy on gas, but not bad, again i have a heavy foot. It has a S&B cold air intake and Diablo tuner set on economy.

ahh ok yep, sorry about that...understood. :)

BTW your burban is badass looking, I love the wheels and towing mirrors. Im normally not a big fan of black/dark colored wheels but yours looks sweet. :cool:

Last year I traded my TT (bumper hitch) for a 5th wheel. I travel 2400 miles to FL (each way) and back once a year and to WI about twice a year. After having both the bumper hitch and 5th wheel NO WAY in hell would I go back to bumper trailer! With the economy today states are cutting back on highway maintenance. My 9000 lb 5th wheel just floats compared to the constant surging of the bumper trailer on crappy highways. You may consider that and trip distance you plan on taking.

Last year I traded my TT (bumper hitch) for a 5th wheel. I travel 2400 miles to FL (each way) and back once a year and to WI about twice a year. After having both the bumper hitch and 5th wheel NO WAY in hell would I go back to bumper trailer! With the economy today states are cutting back on highway maintenance. My 9000 lb 5th wheel just floats compared to the constant surging of the bumper trailer on crappy highways. You may consider that and trip distance you plan on taking.

Too many people to move or I would have a cc hd. I have often thought about a towing a fth wheel with a boat attached to it. I have seen some triples around. I think it would involve compromises in the boat or 5er to daisy chain without special permitting.

Looking for a family people mover that can tow a good size travel trailer. I do not have the TT yet either, but am thinking about combos. It looks like the LGH will be offered in 2011 passenger savannahs/expresses. I have considered a crew cab half or 3/4 ton pu, but I just don't have the need for the box over the occasional headcount/locked stuff space. I am thinking hard over the 6.0 gasser versus the diesel due to initial cost. The van - engine maintenance ease also makes me wonder the relative $ pain factor should something go wrong with either engine. The diesel also drops the towing rating (pretty sure). Anybody got a guess what mpg I might get with the 6.0 versus the new duramax? I am expecting a city/hwy mix of maybe 50/50 overall; maybe 12-15 k mi/year. Also, thinking about towing a big old boat at some point. I have access to the gms discount, but not sure what that really means anymore as I haven't gotten serious with a dealer.

Thanks.


Possible correction: I have now seen some conflicting tow ratings at different sites. I will have to talk to dealer about it. Do your own due diligence...

thx again.