To buy or not to buy.

linux3 · 03-05-2017, 11:50 AM

I pull a 195RB as you see. My Explorer Sport has all the tow goodies like Tow Mode and trailer sway control and the 3.5 Ecoboost.

I'm thinking of trading it in on a Silverado 1500 Double cab Z71 with the V8 and yada yada.

I don't want to get into another long flame about pulling with an SUV.

I'm back and forth about the truck because I really, really like to drive the Explorer. It's my daily driver and I've never driven a truck. Not sure I'd be happy with it and the fact is mostly I drive without the trailer.

But, after about 4 hours I'm pretty beat and had enough pulling for the day. Will the truck be any more comfortable?

I get around 11 MPG on Premium when pulling. Anyone with experience with this type of TV and 3800 lb trailer and what they get for MPG? This is not a strange question as the Explorer has a 18.5 gal. tank and I start to really look for gas stations at around 1.5 hours of running. The truck has a 26 gal tank. Will I get longer drive times between fill ups?

As I said, I don't want a flame war or questions of my sanity. I'm hoping for real world experience towing comparable weights, SUV vs. truck.

busterbrown · 03-05-2017, 12:05 PM

In all honesty, your MPG's wont be much better, but your driving experience will. Longer wheelbase full size truck will control your trailer better. A larger TV gas tank will keep you on the road longer. You're about at the max limit on a midsize SUV's towing capabilities. The Silverado will greatly improve your margins.

66joej · 03-05-2017, 01:00 PM

Agree with busterbrown. I had a 06 Explorer with 4.6 engine. Enough power to pull the 14' TT we had then but it was a tiring drive. Upgraded to a pickup truck and it vastly improved the drive. You will find a difference. JMO

notanlines · 03-05-2017, 01:06 PM

I also agree with what was said. Don't look for much better mileage, regardless of what you might hear. The 1500 is made to haul your rig. Enjoy it!

CrazyCain · 03-05-2017, 01:36 PM

Yep, i tow my rig with a 1500 also with all the bells and whistles towing package, V8...Tows like a dream!

MattHelm21 · 03-05-2017, 02:08 PM

This is not to flame the Explorer. I have a '16 Platimum Explorer with the ecoboost 3.5 and same size fuel tank which I love. I don't tow with it but I do have to fill the tank constantly as you already know. I'm positive when they sized the tank, Ford was running the figures against the 3.5 normally aspirated engine. I'm confident that Silverado will give you greater distance between gas stations just due to the size of the fuel tank. Depending on your driving habits, you might not see too much of a mileage penalty either. The ecoboost can be just as thirsty as a V8 when the turbos spool up.

As to comfort, I spend equal time between the Explorer and an F450 driving solo. They both have all the bells and whistles and I am just as comfortable in either one. A 1500 Silverado should be a dream to drive both towing and solo. As I said, I haven't towed with my Explorer but your description is about what I would expect.

ctbruce · 03-05-2017, 03:29 PM

I had a 1500 and it was very comfortable to drive. My trailer was considerably heavier so can't really say about a comparison. I believe that you will be very pleased at the difference in the overall experience improvement. It should be night and day. Be sure to update us all after you tow with it.

Chip Bruce, RPh
Kansas City, MO
2016 Fuzion Impact 312
2017 3500HD Silverado LTZ

Tbos · 03-05-2017, 06:14 PM

I had a 1500 and towed 2 different trailers with it. One 3700 lbs dry weight and one 5100 dry. It never knew the lighter one was there except the mileage went down. It did ok on the bigger one too but it definitely knew it was there on the bigger hills. I recently upgraded to a diesel dually because we plan on moving to a 5er in a couple years. Buy a crew cab instead of a club cab and put a cover on the truck and you'll have more space for passengers and stuff with better towing as a benefit. Have fun deciding.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

CaptnJohn · 03-05-2017, 06:59 PM

I towed a couple light TTs with a couple different 1/2 ton trucks. Once the Equalizer hitch was set correctly and junk P tires removed they did fine. We had an Explorer V8 and the only thing I towed with it was a flat trailer with a garden tractor short distances. Short WB and soft suspension with the tow package.

**sourdough** · 03-06-2017, 02:57 PM

IMO you will like the truck much better. I doubt mileage will improve but the driving experience will, and you will be able to go further. For us, we like to stop every 2 - 2 1/2 hours anyway for pit stops, fuel and let puppy out.

I know you love the Explorer and have never driven a truck but once you get used to the truck I think you will like it; especially being able to tow without getting worn out. We have multiple vehicles (including a 2017 Explorer) but MY favorite vehicles are the trucks; but, I've driven trucks since I was a kid. My wife likes them as well but would rather have an SUV for an only car....but she doesn't tow and has no desire to if I leave the earth. Good luck on your choice; I think you are making a wise decision.

linux3 · 03-07-2017, 03:05 PM

Well, look at my signature.
In a couple of weeks when we get the TT out of winter sleep I'll post a picture of both together.

**sourdough** · 03-07-2017, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linux3

Well, look at my signature.
In a couple of weeks when we get the TT out of winter sleep I'll post a picture of both together.

Hey! Hey!! Congrats on the new truck! Take some time driving it and getting used to it....it won't be like the Explorer, at all. Going from the Explorer it will take some time getting used to parking it in parking lots etc.

It won't be but a few weeks and you can try it out with the trailer - I think you will be happy. Put some miles on it to break it in a bit before dropping the trailer behind it. You will need to readjust your WDH to fit the truck. Good luck!

Firewall · 03-07-2017, 05:53 PM

Nice jump up. You will love the Silverado now just be careful or you will be buying a bigger camper! Have fun, now you can relax and drive!

66joej · 03-07-2017, 06:04 PM

Congratulations! Hope you got more for the Explorer than I did.
Enjoy that new Silverado. You will enjoy towing.

PARAPTOR · 03-07-2017, 06:26 PM

Congrats on your new Silverado!!!! Big Change

Be Safe

linux3 · 03-07-2017, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Firewall

Nice jump up. You will love the Silverado now just be careful or you will be buying a bigger camper! Have fun, now you can relax and drive!

Sigh, the wife is looking.
She wanted a 2510RB but it was too heavy for the Explorer. Sigh.

**JRTJH** · 03-07-2017, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linux3

Sigh, the wife is looking.
She wanted a 2510RB but it was too heavy for the Explorer. Sigh.

Sounds like you "shoulda bought that duallie" and been done with it

ctbruce · 03-08-2017, 03:20 AM

Gee...this has never happened before....congrats. Enjoy. Relax.

Chip Bruce, RPh
Kansas City, MO
2016 Fuzion Impact 312
2017 3500HD Silverado LTZ

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