Upgrading TV, need input

[TeamCyBo]

We are kicking around the idea of upgrading our tv. We now have a 1996 Explorer with a V-8, class 5 hitch, HD trans cooler and 3.73 rear end. While it does a great job, it is getting on up there in miles. Our TT is an 2012 Outback 210RS.

We are considering a 2008 Armada SE, 5.6 L engine, 2wd, class III hitch which we will upgrade to a IV or V. It has a tow capacity of 9,000 lb., Does anyone have an Armada that they tow with? What are the pros and cons about this vehicle. We want honest opinions so please give us the info that we can make a good decision on.

Thanks,
Bo

[Festus2]

Bo:
Try this site :
www.edmunds.com

It gives an overview of this vehicle which you may find helpful in making a decision.

[hankaye]

TeamCyBo, Howdy;

Eliminate ALL doubt .... Go big or stay at home;

http://www.google.com/search?q=peter...w=1350&bih=710



hankaye

[TeamCyBo]

Originally Posted by hankaye

TeamCyBo, Howdy;

Elininate ALL doubt .... Go big or stay at home;

http://www.google.com/search?q=peter...w=1350&bih=710



hankaye

Sounds like a great idea. But I just don't think it's in the budget

[wincrasher]

Any full size SUV or Pickup has the engine power and wheelbase you need.

The problem is the payload capacity and your hitch weight.

I just bought a Suburban to haul a 6000 lb trailer with a 600 lb tongue weight because most all SUV's were overloaded when you added in fuel and passengers.

If you must have an SUV, I highly recommend the Suburban. Otherwise a crew cab pickup truck is the next best thing.

[jje1960]

Originally Posted by TeamCyBo

We are kicking around the idea of upgrading our tv. We now have a 1996 Explorer with a V-8, class 5 hitch, HD trans cooler and 3.73 rear end. While it does a great job, it is getting on up there in miles. Our TT is an 2012 Outback 210RS.

We are considering a 2008 Armada SE, 5.6 L engine, 2wd, class III hitch which we will upgrade to a IV or V. It has a tow capacity of 9,000 lb., Does anyone have an Armada that they tow with? What are the pros and cons about this vehicle. We want honest opinions so please give us the info that we can make a good decision on.

Thanks,
Bo

All I can do is relate our experience. Our last setup was a 2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer. TT was 27QBSS Rvision. We loved the trailer, the floor plan, the light weight, many camping days of enjoyment. What I did not like, was the SUV's short wheel base, period. That Ford had plenty of power, however getting the wheel ripped out of your hands on the Interstate with trucks was just outrageous. Suggest considering a pickup truck, crew cab and having the confidence to go where ever you wish, without worry of grade or towing comfort. Also, if you wish to entertain a larger trailer, you don't have to constantly worry if you TV is enough. Just ones perspective, many ways to do the RV travel experience.

[TeamCyBo]

Originally Posted by jje1960

All I can do is relate our experience. Our last setup was a 2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer. TT was 27QBSS Rvision. We loved the trailer, the floor plan, the light weight, many camping days of enjoyment. What I did not like, was the SUV's short wheel base, period. That Ford had plenty of power, however getting the wheel ripped out of your hands on the Interstate with trucks was just outrageous. Suggest considering a pickup truck, crew cab and having the confidence to go where ever you wish, without worry of grade or towing comfort. Also, if you wish to entertain a larger trailer, you don't have to constantly worry if you TV is enough. Just ones perspective, many ways to do the RV travel experience.

Jje1960, thanks for the input. While I have always been a pickup man and totally understand where you are coming from, the suv is our only answer. Cy likes to have the pups (3 of them) to ride behind us in their pen. Fortunately I have not had any problems with tractor trailers sucking my Explorer and 210RS around. Maybe I'm just lucky. We will probably upgrade to a bigger trailer in the future. We have discussed probably upgrading in 2 or 3 years but can't at this time imagine going over a 9,100 lb towing need. I have a 5.0 in my 96 Explorer and it has done very well. What engine do you have in yours and what is it's towing capacity? Also what kind of mileage do you get?

Thanks again,
Bo

[allentx1]

Originally Posted by hankaye

TeamCyBo, Howdy;

Elininate ALL doubt .... Go big or stay at home;

http://www.google.com/search?q=peter...w=1350&bih=710



hankaye

hankaye - would be too hard to park at the kids martial arts practice... besides, it doesn't fit into the garage.

[hankaye]

allentx1, Howdy;

Originally Posted by allentx1

hankaye - would be too hard to park at the kids martial arts practice... besides, it doesn't fit into the garage.

Try one like on this Home page...

http://www.hooverstruck.com/About.htm

Only have to raise the roof a foot ... maybe 2

hankaye