Question of the year

[stevenmd]

"increasingly apparent"?
I'm sorry Dude, but with all due respect, thats hilarious. As if you needed to actually try it first to see if 7 people traveling together would be ok. As if there was a point in time when you specifically thought that 7 people in one vehicle would be spacious and comfortable. You're killing me.

I guess you're right. I should just stay home and not allow my children to experience the world and all it's glories just because things might be a little snug.:ylsmoke:

Go the used full size van route. You can find used 4x4 conversions on CL. Personally, I'd hold out for an Extended Body, aka 15 passenger van with IPods and headphones; thats your best bet for 7 happy travellers.

Yeah, forget adventure. Allow my children to not communicate like a family. Maybe I should forgo parenting as well, perhaps let them make all their own decisions too. HELLO!!! The whole reason to travel is to do stuff as a family! Experience life as a family! Create memories as a family!:friday: (They don't have a hot coco drinking smilie)

With any suv, including a Suburban, you are still elbow to elbow and shoulder to shoulder with no room to stretch out. People need their space when traveling.

My children will learn to appreciate the life and experiences they are given. I am not the type of parent to give them every luxury just because I can afford it. Should I only fly them first class to not allow them to feel the "elbow to elbow and shoulder to shoulder with no room to stretch out" section of regular class. Or perhaps I shouldn't expose them to other cultures who have less electronic invaders in their lives? Come on dude! The whole reason why we are here on this earth is to live life!:victory:

But I do thank you for your opinion and if my children were older, a 4x4 van would be my immediate choice but they are still young. I also have a city slicker wife to appease.:coffeedrink:

 

[T.Low]

I guess you're right. I should just stay home and not allow my children to experience the world and all it's glories just because things might be a little snug.:ylsmoke:

Yeah, forget adventure. Allow my children to not communicate like a family. Maybe I should forgo parenting as well, perhaps let them make all their own decisions too. HELLO!!! The whole reason to travel is to do stuff as a family! Experience life as a family! Create memories as a family!:friday: (They don't have a hot coco drinking smilie)

My children will learn to appreciate the life and experiences they are given. I am not the type of parent to give them every luxury just because I can afford it. Should I only fly them first class to not allow them to feel the "elbow to elbow and shoulder to shoulder with no room to stretch out" section of regular class. Or perhaps I shouldn't expose them to other cultures who have less electronic invaders in their lives? Come on dude! The whole reason why we are here on this earth is to live life!:victory:

But I do thank you for your opinion and if my children were older, a 4x4 van would be my immediate choice but they are still young. I also have a city slicker wife to appease.:coffeedrink:

You missed my point entirely. C'est la vie.

What does the age of your children have to do with a choice between an suv and a van, rather than the number of people and corresponding gear needed ? The kids will be a lot happier traveling in the van with more room, thus the mom will be a lot happier.

 

[Cambo]

You missed my point entirely. C'est la vie.

What does the age of your children have to do with a choice between an suv and a van, rather than the number of people and corresponding gear needed ? The kids will be a lot happier traveling in the van with more room, thus the mom will be a lot happier.

I wonder why a van would have more elbow room than an SUV. If he were to get a Sub or an Excursion are they not as wide as a van? Hence the same seating space? Anyway, I think Steves point is he wants room for the whole family and what he wants more than comfort is the experience.

 

[stevenmd]

You missed my point entirely. C'est la vie.

What does the age of your children have to do with a choice between an suv and a van, rather than the number of people and corresponding gear needed ? The kids will be a lot happier traveling in the van with more room, thus the mom will be a lot happier.

No sir, I did not miss your point. Don't misinterpret the fact that I just didn't agree with you as missing your point. This isn't just "7 people", it is a family of 7, with the key word being family. I'm not one of these parents who let their kids watch DVD's, play games and listen to their ipods all the time. I expect my children to learn to interact with their parents and other people in a respectful and courteous manner. But at the same time, anyone who knows me, knows I'm the biggest goofball in the world. I love to have fun. But I also know when to give my children space to make some mistakes in life as these provide teachable moments.

If my kids had their way, we would be taking the 109.:smiley_drive: Crazy, I know.

 

[T.Low]

I wonder why a van would have more elbow room than an SUV. If he were to get a Sub or an Excursion are they not as wide as a van? Hence the same seating space? Anyway, I think Steves point is he wants room for the whole family and what he wants more than comfort is the experience.

Vans do have slightly more hip, shoulder and leg room, and have even more headroom, and a lot more cargo room. (I did quite a bit of research before making my decison to go with an Astro van.

He asked about vans vs suv due to the fact that his family of 7 couldn't go anywhere "without quite bit of discomfort and cramped quarters." That, he also said, is the whole reason he is thinking he needs to buy sooner rather than later and said opinions welcome.

In his defense, he did not say teasing was welcomed, but I couldn't read the line

"but it has become increasingly apparent that we simply cannot go anywhere as a family (of 7), even on short trips, without quite a bit of discomfort and cramped quarters,"

without teasing him for just now figuring that one out. Usually when she's pregnant with number 3 a guy starts worrying about how the heck he's gonna drive everybody and everything around. If we were at a campfire on an overlanding trip and he said that I would have spit up my beer in laughter, then proceed to give him a good natured rash of **** about being Captain Obvious or "yeah, no kidding, WTH were you thinking these last x amount of trips?" or something.

But some people find a little teasing fun, while others get offended.

Best of luck with your decision.

 

[T.Low]

No sir, I did not miss your point. Don't misinterpret the fact that I just didn't agree with you as missing your point. This isn't just "7 people", it is a family of 7, with the key word being family. I'm not one of these parents who let their kids watch DVD's, play games and listen to their ipods all the time. I expect my children to learn to interact with their parents and other people in a respectful and courteous manner. But at the same time, anyone who knows me, knows I'm the biggest goofball in the world. I love to have fun. But I also know when to give my children space to make some mistakes in life as these provide teachable moments.

If my kids had their way, we would be taking the 109.:smiley_drive: Crazy, I know.

The point wasn't the IPods, it was that I was making fun of you for having to actually try 7 in a vehicle to realize that it might be cramped and uncomfortable. I'm no math major but the mental picture of 7 people standing there with all their camping gear and coolers on the ground looking at one Rover...its kinda funny, thats all.

 

[stevenmd]

In his defense, he did not say teasing was welcomed, but I couldn't read the line "but it has become increasingly apparent that we simply cannot go anywhere as a family (of 7), even on short trips, without quite a bit of discomfort and cramped quarters," without teasing him for just now figuring that one out. Usually when she's pregnant with number 3 a guy starts worrying about how the heck he's gonna drive everybody and everything around. If we were at a campfire on an overlanding trip and he said that I would have spit up my beer in laughter, then proceed to give him a good natured rash of **** about being Captain Obvious or "yeah, no kidding, WTH were you thinking these last x amount of trips?" or something.

But some people find a little teasing fun, while others get offended.

Best of luck with your decision.

I was not offended, I just didn't understand where you were heading. I have a rather good and devious sense of humor myself, emphasis on the devious (I was banned from Pirate a few years back but I digress). The reason I didn't understand where you were heading is this: my oldest 3 boys are from a previous marriage. I was a single dad with 3 boys (almost 100% of the time). We went everywhere together and we went out "adventuring" almost every weekend. Then I met my Suzi and we had two more chillins' right off the bat so "adventuring" was put on hold for a bit, except when we left momma and babies at home so the boys could get dirty. My wife owns two day spa/salons and I work full-time plus do consulting work on the side. Our youngest is hitting the year mark so we are now beginning to come out of that "our life is centered around a baby" stage and we are looking forward to getting out more. And yes, I had a vasectomy last year.:ylsmoke:

So, now that the air is cleared, I'm still torn between a van and an Excursion...:shakin:

 

[Railvan]

I've had a 90 Suburban 4x4 and used it for camping, and I loved it but we were only 2 people on board.

For 7 people, I'd vote for a long body van with 4x4. The CUBIC capacity inside is HUGE. Two rows of bench seats and you still have lots of room in back, and with that tall ceiling, you can build storage to make use of the height. The tall roof will make is easier to move around in the middle rows too.

Get a window van or install windows in the front sides of a cargo body. BIG windows will help a lot with viewing from the middle of the van. I have a Sportsmobile now and while there is a back bench seat it is not really useful for passengers. It is really a bench made for use as a camper. The lack of windows to see out of in back means no one really wants to ride back there. A passenger van will not have this problem.

I think it's awesome you are gonna travel with a family of 7! I have great memories of road trips in a slide in camper when I was a kid. But with 7 on board, I'm also glad it's you and not me! :^)

Brian Rutherford

 

[stevenmd]

Brian - my main concern with a van is the higher COG than an suv. Having tipped over before, it is more of a concern for me than most people. While I don't foresee putting myself, my family, or this vehicle in that type of position, it does make me a little more aware of a higher COG.

One of the reasons why I posed the question of van vs. suv is that, with 7 people, we will most likely have to tow some sort of trailer, either for gear or sleeping quarters - or both. So that leads me to ask why spend so much money on a van when I can get a 2000/2001 Ford Excursion for around $10K, spend less than $300 for a 2" lift that I can install myself, another $1200-1500 for larger tires and call it a day. All the work to install the 4x4 stuff under a van is out of my scope of skills so I would have to pay someone to do it for me, plus pay for all the upgrades.

I know it seems like I just talked myself out of a van but it's more complicated than that. I just love the 4x4 van... I also love my 109 but I wouldn't take the family to Alaska or across the US in it!:Wow1:

 

[Superu]

Sounds like the Ex is the way to go. There may be more cubic volume behind the last row of seats in a LWB van, but would you really want to stack it to the ceiling anyway? That'd likely do 3 things that no one will like: increase your chance of tipping with all that weight up high; eliminate your rearward visibility; and make the people in the back row feel like they are in a cave!

Go Ex! Post the build for us to follow and enjoy your family! :smiley_drive:

 

[Colorado Ron]

I'd take my time and find a 1999-early production 2003 with the 7.3L IH diesel. V10 Excursions are great but at beast you will see 12 mpg a 7.3 equipped Excursion will see close to 25 mpg in stock form and with some mild tuning can approach 30 mpg. In stock form the front end is fine but with larger tires I'd look for a Dana 60 out of a 2001 or newer Super Duty (will bolt in) all Excursions cam with a Dana 50 and the axles are a little on the weak side. I've been a Ford tech for over 20 years so fire away if you have any questions you have about Excursions.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I am sorry but 30mpg? Ive seen exaggeration before but that takes the cake.:chef:


I have owned, built, and explored this entire country in all three vehicles. As usual they all have pluses and minuses.

Your wife will want the suburban. 3/4 ton with an 8.1. Plenty of room for 7 (we go with 8 and a dog). My wife would never let me sell it. That is the one suburban I cant touch without written permission.:Wow1:
Strong tranny and the fit and finish is much better than the Ford. I have actually come to like the chevy ride. For expedition travel the IFS will do just fine. I have personally put over 200k miles on IFS and it does fine.




The Excursion is great. I personally wouldnt touch the V10 though. I didnt like it at all. The Chevy 8.1 will out pull it all day long and gets better mpg. Find one with a 7.3 but remember its a rough ride (hint, wife, hint, wont like) and the tranny is auto. It doesnt seem as dependable as the chevy auto. Plan on buying an auto. Id just budget for a 6spd manual conversion, but thats me. Its a heavy beast too.

Vans are cool, but such a pain to work on. I hate that you have to work in the cab and the interior will end up smelling like fuel. At least me two did. The cab over setup is nice and visibility is sweet. I really like the vans, but again, I HATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! working on them.

If you go Ford, STAY AWAY FROM THE 6.0 DIESEL! Please! It will save you a ton of grief.

If had to build it all over again, for a US traveler only, I think I would still go with a Suburban. 8.1, auto, ALL THE BELLS because they are sure nice to have, 285/16s, a detroit locker in the rear, a winch, and a roof rack. Thats it. Nothing more. Nothing less

 

[WKCwith5]

I to have 5 kids and need the space. I have looked at the GM stuff and Vans and Ford. I have used just about all Ford trucks in my buisness for the past 15 years and have really liked the superduty platforms. I have had good service with the Diesels, V-10 and 5.4 as well. I hope to get the Ex with the diesel if a good one comes up for sale. The suburban would be my fall back just because they are so plentiful. I would only go with the 3/4 ton GM stuff with big power or diesel. I gave up on GM work trucks way back, even though my uncles owned a GMC dealer ship. They switched to Ford about 10 years ago. The vans are nice but seem a little soft on the sides with kids in side. Good luck with the adventures.

 

[stevenmd]

8.1? What engine is that? In what year Subs would I find that?

 

[Colorado Ron]

8.1? What engine is that? In what year Subs would I find that?

2001-2006 I believe

 

[bronconut]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I am sorry but 30mpg? Ive seen exaggeration before but that takes the cake.:chef:


I have owned, built, and explored this entire country in all three vehicles. As usual they all have pluses and minuses.

Your wife will want the suburban. 3/4 ton with an 8.1. Plenty of room for 7 (we go with 8 and a dog). My wife would never let me sell it. That is the one suburban I cant touch without written permission.:Wow1:
Strong tranny and the fit and finish is much better than the Ford. I have actually come to like the chevy ride. For expedition travel the IFS will do just fine. I have personally put over 200k miles on IFS and it does fine.




The Excursion is great. I personally wouldnt touch the V10 though. I didnt like it at all. The Chevy 8.1 will out pull it all day long and gets better mpg. Find one with a 7.3 but remember its a rough ride (hint, wife, hint, wont like) and the tranny is auto. It doesnt seem as dependable as the chevy auto. Plan on buying an auto. Id just budget for a 6spd manual conversion, but thats me. Its a heavy beast too.

Vans are cool, but such a pain to work on. I hate that you have to work in the cab and the interior will end up smelling like fuel. At least me two did. The cab over setup is nice and visibility is sweet. I really like the vans, but again, I HATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! working on them.

If you go Ford, STAY AWAY FROM THE 6.0 DIESEL! Please! It will save you a ton of grief.

If had to build it all over again, for a US traveler only, I think I would still go with a Suburban. 8.1, auto, ALL THE BELLS because they are sure nice to have, 285/16s, a detroit locker in the rear, a winch, and a roof rack. Thats it. Nothing more. Nothing less

Don't really care if you believe me or not, I've seen 7.3's get 30 mpg before not saying it's a regular thing but I've seen it.:Wow1: Most hit the mid 20's on a regular basis.