Suburban 2500 vs Power Wagon vs Tundra

[sargeek]

I am currently trying to do some long term planning for my vehicle needs.my family is growing, and I might be looking at a larger vehicle for the family. I currently have a TJ & Tacoma DC and we fit just fine. The family consists of 2 adults, a child, a lab, and a newfoundland. It looks like in the spring we will be adding another 2.5 year old child to the mix.

I currently have a small 10' pop-up that even the TJ can tow easily. We are contemplating upsizing the trailer to a small hardside trailer. I can't deciede if the Tacoma is man enough to tow around the Rockies at altitude. So my delima.

Buy a Suburban, Power Wagon, or Tundra.... I know none of them will be rock crawlers, - but they will allow me to explore many two tracks through all types of weather, and be comfortable long haul cruisers.

Suggestions? Experiences.

The Power Wagon is just plain cool, the Suburban allow the dog to ride in a climate controlled area or Toyota reliabiliity.

Past 4x4 owned: 1982 Fullsized Bronco, 1991 Nissan Hardbody Pick-up, 1999 Jeep TJ, 2000 Izuzu Trooper, 2006 Tacoma Double Cab.

 

[18seeds]

The tacoma does not tow well in the colorado rockies. In fact a fully loaded down tacoma doesn't handle the mtn passes that well

 

[WoldD90]

I would vote for the 2500 Suburban, lots of room and relative safety and security of your gear.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

I would vote for the 2500 Suburban, lots of room and relative safety and security of your gear.

x 2 .. plus outstanding aftermarket support.

 

[eugene]

And Toyota reliability is nothing, I know many people with many toyotas that have just as many issues as other brands and many people with other brands that are every bit as reliable as toyota's reputation.

 

[expedition4x4]

This summer I did the same thing and sold my built tj on 37's and bought a 91 burb with solid front axle (last year) I could not see another trip of carrying me 2 kids and a dog on any camping trips in the tj, now I have seating for 8!

 

[Larry]

I agree with Eugene on that one. Toyota’s are overrated for reliability and that is coming from a Toyota fan. I have had a few and would love a new 4Runner right now! The reality is Toy’s are no more reliable than anything else.

For me, it would be a tough call between a Suburban and a Power Wagon. The downside to a '92 or newer Suburban is the IFS front suspension. I have 3 GM’s with IFS and not fond of their off-road performance (or their lack of) at all. It takes a lot of coin to strengthen and make GM IFS work well. Get an old SFA Sub and you'd be all set if you don't mind basically restoring a 20 year old vehicle.

I would go after a Power Wagon and add a topper on the back for the doggers if it was me. Specifically, a white 2011 Power Wagon, with power adjustable pedals, sun roof, Sat radio…..oh, wait….that is my dream truck! Sorry, got off track a bit. :sombrero:

 

[OTR]

I have 100,000 miles on my 2007 Tundra. It was a complete new model year for the entire truck and I haven't had one issue with it. So, I would vote for a Tundra, then Power Wagon, and the Burb would be way down the list.

 

[Rovertrader]

Power Wagon with Flip pac: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45560
see top of page two for updated pics- awesome truck!!

 

[evldave]

I would vote Power Wagon...and this is coming from someone who drove a Sub on a monthlong trip to Alaska, various hunting trips, etc...

An easy test for your family...take both dogs, wet them down really good, quickly towel-dry them off, and put them + the family in a bathroom in the house...stay in the bathroom for an hour, make sure everyone is sitting down at the same level of the dogs.

My brother and I have different perspectives on this...he has a truck because he hates wet dog smell...if your family can handle it, go for the Sub, but you might want to make sure before you assume it's ok :sombrero:

 

[gloriavoxdei]

We have an 01 Yukon XL 2500 (suburban) and kove it. We have 3 kids and a beagle and it is quite nice on long trips. We tow a 17 ft hardside with it and the 6.0 tows it great. The truck has 256K and we have never had a major problem with it sine we bought it with 190K. If you want a diesel then go for the Power Wagon but for over all room for family you can't go wrong with a Suburban.

 

[gm4x4lover]

The choice between the powerwagon and the burb is a tough one. The tundra I dont really see being a contender. I would think what would you rather have more interior room or more cargo room? Also how aggressive are you going to wheel it? If you are going to stay on lighter trails and would prefer a more car like ride the suburban would be the choice to make. If you want a much more hardcore wheeler then the powerwagon would be the choice. Its a tough call, you could always sell the tj and the tacoma and pick up a burb and a powerwagon.

 

[Desert Dan]

Does anyone have real world* gas mileage figures for the 2010-2011 Power Wagon?

*Around town, highway and expo off road use.

I would think if you go easy on the hemi it would do pretty well as it has overdrive etc.

I may do a separate post on this question.

 

[Rovertrader]

mine is '07 so no cylinder deactivation, running 37's w/ stock 4.56s and toting the flippac, around 12mpg city/hwy mix, 8 towing, and maybe 14 hwy- tops. The only weak point.
And someone stated above the PW diesel- not. No diesel avail on the PW, sorry.

 

[Regcabguy]

'03-'07 5.9 diesel Quadcab LB. Manual trans. Great power,dependability,and fuel economy. Unlimited aftermarket products. That's outside your list,but it works.