How much is a f*rd supercrew?
I've towed with a 95 chev 1500 xcab, 81 1/2ton burb, 99 3/4ton burb 454 (zoom zoom) and '03 excursion 7.3. I love the excursion!
Having invested a LOT of money in the tow rig and trailer, and then tow rig doo-dads, I wonder sometimes about the wisdom of my choices. Since it's all nearly paid off, I'm keeping it, (anyway, I'd take a bath if I sold it, and couldn't replace it for the $$). But I still wonder...
I have often thought about selling it and buying a '91 3/4ton burb. Yes, it would only have the 350, and pulls over Parleys would suck. But it would be cheap, and I could easily swap in a 454 (btdt) or 8.1.
I have kids (and their cousins and friends, etc) so the burb/excursion is kind of a must. I liked the '99 burb. Ok, loved it, but really wanted to try a diesel for towing, and admittedly, diesels are awesome for towing!!!
If a deez is required, I'd go for the 99-03 dudge or f*rd. I'm a chevy guy, and those are my recommendations, based on bang for the buck. 6spd or auto (you'll rebuild the auto, plan on around $3500). Since having my excursion, I'm totally sold on the stupidoody.
So, I love my deezuuulll, even as a daily driver, but here's my daily drive: to the gym (7-10 minutes), back home, to work (12-15 minutes), then back home. It has a chance to warm up and stay warm in the morning, same with the drive home. I really love pulling with my deez as well.
Now, here's the weird part, especially for those that know me. For the last year for work I've been driving an '06 super crew, and lately, an '08 super crew. Both have the 5.4 and medium size sterling rear axle (9 3/4?) It's basically a 3/4ton. You know what? I've loved these trucks! So has my family! Easy to start, quick to get going, no waiting for the turbo to cool down, etc. AND...I even towed a buddy's jeep with the '06. Loaded up in Sandy, over the point, down to Orem. Towed like a dream. Had it floored climbing the point, but managed 65 to 70. The wheelbase was nice too (warning: tahoes and grand cherokees, in my humble opinion, are too short for towing 4x4s on trailers). I could seriously live with this truck! But I'd never pull two jeeps on a trailer like I've done with my excursion. And I'd sell it before the tranny blew up at 105,000 miles.
One other thing: flat towing with a 1/2ton is fine, but if you are gonna trailer it, get a 3/4ton so that you'll have more control over the trailer, and a safer, more enjoyable drive.
Find a supercrew or a chev with a 6.0 and see how you like it. Drive it for a couple years, then sell it if you really need more. Or a 3/4ton burb, if you need the seats. Don't go with an older rig unless you need another project. '96 or newer.
I fretted and surfed and agonized for months before each of my tow rig purchases, but was overall happy each time, and I'll be keeping the excursion for a long time.
Brett
Anyway again I am not trying to sell you on Fords--I hate all American vehicles built after 1979 
