Large SUV vs Truck

[ArizonaKevin]

Getting close to needing a new vehicle for myself and trying to decide between a large SUV (suburban, expedition max) or another half ton truck. Our struggle is finding enough room on roadtrips for our two dogs and baby.

I have never not had a truck, but we do have a flat bed trailer for when I need to do truck things. Just will be kind of a PITA to have to get it out if I need to haul something.

Anyone been in the same predicament, thoughts?

 

[Canuck 1]

Buy both, then you don't have to worry

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

I would lean towards the SUV especially when you throw in the dog aspect of it. If you have one more kid, then no room in truck for 2 kids and dogs.

 

[River Runnin]

You lost me at 1/2 ton! --- Now a minimum 3/4 ton! -- Put an awesome canopy on the pick-up (much cleaner with dogs) or go the other way!

 

[1tonfun]

Crew cab with a shell for the dogs.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

You lost me at 1/2 ton! --- Now a minimum 3/4 ton! -- Put an awesome canopy on the pick-up (much cleaner with dogs) or go the other way!

A long bed super duty with a camper shell, on 37's, looks so clean.

 

[ArizonaKevin]

My dogs have been spoiled their whole lives being in the AC, I couldn't put them in the bed of the truck in a camper shell when it's 110+ outside.

Ideally the wife gets a burb and I get a truck, but she doesn't want to DD something that big.

 

[attitude]

I have two kids and when we had our second I bought my fiancée a Yukon XL. My truck never gets used now, but I don’t have anything to tow. The Yukon is the handiest vehicle I’ve ever had, especially when you need to room in the back for river trips or even moving like we did a week ago. I highly suggest you get the longer version of whatever SUV you are looking at.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Sounds like you are buying a Suburban Kevin.

 

[CLdrinker]

Wife has a Durango I have a 3/4ton.

All bases covered.

1/2ton is a car with a bed.

 

[WhatExit?]

F150 will do it all and can tow way more than you'll ever need

 

[RiverDave]

I'd look for a lightly used Navigator L.. I have had a few Navigators and loved them!! Resale is shit on them as well so you can get a nice one cheap.

RD

 

[Ace in the Hole]

Getting close to needing a new vehicle for myself and trying to decide between a large SUV (suburban, expedition max) or another half ton truck. Our struggle is finding enough room on roadtrips for our two dogs and baby.

I have never not had a truck, but we do have a flat bed trailer for when I need to do truck things. Just will be kind of a PITA to have to get it out if I need to haul something.

Anyone been in the same predicament, thoughts?

Mega cab. With small kids, dogs etc…it’s the only way to go. I do more 1k mile plus runs with kids on the road than most….the mega cab makes it possible.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

I would lean towards the SUV especially when you throw in the dog aspect of it. If you have one more kid, then no room in truck for 2 kids and dogs.

I beg to differ. I’ll take my mega cab over most SUV’s and I’m toting 2 kids and 2 dogs. Been doing it since mak was 6 weeks old.

“A man without a truck is a woman”

 

[spectras only]

^^^ this
I had a Navigator Ultimate, best SUV I ever had. traded it for the F-150 Ecoboost to meet the max tow capacity for my travel trailer.
The Navi had the 7 seat. It had the tow cap of 8900lbs and towed my 8300lb Mirage/trailer no problem at any of the 8/9 percent grades. I think I'll get another one in the 2003 2004 range with the 32V DOHC Intech engine when find a clean one.

 

[spectras only]

I beg to differ. I’ll take my mega cab over most SUV’s and I’m toting 2 kids and 2 dogs. Been doing it since mak was 6 weeks old.

“A man without a truck is a woman”

A Navigator is a 1/2 T truck on a truck frame.

 

[c_land]

Mega cab. With small kids, dogs etc…it’s the only way to go. I do more 1k mile plus runs with kids on the road than most….the mega cab makes it possible.

That is a good idea. How much room do the Megas have behind the seats? Or do you fold one seat and put the dogs there?

 

[kurtis500]

We had a suburban for 14 years and a truck. The truck was used mostly just for utility and everything else the suburban did. kids, dogs etc. I'd go big SUV unless you need an exposed bed for hauling or a 5th wheel hitch.

 

[rivermobster]

No RD SuX?

This poll is flawed. I demand a recount.

 

[bowtiejunkie]

How big are your 2 dogs?

I can’t live without a truck. If I had a utility trailer maybe I could. We’ve never had dog, but 2 kids and mostly gotten by locally with a sedan. Long trips or utility functions are with my truck. Write down pros/cons of SUV & Truck and go from there.

 

[ka0tyk]

Unless you’re getting a L version of a suv they’re extremely limited space wise inside once you fill up the seats and have someone in the 3rd row. My navigator only had like two feet behind the seats so suitcases or an ice chest was almost a no go. That being said I’ve had 6 in my crew cab truck and a whole 8’ bed packed with stuff. But you’re talking diff ride quality SRA vs IRS and other amenities inside as well. Truck rear seats don’t hold a candle to SUV comfort either.

 

[WhatExit?]

Getting close to needing a new vehicle for myself and trying to decide between a large SUV (suburban, expedition max) or another half ton truck. Our struggle is finding enough room on roadtrips for our two dogs and baby.

I have never not had a truck, but we do have a flat bed trailer for when I need to do truck things. Just will be kind of a PITA to have to get it out if I need to haul something.

Anyone been in the same predicament, thoughts?

Buy @2Driver 's new truck that he can't fit in the garage and he can buy the Suburban that will fit in there! Solving problems all day long is what we here on RDP do!

 

[HBCraig]

Getting close to needing a new vehicle for myself and trying to decide between a large SUV (suburban, expedition max) or another half ton truck. Our struggle is finding enough room on roadtrips for our two dogs and baby.

I have never not had a truck, but we do have a flat bed trailer for when I need to do truck things. Just will be kind of a PITA to have to get it out if I need to haul something.

Anyone been in the same predicament, thoughts?

I rented an Expedition and really liked it. Seems like you would be better suited with an SUV

 

[Bobby_329]

I really tried to talk my wife into a lowered duramax with a tonneau cover but here is how that went.

 

[Shlbyntro]

I beg to differ. I’ll take my mega cab over most SUV’s and I’m toting 2 kids and 2 dogs. Been doing it since mak was 6 weeks old.

“A man without a truck is a woman”

you forgot to mention the hamster

 

[Ace in the Hole]

you forgot to mention the hamster

May she Rest In Peace

 

[BUDMAN]

if you don’t need the truck go SUV. More versatile.

 

[MK1MOD0]

It’s a real trade off with the truck vs suv. I personally have felt the suv works better with the dogs and such. Ps. I had a navigator for 20 years and will say, with the factory air bags, it tows better than a 1/2 ton pickup. Hands down. It was very reliable and just kept on going. Perfect dog/ river mobile.

 

[monkeyswrench]

I have an old beater half ton for hauling crap I wouldn't throw in the SUV. We have an 04 Excursion we bought used, 16 years ago. It has hauled 3 ridgebacks, 3 kids, a boat and all our crap to the river and lakes. It's mostly relegated to enclosed car trailer duty now for me. It keeps crap out of the weather, has rear AC and does ok towing what I consider light.

 

[Canuck 1]

Another option

 

[BUDMAN]

SUV. If you don’t need a truck for day to day stuff

 

[Ace in the Hole]

That is a good idea. How much room do the Megas have behind the seats? Or do you fold one seat and put the dogs there?

Idk off hand…my dogs are sub 20lbs so they are just around. We stuff crap behind the seats with stuff for trips…. If I had to guess a foot? The back seat area is considerably longer on top of that compared to a normal ram crew. I don't think I could go back to a non-mega cab truck. It's convenient as it gets. In a couple weeks when we load up for WA I'll take some pics before I roll out of how I lay it out, cooler etc.

If my step daughter is gone (which she is all summer)...we do exactly that...we lay down a seat and use that for dogs, bags, etc. The truck can be configured in several ways.

I really thought long and hard about selling and doing a suburban...but in the end, I cannot do what I do without a truck, and I need the higher payload and towing cap

 

[C_J_J_C]

Once you go large SUV (I don't understand trucks with camper shells) you will never go back. Yukon XL Denali would be my vote.

 

[Hypnautic]

With kids - - SUV
Without kids - - Truck

For us--with 3 children it really changes things--you need that third row for function and comfort. There was no way to put twins in car seats and still have enough room for our oldest Daughter. Then add the strollers, then sports gear x3, then bikes, etc. . so a large SUV was the clear winner for us. I did not want to put those items in the back of a truck even if it had a cover.

Now we are just about in the exact opposite position. Our last two children are almost all out of the house. 1 senior an Univ of Oregon. Twins, girl going to UO too and boy is going Navy. We could be empty nesters by June 2023.
Ready for a new ride and we are struggling cause we really like the Grand Wagoner. But soon--it will be just two of us and a 4lbs ankle bitter and that is just too much to tote around every day.
We (meaning me, since I wear the pants around here) are thinking new F250 or Silverado 2500 for trucks or small SUV like the Q8. Im leaning towards truck so I can get a nice enclosed car trailer to tow around with toys. Just not sure of short or long bed. . .

 

[Tank]

Have you seen the new keep grand wagoners?

Fuckin gorgeous. And I’m a GM guy. But damn.

 

[Deckin Around]

Ideally the wife gets a burb and I get a truck, but she doesn't want to DD something that big.

I did exactly that but kept my wife’s old car too that she never drives now she is comfortable in the suburban. I wanted my wife and kids in the biggest vehicle that was realistic for safety. I got rid of my 3/4 ton diesel and have a 2021 Chevy trail boss. I put airbags on the rear and it will tow 8000 pounds fine. The truck goes on desert trips and the suburban goes to the river. 2 kids, 1 wife 1 Lab and a weenie dog

 

[rivermobster]

Have you seen the new keep grand wagoners?

Fuckin gorgeous. And I’m a GM guy. But damn.

View attachment 1174284 View attachment 1174285 View attachment 1174286 View attachment 1174287 View attachment 1174288

Don't even think about it brother...

That's a lemon lawsuit just waiting to happen! Call for details if necessary.

 

[WhatExit?]

I have a family member with one. Don’t do it - it’s a Jeep (I love my Jeep but it’s not $100,000).

 

[River Runnin]

I'm a FUK any Manufacturers that are going all electric by 20XX!

 

[DLC]

So look down the road say 5 years…

What do you see…..
hauling kids to practice, games, ballet or dance, birthday parties and all the other events that kids do will a truck bed work or the SUV enclosed cab & 3rd row


a tow hitch rack can haul a washer/ fridge, trailer…..

I would look for lightly used as kids will drop stuff and spill juice etc ……then - dump it after they turn 8 or 10 years old

 

[Tank]

Don't even think about it brother...

That's a lemon lawsuit just waiting to happen! Call for details if necessary.

Really?! Good to know. The Fuckin hellcat grand wagoners is like 165k!!!

 

[LHC Kirby]

For some of us the answer is much tougher...... Me for example. Wife and a Labordoodle. AND Three Grandkids,, Presently 1, 5 and 8. We do a lot with them. 5 & 7 are with us for 5 days in Havasu at the moment. So..... I have no choice but to go SUV. AND the reason being grandkids... I am 100 percent okay with it. But am thinking a corvette would be a nice addition for the wifey and I for our get aways.

 

[ultra26shadow]

Have you seen the new keep grand wagoners?

Fuckin gorgeous. And I’m a GM guy. But damn.

View attachment 1174284 View attachment 1174285 View attachment 1174286 View attachment 1174287 View attachment 1174288

Lol every time I see one of those it reminds me of the Canyonero

 

[sml]

Awhile back i Was somewhat in that predicament with a 160lb french mastiff, 6lb chihuahua and a baby. Non xl yukon denali was pushing it after the wife packed half the house for any trip. Especially if you need to take wagons/strollers, a nice size cooler, etc. I have all sorts of trailers and for some reason i was always hesitant towing with the whole family in the suv. More so because of other drivers and the bullshit they do around anything towing. At the time I had a crew cab ford dually that i’d just drive separate in with the big dog and tow if i needed to haul the jeep, sxs or whatever and i’d just do it in peace in my dually and let the wife and kids go in her suv.

fast forward to today…..both dogs crossed the rainbow bridge, got 2 kids now (5 & 3) and when we go to our cabin an hour and a half away she drives her Bmw X7 and i drive my f250. It’s Just better that way If you need a third row without a doubt get in to suburban or anything xl size. We also have a audi Q7 that would be worthless hauling anything with the 3rd row up just like the X7 would be.

If you get just a truck i’d follow @Ace in the Hole suggestion and maybe do the mega cab thing. We all piled in my crew cab f250 (that has a mid height camper shell) last weekend for a quick turn and burn to some snow and after all the shit got loaded in the cab and two youth sized snowmobiles in the bed it was tight. Again i have a selection of trailers to take but sometimes it’s just more of a pain in the ass for little stuff, in my opinion.

 

[MissHavasuCig]

I got a 2022 Suburban RST last year and highly recommend it! Bells and whistles are awesome, tech is great and it’s super comfy. Very pleased with it …

Dog approved

 

[LakeMead Boater]

@ArizonaKevin this is a tough choice. But, in my opinion, unless you do a mega cab like @Ace in the Hole, you’re much better off in a large SUV. We have a ‘17 Yukon XL for my wife and I have a ‘14 Sierra 1500. We have 3 boys under 5 and 2 20ish pound dogs.

With the Yukon, we fit all 3 boys in car seats in the middle row. Even with the infant car seat which takes up a lot more room, you don’t have to move a seat forward to fit it compared to my truck. Also, for weekend trips, there’s a lot more room and it’s easier to pack than the truck. When I found out we were pregnant with our third, I thought about giving my wife my truck, but ended up with a great deal on the Yukon so we got that and I’m so glad we did. My wife used my truck 2 weeks ago while hers was in the shop. It felt incredibly cramped with the 3 boys in it and us two, actually surprisingly different compared to the Yukon XL.

Long story short, for the foreseeable future, we will always have a Yukon XL or something very similar. Kicking around the idea of a Sprinter down the road, though lol.

Two more things, my wife was hesitant on the XL but she loves it now and feels it’s way easier to drive compared to my truck and I would agree. Also, I think @attitude said it, get the biggest one you can from the start. You will not regret having more space!

 

[ArizonaKevin]

Our dogs are both 60lb, I am leaning towards an RST Burb like pictured above. Just worry I will miss my truck

 

[pronstar]

Based on your use - kid(s) and dogs - if you get a pickup, you’ll be cramming everything into the cab while a ton of room in the bed is sitting unused 99% of the time.

 

[69hondo]

We have both and could go either way.
One thing that isnt being touched on is if you are thinking about a short bed truck then buy a full size SUV. My wifes suburban is almost 8ft of space when you put the second and third row down. more length then todays shortbeds. If you got to leave you tailgate down to have two dirtbikes or 8ft 2x4s do you really have a "truck"! I kid guys I kid.

 

[tostark]

My dogs have been spoiled their whole lives being in the AC, I couldn't put them in the bed of the truck in a camper shell when it's 110+ outside.

Ideally the wife gets a burb and I get a truck, but she doesn't want to DD something that big.

I put a shell on with the old style rubber boot. When we need the back seat of the crew cab for people, dogs go in the bed. With the window between shell/truck open and a side window in the shell cracked, there is plenty of AC flowing thru