So I'm looking to replace the 2001 Durango with a newer, used, bigger tow vehicle. I have a daily driver, so the new tow vehicle will only be used to tow and occosionally for family outings. We are a family of four, but often hang out with another family of 4.

Here are my "musts":

• SUV, no pickups.
• Seating for 8.
• Tow at least 6000lbs (current boat/trailer is about 4500lbs).
• Leather seats.
• Fold flat 3rd seat (rules out Tahoe/Yukon).
• Mileage under 90K
• Price under $15,000
• Newer than 2003

Here are my "would be nice" things:

• Maroon or white (to match the Annabo)
• Tow capacity of 8,000lbs
• Built-in navigation system
• Sunroof
• Built-in rear entertainment system
• Mileage under 60K
• Price under $10,000

What makes and models should I be looking at? While I really like the looks of the Tahoe/Yukon, the 3rd row seat not folding flat is a deal breaker. Ford Expedition / Lincoln Navigotor is the front runner at the moment.

Why no truck?

Ford Expedition.

We have an 04 Expedition. i would recommend getting an 05 or better. The engine is different. If you can swing it or find it in your budget, get the one with the 6 spd tranny. One word of caution on the Expy standard length, when the third row is up, there is little room behind it. But the leg room in the third row is like that of the second row.

How about a conversion van? I haven't researched the tow capacity but I am sure it is up with the SUV's.

If you can budge on that year, look for an early 2003 Excursion with the 7.3 powerstroke (late 2003 had the 6.0). You might need to budge on the price too because they are rare.

This vehicle will give you the tow capacity you need with the 8 passengers and all their gear on board. The smaller SUV's will have the towing capacity you need but when you subtract the weight of the passengers and gear from the capacity it may not be rated for the total load you are pulling.

My two cents.

Good timing on your post Bob...we're in the same position as you (upgrading our 2003 Durango). We would like a larger SUV that is capable of towing our boat also.

One vehicle that we really are interested in is the Chrysler Aspen. With the HEMI and towing package it has a towing capacity of nearly 9K. The downside is that Chrysler doesn't make this model anymore. Could I have issues with parts, warranty, etc.?

I looked at a Tahoe today and it only had 5K worth of towing capacity. If you were to add weight distribution, it jumps to 10K. I'm not comfortable using a weight distribution hitch with surge brakes though. Do other comparable Big 3 SUV's have a similar capacity...Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, GMC Yukon, etc.

We're also interested in the Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia (not sure of their towing capacities yet).

I believe the vehicles I mentioned above only have room for 7 people though not 8. Guess you could put your 8th person in the boat or on the roof rack .

My tow vehicle is a camper conversion van and it does a great job as a tow vehicle. You would be looking at a passenger conversion or just a plain passenger van. Only draw back would be no 4-wheel drive but with traction control or a limited slip differential it would be good in the snow. Mine has a limited slip differential and handles winter driving well in Chicago. It's worth a look.

I think you are looking at a Diesel Excursion for what you want. That's where I would be focusing my energy.

Most of the big SUVs have a 5K tow rating w/o a weight distributing hitch. Even the pick ups have the rating limitations.

You might be able to find a suburban 2500 but I don't know about the third seat folding flat.

I really want the ability to carry more than 4 or 5 compfortably, preferrably 8. Good suggestion on the van, though, I hadn't given them any thought.

Drive the new Durango with the Hemi. It's amazing compared to the previous version. I had a '99 that I loved, and sold it to buy my '04 Durango Limited. It has the AWD and the Hemi, every option but the rear seat DVD system. I bought it with 36k on it, it has 90k now and the only repair I've had to do is get the water pump replaced under the extended warranty, it was weeping a bit, never did fail on me though.

Gas mileage isn't the best, I average 12-13 in the city, about 16-17 on the highway, but I do have a lead foot.

In my mind it cannot be beat. If the admiral would let me I'd be selling it and getting a Super Duty to ease towing the new boat.

Mine has a towing capacity of 8950lbs. 3rd row seat is a bit cramped, good for the little ones, but 90% of the time its just myself in the truck, admiral and child when we go boating.

My '05 Expedition seats 8 and has a tow capacity of 9600#. It has also been the best, most trouble free vehicle I have ever owned. Diesel Excursion is not necesary. Also, the square door handles on the Excursion and the F-350 are a known burglar problem. They can be opened up in seconds by punching a small hole at the bottom.

My vote is for the Expedition or the Excursion with a diesel, if and and only if you can't find a Nissan Armada that fills the bill.

I'm not sure when the Durango was updated, but I've driven a 2001 (original body style) and a 2005 (current body) and the difference between the two is remarkable, and not in a good way. The '01 is a somewhat nimble, sure-footed and truck-like vehicle, and the '05 is a ridiculously top-heavy, ungainly beast that steers like a pregnant whale. I would steer clear of that SUV like it had the plague for the handling alone.

The Nissan will tow your weight and haul the people you want to haul, and their stuff, comfortably. The steering is tight and responsive and the brakes are good, more than equal to the SUV + towed load. The drivetrain in those trucks is nearly bulletproof, and because they aren't terribly popular vehicles, I would expect the price to be fairly competitive.

I would drive them all....You will only know what you like when you have had the chance to explore all options....The Armada is pretty sharp and the Sequioa is equally as nice.

I have heard HORROR stories about Durangos and the tranny....not sure if that is still an issue or not....

What year Durangos were those? My '04 has been fine...