Re: [VACList] Tow vehicle recommendation needed.

["Jim O'Keefe" <designerjimo@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Marv,

If you never get a larger/heavier trailer, the Escalade (Tahoe-based) might 
be fine.  You might want to spring for one of the larger, Suburban-scaled 
Escalades if you think you'll upgrade someday.

The Suburban has become a most versatile platform for recent GM vehicles.  
In addition to the large Escalade, it has spawned the Avalanche and Escalade 
EXT twins.  Beyond that, the H2 made it to market quickly because it, too, 
is a Suburban 2500 underneath.

We love our Avalanche.  It does a remarkable job of being almost all: a 
comfortable sedan (comparable to our Roadmaster), a hauler for Depot runs 
(it replaced a Nissan P/U), and a powerful tower of our Airstream.  It is 
amazingly upgraded from the '88 Silverado 2500 extended cab.  The locking 
fender bins are great for all those little parts you need handy when 
hitching up.  The only objection is style: I loath all the cheap grey 
plastic body cladding.  So does the new Director of Design at GM; the 
Avalanche is now available with slick sides and body colored bed covers.

Most on this list would urge you to get a bit more tower than you think you 
need, and I agree.  Get one of the bigger Escalades and you'll be able to 
tow about anything you like safely and stylishly.  The Suburban or Avalanche 
are virtually identical, except 10,000 cheaper; as a bonus, no 
self-respecting LA pimp would be cought dead driving one.  The Hummer?  Only 
if you've got an extra 20,000 and nothing better to do with it (like buying 
a second Airstream).

Jim, JR, and Jezebel (the standard poodle)

'85 Limited 32'
'03 Avalanche 2500