The Expedition was rolling at 95,000 miles. It was giving us just enough warnings to know it was time to move on before the 100k mile warranty ran out. We also needed a little more room, since the Expedition with the 3rd row seat up had about 10" of luggage space in back. An Expedition EL was not on the list since I don't think the rear end is very good looking, plus my wife was frustrated by Ford's inability to fix a torque converter shudder after 4 trips to the dealer. (They never admitted a problem and instead replaced 2 coil packs which did nothing to help. They would test drive it, say "yup - we notice a shudder. But there's no transmission code tripped, so there must be no problem with that. :huh: But it did trip a coil pack code, so here are a couple new coil packs. :lockedup: )
It feels weird having a Chevy in the family again, but it feels good. We scored this from a dealer. 29,000 miles, 2 yr lease return, 2007, LT with a long list of options. There's stuff in there that I wouldn't have ordered, but the deal was so good, it would have been nutty to pass on it. Sticker was $50,000, KBB was $42,000. Edmunds "True Market Value" was $33,850. We got it for $33,900, plus a $1,700 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. They gave us $14,000 for a trade-in on the Expediter, which was a grand more than I was hoping. :ohyeah:
Well, here she is...
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/saxonyron/family08-09051.jpg)
Dashboard is damned nice. GM is turning out a good product overall - fit and finish is impressive, materials feel good. Even the light switches and 4WD selector switch are solid and well-damped. Ford could use a few pointers here. :devil: The touch screen with Bose radio, navigation and backup camera is real slick, and it sounds almost as good as the A6's Bose system.
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/saxonyron/family08-09120.jpg)
The DVD system is nice - infrared headphones, and if you're parked, you can watch the movie on both screens.
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/saxonyron/family08-09109.jpg)
Dirty as hell after driving on country roads for one rainy day. I love the black color, but I hate it too. Living on a dirt road, it'll be a PITA to keep it looking good. But the black looks so nice, it'll make up for it.
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/saxonyron/family08-09118.jpg)
It drives about like the Expedition. It's a bus, no matter how you slice it. 5.3 L 310HP gives it a nice off the line acceleration. At speed, it's squishy and speeds up like a locomotive. No neck snapping here. :mask: But it's smooth and handles decently. It's 16" longer than the Expedition, but only weighs 140 pounds more (5,740 lbs). Gas mileage should be about the same - 14 - 16mpg on average, so all the extra room is almost free. :cheers:
So life with General Motors has begun. I hope this new ride works out as well as the last 3 Fords.
Isn't time to get rid of the kids and get something a bit more sleek?
I'm pretty sure they make a supercharger kit for that.
Quote from: Raza on September 12, 2009, 09:38:58 PM
Isn't time to get rid of the kids and get something a bit more sleek?
:lol: I keep trying, but they keep coming back. :huh: At least I'm not the one driving this beauty every day. I'm a weekend warrior only. The rest of the time I'm enjoying my automatic transmission on the sleek A6. :devil:
Quote from: NACar on September 12, 2009, 09:39:50 PM
I'm pretty sure they make a supercharger kit for that.
That sounds tempting... Another what, 30 or 40 horses? Good thing my wife is happy with it the way it is. She's a cheap date.
Quote from: saxonyron on September 12, 2009, 09:44:29 PM
That sounds tempting... Another what, 30 or 40 horses? Good thing my wife is happy with it the way it is. She's a cheap date.
More like another 130 HP
http://www.vortechsuperchargers.com/product.php?p=154
Quote from: NACar on September 12, 2009, 09:46:39 PM
More like another 130 HP
http://www.vortechsuperchargers.com/product.php?p=154
Shiiiiiiit! 442HP ought to give it a little more giddyup!
Quote from: saxonyron on September 12, 2009, 09:55:13 PM
Shiiiiiiit! 442HP ought to give it a little more giddyup!
It is very important for the safety of the children!
Quote from: saxonyron on September 12, 2009, 09:55:13 PM
Shiiiiiiit! 442HP ought to give it a little more giddyup!
What you need is a bag, some rocks, and some rope.
Quote from: Raza on September 12, 2009, 10:10:56 PM
What you need is a bag, some rocks, and some rope.
What happens then?
Quote from: NACar on September 12, 2009, 10:23:29 PM
What happens then?
Raza seems to think my kids are kittens. :devil: Sorry Raza - that method only works for cats. Besides, I know you'll be shocked to hear this, but I actually really enjoy the little buggers. You'll find this out for yourself when someday you'll get married, settle down and become an enthusiastic dad. :huh:
(Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ! I kill me. I'm so funny. :evildude: )
Should've gotten a Q7. :lol:
Quote from: CALL_911 on September 12, 2009, 10:52:13 PM
Should've gotten a Q7. :lol:
I was close to it, but towing capacity did that idea in. That, and the Suburban is about 20 feet longer. Actually, the Q7 is only 4" shorter than the Expedition, IIRC. But that's a stultifying 20 inches less compared to the Chevy. Plus the boxy truck body gives you a lot more volume. But the Q7 is soooooo sweet. Take away the heavy trailer load, and we would have squeezed into the Q7. Stickers were very close for the same year and mileage. A few grand more for the Audi, but worth it. :cry:
The Sub is like the Tahoe, but with a real back seat. Also, I think the longer wheelbase makes the ride nicer.
Definitely a nice ride. You're still going to need a trailer to haul all of the munchkins at the same time. I would have gotten an Econoline transit bus if I were you.
congrats- one of the original SUVs.
(Anything that's not a Jeep, Exploder, Range Rover, 4Runner, or 'Burban is just a pretender.)
BTW for $35large we bought 70ft with a kitchen, 3 bedrooms, builtin microwave, 2 bathrooms- one had a garden tub, and lots of windows. But the wheels were off, it was in a trailer park, and it was 1999.... :lol:
Ah, you'll be spending more time at gas stations. :thumbsup:
Those black Suburbans look awesome. Nice pick.
Congrats, nice truck! I'm jealous of your tow vehicle.
Quote from: the Teuton on September 13, 2009, 12:56:46 AM
The Sub is like the Tahoe, but with a real back seat.
Thank you, Captain Obvious! :lol:
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on September 13, 2009, 05:53:26 AM
congrats- one of the original SUVs.
(Anything that's not a Jeep, Exploder, Range Rover, 4Runner, or 'Burban is just a pretender.)
BTW for $35large we bought 70ft with a kitchen, 3 bedrooms, builtin microwave, 2 bathrooms- one had a garden tub, and lots of windows. But the wheels were off, it was in a trailer park, and it was 1999.... :lol:
Land Cruiser, S10 and K5 Blazer, Trooper, Carry All ( :lol: )...
:rockon:
I'll never own a black vehicle again though. Unless it's a 3rd car that's garaged all the time.
Quote from: Catman on September 13, 2009, 03:22:41 PM
:rockon:
I'll never own a black vehicle again though. Unless it's a 3rd car that's garaged all the time.
Yeah, black vehicle and a dirt road is just a bad, bad combination. But black cars look fantastic when they are clean.
Congrats on the truck, Ron. I really like Suburbans a lot.
Quote from: Psilos on September 13, 2009, 02:24:05 PM
Thank you, Captain Obvious! :lol:
Sit in one. You'll see.
Quote from: the Teuton on September 13, 2009, 12:56:46 AM
The Sub is like the Tahoe, but with a real back seat. Also, I think the longer wheelbase makes the ride nicer.
Definitely a nice ride. You're still going to need a trailer to haul all of the munchkins at the same time. I would have gotten an Econoline transit bus if I were you.
It rides amazingly well, but doesn't handle with much agility. The Ford with the independent rear suspension action handled the curves better. As for the Econoline bus, I've threatened my kids that if they didn't keep the new ride looking new, I was going to trade it in for a lime green E-250 extended crew van. :devil: I've noticed that they've been picking up their crap a little better than before. When the honeymoon wears out in a few months, I'll see how they're doing.
Quote from: Psilos on September 13, 2009, 03:57:25 PM
I... didn't deny?
But the difference is remarkable. Really. The Suburban is worth the money over the Tahoe.
NIce pick! I just rented on last month for our adut weekend at my cabin. I really enjoyed that yacht! :cheers:
Quote from: the Teuton on September 13, 2009, 04:00:34 PM
But the difference is remarkable. Really. The Suburban is worth the money over the Tahoe.
Well, it's bigger, obviously. Bigger is bad, unless you can use the size.
But I was just pointing out that it's pretty obvious that the 'Burban is a long version of the 'Hoe. ;)
Quote from: gotta-qik-z28 on September 13, 2009, 04:28:16 PM
NIce pick! I just rented on last month for our adut weekend at my cabin. I really enjoyed that yacht! :cheers:
:winkguy:
Quote from: cawimmer430 on September 13, 2009, 06:16:34 AM
Ah, you'll be spending more time at gas stations. :thumbsup:
:lol: No matter how you slice it, these things eat gas, but it's still better than driving 2 cars everywhere! The gas mileage so far is very close to the Expedition. Only 150 pounds more, plus basically the same engine. I figure we'll average 14 - 15 mpg on this one too. Besides, the gas tank is around 30 gallons - absolutely huge! The Expedition was only 23 or so. So I guess we'll be spending
less time at the gas stations! :rockon:
Quote from: HEMI666 on September 13, 2009, 12:47:34 PM
Those black Suburbans look awesome. Nice pick.
Thanks! I feel a little like Secret Service when I climb out of it. :mask:
Quote from: J86 on September 13, 2009, 12:56:12 PM
Congrats, nice truck! I'm jealous of your tow vehicle.
Quote from: J86 on September 13, 2009, 12:56:12 PM
Congrats, nice truck! I'm jealous of your tow vehicle.
Thanks! Unfortunately there's no sailboat left to tow. :( Just the nag trailer. Haven't towed it yet, but I figure it'll be solid without a lot of tail wagging.
Quote from: saxonyron on September 13, 2009, 06:50:45 PM
:lol: No matter how you slice it, these things eat gas, but it's still better than driving 2 cars everywhere! The gas mileage so far is very close to the Expedition. Only 150 pounds more, plus basically the same engine. I figure we'll average 14 - 15 mpg on this one too. Besides, the gas tank is around 30 gallons - absolutely huge! The Expedition was only 23 or so. So I guess we'll be spending less time at the gas stations! :rockon:
Just more time when you do go. 30 gallons take for-freaking-ever to fill! You'll be able to wash all the windows, vacuum the interior, get a snack, listen to some tunes, take a nap, post on the 'Spin, call home to say you'll be late...
:lol:
Quote from: Catman on September 13, 2009, 03:22:41 PM
:rockon:
I'll never own a black vehicle again though. Unless it's a 3rd car that's garaged all the time.
I really like a black car though. They look so nice. My emotions seem to override the obvious problem with black cars on dirt roads. We'll just be hitting the carwashes a lot, I guess. :ohyeah:
Quote from: The Pirate on September 13, 2009, 03:47:39 PM
Yeah, black vehicle and a dirt road is just a bad, bad combination. But black cars look fantastic when they are clean.
Congrats on the truck, Ron. I really like Suburbans a lot.
Thanks Adam! I'm loving all the extra room. I'm probably in the 20% minority of Suburban owners who actually need all the space. But in the world of huge SUV's this is a pretty well-engineered and well-made piece of work.
Quote from: Psilos on September 13, 2009, 06:56:02 PM
Just more time when you do go. 30 gallons take for-freaking-ever to fill! You'll be able to wash all the windows, vacuum the interior, get a snack, listen to some tunes, take a nap, post on the 'Spin, call home to say you'll be late...
:lol:
:lol: Yeah, filled it last night and I kept checking the ground to see if it was spilling on the ground. 10 minutes, 30 gallons and around $75 later, we were good to go! :rockon:
Quote from: gotta-qik-z28 on September 13, 2009, 04:28:16 PM
NIce pick! I just rented on last month for our adut weekend at my cabin. I really enjoyed that yacht! :cheers:
Thanks! Land yacht it is. I had the dog in the way back, and I could barely see her. It was like she wasn't even in the car. Poor Ruby felt very left out, so we let her sit in the middle row.
Quote from: saxonyron on September 13, 2009, 06:57:43 PM
I really like a black car though. They look so nice. My emotions seem to override the obvious problem with black cars on dirt roads. We'll just be hitting the carwashes a lot, I guess. :ohyeah:
Swirl marks. :nono:
Quote from: Catman on September 13, 2009, 07:06:43 PM
Swirl marks. :nono:
Not if you do it just right. And if you don't do it just right, you just need to squint a lot. :huh: It came from the dealer swirly-free. I might have to drive it back over routinely for cleanings. :lol:
Quote from: saxonyron on September 13, 2009, 07:01:37 PM
:lol: Yeah, filled it last night and I kept checking the ground to see if it was spilling on the ground. 10 minutes, 30 gallons and around $75 later, we were good to go! :rockon:
Sweet Baby Jesus! The taxes on the SL2 were less than that.
Quote from: saxonyron on September 13, 2009, 06:55:44 PM
Thanks! I feel a little like Secret Service when I climb out of it. :mask:
Thanks! Unfortunately there's no sailboat left to tow. :( Just the nag trailer. Haven't towed it yet, but I figure it'll be solid without a lot of tail wagging.
well, with that towing capacity you can buy something bigger!
Grats. I like the current C/K trucks a lot.
Quote from: saxonyron on September 13, 2009, 06:57:43 PM
I really like a black car though. They look so nice. My emotions seem to override the obvious problem with black cars on dirt roads. We'll just be hitting the carwashes a lot, I guess. :ohyeah:
Some places offer gas/wash combos were you save like 20-30 cents a gallon by purchasing a wash with your gas. At 30 gallons thats like a free wash! Keep that truck looking good :ohyeah:
Quote from: saxonyron on September 13, 2009, 06:50:45 PM
:lol: No matter how you slice it, these things eat gas, but it's still better than driving 2 cars everywhere! The gas mileage so far is very close to the Expedition. Only 150 pounds more, plus basically the same engine. I figure we'll average 14 - 15 mpg on this one too. Besides, the gas tank is around 30 gallons - absolutely huge! The Expedition was only 23 or so. So I guess we'll be spending less time at the gas stations! :rockon:
:ohyeah:
Quote from: saxonyron on September 13, 2009, 07:01:37 PM
:lol: Yeah, filled it last night and I kept checking the ground to see if it was spilling on the ground. 10 minutes, 30 gallons and around $75 later, we were good to go! :rockon:
A 30 gallon tank is nothing. I have a '99 Suburban with a 454 and a 43 gallon tank. I bought it cheap but nicely loaded and use it to tow a 31 foot camper. It pulls the 7500lb beast well through the mountains of Utah but I try not to think about the fuel economy. :cry:
Nice ride.
When does the A6 get replaced? Seems like you normally buy in pairs so shouldn't it's time be up pretty soon?
Quote from: RomanChariot on September 14, 2009, 09:23:57 AM
A 30 gallon tank is nothing. I have a '99 Suburban with a 454 and a 43 gallon tank. I bought it cheap but nicely loaded and use it to tow a 31 foot camper. It pulls the 7500lb beast well through the mountains of Utah but I try not to think about the fuel economy. :cry:
Probably measured better in gallons per mile, eh? :ohyeah:
Quote from: TBR on September 14, 2009, 09:37:11 AM
Nice ride.
When does the A6 get replaced? Seems like you normally buy in pairs so shouldn't it's time be up pretty soon?
No way! Only 50 k miles on the A6 - I'm keeping this one for at least another couple years.
Quote from: saxonyron on September 14, 2009, 11:35:34 AM
No way! Only 50 k miles on the A6 - I'm keeping this one for at least another couple years.
Are you not driving as much as you used to or am I just remembering wrong? Seems like you have had it for 2 years and bought it with ~10k. Wouldn't that normally put you at 70k?
I guess I am probably just confused since your last one was a lease (how stalkerish is it that I know that?).
Nice truck!
Should've got something like this, though... :lol:
(http://www.customautosbytim.com/2005v10Excursion_009.jpg)
(http://www.customautosbytim.com/Ford_Excursion_001.jpg)
Saw a diesel version of this truck towing a really big travel trailer last weekend out at the campground by the ocean. Farking big truck.
Farking big truck extended version or not. When you see one on a freeway or something it just looks a little bigger than a Suburban or Expedition EL, but when you see one on a surface road you realize just how huge the things are.
I don't know what I would do with one, but I want an Excursion nonetheless.
Quote from: saxonyron on September 14, 2009, 11:31:14 AM
Probably measured better in gallons per mile, eh? :ohyeah:
It feels that way sometimes. Most of the miles I put on it are with a trailer behind it so I have not measured the fuel economy in daily driving. On trips towing the trailer I have gotten as high (ha! ha!) as 9mpg and as low as 7.5mpg. Granted, those numbers include towing the trailer and crossing over mountain passes as high as 9000 feet with the beginning and ending elevations in the 4500 foot range so it gets a pretty good workout.
Quote from: TBR on September 14, 2009, 11:39:36 AM
Are you not driving as much as you used to or am I just remembering wrong? Seems like you have had it for 2 years and bought it with ~10k. Wouldn't that normally put you at 70k?
I guess I am probably just confused since your last one was a lease (how stalkerish is it that I know that?).
Stalker alert!!! :lol: You've got a good memory, though. I bought the A6 in Dec. of '07 and it had only 4,000 miles on it. I've averaged 26,000 miles per year for at least the last 15 years. 22 months of ownership, 46,000 miles driven, 2,190 mi/month puts me just over 26,000 per year. I'm hoping to have this one for at least another 2 or 3 years. We'll see if it still feels good at 100,000 miles and the warranty runs out.
Quote from: ChrisV on September 14, 2009, 12:17:22 PM
Nice truck!
Should've got something like this, though... :lol:
(http://www.customautosbytim.com/2005v10Excursion_009.jpg)
Saw a diesel version of this truck towing a really big travel trailer last weekend out at the campground by the ocean. Farking big truck.
Yikes! That's ludicrously large! I'm sure my wife would enjoy parking that at the supermarket. :lol:
Quote from: ChrisV on September 14, 2009, 12:17:22 PM
Nice truck!
Should've got something like this, though... :lol:
(http://www.customautosbytim.com/2005v10Excursion_009.jpg)
(http://www.customautosbytim.com/Ford_Excursion_001.jpg)
Saw a diesel version of this truck towing a really big travel trailer last weekend out at the campground by the ocean. Farking big truck.
These things are awesome. I've seen one that is used as the boat car...so sick. Tows the boat AND space for the crew.
Quote from: RomanChariot on September 14, 2009, 12:29:02 PM
It feels that way sometimes. Most of the miles I put on it are with a trailer behind it so I have not measured the fuel economy in daily driving. On trips towing the trailer I have gotten as high (ha! ha!) as 9mpg and as low as 7.5mpg. Granted, those numbers include towing the trailer and crossing over mountain passes as high as 9000 feet with the beginning and ending elevations in the 4500 foot range so it gets a pretty good workout.
I'm feeling sympathy pains for your transmission as I read this. 4500 foot climb? I feel bad for my vehicle when I climb 1,000 feet in our little White Mountains up here in NH. I'm surprised you get as high as 7.5!
Quote from: saxonyron on September 14, 2009, 04:28:48 PM
Yikes! That's ludicrously large! I'm sure my wife would enjoy parking that at the supermarket. :lol:
You don't park... You bulldoze.
Quote from: TBR on September 14, 2009, 12:27:14 PM
Farking big truck extended version or not. When you see one on a freeway or something it just looks a little bigger than a Suburban or Expedition EL, but when you see one on a surface road you realize just how huge the things are.
I don't know what I would do with one, but I want an Excursion nonetheless.
I know what you mean. I also pine for a ridiculously large (and preferable diesel) SUV. I prefer the Suburban, but I do like the Excursion a lot.
Like you, I have absolutely no use for one, though I could quite possibly move out of my apartment, and live in it.
I don't get the desire for a huge vehicle with no specific use. I drive monstrosities like the Excursion and 2500 series Chevys fairly often, and there is nothing they do well, other than move a lot of people/stuff. They handle like shit, are a bitch in town, pointless on the highway, and are far too large off road. I mean, they have their use (couldn't tow huge-o-ginormous gubment FEMA trailers without 'em), but, if I don't have that use, there is no way you're gonna get me to buy even a full-size pick-up.
Quote from: Psilos on September 14, 2009, 09:10:05 PM
I don't get the desire for a huge vehicle with no specific use. I drive monstrosities like the Excursion and 2500 series Chevys fairly often, and there is nothing they do well, other than move a lot of people/stuff. They handle like shit, are a bitch in town, pointless on the highway, and are far too large off road. I mean, they have their use (couldn't tow huge-o-ginormous gubment FEMA trailers without 'em), but, if I don't have that use, there is no way you're gonna get me to buy even a full-size pick-up.
Cause it pisses people off :lol:
Quote from: Psilos on September 14, 2009, 09:10:05 PM
I don't get the desire for a huge vehicle with no specific use. I drive monstrosities like the Excursion and 2500 series Chevys fairly often, and there is nothing they do well, other than move a lot of people/stuff. They handle like shit, are a bitch in town, pointless on the highway, and are far too large off road. I mean, they have their use (couldn't tow huge-o-ginormous gubment FEMA trailers without 'em), but, if I don't have that use, there is no way you're gonna get me to buy even a full-size pick-up.
I have had a fair amount of experience with my dad's 4wd F-250 LWB. That's about as big as it gets and I really do enjoy driving it. It's everything you say and more (for example: you have to be very gentle with the throttle if the road is even the slightest bit wet, else the rear will step out, not a pleasurable experience in a 3+ ton truck), but there's just some intangible pleasure I get from driving it.
Quote from: TBR on September 14, 2009, 09:35:12 PM
I have had a fair amount of experience with my dad's 4wd F-250 LWB. That's about as big as it gets and I really do enjoy driving it. It's everything you say and more (for example: you have to be very gentle with the throttle if the road is even the slightest bit wet, else the rear will step out, not a pleasurable experience in a 3+ ton truck), but there's just some intangible pleasure I get from driving it.
Bullshit. I LOVED getting the ass end out on my buddy's father's fleet of worktrucks :lol:
Quote from: saxonyron on September 13, 2009, 06:50:45 PM
:lol: No matter how you slice it, these things eat gas, but it's still better than driving 2 cars everywhere! The gas mileage so far is very close to the Expedition. Only 150 pounds more, plus basically the same engine. I figure we'll average 14 - 15 mpg on this one too. Besides, the gas tank is around 30 gallons - absolutely huge! The Expedition was only 23 or so. So I guess we'll be spending less time at the gas stations! :rockon:
holy smokes. 30 gallons?
Quote from: TBR on September 14, 2009, 09:35:12 PM
I have had a fair amount of experience with my dad's 4wd F-250 LWB. That's about as big as it gets and I really do enjoy driving it. It's everything you say and more (for example: you have to be very gentle with the throttle if the road is even the slightest bit wet, else the rear will step out, not a pleasurable experience in a 3+ ton truck), but there's just some intangible pleasure I get from driving it.
I liked driving them at first (well, after I got used to the size), but after the novelty wore off... Meh, just a big annoying beast. :huh:
Quote from: J86 on September 14, 2009, 09:37:04 PM
Bullshit. I LOVED getting the ass end out on my buddy's father's fleet of worktrucks :lol:
:lol:
Quote from: saxonyron on September 14, 2009, 04:31:04 PM
I'm feeling sympathy pains for your transmission as I read this. 4500 foot climb? I feel bad for my vehicle when I climb 1,000 feet in our little White Mountains up here in NH. I'm surprised you get as high as 7.5!
I wish GM still put diesels in the Suburban but the big block serves me well. We bought it about 2 years ago as a designated tow vehicle. I got the most heavy duty version I could find because when we haul the trailer we usually go about 180 miles one way to get to our destination and very little of it is flat. I would have loved to have gone with a fifth wheel trailer and pickup combination but like you I have 37 kids and can't fit them all in a crew cab pickup and I don't want them riding in the trailer as I have seen what happens to trailers in even a mild accident.
Quote from: RomanChariot on September 15, 2009, 09:22:00 AM
I wish GM still put diesels in the Suburban but the big block serves me well. We bought it about 2 years ago as a designated tow vehicle. I got the most heavy duty version I could find because when we haul the trailer we usually go about 180 miles one way to get to our destination and very little of it is flat. I would have loved to have gone with a fifth wheel trailer and pickup combination but like you I have 37 kids and can't fit them all in a crew cab pickup and I don't want them riding in the trailer as I have seen what happens to trailers in even a mild accident.
Damn, you've got 37 kids too? It's not every day I meet someone else with as many offspring as I. :cheers:
Quote from: saxonyron on September 15, 2009, 09:45:01 AM
Damn, you've got 37 kids too? It's not every day I meet someone else with as many offspring as I. :cheers:
Some of us are just more driven than the rest! :ohyeah:
Quote from: RomanChariot on September 15, 2009, 10:21:15 AM
Some of us are just more driven than the rest! :ohyeah:
:lol: Inquiring minds want to know...so how many do you really have? I don't really have 37 :( - only 5 - from 7 yr old twins to 17. We just sold our popup camper and are going to step up to a larger hybrid trailer. The popup was 24 ft long with a slide out, so it was as big a popup as you can get. But now that the kids are all getting bigger, it became obvious this year that we had outgrown the camper. I spent the whole trip sleeping in the tent with my 2 sons. We were banished from camper life by the girls. :lockedup:
That's rough...about as rough as popping out 37 kids.
Quote from: saxonyron on September 15, 2009, 10:28:46 AM
:lol: Inquiring minds want to know...so how many do you really have? I don't really have 37 :( - only 5 - from 7 yr old twins to 17. We just sold our popup camper and are going to step up to a larger hybrid trailer. The popup was 24 ft long with a slide out, so it was as big a popup as you can get. But now that the kids are all getting bigger, it became obvious this year that we had outgrown the camper. I spent the whole trip sleeping in the tent with my 2 sons. We were banished from camper life by the girls. :lockedup:
We also have 5 kids ranging from 18 months to 12 years old. We have 4 girls with a boy as the caboose. We bought some recreational property about an hour away from where we live and my wife insisted that it have restroom facilities (it already had a small pavilion, fire pit, etc.) so I convinced her that getting a trailer would be the easiest way to go. We got a great deal on a 31 foot trailer with 4 bunkbeds so we could sleep everyone easily (we have had as many as 12 people sleep in it at one time). Now my wife likes the trailer more than the land so we drag it all over the state and she is starting to want to extend our camping trips. :rockon:
Quote from: RomanChariot on September 15, 2009, 11:16:28 AM
We also have 5 kids ranging from 18 months to 12 years old. We have 4 girls with a boy as the caboose. We bought some recreational property about an hour away from where we live and my wife insisted that it have restroom facilities (it already had a small pavilion, fire pit, etc.) so I convinced her that getting a trailer would be the easiest way to go. We got a great deal on a 31 foot trailer with 4 bunkbeds so we could sleep everyone easily (we have had as many as 12 people sleep in it at one time). Now my wife likes the trailer more than the land so we drag it all over the state and she is starting to want to extend our camping trips. :rockon:
Nice! As long as your wife is on board, life is good. A 31 footer is huge! And having a permanent camp is a great idea. A guy I work with has one in northern NH and he uses it quite a bit in summer. Congrats on the big family. I always wanted one - my wife is one of 8, I'm one of only 2. So we met in the middle. :ohyeah:
My wife is a reluctant camper, but I've been camping all my life, and my kids love it. A hybrid is a good compromise since I can sleep with canvas over my head in the fold out bunks, and she can have the standup kitchen, microwave, big fridge, etc. that make it easier for her enjoy the week. Camping is one of those things that if you don't grow up with it, it's tough to transition to. She'd prefer a condo or hotel. :nutty: :lol: But she gets that during the other vacations, so it's a good compromise. :cheers:
Quote from: saxonyron on September 15, 2009, 11:52:01 AM
My wife is a reluctant camper, but I've been camping all my life, and my kids love it. A hybrid is a good compromise since I can sleep with canvas over my head in the fold out bunks, and she can have the standup kitchen, microwave, big fridge, etc. that make it easier for her enjoy the week. Camping is one of those things that if you don't grow up with it, it's tough to transition to. She'd prefer a condo or hotel. :nutty: :lol: But she gets that during the other vacations, so it's a good compromise. :cheers:
Hybrids area great compromise, though as I found out recently, setting them up in a heavy rainstorm is a PITA. Almost as much as a tent (except you don't float away when inside it). And since we tend to travel with our two dogs, generally condos and hotels are right out.
(http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv352/Merc_63/Our%20cars/camp1.jpg)
(http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv352/Merc_63/Our%20cars/camp2.jpg)
Quote from: ChrisV on September 15, 2009, 12:09:35 PM
Hybrids area great compromise, though as I found out recently, setting them up in a heavy rainstorm is a PITA. Almost as much as a tent (except you don't float away when inside it). And since we tend to travel with our two dogs, generally condos and hotels are right out.
(http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv352/Merc_63/Our%20cars/camp1.jpg)
(http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv352/Merc_63/Our%20cars/camp2.jpg)
Nice trailer! It's never fun setting up in the rain. I've done it so many times, I think I'm cursed! I imagine the fold out beds collect a bunch of water between the time you fold the beds out and sets the roof supports up. It's still worth it - I really need that little bit of canvas so I can feel like I'm an honest camper. Besides, I'm looking at a 23 footer hybrid that has almost as much room as a 30 footer.
Nice truck Ron. Congrats! I find the Chevy trucks really cool. And to me at least, they sound absolutely awesome with that big V8 roar.
The Suburban is way cooler than the Escalade or Lincoln trucks.
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on September 16, 2009, 04:01:01 AM
Nice truck Ron. Congrats! I find the Chevy trucks really cool. And to me at least, they sound absolutely awesome with that big V8 roar.
The Suburban is way cooler than the Escalade or Lincoln trucks.
Thanks Nick! I'll bet you'd love to have a Suburban for your life in the british countryside! Plenty of roomy roads to cruise and sprawling town centers to parallel park. :rockon: And yeah, the V8 does sound sweet. Nicer than on the Expedition.
Quote from: saxonyron on September 17, 2009, 09:11:29 PM
Thanks Nick! I'll bet you'd love to have a Suburban for your life in the british countryside! Plenty of roomy roads to cruise and sprawling town centers to parallel park. :rockon: And yeah, the V8 does sound sweet. Nicer than on the Expedition.
I have a friend with a Yukon XL Denali. I've seen him parallel park it in busy places like Pittsburgh and in State College (Penn State). If he can do it, you can do it.
He does have a backup camera, though.
Quote from: the Teuton on September 18, 2009, 12:01:27 AM
I have a friend with a Yukon XL Denali. I've seen him parallel park it in busy places like Pittsburgh and in State College (Penn State). If he can do it, you can do it.
He does have a backup camera, though.
I'm looking forward to my first parallel parking event. :rockon: I love a challenge. Fortunately, this one has the backup camera and beeper too. Seems like cheating, but I know I'll appreciate it when I'm trying to sandwich it into a space with a foot and a half on either end of the bumpers.
I really like Suburbans. Even my friend's old 1994 or something rides better than most cars I've been in.
I was driving a 2002-4(?) Suburban around the woods this week. Seemed pretty good for a big thing. Rides well enough on the highway. You can feel the weight, though. Roll-y and slow to brake...
Ron, you really need to go to Europe with this townhouse on wheels - I would love to see how you piss of some busy soccer-moms by using the only 4 parking lots in front of the supermarket :lol: :rockon:
You should pick up some of those Chevy 20" ers, they look good!
If the Expedition was a 5.4L, you made the right decision. The shudder is probably coils, they fail constantly until all are replaced, but from my experience, if coils are failing, spark plugs are due to be replaced and that project on a 5.4L made after 2002 is a disaster.
Quote from: JWC on September 20, 2009, 05:51:19 PM
If the Expedition was a 5.4L, you made the right decision. The shudder is probably coils, they fail constantly until all are replaced, but from my experience, if coils are failing, spark plugs are due to be replaced and that project on a 5.4L made after 2002 is a disaster.
Yikes! They replaced 2 of the coil packs - one at a time, with very little improvement. The 1st time they charged me $306. Not covered under warranty! :banghead: I complained and insisted it felt like the torque converter since it was so severe when cruising at 40-45 and I gave it a little gas. They didn't charge me for the 2nd one. But damn, swapping out all 8 would run $2,500?? :confused: And the plugs what, another $800?? Glad I got the bumper to bumper on the Chevy. I'll tell you, repair bills like that are why I like to buy them slightly used then bail on them at 100k miles before the big bills come due. Sure I'll always have a car payment, but for the miles we drive, that's just the way it goes, I suppose.
Quote from: Secret Chimp on September 18, 2009, 10:03:38 PM
I really like Suburbans. Even my friend's old 1994 or something rides better than most cars I've been in.
Quote from: Psilos on September 20, 2009, 12:54:41 AM
I was driving a 2002-4(?) Suburban around the woods this week. Seemed pretty good for a big thing. Rides well enough on the highway. You can feel the weight, though. Roll-y and slow to brake...
The ride is amazing. I just took it on my first highway cruise - 2 hrs to the Cape. At 75, it's very smooth, quiet and stable. Impressive. Not as darty as the Expediter, and the longer wheelbase and soft but firm suspension tuning helps when going over bridge expansion joints . It feels like it a big boat as it pounces over a wave and settles on the other side. The brakes aren't giving the A6 a run for the money, but they worked great, hauling the beast down on the exit ramps.
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on September 20, 2009, 09:38:17 AM
You should pick up some of those Chevy 20" ers, they look good!
:rockon: They are real nice, but too much bling for me! The 17's are a little boring, but they look pretty good.
Quote from: Autobahn on September 20, 2009, 01:16:58 AM
Ron, you really need to go to Europe with this townhouse on wheels - I would love to see how you piss of some busy soccer-moms by using the only 4 parking lots in front of the supermarket :lol: :rockon:
:lol: 4 spaces is about right!