I towed my boat from Maryland to vegas with a 7.3 Excursion that was "slightly" modified and loved it. The problem, however is that the Excursion only has a towing capacity of 11000lbs, which is 660 lbs less than my rig weighs in without fuel. The 2000 - 2005 subs have a capacity of 12.000, but as we all know only comes with gas engines. I tested a 2005 GMC 3500 4x4 yesterday and have to admit I liked the ride. We will see what the outcome will be after discussing it with the wife, but as of right now it looks like a dually is my best bet, and although I only need 4x4 in extremely rear conditions, it is nice to have when you do need it. Should I get one, it will be lowered to the extent where I keep all my handling and towing characteristics.

I agree that the Excursion is too small for you application also, But I think if given the choice I would take it over a 12k capacity suburban anyday.As far as the 4x4 it is a no brainer to me. I don't think I'll ever go off road ,but I didn't want the thing to fail me on the one thing I bought it for.I saw an awesome Skater cat(40'?) being pulled out of the water last year in Havasu by a great looking 2X4 C4500 topkick.Problem was he was STRUGGLING to get it out of the water,spinning all the way up the ramp.It took like 3 or 4 attemps to do it.I felt bad for the guy because I know a lot of people were watching.

Is it not funny how they make a truck, designed for pulling only, and then don't put a creeper gear in it? If the 2x4 would have a creeper gear and a rear diff lock, it would be a no brainer to me. Until they figure that out, I stick with a 4x4 as well...

Another issue that comes with these tow ratings are that most hitch mfgs have a max rating of 14k on their heavy duty receivers.

My 2006 Chevy dually came with a receiver hitch rated for only 7500# from the factory.

My only hope in this thread is to help someone from making the same mistakes I did on a truck. Buy anything but a 4500 Chevy/GMC

I would get the topkick 5500 and not the topkick 4500. Same truck but basically one is rated to tow more. I had a deal on a new topkick 5500 4x4 that was bad azz for around $36k if i recall. I like the 4x4 because I use it often. I decided against the truck because it didn't fit our needs. Cant drive it everyday and can't haul really really heavy stuff. Its a nice truck though. Alot more buyers in that price range when you get ready to sell.

We decided on a Chevy 1ton Dually Duramax with 6spd allison. It has hauled some pretty big boats no problem, and its a daily driver.

If you are in the market for a bigger truck give Reagan Graham a call. He can get you what you need and is very knowledgeable. A good guy.
903-267-2414

I use the crap out of my 4500, from hauling hay to tractors to boats, also had a 3500 dually as well, for the price the 4500 is fine for me and no trouble out if at all. I would buy another one again. 07 4x4 4500 cc Monroe bed doing the inside myself the way I want except for the monroe leather seats.

I'm sure this will do the trick. The yellow truck, not white.

http://www.vincelewis.net/myimages4/Cat797.jpg

:eek:

Me too...this thing is the bomb....I have owned many trucks...light..medium and tractors...this 4500 is not to over the top...and runs like a raped ape...plus there are many things on the market to bump them well past any medium duty on the market for power and speed...i do not get it...I have a 4x4 also....I do not think I would ever buy a 2 wheel drive....that woulf be like buying a 2 wheel drive f 550.....not our fault you guys are dumb and cheap from the start and skip the 4x4:D