[Jamo]

Ron...per YOUR needs, go with a new Suburban, or an Expedition if you can go a little smaller.

Excursion's just tall and long enough to screw you up in city parking garages and other parking scenarios. Suburban is usually ok, Expedition makes it. Tahoes are too short for your needs.

Diesel is better, but think of availability where you drive. Gas probably makes more sense on a daily basis and for the occasional tow where you live and drive.

Go new if at all possible (with the 0%--maybe you can). Having a warranty on one of these pigs is well worth it if you will be putting work miles on it.

New Expedition's fold down third seat will be great when you need to haul equipment. Suburban has greater room behind the third seat and overall. I prefer Ford, but the Chevy gas motor is stronger.

As you've said, a pickup won't work for your daily needs...

Can't recall too many 8000 foot mountain passes east of the Mississippi...