Just signed papers for a 2009 Expo XLT EL, pick it up saturday.

Basic uses is Home Depot runs, piling friends into it for trips to the wineries, and towing my Z06 to the track and back. We're happy with the purchase, got it at a great price for the nearest 150 miles, and it comes with a hair over 25K on the clock.

My wife will be primary driver, and shes hesitant to drive a big truck. While it does have a backup system installed, the behmoth size (compared to her old Tiburon) is a little disconcerning to her. What can I do/add to help her watch her blind spots and making moving around easier.

Also, are there any "must have" mods for comfort, reliability, etc? Not looking for heavy off-roading, but I'm a bit hesitant for towing. Never towed before and while the 6-9K tow capacity is well within my ~4500-5000lb weight, just want what else we could do to help out.

Thanks in advance, any help appreciated.

 

congrats and welcome to the fold. I think you'll find the Expy is a great vehicle.

As for the wifes concerns, I feel you. My wife went from driving a Kia to our old F-150, then to the Expy. She refused to drive the truck at first, but once she got a taste of driving that far up in the air and having command of the road...well she won't consider anything now that is smaller.

For daily driving, I suggest you grab some small close-up mirrors from Walmart for $2. See the picture below. They work wonders for helping you see the blind spots and in parking spots when idiots get too close. All of my vehicles get them ASAP after purchasing.

Tow wise. Does your trailer have surge brakes or electronic? If surge, just hook up, ensure you have the safety chains on good, the Z06 strapped down tight and have fun.

If you trailer is electronic brakes, then you need a good controller. check out the towing sections here on FTE. There are some masters at towing. They can steer you to the best option for your purposes.


Vehicle wise, you really don't need to do anything for towing. Just check the oil/water levels, make sure the tires are aired up properly. after a few miles stop and re-check the trailer and lights. The 07+ Expy is a very very good tow platform




stick around. lots of great people here on the board



edit: whoops, forgot the picture of the mirrors. I highly recommend them. They'll give your wife a much better veiw of the road

 

Thanks for thee point in the right direction.

I look forward to having a good time with it, especially our trips to the wineries out east. We had cross shopped the Tahoe, but I didn't bother looking at the Commander for the same reason: if its a big SUV then put real seats in it. The 3rd row jump seats were god aweful.

No trailer yet, looking to grab electronic brakes.

I'll have to go pick up those mirrors this week.