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Tow Vehicle 2024


fishing user avatarBluebasser86 reply : 

Well unfortunately it looks like I'm going to be in the market for a new truck in the very near future. I was hoping a new boat would be happening soon but now that the tranny is slipping in my current truck that's going to have to wait. I want to be ready for when that time comes though so I want to buy a truck that will be up to hauling a boat a lot. I'm going to have to stick to the smaller end of the size spectrum for boats (19' would probably be too long to fit in my garage) so I'm not going to be hauling a huge boat. I'm looking at a 1500 Silverado but have been hearing that maybe a 2500 would be better if I'm going to be hauling a boat a lot? Seems like that would be overkill for the size boat I'm looking at but thought maybe some of you guys might have experience with them to share. 4x4 and extended cab is a must but other than that I don't need anything fancy. 


fishing user avatarBrianinMD reply : 

With the towing capacities of 1500 size trucks going to a 2500 for that size boat is overkill and extra expense you don't need.


fishing user avatarFishing Rhino reply : 

I've towed my Z-8 with a half-ton Silverado with no problems.  Sure, it would be easier for the 3/4 ton model, but the ride will also be rougher in the heavier truck. 

 

Unless you are a contractor, farmer, etc., who will carry heavy loads in the bed, you would be better off with the lighter truck.  If towing a boat, likely smaller than 19 feet is the most you will do, the half ton is more than adequate.


fishing user avatarWIGuide reply : 

You'll be fine with the 1500. Just make sure you get one with a towing package, otherwise get a tranny cooler put on it after you get it. 


fishing user avatarBrian Needham reply : 

Rhino nailed it.

 

 

I tow my z9 with a Ram 1500 pulls it just fine...... but towing the gas milage sucks.

I get 20 in the hwy not towing...and 10 while towing.

 

 

an added tip.... I once had a tranny slipping in a pathfinder. I put Lucas transmission treatment in (2 quarts since it was very noticable) then drove that pathfinder for another 50k miles without issue.

Might be a shot in the dark, but worth a try.


fishing user avatarTxGator reply : 

1500 should be fine. Id spend the extra for 4x4 maybe, but you dont need the bigger truck. Ive pulled my tractor many miles with my 150 with the 5.4 engine. It weighs about 7000# with trailer. You definitly have a load in the hills but it does just fine. Definitly want the towing package with the trans cooler though.

 

G


fishing user avatarChristian M reply : 

You're golden with the 1500. Most mechanics I've spoken with about this just warn not to exceed half of the trucks tow rating if you're going to be towing a lot. Either way, a 1500 has plenty of power


fishing user avatarBrianinMD reply : 

TxGator is 100% right about getting 4x4. You may not use it a lot but when its the difference between getting out and being stuck it becomes well worth it.


fishing user avatarS Hovanec reply : 

Been towing my 17' Lund with my '02 1500 Silverado (3.73 gears) since I bought the boat in 2005. It works just fine. Just don't get the 3.08 gears. Some will tell you they're just fine, but it will constantly be hunting gears when towing.


fishing user avatarbowjunkie76 reply : 

Just a Thought,  the new Dodge 1500 is offering a ECODiesel.  plenty of torque and 28 MPG. 

 

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2014-ram-1500-ecodiesel-v-6-first-drive-review


fishing user avatarCJV reply : 

Why a Chevy?  :cry4:


fishing user avatarHi Salenity reply : 

I have a 2500 because I pull heavy loads for work. The bad thing with the 2500 is the motor options, I only had the option of the 6.0L or Diesel. I love the 6.0 but with the Bully Dog programmer it still likes to get 10 MPG just towing my boat :/


fishing user avatarHi Salenity reply : 
  On 5/13/2014 at 9:54 AM, CJV said:

Why a Chevy?  :cry4:

^^^ Silly question. ;)


fishing user avatarHi Salenity reply : 

By the way, my last 1500 pulled my 2500# (empty) trailer great. I never had any problems pulling my big enclosed unless it was loaded heavy.

It pulled my 20.5' boat great. And it had the small v8. 4.8L?


fishing user avatarBluebasser86 reply : 
  On 5/13/2014 at 9:54 AM, CJV said:

Why a Chevy?  :cry4:

Because I've had all of the big 3 (Chevy, Ford, Dodge) and the Chevy was by far my favorite and most dependable. My Dodge went through 2 transmissions and was crapping out completely at 140k. Now my Ford is waving the flag at 112k. I don't drive my trucks hard at all and only towed aluminums with them so they aren't working hard towing. Both my Chevy trucks had over 200k miles on them. One of them was wrecked and totaled, the other was still running fine when I sold it and I still see the guy driving it once in awhile. 

 

4X4 is absolutely a must. I fish all winter long and there's no way to get up an icy ramp without it. 

 

Brian, I'm going to try that Lucas Transmission treatment. Even if it gets me through this year then the truck will be paid off and I can use all the trade in money towards a new truck. It isn't slipping really badly yet so hopefully it will help.

 

Looks like I'll be looking for a 1500, thanks guys!


fishing user avatarTrek reply : 
  On 5/13/2014 at 4:35 PM, Bluebasser86 said:

Because I've had all of the big 3 (Chevy, Ford, Dodge) and the Chevy was by far my favorite and most dependable. My Dodge went through 2 transmissions and was crapping out completely at 140k. Now my Ford is waving the flag at 112k. I don't drive my trucks hard at all and only towed aluminums with them so they aren't working hard towing. Both my Chevy trucks had over 200k miles on them. One of them was wrecked and totaled, the other was still running fine when I sold it and I still see the guy driving it once in awhile. 

 

4X4 is absolutely a must. I fish all winter long and there's no way to get up an icy ramp without it. 

 

Brian, I'm going to try that Lucas Transmission treatment. Even if it gets me through this year then the truck will be paid off and I can use all the trade in money towards a new truck. It isn't slipping really badly yet so hopefully it will help.

 

Looks like I'll be looking for a 1500, thanks guys!

You forgot the fourth one Tundra. I own three of them. Two for work and one a 2006 is my personal truck. I've never fixed any of them. Tires brakes and oil is all I've ever done. My one work truck is a 2010 loaded down with 1,500 pounds in it 24/7 and two ladders on top and we still have plenty of power and get 18 mpg. But it is a 2wd. The tow packages are standard and their brake system and tranys are unreal. For work in the last 31 years I've owned a bunch of trucks. Most of them one tons. Nothing has even come close to the new Tundra. It's a work horse that just keeps working. At first I was worried they wouldn't hold the weight. They have proven me wrong. Anyone buying a truck today needs to consider a Tundra. In my opinion it is what a truck should be.


fishing user avatarBluebasser86 reply : 
  On 5/13/2014 at 5:14 PM, Trek said:

You forgot the fourth one Tundra. I own three of them. Two for work and one a 2006 is my personal truck. I've never fixed any of them. Tires brakes and oil is all I've ever done. My one work truck is a 2010 loaded down with 1,500 pounds in it 24/7 and two ladders on top and we still have plenty of power and get 18 mpg. But it is a 2wd. The tow packages are standard and their brake system and tranys are unreal. For work in the last 31 years I've owned a bunch of trucks. Most of them one tons. Nothing has even come close to the new Tundra. It's a work horse that just keeps working. At first I was worried they wouldn't hold the weight. They have proven me wrong. Anyone buying a truck today needs to consider a Tundra. In my opinion it is what a truck should be.

I wish I could even thing about affording a Tundra. I'm sure they're great, but they're priced like they're great too. If I could find one with reasonable miles under 20K I'd really be looking hard at it. 


fishing user avatarKoofy Smacker reply : 

Not sure in your area but Ive actually seen Tundras going cheaper than Tacomas, F150's, and Silverados around here. They cant get rid of them because so many people are going with the smaller trucks. Im in the market as well and a F150 for example, with towing package and extended cab with 4x4 is about 4k more than the Tundras are going for with incentives


fishing user avatarBluebasser86 reply : 

Man I wish that was the case around here. I'm trying to keep it under 20K without crazy high miles but around here they still want low 20s for a Tundra with 100k miles on it, not happening. 


fishing user avatarZach Dunham reply : 

Gas mileage is SO much better on the newer half ton trucks (and I mean just within the last few years). I wanted to get an F-150 eco boost last summer when I got a truck, but I got such a sick deal on one of the remaining 2013 F-150 STX's that I couldn't pass it up. The gas mileage is pretty good still, 21-22 highway and 16 city, I average over 18 mpg over all. The STX came with the towing package and suspension and also a transmission cooler. It is rated to tow 9000 lbs so a bass boat is not bad for it at all.


fishing user avatarkeninaz reply : 

A quick check of any truck manufacturer's website will show and any 1/2 ton PU will tow a boat that will fit into any standard garage.

Just look up the weight of the boat on a trailer you are considering and check the tow limits specified by the truck manufacturer.

I have done lots of towing of RVs and boats in my life and if you want to be safe just limit yourself to about 80% of the towed weight that they claim.

Even at that, I think you will find and a typical 17-18' boat will be well within your safe limits for towing.

And previous posters were right, you don't need the additional expense of the heavier duty trucks either. Tires are more costly.

Also, I know many that love 4 x 4 trucks but before you buy one (unless you really need a 4 WD) check with your insurance company before you buy one just to see what the difference is in insurance.

I did years ago when a dealer offered me the identical truck with 4 WD for $1500 over the price of a 2 WD. I thought it might be better for resale down the road if I had the 4 WD. I called my agent before I bought the truck told me that it would cost me almost $400 a year more for the 4 WD. He further told me that the insurance company figures that if you own a 4 WD that you will get it off road and at risk of damages from collisions with trees and such and it costs the insurance industry more money to repair a 4 WD on average as a result.

I certainly did not need 4 WD and needless to say for the difference in insurance per year I did not buy the truck. There is also more maintenance to do on a w WD and the tires cost more money too.

Just my thoughts.


fishing user avatarTrek reply : 

Used Tundras are very hard to find. New they are about the same as the other 3. They just simply hold up longer and keep their value higher. Plus guys just don't trade them in. Why give up a good running truck ? Even the rust proofing on them is better. Mine shots electrodes through to prevent it from rusting. They say it's good for 10 years. My 06 still looks like new. And 4 WD is worth it. I live in Ohio and when you need it then it's worth the extra.


fishing user avatarFishing Rhino reply : 

I'm not sure about the tires costing more.

 

I replaced the tires on my Sierra 1500 at just over 90,000 miles.  Goodyear Eagles 2.75 or maybe 2.65 X 20", the same tire that came with the vehicle.  Less than 140 per tire mounted, balanced and disposal of the old tires included.  Dealers seem to provide the best prices on tires. 


fishing user avatarkeninaz reply : 

In my experience, and I have owned 4 WD trucks in the past that I bought used, the tires cost some 20-30% more. More rubber I guess, don't know.

 

I also know for a fact that 4 WD drivers make two critical mistakes in driving/maintaining them.

First they tend not to want to put fully rated 4 WD tires on when it comes replacement time and they opt for "snow rated" tires and they are simply not the same at all.

But the worst mistake they make is that they don't slow down for conditions. I used to drive a tow truck in retirement for a AAA contractor up in WA state and when it snowed we would just go to the known locations where the people would not slow up and wait for them to slide off the road on the outside of the curve and down the slight hill. Then without much movement we collected our fees to pull them back up. :laugh5:

We could do that all day long and men were no better than women and we pulled more 4 WD vehicles out than standard front wheel drive cars that are more common today.

I guess common sense does not go with the price tag of the 4 WD.


fishing user avatarFishing Rhino reply : 

What are "fully rated 4WD tires"?   


fishing user avatarBradGuenette reply : 

Anything that is 10 ply/E rated. I run 10ply not only on the truck but I have 10 ply tires on my trailer. They have stronger sidewalls and can handle the bounce going down the road. Less chance of a blow out and that's peace of mind.


fishing user avatarkeninaz reply : 
  On 5/14/2014 at 6:11 AM, Fishing Rhino said:

What are "fully rated 4WD tires"?   

 

These are tires that are specifically designed for 4 WD applications with superior tread design and tend you have a more aggressive tread design.

They can also tend to be a little noisy on the road compared to normal road tires.


fishing user avatarFishing Rhino reply : 
  On 5/14/2014 at 6:47 AM, keninaz said:

 

  On 5/14/2014 at 6:11 AM, Fishing Rhino said:

What are "fully rated 4WD tires"?   

 

These are tires that are specifically designed for 4 WD applications with superior tread design and tend you have a more aggressive tread design.

They can also tend to be a little noisy on the road compared to normal road tires.

 

Sounds like you're describing "all terrain" tires vs. "all season" tires.

 

I got General All Terrain tires on my '87 or '90 Chevy 4 X 4.  Never again.  I don't do any off roading.  They were noisy, and they didn't last 40,000 miles.  I replaced them with Kelly all season tires.  Quiet, got much better gas mileage, and they lasted for over 80,000 miles.


fishing user avatarkeninaz reply : 

I never referred to an all season tire except perhaps in my comment about a "snow rated" tire.

I am fully familiar with the aggressive style 4 WD tires and their shortcomings.

I suspect when you switched out your tires you lost traction but most don't need it all that much anyway.

I did own a couple of 4 x 4s in the past used and never used the 4 WD on them.

As I stated in my original advice. 4 x 4s have their place and most don't need the increased cost of tires, maintenance of the transfer case and FWD mechanism and such and the increased insurance costs I found when I went to buy a new truck.

If you need 4 WD it may be for you, but not for all certainly.


fishing user avatarFishing Rhino reply : 

Now, you've got me curious, so I checked the tires on my new Silverado 1500 4 X 4.  Four ply tread, 2 polyester, 2 steel.  Two ply sidewalls, polyester.  Goodyear Eagle LS-2, 275/55R20.


fishing user avatarFishing Rhino reply : 
  On 5/14/2014 at 7:59 AM, keninaz said:

I never referred to an all season tire except perhaps in my comment about a "snow rated" tire.

I am fully familiar with the aggressive style 4 WD tires and their shortcomings.

I suspect when you switched out your tires you lost traction but most don't need it all that much anyway.

I did own a couple of 4 x 4s in the past used and never used the 4 WD on them.

As I stated in my original advice. 4 x 4s have their place and most don't need the increased cost of tires, maintenance of the transfer case and FWD mechanism and such and the increased insurance costs I found when I went to buy a new truck.

If you need 4 WD it may be for you, but not for all certainly.

 

When I replaced the tires on my '07 Sierra (new style) at 90,000 miles plus, I replaced them with the same tires, make and model.


fishing user avatarHi Salenity reply : 

Hey Blue, keep Olathe Transmission in mind for the Ford. they did my van several years ago. It was $1500 And done in 3 days!


fishing user avatarRoLo reply : 
For what it's worth, my last 3 tow cars were Jeep, Suburu and Toyota Rav4.

Just recently I purchased a Honda lease-return which is already my favorite tow-car.

She's a 2011 Honda 4WD Pilot ($23.3k with no trade-in) 250 hp - 16 ft overall length (under 17 ft including hitch)

Averages 19 mpg when towing - 21 gal fuel tank - 4,500-lb tow capacity - bed accommodates 7.5 ft rods. 

 

Roger


fishing user avatarslonezp reply : 
  On 5/13/2014 at 7:21 PM, Koofy Smacker said:

Not sure in your area but Ive actually seen Tundras going cheaper than Tacomas, F150's, and Silverados around here. They cant get rid of them because so many people are going with the smaller trucks. Im in the market as well and a F150 for example, with towing package and extended cab with 4x4 is about 4k more than the Tundras are going for with incentives

This has been the case since the Tundra was redesigned on '07. I have an '08 I bought new. The F150 was the only other truck I had considered and it was more expensive. Last time I got the oil changed, they were asking $23k for an '08 with 150k on the odometer. Didn't have any new Tundra's on the lot. I spoke with a salesman and he was extremely enthusiastic about the diesel modeled scheduled for possibly next year. I guess Toyota has been in talks with not only Cummins, but Caterpillar as well trying to perfect the engine in the next generation Tundra. I've got 110k on mine and plan on driving it into the ground. I only wish they would make the crew cab with a longer bed.


fishing user avatarTrek reply : 
  On 5/14/2014 at 8:27 AM, slonezp said:

This has been the case since the Tundra was redesigned on '07. I have an '08 I bought new. The F150 was the only other truck I had considered and it was more expensive. Last time I got the oil changed, they were asking $23k for an '08 with 150k on the odometer. Didn't have any new Tundra's on the lot. I spoke with a salesman and he was extremely enthusiastic about the diesel modeled scheduled for possibly next year. I guess Toyota has been in talks with not only Cummins, but Caterpillar as well trying to perfect the engine in the next generation Tundra. I've got 110k on mine and plan on driving it into the ground. I only wish they would make the crew cab with a longer bed.

 My personal truck is an 06 Tundra four door which is a little smaller then the 07 and up. I love that size and wish they still made it. Mine has a button on the dash that raises and lowers the back window. They have brought that back the last two years. Sort of sounds like something you'll never have to have but once you do you'll never want another truck without it. Toyota does make their own diesel but for some reason they keep talking about it but never bring it into the states. When I was in Costa Rica every Toyota you saw was diesel. Cars and trucks.


fishing user avatarsenile1 reply : 
  On 5/13/2014 at 5:21 PM, Bluebasser86 said:

I wish I could even thing about affording a Tundra. I'm sure they're great, but they're priced like they're great too. If I could find one with reasonable miles under 20K I'd really be looking hard at it. 

 

Blue, I have a 2002 Tundra with the old 245 horsepower V8 and 145,000 miles on it that I will sell to you.  My plan is to put 200,000 on it but if you want it, that will give me an excuse to buy a new one.  :rolleyes7:   Unfortunately, it does not meet your requirements as it is a 4 x 2 but it pulls my 19.5 foot Stratos and 200 HP Evinrude fine.  Seriously though, Tundras may cost some bucks, but from what I have seen, they absolutely do not quit.  I know of a few of the older pickups like mine that were still running fine with 200,000 - 300,000 miles if longevity and reliability is your thing.  Mine hasn't cost me anything at all except for routine maintenance. 


fishing user avatarslonezp reply : 
  On 5/14/2014 at 7:03 PM, Trek said:

 My personal truck is an 06 Tundra four door which is a little smaller then the 07 and up. I love that size and wish they still made it. Mine has a button on the dash that raises and lowers the back window. They have brought that back the last two years. Sort of sounds like something you'll never have to have but once you do you'll never want another truck without it. Toyota does make their own diesel but for some reason they keep talking about it but never bring it into the states. When I was in Costa Rica every Toyota you saw was diesel. Cars and trucks.

Toyota used to put their diesel in the first generation mini vans here back in the 80's. I think marketing has a lot to do with it. The Cummins is a proven platform. It's synonymous with the words durable and tough. There are already a ton of aftermarket performance upgrades for the Cummins as well. I'm looking forward to seeing the performance reviews.  


fishing user avatarTrek reply : 
  On 5/14/2014 at 11:23 PM, slonezp said:

Toyota used to put their diesel in the first generation mini vans here back in the 80's. I think marketing has a lot to do with it. The Cummins is a proven platform. It's synonymous with the words durable and tough. There are already a ton of aftermarket performance upgrades for the Cummins as well. I'm looking forward to seeing the performance reviews.  

I believe if Tundra comes out with a good diesel in their trucks they will rule the truck industry. 


fishing user avatarTrek reply : 
  On 5/14/2014 at 10:30 PM, senile1 said:

Blue, I have a 2002 Tundra with the old 245 horsepower V8 and 145,000 miles on it that I will sell to you.  My plan is to put 200,000 on it but if you want it, that will give me an excuse to buy a new one.  :rolleyes7:   Unfortunately, it does not meet your requirements as it is a 4 x 2 but it pulls my 19.5 foot Stratos and 200 HP Evinrude fine.  Seriously though, Tundras may cost some bucks, but from what I have seen, they absolutely do not quit.  I know of a few of the older pickups like mine that were still running fine with 200,000 - 300,000 miles if longevity and reliability is your thing.  Mine hasn't cost me anything at all except for routine maintenance. 

My buddy had a 2002 maybe a 2003 and they had a recall on the frame. He took it in and they put a whole new frame under it at no cost to him. And it was like ten years old. What other manufacture would do that ?


fishing user avatarJohn G reply : 

Not too many things are as laughable IMHO as a 1/2 ton truck (any make) overloaded in the ass end going down the road. Landscapers are notorious for this. It's unsafe and not good for the truck either.

 

To the OP, I know that you are getting a 1500 so I am just passing on some info. I have a 2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD and if you want great fuel economy, don't get this truck with the gas motor. I get 11.4 MPG around town.

 

If you haven't bought your truck yet, check out KBB.com

It's a fun site to check out where you can build your own truck and see the price that you should pay.

 

I found out (after I bought my truck), that I could have got the work truck version of my truck with a Duramax/Allison combo for the same price as my decked out gas guzzler. 


fishing user avatarRipSomeLips reply : 
  On 5/15/2014 at 8:28 PM, John G said:

Not too many things are as laughable IMHO as a 1/2 ton truck (any make) overloaded in the ass end going down the road. Landscapers are notorious for this. It's unsafe and not good for the truck either.

 

To the OP, I know that you are getting a 1500 so I am just passing on some info. I have a 2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD and if you want great fuel economy, don't get this truck with the gas motor. I get 11.4 MPG around town.

 

If you haven't bought your truck yet, check out KBB.com

It's a fun site to check out where you can build your own truck and see the price that you should pay.

 

I found out (after I bought my truck), that I could have got the work truck version of my truck with a Duramax/Allison combo for the same price as my decked out gas guzzler. 

I think you may have something there with the Landscaper theory, especially when sod is involved, that stuff is crazy heavy.

What a lot of folks don't realize is that a towing capacity is not derived just from what a truck and it's engine/powertrain can pull, it has much more to do with how the truck can safely handle and brake with the load.


fishing user avatarBluebasser86 reply : 

Anyone have any experience with the 4.8L V8 Chevy engines? I've found very mixed reviews for towing but I found a barely used Silverado in my price range with the 4.8L V8 but I'm concerned about it being underpowered for towing. I know it's capable of doing it, just worried about the long term wear and tear of doing it. 


fishing user avatarTrek reply : 
  On 5/19/2014 at 6:23 PM, Bluebasser86 said:

Anyone have any experience with the 4.8L V8 Chevy engines? I've found very mixed reviews for towing but I found a barely used Silverado in my price range with the 4.8L V8 but I'm concerned about it being underpowered for towing. I know it's capable of doing it, just worried about the long term wear and tear of doing it. 

I don't think it's the size of the engine as much as does the truck have the pull package in it. If your sticking to a less then 19 foot boat then any V8 will handle it. I don't think Chevy comes standard with that. The pull package will give you your hitch, light hook ups, transmission cooler and a little different gears in the rear end. And that I think you need.


fishing user avatarBluebasser86 reply : 
  On 5/19/2014 at 7:00 PM, Trek said:

I don't think it's the size of the engine as much as does the truck have the pull package in it. If your sticking to a less then 19 foot boat then any V8 will handle it. I don't think Chevy comes standard with that. The pull package will give you your hitch, light hook ups, transmission cooler and a little different gears in the rear end. And that I think you need.

I don't have much choice in the size of boat unless I want to rent a storage unit, anything longer than 19' isn't going to fit in our garage. 

 

It appears to have the tow package.

http://www.tcmotors.com/2006_Chevrolet_Silverado%201500_Meriden_KS_228403208.veh


fishing user avatarHi Salenity reply : 

I had a 2004 1500 regular cab long bed 2wd with that motor. It pulled my 18' enclosed trailer great (2500# empty) unless I had it loaded heavy and then it was the suspension that was the problem. The trailer would start to whip.

Anyhow it pulled my 20.5' boat pretty good and that thing was heavy!


fishing user avatarRipSomeLips reply : 
  On 5/19/2014 at 6:23 PM, Bluebasser86 said:

Anyone have any experience with the 4.8L V8 Chevy engines? I've found very mixed reviews for towing but I found a barely used Silverado in my price range with the 4.8L V8 but I'm concerned about it being underpowered for towing. I know it's capable of doing it, just worried about the long term wear and tear of doing it. 

Although the 5.3L is definitely a more commonly found engine in the Chevy you are looking at, the 4.8 is a good engine and has nearly the same power as the 5.3. 

5.3L has 295hp and 330 ft. lbs of torque

4.8 has 285hp and 295 ft. lbs of torque

 

With that said I think you are more than ok pulling your boat with it.


fishing user avatarRipSomeLips reply : 

Also, the code to verify if it has a factory HD transmission cooler is KNP. The codes are listed on a black and white GM sticker and if memory serves it is located in the glove box on this truck.


fishing user avatarbasseditor reply : 

Although I have a GMC 2WD Sierra king cab with 100000 miles (W/T model), I wish I had 4X4. But I only need it for a couple slippery ramps.

I was gun shy about going GM. My 93 suburban transmission went out and the 97 Tahoe transmission went out twice. The transmission problems began at 125000 miles. Then the '97's motor died too.

Only reason I went with GMC is I got a brand new 07 in early 08 for $20,000. So far so good.

My 89 F150 4x4 was rebuilt at 200000 miles and I sold it a few years later. The current owner has had it 10 more years and it runs good.

If money wasn't an option I might go Tundra now.


fishing user avatarBluebasser86 reply : 

Well I was shot down on the truck I was looking at by the boss. I guess she's too good to actually have to roll a window down  :rolleyes7:

 

So after much more searching I came across this one.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=66030&endYear=2015&modelCode1=TRAILBLZ&sortBy=mileageASC&showcaseOwnerId=103364&startYear=1981&makeCode1=CHEV&maxMileage=60000&searchRadius=200&maxPrice=18000&mmt=%5BCHEV%5BTRAILBLZ%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&listingId=371275832&Log=0

 

I'd prefer a truck but I can see some benefits to an SUV. The price is right, the mileage is good, 4wd, tow package, and power windows and locks  :laugh5:   As long as it isn't sold by then I'll be going to look at it the 29th while I'm down at Grand Lake or maybe this Thursday if I feel up to it. 


fishing user avatarTrek reply : 

  That will pull your boat. Just have to figure out if you can live without a truck. Trucks are handy. I wouldn't be willing to give mine up. I have friends that drive SUVs and I can see some advantages with them. My truck has a hard fold down cover that will lock but it's not as dry or secure as a SUV. But I can haul a load of mulch or brush better. It's all what you want.


fishing user avatarjerzeeD reply : 

Toyotas are generally more money than others due to reliability.You can pay now in purchase cost, or pay more later in repairs. I have owned at least one of all manufacturers trucks. None touched Toyota in reliability.


fishing user avatarjerzeeD reply : 

BTW... Avoid the Trailblazer. They eat wheel bearings alive among other probs. If you want a reliable SUV, look at 4runners or Explorers. Avoid GM and Dodge mid-size SUVs as most seem to have problems.


fishing user avatarBrent Christian reply : 

I pull my 18ft with a 1500 with a 4.3 with no problem


fishing user avatarTim Kelly reply : 
  On 5/13/2014 at 3:08 AM, bowjunkie76 said:

Just a Thought,  the new Dodge 1500 is offering a ECODiesel.  plenty of torque and 28 MPG. 

 

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2014-ram-1500-ecodiesel-v-6-first-drive-review

I have a Grand Cherokee with what I believe is the same Mercedes V6 diesel engine and I get around 27 on average. I'd be surprised if a half ton Dodge truck would get better mileage than a little grand Cherokee.


fishing user avatarTrek reply : 

  After Dodge came out with the Sprinter Vans with the Mercedes diesel I wouldn't trust anything they did. What a piece of trash that thing is. It was a great idea and the motor runs good but everything else on the truck is junk. Even the bodies are rusting in three years. They sure did leave the door open for Nissan.


fishing user avatarBluebasser86 reply : 

Well you guys convinced me. Going to be picking up an '08 Tundra early this week. Hated spending the money but after reading all the online reviews it seems like the most dependable option. I'd much rather pay a truck payment than a shop bill I guess. Now just have to hope I got a good one :)


fishing user avatarjessejames556 reply : 

Congrats! Im envious!


fishing user avatarjessejames556 reply : 

I pull a 17.5 ft skeeter with a 2006 Dodge Dakota, 4.7 V8 with a manual 6 speed transmission. The engine is great and has no problem with the boat, even over tenn. hills outside of knoxville, but the transmission and body are junk. My reverse gear can barely handle the boat. I usually have to plan to replace a caliper or two on longer hauls with the boat (they seize up and drag). I would hate to know how much I've spent on repairs on the front end suspension and steering components. The boat and trailer max out at 1500 pounds for hauling by my calculations, which is not even half of the 5500 towing capacity. I want a Tundra but the money just isnt there right now. They are tough to buy in to but it pays off when you don't have to plan on purchasing new brakes after every long distance trip. Enjoy that truck!


fishing user avatarslonezp reply : 
  On 5/26/2014 at 9:20 PM, jessejames556 said:

I pull a 17.5 ft skeeter with a 2006 Dodge Dakota, 4.7 V8 with a manual 6 speed transmission. The engine is great and has no problem with the boat, even over tenn. hills outside of knoxville, but the transmission and body are junk. My reverse gear can barely handle the boat. I usually have to plan to replace a caliper or two on longer hauls with the boat (they seize up and drag). I would hate to know how much I've spent on repairs on the front end suspension and steering components. The boat and trailer max out at 1500 pounds for hauling by my calculations, which is not even half of the 5500 towing capacity. I want a Tundra but the money just isnt there right now. They are tough to buy in to but it pays off when you don't have to plan on purchasing new brakes after every long distance trip. Enjoy that truck!

I blew the trans in a '03 Dakota in 45k. That along with power steering pump, heater, and water pump all within 6 months. Traded it in when I bought the Tundra. If I ever bought a GM product, the first thing I would do is stock up on headlights, tail lights, and turn signals. They don't last but a few months. 


fishing user avatarjhoffman reply : 

Im pulling a 17' tracker with a jeep compass! Beat that! 2.4cyl man transmission. Glass, is a pipe dream. Id have to buy a used truck just to pull it at this point.

 

I walked into the chevy dealer saturday and said... "Can you put me in a used 4wd full size for $350 a month?" They said "The banks wont touch anything that will come up with a payment that low, the mileage would be astronomical or it wouldnt qualify due to age"

 

I then asked.. that silverado on that poster, whats that cost fully decked... "$65,000" , thats a mortgage for a vehicle! If I ever bought a truck like that id wanna only tow the boat and wax it after every trip.


fishing user avatarBluebasser86 reply : 
  On 5/28/2014 at 8:47 AM, jhoffman said:

Im pulling a 17' tracker with a jeep compass! Beat that! 2.4cyl man transmission. Glass, is a pipe dream. Id have to buy a used truck just to pull it at this point.

 

I walked into the chevy dealer saturday and said... "Can you put me in a used 4wd full size for $350 a month?" They said "The banks wont touch anything that will come up with a payment that low, the mileage would be astronomical or it wouldnt qualify due to age"

 

I then asked.. that silverado on that poster, whats that cost fully decked... "$65,000" , thats a mortgage for a vehicle! If I ever bought a truck like that id wanna only tow the boat and wax it after every trip.

My payment is going to be 355 a month for 60 months for a 4WD 4 door Tundra SR5 with 67k miles on it. I've got a great credit score though, might have a little something to do with it.

 

Brought her home tonight, really going to like this truck I think :)


fishing user avatarslonezp reply : 

Congrats


fishing user avatarcadman reply : 

You'll like your Tundra. I know a few guys that have them and never a negative thing about the truck. My next truck will be a Tundra for sure, I've always liked them. Right now happy with my 1994 F-150 with only 45K original miles.


fishing user avatarDILLY07 reply : 

I drive a 2007 Dodge Ram 5.7L Hemi Big Horn Edition. I have no problem towing the boat. Thing is I drove a boat to state tournament filled the dodge tank twice up and twice back home. I mean, trucks a truck. I get 11 to 13 mpg city. about 18 to 20 on highway. 10 mpg with boat.


fishing user avatarCDMeyer reply : 

My parents have a F-150 (equivalent to the 1500) and we pull a 24ft pontoon and never have any trouble with it, we also pull a 21 foot bass boat and have no trouble there either..... it feels like nothing is behind us 


fishing user avatarjhoffman reply : 

Ha, my buddy always says... keep your tin. You wont think glass is so cool when you gotta spend $150 to fish for a day an hour away.


fishing user avatarTrek reply : 
  On 5/28/2014 at 2:20 PM, Bluebasser86 said:

My payment is going to be 355 a month for 60 months for a 4WD 4 door Tundra SR5 with 67k miles on it. I've got a great credit score though, might have a little something to do with it.

 

Brought her home tonight, really going to like this truck I think :)

Wow is all I can say ! The last year of your payment you'll be paying $355 a month on a 10 to 11 year old truck.




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