Which Tow Vehicle 2024
mako reply :
In the market for a new truck. Actually a used truck. Narrowed down to a Chevy Silverado Crew Cab or a Ford F-150 Super Crew (I'm N. of Detroit, so it's got to be domestic or I'll get shot). Would be 2008 or 09 model year. This truck is going to have to pull my Mako 2201 for a lot of years. What's your advice?
Shane J reply :
Quad cab Dodge Ram with a 5.7 Hemi. But out of your two choices, I'd say the Chevy, but who cares? Both will easily tow your boat, it's just a matter of what you like more, it's going to be you behind the wheel.
Fishing Rhino reply :
I'll avoid making a recommendation of a particular brand.
Two things come to mind, brakes, and power.
Brakes are priority number one. For me, trailer brakes would be a must have. If possible, find a truck that has a hitch and wiring, including some type of brake balancer.
I believe most trucks of the vintage you are considering have most of the trailer wiring in place, but it's something you'll need to check.
An underpowered truck will have lower mileage than one with an engine matched to the work you will be asking it to do.
An important consideration is where you will be towing. Is it mostly hilly, or relatively flat with only slight elevation changes. If it's fairly level, power, other than for acceleration won't be as much of a factor. If however you plant to do any amount of driving in areas with significant elevation changes, you'll need more power.
Match the truck to your needs.
JohnnyBigger reply :
QuoteQuad cab Dodge Ram with a 5.7 Hemi. But out of your two choices, I'd say the Chevy, but who cares? Both will easily tow your boat, it's just a matter of what you like more, it's going to be you behind the wheel.
Why a hemi? it still doesnt make sense, the hemi gets 15mpg 10 towing when you can pay 5 grand more and get it with the diesel which get up to 25mpg and has twice the power 500hp 600lbs torque but back to his question I am a little suprise you being from detroit would considering a chevy and not a ford but I say either is a good choice. The siverado with the 5.3 or 6.0 are both good and strong and the 09 ford with either the 6.4 or the 5.4 are good choices. It boils down to what you like. I lean torwards Ford............But if you want the best buy(if you can find it) is a Dodge 2500 Cummins Diesel.......My dad has the dodge....I had the chevy .....unkle had the ford........and the dodge has the least issue.......but thats one mans opinion 
Crestliner2008 reply :
Here are some of the things to look at: First of all, as has been said here, make sure it's got plenty of power! You just cannot overdo that. It will actually allow you to get the most life out of your vehicle. This extra HP just goes easier on your truck as a whole when you tow a lot.
Next - and VERY important - check out the turning radius of the truck. A friend of mine just bought a cab & a half Dodge pickup 4 x 4. He has a very difficult time maneuvering at the ramps because of the extremely wide turning radius of this truck. I just know he's going to trade it this spring!
Finally, make sure it's got a separate transmission cooler installed - or have one installed ASAP after you buy it. Again....if you want to extend the life of your vehicle.
JohnnyBigger reply :
QuoteHere are some of the things to look at: First of all, as has been said here, make sure it's got plenty of power! You just cannot overdo that. It will actually allow you to get the most life out of your vehicle. This extra HP just goes easier on your truck as a whole when you tow a lot.Next - and VERY important - check out the turning radius of the truck. A friend of mine just bought a cab & a half Dodge pickup 4 x 4. He has a very difficult time maneuvering at the ramps because of the extremely wide turning radius of this truck. I just know he's going to trade it this spring!
Finally, make sure it's got a separate transmission cooler installed - or have one installed ASAP after you buy it. Again....if you want to extend the life of your vehicle.
True dat on the 4x4 turning radius they all suck, and they hurt gas mileage,which in my mind is the biggest wallet buster.
zero limit reply :
I had a few fords f250s & e250s great trucks all had the 5.4 tritons with a towing package. now driving a chevy colorado 4x4, also nice truck down sized for better gas mileage
Casca reply :
i own a f-150 super crew, it has a good turning radius,transmission cooler and came wired for a hitch. i added a flowmaster exhaust and a k&n air filter and have been quite satisfied.
regards,
Casca
Crestliner2008 reply :
QuoteQuoteHere are some of the things to look at: First of all, as has been said here, make sure it's got plenty of power! You just cannot overdo that. It will actually allow you to get the most life out of your vehicle. This extra HP just goes easier on your truck as a whole when you tow a lot.Next - and VERY important - check out the turning radius of the truck. A friend of mine just bought a cab & a half Dodge pickup 4 x 4. He has a very difficult time maneuvering at the ramps because of the extremely wide turning radius of this truck. I just know he's going to trade it this spring!
Finally, make sure it's got a separate transmission cooler installed - or have one installed ASAP after you buy it. Again....if you want to extend the life of your vehicle.
True dat on the 4x4 turning radius they all suck, and they hurt gas mileage,which in my mind is the biggest wallet buster.
They do? My F-150 has a smaller turning radius than my Nissan Altima. And it's about 3 times as big. You want to tow with a 4WD (or 2WD for that matter) truck and you're concerned about gas mileage? That's an oxymoron. The two don't compute. Towing = low gas mileage. Solution = don't tow and buy a Nissan! 
ProCrafter reply :
I have the F-250 Super Duty 4X4 short bed x-tra cab and only problem is the 2004 6 litre Powerstroke which is plagued with EGR and Head Gasget problems....stick to the 7.3 litre rig and the years you specified and the diesel should pull anything....any diesel questions check out www.dieselstop.com they helped me with diagnosing my issue with the EGR.
p.s......getting my head gasket fixed to the tune of $4.800.00 now so be aware of the diesel markup in maintenence and look into ANY warranties!!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t79/larfshmn/03126871.jpg
Jig Man reply :
I am assuming that you have a pretty big boat. I have a 3500 # rig myself. I pulled it with a few different trucks, all of which were 4X4 Chevys. The thing I'd say is get a 2500 for the weight handling and bigger brakes. If you can find one get a diesel, you won't believe the power difference, not to mention the improved mileage. Right now I am using a Duramax that gets 20 mph empty, 17 with the boat, and 10-11 with the 13000# fifth wheel camper.
JohnnyBigger reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteHere are some of the things to look at: First of all, as has been said here, make sure it's got plenty of power! You just cannot overdo that. It will actually allow you to get the most life out of your vehicle. This extra HP just goes easier on your truck as a whole when you tow a lot.Next - and VERY important - check out the turning radius of the truck. A friend of mine just bought a cab & a half Dodge pickup 4 x 4. He has a very difficult time maneuvering at the ramps because of the extremely wide turning radius of this truck. I just know he's going to trade it this spring!
Finally, make sure it's got a separate transmission cooler installed - or have one installed ASAP after you buy it. Again....if you want to extend the life of your vehicle.
True dat on the 4x4 turning radius they all suck, and they hurt gas mileage,which in my mind is the biggest wallet buster.
They do? My F-150 has a smaller turning radius than my Nissan Altima. And it's about 3 times as big. You want to tow with a 4WD (or 2WD for that matter) truck and you're concerned about gas mileage? That's an oxymoron. The two don't compute. Towing = low gas mileage. Solution = don't tow and buy a Nissan!
Im sorry and I dont mean to sound rude but I dont understand what your saying, the 4x4 does have a larger turn radius than the 2wd, and about the fuel mileage, any avid fisherman with a normal job in this economy who has to put gas in a boat and the truck thinks about fuel mileage as he was asking for an opinion on the 2 trucks being able to tow is boat. As for me I will never own a nissan,toyota,or honda so I will only buy from the big 3.
Catt reply :
Ford F150 #1 selling truck 33 years in a row
JohnnyBigger reply :
QuoteI am assuming that you have a pretty big boat. I have a 3500 # rig myself. I pulled it with a few different trucks, all of which were 4X4 Chevys. The thing I'd say is get a 2500 for the weight handling and bigger brakes. If you can find one get a diesel, you won't believe the power difference, not to mention the improved mileage. Right now I am using a Duramax that gets 20 mph empty, 17 with the boat, and 10-11 with the 13000# fifth wheel camper.
not to mention the amount of mileage you can put on them. My family has owned a towing company in Florida since 1947 and we have had gas trucks and diesels and you can put(if taken care of) on the new ones 500-600,000 miles and the older ones 1,000,000 miles is not uncommon.
Glenn reply :
Get an '09 Ford, especially if you're going with a diesel. I don't know how much your boat/trailer weighs, but you're probably better off with an F-250 instead of an F-150. Bigger suspension, brakes, engine are just some of the reasons. Both the 150 and 250 have tight turning radiuses.
Hammer 4 reply :
Chevy Duramax...
I'll be waiting for Glenn's responce.. ;D
mako reply :
My boat with a full tank of gas is about 3,600 lbs. Thought a f-250 or Chevy 2500 would be overkill. Don't know a thing about diesels. I'll be trailering in mostly flat country southern Michigan. I do go up to Northern Michigan which can get pretty hilly. Thanks for all the advice so far.
Tin reply :
QuoteChevy Duramax...I'll be waiting for Glenn's responce.. ;D
x2 The best, (and I own a Ford) lol ... Can't wait to graduate and make money.
Hammer 4 reply :
Diesel's are made for towing.. With slight modifcations..mine has 780 ft lb's of tourqe. There's no Smog requierments, no tune ups to speak of. The down side is, there aren't as many gas staions that have #2 diesel..
JohnnyBigger reply :
3600lbs is heavy so anything domestic with a V8 or diesel would be good(2500 is not overkill) if you want it to last a long time. The weight can be brutal on a small truck over time, on the chassis,the brakes,shocks,and most importantly transmission which it badly overlooked.
oteymc reply :
If you are considering a diesel, I would not have anything but the Cummins in a Dodge. I respect your opinion on all things fishing, Glen. But Ford had a lot of problems with the diesel that Navstar (International) built for them, as someone else pointed out already. The Cummins has proved itself in so many applications, and is the only in-line configuration available in a pick-up. If you check into what the big rigs run, as well as tractors, combines, etc they are almost all inline engines. More low end Torque, fewer parts, simpler design.
Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion.
Radical Conservative reply :
I agree with Shane. I've owned two half ton Silverados, half ton Ford, and Powerstrokes. But NONE of those trucks even come close to my Dodge Crew Cab Hemi. #1 fishin' vehicle hands down. I never thought I would say that, but I also never had drove one. The thing is huge, has twice as much storage, with built in compartments everywhere, huge gears for towing, and the Hemi engine is not even close to the 350, 5.4 Triton, or all the Powerstrokes we've owned. Oteymc is exactly correct. I had injector, glow plug, and gasket problems with my 6.0. The and 7.3 couldn't hold a transmission longer than a year. They were AWFUL. Plus the Ford dealers are the nasty, slimiest, dirtiest dealers of them all. I'll never own a Ford again. Or a Chevy. Obviously my Hemi's not a diesel, but I'd choose it over anything but a Cummins.
I've gone through Chevy's and Ford's and am only satisfied now with a Dodge.
Glenn reply :
Well, I guess this is just like Yamaha/Merc/name-your-favorite-brand-here discussions. Everyone has had their own issues and horror stories with every brand out there. No one is immune.
That said, we have a '99 F-250 with a V-10, which hauls 4,000 lbs. up and over mountain passes just fine. 185k miles later and never had a major issue with it. If you're pulling 3,600k, then a 250 will suit you just fine. A 150 or 1500 is a little under powered, especially in the tranny and rear-end dept. The 250 and 2500 have bigger brakes and beefier suspensions too. You'll need that for panic stops while towing.
We also have an '09 F-450 dually with a 6.2 diesel. I hauls 10,000 pounds up and over the mountain passes easier than the 250 pulling 4k! Never would have expected that. I guess 650 lbs of torque will do that.
Only issue we had was the hose clamps to the turbo weren't torqued right at the factory, and the hoses blew off the first time we towed. 10k later and no issues since.
Never had any problems with the dealers either. In fact, when the hoses blew off, the dealer sent a mechanic out to fix it right there on the roadside! Now that's service!
I have heard of issues with Ford '06 - '08 diesels. I understand Ford completely redesigned their diesel engines for '09, and they're much better now (btw, talk to a mechanic before buying any truck, not the salesman. He'll give you the scoop.). This is why I recommend the '09, and not an earlier model - at least if you're going with a diesel. But if you're not considering a diesel, then the gas engines are fine any year.
I don't have any experience with other trucks, so I can't speak to that. However I used to have a '74 Camaro, and ran that well past 300k miles before it needed a rebuild. Regular oil changes and services make all the difference, regardless of brand. But that's true of outboard engines too.
burleytog reply :
Driving anything other than a Ford will make this man cry.
Kenny418 reply :
I have a F150 Super-Crew with a 5.4 v-8. I bought it new in 04. I tow about 2400lb boat with it. It tows great where I live in Ohio. I started taking trips to Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. I personally think this truck struggles when I go on these trips. I can not talk bad about the reliability of the truck though. All I have ever done to it is brakes and tires.
oteymc reply :
QuoteWell, I guess this is just like Yamaha/Merc/name-your-favorite-brand-here discussions. Everyone has had their own issues and horror stories with every brand out there. No one is immune.That said, we have a '99 F-250 with a V-10, which hauls 4,000 lbs. up and over mountain passes just fine. 185k miles later and never had a major issue with it. If you're pulling 3,600k, then a 250 will suit you just fine. A 150 or 1500 is a little under powered, especially in the tranny and rear-end dept. The 250 and 2500 have bigger brakes and beefier suspensions too. You'll need that for panic stops while towing.
We also have an '09 F-450 dually with a 6.2 diesel. I hauls 10,000 pounds up and over the mountain passes easier than the 250 pulling 4k! Never would have expected that. I guess 650 lbs of torque will do that.
Only issue we had was the hose clamps to the turbo weren't torqued right at the factory, and the hoses blew off the first time we towed. 10k later and no issues since.
Never had any problems with the dealers either. In fact, when the hoses blew off, the dealer sent a mechanic out to fix it right there on the roadside! Now that's service!
I have heard of issues with Ford '06 - '08 diesels. I understand Ford completely redesigned their diesel engines for '09, and they're much better now (btw, talk to a mechanic before buying any truck, not the salesman. He'll give you the scoop.). This is why I recommend the '09, and not an earlier model - at least if you're going with a diesel. But if you're not considering a diesel, then the gas engines are fine any year.
I don't have any experience with other trucks, so I can't speak to that. However I used to have a '74 Camaro, and ran that well past 300k miles before it needed a rebuild. Regular oil changes and services make all the difference, regardless of brand. But that's true of outboard engines too.
I stand corrected, it was the 6.0 that they had all the warranty issues with.
RyneB reply :
The best tow vehicle i have ever seen was my friends 2006 Trailblazer SS AWD. We swapped better heads, cam, and installed a Magnuson supercharger and it dynoed 640 horsepower to all 4 wheels and 590 lbs of torque. Also beefed up the rear suspension. I have a Silverado 2500 HD with 164,000 miles on it and it still pulls my boat all over the US with ease.
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