Thinking about a tow vehicle.....Need some help.
01-26-2005, 11:19 AM
#1
Thinking about a tow vehicle.....Need some help. I cant afford a diesel or a new 04/05 1500 4X4....
I'd like to spend 8k to 12K on a 4X4 tow vehicle,Any suggestions?
I was thinkin a 97/98 4wd Burban?
Maybe a 96/2000 1500 4wd with a 5.3 ot 5.7?
How about a dodge too?
I have a 18FT open trailer w/closed deck and at the most be pulling it w/my car on it.I figure 1800lbs for the trailer and 3100lbs for the car + about 600lbs misc.
I'd like to spend 8k to 12K on a 4X4 tow vehicle,Any suggestions?
I was thinkin a 97/98 4wd Burban?
Maybe a 96/2000 1500 4wd with a 5.3 ot 5.7?
How about a dodge too?
I have a 18FT open trailer w/closed deck and at the most be pulling it w/my car on it.I figure 1800lbs for the trailer and 3100lbs for the car + about 600lbs misc.
01-26-2005, 11:29 AM
#2
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I am way more then happy with my 03 2500 HD with the 6.0
i know its more then you want to spend, but a 98-99 is just as good. it pulls my enclosed 3700 and car 3500 pretty well, and pulls open tralors like nothing.
and for driving, the 2500 isnt bad at all, its not like the oldschool 2500/3500 that would rattle your teeth.
i recomend the 2500 with a 6.0 to anyone.
my old 1500 with the 5.3 was only ok with towing the open.
the dodge pulls well, but longevity is not there. IMO
hope that helps some.
i know its more then you want to spend, but a 98-99 is just as good. it pulls my enclosed 3700 and car 3500 pretty well, and pulls open tralors like nothing.
and for driving, the 2500 isnt bad at all, its not like the oldschool 2500/3500 that would rattle your teeth.
i recomend the 2500 with a 6.0 to anyone.
my old 1500 with the 5.3 was only ok with towing the open.
the dodge pulls well, but longevity is not there. IMO
hope that helps some.
01-26-2005, 11:34 AM
#3
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My 2000 Tahoe with the 5.7 did an ok job towing my 16' open trailer with the Z28 on the back. It did have some trouble pulling up hills you had to drop it into 3rd from OD to make the hills and it did alot of downshifting/ upshifting going up and down grades.
If it's just going to be a tow truck to pull your car maybe you can look at the older diesel or big block truck to pull your toy around
If it's just going to be a tow truck to pull your car maybe you can look at the older diesel or big block truck to pull your toy around
01-26-2005, 11:43 AM
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i'll tell you, i had a 99 dualy with a 454, crew cab 8' bed, and my 6.0 tows just as good. the older bigblocks arnt any better then the newer small blocks. IMO
01-26-2005, 01:09 PM
#5
Heres what I found so far....
1997 4X4 C3500 Crew Cab Dually 454 w/overdrive (all buttons) white/pretty clean 107,000 miles $9900
1997 Burban 4X4 5.7 Clean/All buttons & leather 87,000 miles $9,000
I DONT think I'm getting a 2500HD w/a 6.0 for 12 grand Noyzee.
1997 4X4 C3500 Crew Cab Dually 454 w/overdrive (all buttons) white/pretty clean 107,000 miles $9900
1997 Burban 4X4 5.7 Clean/All buttons & leather 87,000 miles $9,000
I DONT think I'm getting a 2500HD w/a 6.0 for 12 grand Noyzee.
01-26-2005, 01:16 PM
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my buddy just got a 00 2500 6.0 68,000 miles loaded, great condition for 14k
4x4 ex cab short bed, tow package ect ect.
they are out there
4x4 ex cab short bed, tow package ect ect.
they are out there
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01-26-2005, 01:42 PM
#9
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14 isnt 12, man i didnt relize. lol
i know, im just saying with 68k 14 isnt bad, and a 99 with 78k will be11-12k
the 5.3 strugles a little with a large tralor. its nice and will do the trick, but a 2500 is the ****.
i know, im just saying with 68k 14 isnt bad, and a 99 with 78k will be11-12k
the 5.3 strugles a little with a large tralor. its nice and will do the trick, but a 2500 is the ****.
01-26-2005, 01:45 PM
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JS they definately are out there. Here are some pics of the truck Noyzee is talking about. Its not an HD but it pulled Noyzee's enclosed trailer with my 4000+ pound car in it with no problem.
http://community.webshots.com/album/165482694PiyDyM
I really took my time looking prob 2 1/2 - 3 months to find what i wanted. It took a while but im glad i waited. All in all i dont think i could have gotten a better truck for the price. I went with a private sale to keep the price down. I found an identical pewter truck, same mileage, year, options etc. Onbly difference was teh pewter truck had burn holes in the seat and an 8ft bed. The dealer wanted 21K but they would take 19K.
The truck had 68K when i got it, had the tow package (looked like it had never been used) with the extendable mirrows which were great with noyzee's trailer
The truck had also never been plowed with. It also came with a nice access roll up tonneau cover which is great too 
When i first start lookin i was only looking at 1500's and saw what ppl were askign so i decided too look at what ppl wanted for the 2500's they either wanted less moeny or the same amount!!!! So i went with the 2500 which i think was a good choice because when i get a trialer it will definately be an enclosed and i guess it worked out for my old man cuz he got a bigger boat and had a truck to tow it with lol.
http://community.webshots.com/album/165482694PiyDyM
I really took my time looking prob 2 1/2 - 3 months to find what i wanted. It took a while but im glad i waited. All in all i dont think i could have gotten a better truck for the price. I went with a private sale to keep the price down. I found an identical pewter truck, same mileage, year, options etc. Onbly difference was teh pewter truck had burn holes in the seat and an 8ft bed. The dealer wanted 21K but they would take 19K.
The truck had 68K when i got it, had the tow package (looked like it had never been used) with the extendable mirrows which were great with noyzee's trailer
The truck had also never been plowed with. It also came with a nice access roll up tonneau cover which is great too When i first start lookin i was only looking at 1500's and saw what ppl were askign so i decided too look at what ppl wanted for the 2500's they either wanted less moeny or the same amount!!!! So i went with the 2500 which i think was a good choice because when i get a trialer it will definately be an enclosed and i guess it worked out for my old man cuz he got a bigger boat and had a truck to tow it with lol.
01-26-2005, 02:35 PM
#12
Not a bad truck for the $$ Mike..
I guess I'll keep looking too,I wanna put down 3,000 and finance the rest.
The Z/71 5.3 4X4 will tow 8500lbs all day long but I agree the 6.0 2500 is better...
I'll never need an enclosed (Boss has 28ft) and he has a 2004 GMC 2500HD diesel
I guess I'll keep looking too,I wanna put down 3,000 and finance the rest.
The Z/71 5.3 4X4 will tow 8500lbs all day long but I agree the 6.0 2500 is better...
I'll never need an enclosed (Boss has 28ft) and he has a 2004 GMC 2500HD diesel
01-26-2005, 02:38 PM
#13
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not sure what Mikes will pull, mine is rated at 10,300. the D-max is rated at 12K!!!!!!!!!
im sure mine will pull beter once i get my turbo on it.
im sure mine will pull beter once i get my turbo on it.
01-26-2005, 02:52 PM
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look for a gm with a 6.0L/4L80.
1500HDs had them, 2500LDs had them, obviously the 2500HD had them too ...
I have a 2500LD and it tows by 18' open just fine (have been to Louisiana and back no problems)
1500HDs had them, 2500LDs had them, obviously the 2500HD had them too
...I have a 2500LD and it tows by 18' open just fine (have been to Louisiana and back no problems)
01-26-2005, 04:48 PM
#18
JS. about 5 years ago I had a 95 GMC dually with a 454 in it and it was a dog. It got about 10 mpg going down hill with a tail wind while being pulled by my grand national. 
My inlaws have always had them (454s) and they are great motors but I have never been impressed with the way they pull.
Have you considerd a powerstroke? Alot of my friends have them and they are great trucks
One thing to remember is that gas motors are great but if you tow alot they use fuel like crazy but the deisels aren't effected that much when towing.
good luck.
My inlaws have always had them (454s) and they are great motors but I have never been impressed with the way they pull.
Have you considerd a powerstroke? Alot of my friends have them and they are great trucks
One thing to remember is that gas motors are great but if you tow alot they use fuel like crazy but the deisels aren't effected that much when towing.
good luck.
01-26-2005, 05:56 PM
#19
Originally Posted by JS
I like your thinking Chef
on a serious note how often will you be towing things????
im sure your boss will let you use the truck, who towed you to ESP that time you came for tuning?
why spend the money on something you really wont use all of the time or you will have to make it your daily driver
01-26-2005, 06:25 PM
#20
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JS: The 4WD 2500 Surburbans w/6.0 motors, the tow pkg., and 4.10's are great tow rigs and very comfortable to ride in...You should be able to find one w/some miles on it in your price range. Keep checking Auto Trader.com and Ebay, or get a used car dealer friend to take you to the auto auction in your area... You might even find a 8.1 V8 Surburban 2500 out there....They have a long wheelbase and ride better than the pick-ups, while dragging a car trailer no problem... WJ