I’m considering a low price tow vihicle - help

[sirbob]

For reasons I may, or may not go into at a later date. It’s very possible that I may be looking for a low priced vehicle to tow my boat. Over the last few summers I have done some long-distance towing of 6-9,000 miles per summer, so something that could still do that would be important to me.

I wish I had a place to keep the truck in Havasu with the boat, but it won’t fit in my storage. I’m considering spending a little more than average (understatement) On a new car for myself. But I’m not in a position to have a super wammy, shiny new car and a nice new truck. It’s very possible I may be getting rid of my Lincoln.

So the question is if you only had 25 to 30 grand to spend cash on a tow vehicle that is capable of long halls, but will mostly be used from the storage to the ramp. What would you buy?

At this time I’m leaning towards an F150 that’s a few years old, 2018–2020? But even those are really a little bit more than I wanna spend not quite on the window I’m hoping for.?

 

[lbhsbz]

2000-2006 GM 2500 w/ the 6L.

 

[CLdrinker]

Not going to much in that price range to choose from.

Maybe Ram 1500

 

[Backlash]

A Dodge 2500/3500 with a 5.9 Cummins.

@Willie B are you interested in selling your truck since the camper got hit?? His truck is what I'd look for.

 

[Lumpy]

If it was just storage to ramp I’d go with almost any half ton as long as the AC works. 6-9k miles, I’d look for a 3/4 ton…2007ish GM with a Duramax, 2000-2003 F250/350 with the trusty 7.3 or a Dodge with a Cummins…preferably 1996-1997 with the 12 valve but the early 24 valve engines are pretty sweet too. Only problem is finding one that hasn't been beat to shit. They are out there though…I found a F250 CC SB with the 7.3 bone stock that had never towed anything with 119k miles on it. I’m sure you could find something decent as long as you’er not in a hurry.

 

[sirbob]

I’d love an older F250 four-door something from the 70s? But realistically I don’t know how well that would do for long distance.

 

[Orange Juice]

Isn't there a launch service in Havasu yet?

Rack storage?

How can you sell Million dollar homes in the desert , without the million dollar boating services to go along with it. . Talk about a fucked up boating town.

The first thing that needs to happen is for the Havasu marina to find a new owner.

 

[mjc]

I just traded one in a few months ago. A 2003 chevy 3500 dually with a 496 Would tow anything anywhere and sit for months and still do it. Not great mileage but at that price I didn't care. So look for something like it.

 

[Ziggy]

I just traded one in a few months ago. A 2003 chevy 3500 dually with a 496 Would tow anything anywhere and sit for months and still do it. Not great mileage but at that price I didn't care. So look for something like it.

Interesting how the new owner of your truck halfway across our nation found you here on rdp.

 

[bilz]

07 to 21 Tundra with the 5.7

 

[Neverbowdown]

I’d love an older F250 four-door something from the 70s? But realistically I don’t know how well that would do for long distance.

You aren't the only one, I have kept my eye out for a '70's F250/350 Crew Cab for the last 20 years and if/when you do find one if it's not hammered dogshit, they want $40K or more for it because of how rare they are.
Truth be told IMO, you if you find something like that with the FE or even the 400 Midland and a C-6 and you won't regret it, my 'Ol man's 390 yanked our Nordic Daycruiser from Redlands to Havasu several times a year and to this day it still has the original 390/C-6 factory 2 barrel.
164,000ish on the ticker and she sits for months on end but fires right up every time.

 

[Willie B]

A Dodge 2500/3500 with a 5.9 Cummins.

@Willie B are you interested in selling your truck since the camper got hit?? His truck is what I'd look for.

… No I don’t currently think I want to sell it… I did a little research a bit ago and if my truck had a new headliner and fresh paint… It is a $20,000 truck… Because of it being a 12 valve 5.9 Cummins…w/an automatic …A 1997 so no smog… …four-wheel-drive… And an extra cab long bed … it took me four years to find this particular truck in 2007… so there is all that…

 

[welldigger00]

Pre Def Pete 389, with a 6nz cat and an 18 speed.

 

[Cooter01]

My vote would be a 2001 to heck 2019 Chevy 2500 crew cab short bed with a 6.0L gas engine, hard to beat combo. Look for 3.73 gearing or 4.10 for primary towing. Cheap and proven combo.

 

[Mandelon]

No Reserve: 1997 Ford F-350 XLT Crew Cab Power Stroke Dually 5-Speed

Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: 1997 Ford F-350 XLT Crew Cab Power Stroke Dually 5-Speed at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #141,564.

bringatrailer.com

 

[Mandelon]

2003 GMC Sierra 3500 SLE Dually Crew Cab Duramax

Bid for the chance to own a 2003 GMC Sierra 3500 SLE Dually Crew Cab Duramax at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #141,681.

bringatrailer.com

 

[Orange Juice]

I towed a 21’ Eliminator behind my company Aerostar Van, to the river for 10 years.

Look for anything AWD, and see what hitches are available In those years. I think the best gas V8 is the Hemi setup. I think the best truck has been the F-150, but everything has changed recently.
You want good braking.
V-6 can get you in and out of the water.

 

[sirbob]

 

[DoughBallin14]

I did this same thing waiting for my gmc order. Which is now going to be for sale soon

2002 chevy 2500hd crew cab 2wd 8.1L allison combo. 155k miles. Pewter color with the tan cloth captains with center console interior, toyo at2 tyrones and new bw flip hitch with air bags, New cats on it about a year ago. Shes a perfect consistent 11mpg no matter what haha

Ill post it on the new toy syndicate when i detail it

 

[Dcb.blake]

The 6.0gm motor is hard to beat. Fuel mpg would be the down fall. The 2011ish and up have a 6 speed but not 100% on the year. Pretty good low maintenance setup. The 2012 and older gm 1/2 ton 5.3 are good trucks too.

Diesel wise I’d stick with 04.5-08ish Gm better mileage but cost to repair is more if there’s an issue. 03-06 5.9 cummins are reliable interiors not so much imo. If getting a cummins with auto make sure the trans has been rebuilt by a reputable shop which most will be at this point in time. 6.7 fords are nice but I think for that price range you’re not gonna find anything that’s gonna be worth a shit in todays market.

I’d go 6.6 duramax but I do all my repairs myself. If I took stuff to shops for repair for sure the 6.0l with the 6 speed 3/4 ton

 

[Cooter01]

If towing under 10k lbs the 6.0 GM with the 4L80E is a hard combo to beat, do a shift kit, converter, larger trans cooler and run it, get it tuned too. Figure around 10 MPG, yet will be a good work truck and man them 01-07 classic best body style GM hands down baby!

 

[Backlash]

If towing under 10k lbs the 6.0 GM with the 4L80E is a hard combo to beat, do a shift kit, converter, larger trans cooler and run it, get it tuned too. Figure around 10 MPG, yet will be a good work truck and man them 01-07 classic best body style GM hands down baby!

I couldn't agree more!

I love mine!!!

 

[Willie B]

For reasons I may, or may not go into at a later date. It’s very possible that I may be looking for a low priced vehicle to tow my boat. Over the last few summers I have done some long-distance towing of 6-9,000 miles per summer, so something that could still do that would be important to me.

I wish I had a place to keep the truck in Havasu with the boat, but it won’t fit in my storage. I’m considering spending a little more than average (understatement) On a new car for myself. But I’m not in a position to have a super wammy, shiny new car and a nice new truck. It’s very possible I may be getting rid of my Lincoln.

So the question is if you only had 25 to 30 grand to spend cash on a tow vehicle that is capable of long halls, but will mostly be used from the storage to the ramp. What would you buy?

At this time I’m leaning towards an F150 that’s a few years old, 2018–2020? But even those are really a little bit more than I wanna spend not quite on the window I’m hoping for.?

… if and when you decide to get rid of your Navagator… let me know…, I may be interested…I am tired of driving my beater Expedition… Let me know what year and how many miles…Thanks…

 

[spectra3279]

I love my 03 dodge 3500. 6 speed manual 4x4. Only downside is ball joints are candy for it. About every 2 year new ball joints. The 2 wheel drive doesn't have the issue

 

[Flatsix66]

If your not in a hurry to get anywhere I have a 2003 Explorer Eddie Baur with 4.0 and 100k miles and trailer hitch and awd for sale for around $2900. Super clean and reliable, For "d" now.

 

[River Runnin]

I haven’t decided yet if this is a shit stir’n thread or if f150 tow rig is an oxymoron?

 

[sirbob]

If your not in a hurry to get anywhere I have a 2003 Explorer Eddie Baur with 4.0 and 100k miles and trailer hitch and awd for sale for around $2900. Super clean and reliable, For "d" now. View attachment 1353568

Nice little suv but it doesn’t have the tow rating I’m looking for.

 

[Cooter01]

I love my 03 dodge 3500. 6 speed manual 4x4. Only downside is ball joints are candy for it. About every 2 year new ball joints. The 2 wheel drive doesn't have the issue

Get a set of EMF ball joints and problem solved.

 

[Jay Dub]

For reasons I may, or may not go into at a later date. It’s very possible that I may be looking for a low priced vehicle to tow my boat. Over the last few summers I have done some long-distance towing of 6-9,000 miles per summer, so something that could still do that would be important to me.

I wish I had a place to keep the truck in Havasu with the boat, but it won’t fit in my storage. I’m considering spending a little more than average (understatement) On a new car for myself. But I’m not in a position to have a super wammy, shiny new car and a nice new truck. It’s very possible I may be getting rid of my Lincoln.

So the question is if you only had 25 to 30 grand to spend cash on a tow vehicle that is capable of long halls, but will mostly be used from the storage to the ramp. What would you buy?

At this time I’m leaning towards an F150 that’s a few years old, 2018–2020? But even those are really a little bit more than I wanna spend not quite on the window I’m hoping for.?

Many suggestions have been for pickups. Could you use a Suburban/Denali XL? 2007-2014 ?

 

[brgrcru]

Ford or Chevy van
Our new tow vehicle

 

[spectra3279]

Get a set of EMF ball joints and problem solved.

Ordered some last week. Now just waiting on them. Got new dog bones, shocks ball joints(coming) and new drag link and moog springs. Putting it all in when I get the ball joints.

New front end so hopefully last a while.

 

[traquer]

Early 2000s Suburbans with the 5.3 are dirt cheap, I love my 4x4. With the 4x4 the tranny supposedly doesn't go out at 150k, but if you can find one around 100k miles you'd be good. Only expensive thing on them is the dual AC when they go out.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Early 2000s Suburbans with the 5.3 are dirt cheap, I love my 4x4. With the 4x4 the tranny supposedly doesn't go out at 150k, but if you can find one around 100k miles you'd be good. Only expensive thing on them is the dual AC when they go out.

They do. All the 4L60's are the same in the 1/2 truncks and SUV's. They can be rebuilt very stoutly for pretty cheap though.

I think the one in my old ttruck that @69hondo has was about $3800. Was rated for something like 800 hp.

 

[sirbob]

Ford or Chevy van
Our new tow vehicle
View attachment 1353669

I actually was considering a van of some type. I thought they might cost less than a pick up truck?

 

[Flying_Lavey]

I actually was considering a van of some type. I thought they might cost less than a pick up truck?

You might have a hard time finding a van with the 6.0 or even the 5.3 in a GM. Most of the fleet vans were the 4.8 since they arent hauling a ton of weight.

 

[samsah33]

Some of the previous generations of Pathfinders were rated for up to 7k, not sure if that's within your target capacity.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Something like this would be nice, comfortable, plenty powerful, and damn reliable.

Used Chevrolet Suburban 2500 LT 4WD for Sale (with Photos) - CarGurus

Save $8,197 on a Chevrolet Suburban 2500 LT 4WD near you. Search over 12,600 listings to find the best local deals. We analyze millions of used cars daily.

www.cargurus.com

 

[RogerThat99]

2003 GMC Sierra 3500 SLE Dually Crew Cab Duramax

Bid for the chance to own a 2003 GMC Sierra 3500 SLE Dually Crew Cab Duramax at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #141,681.

bringatrailer.com

That truck would have been perfect for me. That is what I am kinda looking for.

I currently have an 04 GMC 2500HD with 6.0L. It does all I need, but i miss having a crew cab.

 

[RogerThat99]

I actually was considering a van of some type. I thought they might cost less than a pick up truck?

I used to have a Ford E350 van with the V-10, I drove for work. I can't remember what year it was, but I think around a 2007 or 2008. It was a nice setup, but it was thirsty.

 

[sirbob]

Some of the previous generations of Pathfinders were rated for up to 7k, not sure if that's within your target capacity.

I need more

 

[brgrcru]

I actually was considering a van of some type. I thought they might cost less than a pick up truck?

I bought this van for $23,500 exactly the way It sits
We love it .
2013 ford e350 passenger
5.4 triton
4.10 gears
It has two buckets and a bench
Lots of room in back since it didn’t come with the rear bench
58,500 miles
Third owner
DVD player
Weld tech 4” lift
33” on methods
Back up camera
Vinyl flooring

Wife likes driving this better then our dually
Specially backing up boat on ramp

Plus it’s my mountain bike and snow ski taxi

 

[Dcb.blake]

If towing under 10k lbs the 6.0 GM with the 4L80E is a hard combo to beat, do a shift kit, converter, larger trans cooler and run it, get it tuned too. Figure around 10 MPG, yet will be a good work truck and man them 01-07 classic best body style GM hands down baby!

The AC systems on these are the best! They will freeze you out fast!

 

[lbhsbz]

They do. All the 4L60's are the same in the 1/2 truncks and SUV's. They can be rebuilt very stoutly for pretty cheap though.

I think the one in my old ttruck that @69hondo has was about $3800. Was rated for something like 800 hp.

I refuse to own another one of those pieces of shit

 

[Flying_Lavey]

View attachment 1354104

I refuse to own another one of those pieces of shit

I do believe the bones are the same as a TH350 (or at least similar enough that they carry the lineage). They can be built pretty well at least. I would still rather have the 6L80 or 10L100

 

[dread Pirate]

I do believe the bones are the same as a TH350 (or at least similar enough that they carry the lineage). They can be built pretty well at least. I would still rather have the 6L80 or 10L100

When I had my Tahoe I ate a few. Finally had Art Carr build one that held up.

Yes it had a Whipple and made a little over 500hp, so there was that.

 

[CLdrinker]

If your not in a hurry to get anywhere I have a 2003 Explorer Eddie Baur with 4.0 and 100k miles and trailer hitch and awd for sale for around $2900. Super clean and reliable, For "d" now. View attachment 1353568

I’m interested can come look at it this weekend.

 

[CLdrinker]

If you’re not in a hurry to get anywhere I have a 2003 Explorer Eddie Baur with 4.0 and 100k miles and trailer hitch and awd for sale for around $2900. Super clean and reliable, For "d" now. View attachment 1353568

Done deal. See you in a week or so.

Thanks Mark.

 

[Cooter01]

They do. All the 4L60's are the same in the 1/2 truncks and SUV's. They can be rebuilt very stoutly for pretty cheap though.

I think the one in my old ttruck that @69hondo has was about $3800. Was rated for something like 800 hp.

LULZ 4L60E built for 800 hp, wouldn't trust one over 500. At that point 4L80E swap and done

 

[Flying_Lavey]

LULZ 4L60E built for 800 hp, wouldn't trust one over 500. At that point 4L80E swap and done

I'm gonna trust the guys that have been around awhile as to what the trans can handle.....

4L60E Transmission Xtreme Performance Race Transmission 1pc Case 4WD, 4L60E Truck Transmission, SS, 4L60E, 4L60E 4x4, 4L60E 4WD

www.monstertransmission.com

 

[92562]

My preference, 2003-2007 2500HD 8.1L with the Allison.