Which Tow vehicle would you go with?

Marty · Post by **Marty** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 2:04 pm

From my other post â€“ Iâ€™m having some real problems with my truck and paying too much to get it fixed. What Dan said made me think â€“ why am I going through this â€“ I only have a set amount of time left to fish so I should just get other truck. What Iâ€™m looking for is something to pull my boat and good on gas that I can sleep in when times are hard or there is no place to stay. I donâ€™t believe in over powering to pull my boat - 2145 Lbs. I also donâ€™t like paying new truck prices and losing 3 to 4 K as soon as I drive it off the dealer lot. I found these 5 vehicles and wanted some of your thoughts on them.

1. 2007 Doge Ram 1500 Pickup with a Short Bed, V6 3.7 liter automatic with 21,891 miles. Still has factory warranty plus has a dealerâ€™s warranty (4,500 miles or 90 days). All black with low profile bad @ss wheels and looks good â€“ makes me feel younger all for $13,900. All power with Tow/Haul and O/D Off for towing. Have to add tow bar and tow lights wires plus camper shell to sleep in.

2. 2008 Ford F150 SuperCrew with a 5 Â½ Bed, V8 5.4 liter, automatic, 4by4 with 5,776 miles. Again dealerâ€™s warranty (4,500 miles or 90 days) with Tow package. All power plus all of the nice stuff in side for $19,900. Would have to add a camper shell and I donâ€™t like the interior color.

3. 2004 Ford F150 SuperCrew with a 6 Â½ Bed, V8 5.4 liter automatic, 4by4 with 61,000 miles. Dealerâ€™s warranty, Tow package, camper shell, leather seats and everything nice that I usually donâ€™t get in my truck. Two tone color that is not the best all for $17,900.

4. 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe Sport Utility, with V8 5.3 liter, automatic, 4by4 with 49,379 miles. Dealerâ€™s warranty and Tow package for $17,900. I can sleep in the back with the seat out. It also has all of the good stuff inside.

5. 2007 Ford Econoline E350 Super Duty Passenger Van, V8 5.4 liter automatic with 30,700 miles. Dealerâ€™s warranty of 4,500 miles or 90 days. 12 passenger can take all the grandkid on trips plus it has all power. Need to add tow bar and tow lights wires but donâ€™t need to add camper shell. Makes me feel old for only $13,900.

Doug Hodel · Post by **Doug Hodel** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 2:11 pm

I had a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 with the Hemi and loved the power, it was fun to drive and wished I still had it. Never had any problems with it. For me it didn't tow the boat very smoothly.

I now have a 2006 Chevy Tahoe 4 x 4 V8 it tows a lot better than the Dodge did, in my opinion. However, if I could go back to the Dodge I would. For me the Chevy just has had to many little things go wrong.

barse41 · Post by **barse41** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 2:16 pm

find your self a toyota and forget all your troubles

Jim V. · Post by **Jim V.** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 2:42 pm

I have a '04 F150 with the tow package, 5.4L V-8. It tows a 203 ChampioN like it isn't even there. Major disappointment is it gets an average of 12 mpg, towing or not. But it's a lot better than the F350 conversion van I used to have. It got 6 mpg.

Have a friend with a Toyota & he loves it. Tows the boat & gets about 17 mpg.

GEORGEN · Post by **GEORGEN** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 2:54 pm

DODGE CUMMINS

19-20MPG 4X4

Mike · Post by **Mike** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 3:23 pm

I have a 07' Dodge Hemi. It tows great and get 16+mpg towing

biteme · Post by **biteme** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 3:27 pm

Mike wrote:I have a 07' Dodge Hemi. It tows great and get 16+mpg towing

Love mine! You cant beat the price of these trucks.

12lblargemouth · Post by **12lblargemouth** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 4:40 pm

barse41 wrote:find your self a toyota and forget all your troubles

I think we all need to make sure we buy american made right now with our economy. I know the american manufacturers still have parts and some assembly in other countries but the majority of the revenues stay here. I know Toyota makes a good product but we send too much money over seas in all the purchases we make.

Marty I know you will, judging by the Bibs in the avtar and some other statements you have made in the past

Good luck in the purchase

DeltaDan · Post by **DeltaDan** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 4:47 pm

Marty - Look on Craigslist and others like AutoTrader on line as well.

In a 20 second search for what was local to us - Here is 3x the truck of any you mentioned -- with less maintance and higher mpg.

~~> http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd/1064259148.html

And for even less money ~~> http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1058917105.html

Steve45 · Post by **Steve45** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 5:06 pm

I had a 1997 Dodge with the V-6 and it sucked the gas and there wasn't enough power unless you are going to pull a 14' aluminum boat, so I traded it in and got a 1998 V-8 5.2 318cid still alittle weak on the power side but it was a major inprovement over the V-6. I pull a 2001 TR-20 Triton. The truck has over 210,000 and is still going.

Team Davies · Post by **Team Davies** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 6:19 pm

sounds like you answered your own question. the 05 tahoe you can sleep in it.

Glenn · Post by **Glenn** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 6:36 pm

12lblargemouth wrote:
barse41 wrote:find your self a toyota and forget all your troubles
I think we all need to make sure we buy american made right now with our economy. I know the american manufacturers still have parts and some assembly in other countries but the majority of the revenues stay here. I know Toyota makes a good product but we send too much money over seas in all the purchases we make.

Marty I know you will, judging by the Bibs in the avtar and some other statements you have made in the past

Good luck in the purchase

+1

I've had both Chevy and Dodge trucks. Both have been extremely reliable. Many people don't realize that Toyotas cost more. The money you save by buying American will generally pay for any repairs you might have (if the warranty doesn't). Although I've had almost none.

The Cummins diesel has a 100,000 mile warranty and is efficient. It is also unbelievably powerful. I use mine exclusively for towing and have had zero issues in 3.5 years.

I think you would be happy with the Tahoe too.

Glenn

blkdog812 · Post by **blkdog812** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 6:44 pm

i vote for the tahoe. if you dont need 4x4 look for a 2x4 and put a posi in it. there are a lot of deals out there.

Choy L · Post by **Choy L** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 7:26 pm

12lblargemouth wrote:
barse41 wrote:find your self a toyota and forget all your troubles
I think we all need to make sure we buy american made right now with our economy. I know the american manufacturers still have parts and some assembly in other countries but the majority of the revenues stay here. I know Toyota makes a good product but we send too much money over seas in all the purchases we make.

Marty I know you will, judging by the Bibs in the avtar and some other statements you have made in the past

Good luck in the purchase

Actually, most Toyotas sold in the US, are made (assembled to be exact) her in the US. just like the big 4..

N.A.R · Post by **N.A.R** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 7:43 pm

barse41 wrote:find your self a toyota and forget all your troubles

+1

biteme · Post by **biteme** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 7:43 pm

One last thing, something else to think about. What V8 can you buy with no miles for 18k and a 100k warranty? Its simple, you just cant beat the dodge! I have a smaller boat now but when I had my Ranger 520 it would pull it like nothing!

macinckirk · Post by **macinckirk** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 7:53 pm

biteme wrote:One last thing, something else to think about. What V8 can you buy with no miles for 18k and a 100k warranty? Its simple, you just cant beat the dodge! I have a smaller boat now but when I had my Ranger 520 it would pull it like nothing!

Dodge I wouild never own 1 they were JUNK in the 70's and 80's and still junk in 2009

Buy a Toy and be done with it

BUCKBASS · Post by **BUCKBASS** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 8:19 pm

The only thing i will say buy the biggest motor you can find don't under power yourself if you do you'll be sorry.

biteme · Post by **biteme** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 8:42 pm

macinckirk wrote:
biteme wrote:One last thing, something else to think about. What V8 can you buy with no miles for 18k and a 100k warranty? Its simple, you just cant beat the dodge! I have a smaller boat now but when I had my Ranger 520 it would pull it like nothing!
Dodge I wouild never own 1 they were JUNK in the 70's and 80's and still junk in 2009

Buy a Toy and be done with it

48k and no problems. I guess its hit or miss. I guess with the warranty you'll have no worries. BTW that was 18k for a quad cab.

smoothmel · Post by **smoothmel** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 9:21 pm

HEY MARTY IT'S YOUR CHULA VISTA PRO I'VE BEEN PULLING MY 198 CHAMPION WITH A GMC DENALI 2004 FOR THE LAST FIVE I'VE HAD NO PROBLEMS AND I GOT A NEW NET

12lblargemouth · Post by **12lblargemouth** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 9:35 pm

Choy L wrote:
12lblargemouth wrote:
barse41 wrote:find your self a toyota and forget all your troubles
I think we all need to make sure we buy american made right now with our economy. I know the american manufacturers still have parts and some assembly in other countries but the majority of the revenues stay here. I know Toyota makes a good product but we send too much money over seas in all the purchases we make.

Marty I know you will, judging by the Bibs in the avtar and some other statements you have made in the past

Good luck in the purchase
Actually, most Toyotas sold in the US, are made (assembled to be exact) her in the US. just like the big 4..

Yes they do create jobs by assembling alot of thier vehicles here in Fremont, CA. But ultimately where does the majority of the money from the sale go, Japans economy. We need to at least keep our big purchases on the home turf. We are already on the verge of being called the United States of China.

snapitoff2002 · Post by **snapitoff2002** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 11:54 pm

macinckirk wrote:
biteme wrote:One last thing, something else to think about. What V8 can you buy with no miles for 18k and a 100k warranty? Its simple, you just cant beat the dodge! I have a smaller boat now but when I had my Ranger 520 it would pull it like nothing!
Dodge I wouild never own 1 they were JUNK in the 70's and 80's and still junk in 2009

Buy a Toy and be done with it

Not true at all.. they aren't as luxurious as the rest of them, but toyota has some cheesy interior too... All I know is that when I borrowed my dad's quad cab dodge with a hemi, it put my chevy to shame... Didn't even know the boat was behind me AT ALL. I actually would have to be carefull not to burn out heading up I-5 to Packers Bay when getting on the freeway.. UPHILL!

But I would say the Tahoe... You can put all of your rods inside and extra tackle without the worry... and not look like a geezer driving a van (sorry Tom!)

Topwater All Day · Post by **Topwater All Day** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 4:58 am

The Dodge Ram with a Hemi is the best value in trucks...hands down!

I have just hit the 30k mark on my '07 and have not had a single issue with the truck. I get 14-15 mpg around town and 19 on the highway. Towing is 13-14, but I did get 16 on one trip where I stayed at 55 mph the whole way!

The Hemi has a ton of power and tows my 18' boat like it's not even there! You can get a great deal on an '08 right now...but if you've got the cash, the new '09's are even better!!!

Toyota makes a good truck, but they are not without their issues either. I had a buddy of mine go through 3 head gaskets on his 4-runner...in the first 125k miles! And he babied that thing!

For the money you are looking to spend, go buy a brand new Dodge with a Hemi and a great warranty. Go take a test drive and see for yourself!

Rob

BassManDan · Post by **BassManDan** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 7:03 am

Marty,

That Tahoe would be my vote, because it would be pretty much the same guts as my truck; Silverado 1500, 5.3L V-8 (for those who appreciate what that engine was originally called "small block V-8, 327")

I'm towing a Stratos 295 Pro Elite w/ single axle trailer,so you can easily tow your boat, but I would by no means call it "over-powering" it is pretty much just right, cause it does have the guts to pull some serious hills if you need to (I tow across Hwy 299).
The Tahoe would be really nice with a tow package, then you'd have tow/haul mode and the beefed up brakes.

Just my 2,

CBoat · Post by **CBoat** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 7:32 am

Last year I purchased my second 03 tahoe for $14,200 with 48,000 miles on it and it is like new condition. My wife drives the other. This vehicle comes with some issues but they are easy fixes. We love ours because it tows great and it is ultra comfortable and very few problems. The brakes are excellent and last about 100,000 miles on the factory brakes. We have had plenty of experience with this vehicle and for the price of a used one, it is hard to beat all around. It will easily tow your boat as it tows my 19" champion like champ!

Too expensive new but used it is a great deal. Get the one you are looking at but for about $16,500. Write me and I will tell you what to watch out for with this vehicle.

ron4493 · Post by **ron4493** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 7:41 pm

I've owned a chevy suburban, a tahoe a ford f250 and now own a ram 1500 with a hemi. The best all around tow vechicle for me was and is the Dodge. Plenty of power and tows a 20 or 21 foot boat with ease. You dont even have to get on it hard to tow up hill to clear lake. It also gets the best mileage I've ever got when towing.

CN · Post by CN » Mon Mar 09, 2009 8:09 pm

If you can go with a 3/4 ton truck no matter which make.

I love my F-250 with the 6.0 Turbo. You really have alot of control even with larger boat's and get pretty good mileage.

keithcant · Post by **keithcant** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 5:53 am

Consider a DIESEL if it is TOWING you want. As I've told people for my 9 yrs of driving one, it takes a gallon of gas and a match to overheat it!! Cajon Pass.....Baker grade or up and down the 5 and 99 July. Aug and Sept. it just cruises along with the air conditioner blasting.

Mine is in a Ford Excursion and I have great sleepability w/air mattress and storage for two. If in a truck a shell w/ or w/o a 'kit' makes decent enough accomodations.

The used truck market is so good now--there is no reason to not buy what you want ......w/ low mileage and still keep the price so good it feels like you're stealin' it.
GOOD LUCK!!

macinckirk · Post by **macinckirk** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 6:38 am

Marty buy what ever YOU like this is just like boats or anything you will get 100 diff answers

My reply about a dog was because I owned 2 and had nothing but problems back in the day 80's so I'll never buy 1 but thats just me.

I'm a Chevy/Gmc Man but drive a Toy

You can get a lemon with any brand so get the 1 you like and roll with it

Good Luck

Oldschool · Post by **Oldschool** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:08 pm

If you are still looking for a pick up PM me. The #4 choice, original owner is a elderly neighbor that is planning to sell his F-150, 4 door cab w/everything, tan color, 42,000 miles. Never used to tow, has the package and this truck has new tires, garaged and is in excellent condition, he is asking 14K.
Tom

CHUG BUG · Post by **CHUG BUG** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:08 pm

i'd go with the ford van. vans can be very versatile. looks like a good price too.

BFerris · Post by **BFerris** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:23 pm

I am in the same boat as you...I have a 2001 Chevy silverado w/ the 5.3 liter engine. I have been a Chevy guy all my life...but this truck has given me several problems (tranny, AC, starter and many small issues with interior.

When I go to buy a new truck, I am going with a new Dodge. My cousin and a few friends have them and haven't had any issues. For the price and a lifetime power train warranty, its really hard to beat!!!

barse41 · Post by **barse41** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 2:47 pm

12lblargemouth wrote:
Choy L wrote:
12lblargemouth wrote: I think we all need to make sure we buy american made right now with our economy. I know the american manufacturers still have parts and some assembly in other countries but the majority of the revenues stay here. I know Toyota makes a good product but we send too much money over seas in all the purchases we make.

Marty I know you will, judging by the Bibs in the avtar and some other statements you have made in the past

Good luck in the purchase
Actually, most Toyotas sold in the US, are made (assembled to be exact) her in the US. just like the big 4..
Yes they do create jobs by assembling alot of thier vehicles here in Fremont, CA. But ultimately where does the majority of the money from the sale go, Japans economy. We need to at least keep our big purchases on the home turf. We are already on the verge of being called the United States of China.

if you buy a toyota, your helping out americans just as much as the japanese. every year toyota outsourses more and more work to america, while american companies are outsourcing more work out of the country.

Dynastyworms · Post by **Dynastyworms** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 2:59 pm

ford ranger w/ ranger 185vs!

Hollywood · Post by **Hollywood** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 3:25 pm

I have an 04 Tahoe and love it! Tows great, can sleep in the back. tons of storage and I don't have people asking me to move there couch, pick up a new big screen from best buys!

Tahoe but shop around, I think you can find better deal than 17,900.

The dealer down here just had a 2005 with 34,000 miles for 13,900... super clean!

cib11b · Post by **cib11b** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 3:39 pm

Buy an 07 Duramax.. You will never have any problems or will you ever even phase that allison tranny. You know we use Allison tranny's in our tanks and military vehicles right?

GOTBASS · Post by **GOTBASS** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 4:01 pm

MARTY, Sorry to here about "only having a set amount of time left to fish". whats up with that? anyway I'm going to say only from my experience and thats almost 22yrs in the car buisness,on your questions ask, gas milege is better on the chevy lines and i know cost of driving is important, ford l ittle better when it comes to heavy duty. Dodge is the less expensive new and used, and more issues on the older models. I can til you this i have people come into my office and tell me they will never ever own a toyota again, or a ford , or a chevy , and alot say dodge. just having alot of experience means sometimes you get a great vehicle new or used and then sometimes you dont. on towing and gas mileage i dont know the numbers. I tend to be alitte like you and not over rigging for what you tow .Ie biggest motor 3/4t etc = less economy all the way around. With the said i owned a 2004 chevy, it was great, but might like biteme said go with a new dodge 4door. maybe on a lease. remember the new leases give optoins to the buyer, thats a good thing . just my .02 I also work at a new nissan dealership.

Hollywood · Post by **Hollywood** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 4:05 pm

GOTBASS wrote:MARTY, Sorry to here about "only having a set amount of time left to fish". whats up with that? anyway I'm going to say only from my experience and thats almost 22yrs in the car buisness,on your questions ask, gas milege is better on the chevy lines and i know cost of driving is important, ford l ittle better when it comes to heavy duty. Dodge is the less expensive new and used, and more issues on the older models. I can til you this i have people come into my office and tell me they will never ever own a toyota again, or a ford , or a chevy , and alot say dodge. just having alot of experience means sometimes you get a great vehicle new or used and then sometimes you dont. on towing and gas mileage i dont know the numbers. I tend to be alitte like you and not over rigging for what you tow .Ie biggest motor 3/4t etc = less economy all the way around. With the said i owned a 2004 chevy, it was great, but might like biteme said go with a new dodge 4door. maybe on a lease. remember the new leases give optoins to the buyer, thats a good thing . just my .02 I also work at a new nissan dealership.

What will happen when Chyrsler will file for BK in the future? Will you loose your much needed warranty on that Dodge? I have been thinking about a Dodge diesel for a while but with a Dodge, that warranty is my #1 concern....

BassnReed · Post by **BassnReed** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 4:28 pm

I am a Claims Manager for a aftermarket warranty company and I run actuarials every month to determine which makes and models we are seeing the highest loss ratio's from.

Ford has the lowest by far.....

Next would be Dodge with GM bringing up the rear.

Toyota has really not had enough exposure to truly determine their reliability. From the claims I have seen so far their powertrain is not what I would interested in.

My 2 cents....

ash · Post by **ash** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 4:47 pm

+1 on the Tahoe - my next truck will be a Sports Utility truck.

BassManDan wrote:Marty,

That Tahoe would be my vote, because it would be pretty much the same guts as my truck; Silverado 1500, 5.3L V-8 (for those who appreciate what that engine was originally called "small block V-8, 327")

I'm towing a Stratos 295 Pro Elite w/ single axle trailer,so you can easily tow your boat, but I would by no means call it "over-powering" it is pretty much just right, cause it does have the guts to pull some serious hills if you need to (I tow across Hwy 299).
The Tahoe would be really nice with a tow package, then you'd have tow/haul mode and the beefed up brakes.

Just my 2,

Jim Conlow Sr. · Post by **Jim Conlow Sr.** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 5:16 pm

I have a 2006 Dodge Hemi short cab short bed. I also have a 2006 Dodge cummings diesel 4 door cab and eight foot bed. Both are great vehicles and are great for towing my boat. I have been a Dodge guy for a long time and dont really know anything about the other brands, I just know that for the past 25 years of owning and towing with dodges I have never had any major problems.

GOTBASS · Post by **GOTBASS** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 6:56 am

hollywood right know gm isnt looking to good nor ford, the sky isnt falling ,although it seems like it . dodge will be here ,ford and gm . JUST SAYING the guy has a limited time to fish, with limited funds, how a bout NO CASH OUT OF POCKET AND PAYMENTS OF ABOUT 300 PER MOUNTH then you wount worry about problems if dodge does go under or any other CO. for that manner, pretty good deal, and he is in a new ride options and color he picks out. all under warranty and ITS NEW

propgun · Post by **propgun** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 8:40 am

12lblargemouth wrote:
barse41 wrote:find your self a toyota and forget all your troubles

I think we all need to make sure we buy american made right now with our economy.

I agree with that statement but having owned a couple of different fords you can't beat the qulity of a toyota tundra. Currently have a 08 and love it this truck doesn't even know I'm towing my nitro nx898 behind it.

TZ1 · Post by **TZ1** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 8:58 am

The Tahoe is great a suburban would be better. Ive been towing a 21 champion up and down hills with a 99 5.7 liter chev suburban for the past 5 years it now has 230K miles. I also have a 06 silverado 5.3 and it tows great also. The 5.3 is a great motor especially with the tow package 373 locker rear diffy. The Sub and Tahoe supposedly get about the same milage. I like the Sub because you can remove the third row seats and fold over the second row and have tons of room to sleep. I'm sure the Tahoe would also have lots of room also.

DougH · Post by **DougH** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 7:20 pm

2000 Dodge Cummins diesel
209,000 miles
380 HP
800 lbs torque
20-25 mpg
14-15 mpg with Camper and towing boat up and down passes
65 mph up grades with no sweat

let's see any toyota do that!
I also dig the Duramax/Allison combo gnarly!

But the straight 4" exhaust is probably a bit noisey for the neighbors...

Jim Conlow Sr. · Post by **Jim Conlow Sr.** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 6:32 am

Jim Conlow Sr. · Post by **Jim Conlow Sr.** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 6:54 am

If all of us dont start buying American we will be having our conversations about fishing in the soup lines like people were doing in the early thirties. I was born in 1934 and clearly remember the end of the thirties and the hopelessness that people suffered and the fear of spending as much as a dime for fear of where they were going to get the next one. We spent weekends in the delta fishing for catfish that we would keep alive in washtubs in our basement. We lived in a diet of catfish and other types of game. I used to stalk geese, ducks, and swans on my belly turu the mud with a single shot 22 rifle to get close enough for a head shot. I have swam under water for long distances to be able to grab a duck by its feet and wring its neck. We ate jack rabbits, racoons, mudhins, and muskrat stew. My Mother would not cook a possum We ate robins and even once tried a blackbird pie.

In this depression we have not reached that point yet, but if each and everyone of us does not work to help the American economy we verry possibly will have to resort to the things that I have mentioned in this post.

BUY AMERICAN OR EAT MUDHENS THAT IS PERHAPS YOUR CHOICE

afdean · Post by **afdean** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 8:53 pm

Opinion: A lot of Americans need to start looking at financial statements from the "Big 3" (may as well know where your money is being lost) as well as content of their "American" trucks. There is more foreign content in many GMs and Dodges than in a Tundra.

Tundras are built in the US, by Americans, powered by American built motors set on American built frames. Billions of their profit stays right here on our soil... and no I don't work for them or sell them for a living. Just did a little homework before I bought.

As for the original question: buy what suits you, what you can afford, with the least miles, and most remaining warranty among your options

Schneider Fishing · Post by **Schneider Fishing** » Sun Mar 15, 2009 4:44 pm

I'm a Jeep guy!!

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