dizzyj

I'm currently towing a fairly heavy steel open trailer with my '99 chevy silverado, and its not happy. I've put this truck through its paces over the years and its time to upgrade to a diesel.

I have 2 options. 1) get rid of the 1500 and try to find a replacement work truck for <15k or 2) get rid of the 1500, and trade in my beloved 09 m3 on a fancy new diesel.

Either or I need a crew cab 4x4. I know diesels can go a long time, but im worried about the rest of the truck. Trucks that fit my criteria tend to be ~2004 with 150k miles. Is that even worth upgrading to? Also if you were looking for that age of truck, what brand would you go with? as much as I dislike dodge, my thinking is go with a ram since it seems to basically the same I6 cummings they currently sell.

I know I could drive my m3 into a stealership and drive out with a new truck, but I really really like the m3.

Anyone have any good luck buying this used a truck as a tow vehicle?

Thanks
dj

J richard

If you have the room to keep it get a 3/4 ton gas and call it a day. If you are thinking of ever going to an enclosed trailer then go diesel. One other option if you like your truck and will stay open is get a nice aluminum trailer. Easy tow with a 44 on it....

paradisenb

1) Keep the silverado and the m3. Buy an older Ford with the 7.3 to use strictly for towing. That engine will still be going strong. You can get a pickup or Expedition.

2) Keep the m3. Upgrade the half ton daily driver to something reasonable and the same as above for the tow vehicle. <----- that is how vehicle is spelled.

dizzyj

ugh, I suck at spelling, and spell check did not fire on the title.

the m3 is my daily driver. I use the 1/2 ton for the occasional tow, but since I bought the 44, im towing often. I would like the ability to go enclosed at some point.

so its get another old tow vehicle (spelled right ) or trade in the m3 daily, and daily drive a new 3/4 ton diesel.

Rich Sandor

I'm super happy with my 2011 5.0LV8 gas F150 CrewCab. 10,000lbs towing, 10.L/100km on the hwy and I'm actually averaging around 15L/100km in the city (like the windows sticker says)

I have a BMW 528i that was supposed to be my daily driver and the truck only for camping/towing/hauling but I'm actually daily driving the truck now.

Greg Phillips

I just picked up a used 5.4L V8 2004 Expedition Eddie Bauer for $13,000 with 98k miles.

It should tow your 944 on open trailer fine, rated to 8,000+, and has plenty of room inside for people or equipment.

Greg

Dan Jacobs

The 01 - 07 2500HD with 6.0 gas are really great trucks they just keep going and compared
to your truck will feel very strong

mglobe

Sell the truck and buy a newer 1/2-ton and an aluminum trailer. Keep the M3. When you are ready to go enclosed, then get the 3/4. Not that a 1/2-ton is the best for hauling, but it will be ok with an aluminum trailer behind it.

jpk

If you're not planning on changing the trailer, you should consider a newer silverado 1500. I recently upgraded my '99 with the 4.8 and 4 speed auto to a 2010 with the 5.3 and 6 speed. Difference is night and day. Both trucks have the 3.48 axle, extended cab 4x4 with a fiberglass cap. I was hoping to find a 3.08 axle for the new one, but it wasn't in the cards.
My trailer weighs in at about 4800 pounds with the 968 on it. I was getting 12-13 towing with the old truck, the new ones pulling 14-15. Beyond that, it pulls much better with much less effort. I really like the upgrades to the logic when it's in tow/haul mode; you get downshifting for engine braking, and it does a good job at picking the right gear for the load without a lot of excessive shifting. Without the trailer, I'm seeing about the same mileage, 16-17 around town, 20 hwy.
The 5.3/6 speeds were available starting in '07, but were somewhat scarce. around '09 they were much more common.

007DT

^^ This.

I can't stand driving a big vehicle daily. Had an Escalade.. Hated it..

Keep the M3. Buy an older Ford Diesel, Get the 7.3.. It's a tank. Plus you'll have a truck when needed for runs to Home Depot and they can pull like a freight train.

dizzyj

what would be a year/mileage you would feel comfortable with an old ford diesel? 100k? 150k?

Thats what im currently thinking. I dont really want a nice new truck, I like to beat my truck up pretty bad.

Veloce Raptor

That's because everyone in your neighborhood thought you look just like Vanilla Ice

ja78911sc

The 7.3 Power Stroke hands down is a great engine. I have ran across several that have 300K plus on the original motor.

I believe in 1999 Ford started using a intercooler. I would try to find a 1999 - 2003 mid year.

In mid-year 2003 Ford changed engines to a 6.0. I would highly recommend you stay away from these engines (disclaimer: I am not trying to start a 6.0 debate ) You can google 6.0 Power stroke and find a wealth of info.

dbryant61

Actually, its the Excursion with the 7.3. That is what I did about 6 months ago. Find an original owner Excursion or F250/F350 with the 7.3 PSTD, 99-2003. I bought mine with 142k. Engine is good for up to 500k. You will likely need to replace ball joints and tie-rod ends. The rest of the drivetrain should be fine as long as the transmission has not been cooked. My interior and paint are 9 out of 10, and all of the electric accessories are fine. You can probably get a nice truck in that range for $12-15k and the Excursion will be $15-20k depending on condition and mileage.

Lemming

I'm still confused as to why your 1500 can't pull an open trailer hauling a 944. It is just old and beat? If yes, then simply look at a new model. There's really no need for a diesel for what you are hauling. Not to mention that you'll be paying more for fuel with the diesel (I have one). For 15K you can easily buy a 2005 or so F150 V8 that is up to the job.

For example http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...06619295&Log=0