Beachcomer wrote: Background: In the process of buying a used trailer with GVWR of 11,000#. I have NEVER owned a truck before and not mechanically inclined; so, I am looking for recommendations for ones to buy and ones not to buy. From what I have read on the Forums and able to understand, there are some makes/models/engine size that were better in some years. I can look up tow ratings.
The truck that I would prefer would be a 3/4 ton, gas, extended or regular cab, 2WD, and long bed.
If you know of a website for used trucks, please let me know.
Thanks
My recommendation based on your requirements would be a Ford with the v10, a Dodge with the v10 (would have to be 2003 or older), or a Chevy/GMC with the 8.1L v8 (would have to be 2007 or older I believe). If you are buying new, the Ford is the only one left in the big gasser market with the v10.
If you are even slightly considering a diesel, I would recommend a Dodge with the Cummins, A Chevy/GMC with the Duramax, or a 2003 or older Ford with the 7.3L Powerstroke. I would avoid a 2004 or 2005 LLY Duramax due to overheating possibilities. I would also avoid a 2003.5 to 2007 6.0L Ford Powerstroke due to many possible issues. Also, if buying an automatic transmission, a 2003 or newer Dodge with the 48RE or 68RFE would be preferrable to the older 47RE transmission.
Those are IMHO fairly good recommendations at least for the Ford and you might want to get a 3 valve Ford V10 (later years) and get the 4.30s if you plan to tow a lot. Remember mpg will be in the dumpster with that much wt. and you might want to reconsider the gas preference since the diesels from any of the big three as set forth above will get IMHO around %50 better mpg than a gasser. Depending on terrain you could be down in the 7 to 9 with the gas and anywhere from 10 to 14 with the diesel and the diesel will make towing a much more pleasurable experience.
Larry
2001 standard box 7.3L E-350 PSD Van with 4.10 rear and 2007 Holiday Rambler Aluma-Lite 8306S Been RV'ing since 1974. TRAILER MODS
If you can find a 2001~2007 Chevy or GMC with the 8.1L engine I believe you will like what you see. Most 8.1L trucks will be rated to tow 15,000lb +or-.
If you are careful with the go pedal it can give you high 14s on the highway, but around town don't expect more than 11mpg.
Even with diesel higher than gasoline, I'd still look for a 1999 to 2002, 7.3L ford diesel. Better power and much better economy.
Ken
KE5DFR
Vintage 1979 Silver Streak Supreme Rocket toted by a 2002 F350, crewcab dually, 7.3L,4.10 axle,SCMT. Travel with two miniature Schnauzers and one African Gray parrot. Practicing for retirement!
Any Ford 6.8L V10, almost same gas mileage as 5.4L V8 in SD application. Very reliable and great puller. Post 2005 better if money allows, but pre 05 still excellent. Much better fuel mileage than the Ford 460 or the GM 8.1L big blocks. Stay away from older Dodge V10's. They have a nasty habit of detonating internally. Good luck hunting trucks. Great time to buy a truck as long as you don't have a trade or have to sell an older truck private.
2001 Newmar Kountry Star 34BLDS 2001 Ford F350 CC SRW V10 4.30LS
LOL, it never fails. Remember what I said here on the 1st page of this thread:
Quote: (FYI, even though you specifically said you want a gasser....Expect several to tell you to consider a diesel...it ALWAYS happens when this subject comes up, haha).
OP specifically said he was only interested in gasser trucks, but as always, diesel owners just cannot help themselves:
Quote: They all have their pros/cons, strenghts/weaknesses and issues. But for a private vehicle that you are going to use for towing, the Duramax is the most comfortable tow vehicle you will find.
Quote: and you might want to reconsider the gas preference since the diesels from any of the big three as set forth above will get IMHO around %50 better mpg than a gasser.
Quote: Even with diesel higher than gasoline, I'd still look for a 1999 to 2002, 7.3L ford diesel. Better power and much better economy.
..Not that anything is necessarily wrong with any of these comments/advice, I just think its amusing that no matter what someone says they do or don't want, some just can't help but recommend the very thing the OP said they did not want.
Anyway, like I said before, look for a V10 powered F250 or F350. As already said, there is a reason the V10 is the only big gasser engine left, still being offered in pickups today. An '05 or newer would be best since they got the newer 3 valve heads and other improvements in '05. But, the older V10 design is a great engine, too. For the amount of power it produces, there its about the most efficient gasser engine there is.
I just picked 10 years randomly. Older will probably be fine. I specified gas because I don't plan to keep the truck more than a year or so, and I thought gas would be easier than hunting for places to fill up with diesel.
Below is a summary of the recommendations that I received. If it isn't correct, please let me know.
GAS:
94-97 Ford 250 with 460 *
96 and later GM 454 *
2001-07 Chevy/GMC 8.1 L V8
2002 and later Ford V10
2003 and later Dodge V10
* Any Ford 6.8 L V10 will get better gas mileage
DIESEL:
GM Duramax/Alison (NO 2004-05 LLY Duramax)
Dodge Ram Cummins TD (03 and later have a better transmission)
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