OK, I hope this is an OK topic and that it doesn't start a brand battle, but I'd like to ask your advice on trucks for pullling a boat.

I might (I repeat might) be in the market sometime in the next 6 months to buy a used truck that  I would intend to use for carrying a camper and pulling a boat. (The boat will probably not come until early 2006.) I would probably not have more than $10,000 to spend on the truck.

I am guessing that I would need a 3/4 ton and I would want an extended cab (for the family) or a crew cab, and would prefer a full size bed. I've heard that you can find big blocks for a decent price if you are willing to put up with the low gas milage. I would not use the truck for commuting or running around town, only hauling, camping and pulling a boat.

I am far from an expert on trucks, and you guys pull boats with them all/ most of the year. I'd appreciate any opinions/tips you are willing to throw out for me.

Ex-Prez, I've read your post about your Suburban, but I think it'll be long gone before I have the money and I'd really like to get a truck with a bed.

Thanks!
Stu

You should be able to get a 2500/F250 1990-2000 Dodge, Ford or Chevy in that price range, give or take $5000. I would also consider a diesel for the gas mileage. However, with a diesel, maintenance costs will be higher. But, usually the diesel will out last a gas engine. Diesels will also have better pulling power. Brand is personal preference.  I have heard good things about the Chevy DuraMax and the Dodge Cummins.

Here at Fedex, all of our diesels are the same engine as the Dodge trucks. The newer ones are very quiet but that is the 2004 models.

We have had very few problems with regular maintenance.

The Ford Power stroke in the years that you are looking will be the first years out. So expect some issues. Also, I think the DuraMax came out around then also.

As for Ford trucks they have no turning radius especially on the club cab with the 8ft bed,

Chevy’s are better but personally don't like the styling. The newer trucks do look better and are better laid out in the cab. But still not a big fan.

Dodge is obviously the truck of choice for me, even with the 5.8L gas engine I have not had any problem towing.
In addition, it has a far better turning radius than Ford. Also, consider 4x4, you don't need it all the time but it is sure handy in a pinch. I have never had any problem launching my boat at any launch. The 5.8L gas motor sucks the gas, but it sure is a workhorse.

Just my two cents


Oh and another thing check the value of any truck before you go talk to anyone at www.kbb.com that's the Kelly Blue book site you can get values on trade-ins, retail, and personal sale.

Good luck shopping

Major problems with the newer 6.0 liter Powerstrokes is oil leaks.  I've seen cracks in the blocks, and just oil leaks in general.  I've done maintence work on a few with 10k miles or less and its like an oil slick under that engine.  Still shouldn't shy you away from Ford, they are good trucks. Good thing about the 6.0 is its very quiet, I thought my ears were plugged up after starting my first one after years of the 7.3.

Hi Stu,

From our experience in bringing the family along to the events,  the crew cab on our Chevy 2500HD has been awesome -- tons more room than the extended cab on our Chevy 1500.  Comfort & reliability is a huge when bringing the kids along (especially on the 6+ hour trek to Banks Lake).  The Duramax Diesel with Allison trans. has awesome power and great fuel mileage with or without the camper & boat, but as you've seen in other posts there's lots of great makes & models out there. (I grew up in a Ford family and married a Chevy one!) 

A 3/4 ton or better is probably best if you're going to be putting a camper on, our 1500 did OK but we had it beefed up a bit when we ordered it.  Our 2500HD hauls it much more easily, and we also added the air shocks to the back end for even more stability.  Our camper is a "light" series (2000 Fleetwood Angler 8C) and has been fine for our family of 4.  After doing the tourney thing now for 4 years with a family my recommended features that are sometimes optional are bathroom, air-conditioner, heater, no front window, and the very important automatic/power jacks.  Spend time looking at all the different brands, features and floorplans--there's lots of good models out there. (If you want to dream a little -- check out the Big Foot camper)

Now for the recommended boat . . . just kidding . . . we all know what the best boat is . . .

Looking forward to seeing your family at the events.

Andrea       

Now we're getting into best drivers....

My dad's Chevy 1500 did alright with the camper and SKEETER behind it. Slower up the passes. Right on with what Andrea said. The 2500 is probably much better.

Smitty,

I agree completely 

Let's see here -- hummm . . .
New 2004 ZX225 Skeeter $40,000. +

New lower unit for 6 week old 2004 Skeeter $3000.+

Overnight shipping to get lower unit by next day so not to miss the Jamboree $250. +

Husband learning a lesson in total humility PRICELESS

Being able to quiz husband about which side of a green buoy to run on PRICELESS

Having a husband that can take the ribbing PRICELESS

May you all have safe travels up the Snake 

Andrea

Nice, Andrea! That was pretty funny! 

Well, I know I implied that I was done asking until I got some money together, but I am reading more and talking to more people and now I have more questions that I would like your opinions on...

On paper, I am getting more interested in the Chevy and Dodge 2500s, and am now researching the diesels about equal to the gas. (I'll get out and drive some actual trucks over the next few weekends, too).

Here are my new questions:

1. Gas or diesel? It seems like most people in the club have gas. I know Wolsky has that big a-- diesel, but he's out working the marshes during duck season, so I can't ask him. I've read up on the pro's and con's on-line, but has anyone had any real problems from one or the other?

2. Manual or automatic transsmissions? It seems like it could be a lot of work shifting a Ram diesel all, day, but are there strong advantages?

3. Has anyone heard anything solid on the trannies for the Dodge and Chevy? The Allisons are supposed to be awesome on the Chevys, but back in 1999 or 2000, I think they were not the norm? And on the Dodges, I was on a web site board last night for 5th wheel owners, and many of them were saying that the Dodges transmissions were not very good(?).

Thanks for keeping me informed!

Stu