Zak77

I'm looking at selling my 4 door jeep wrangler and picking up a tow vehicle. going to be a 2 fold vehicle. One for towing the C5 to events, and also we're looking at picking up an older airstream and need something to tow it with. Max budget is 15K. Needs to seat 5, with shoulder belts. that is quite limiting as a lot of the 3/4 or larger trucks did not start putting in shoulder strap middle seats until a few years ago. But, looking to see what you experts like.

There are the usual Suburban, Excursion, F150/250/350, Chevy/GMC 1500/2500/3500 and the Dodge's. Thought also about a nice land cruiser but not sure what their towing capacity is. Need to look that up.

Gas, diesel? never had a diesel vehicle and not sure if the extra torque and little better fuel mileage is worth the price premium.

yooper

FWIW, I am looking for an 04-06 3/4 ton suburban for the same application. The 2wheel drive model with 8.1L gas is rated to tow 12000 lbs.

Sold my 1/2 ton 04 avalanche with 5.3L and 4.10 gears because it doesn't have enough torque to pull an enclosed trailer IMO.

c4cruiser

To make a decision regarding the size of a tow vehicle, you will need to determine the amount of weight you will be towing and also the total weight of the cargo going into the truck. For towing the car, it will make a difference depending on an open trailer versus an enclosed trailer.

It might be a bit hard finding a nice diesel 3/4 ton pickup in your price range, but a diesel will certainly handle lots of towing/cargo weight.

A C5 on an open trailer will be in the 5K-6K weight range; just depends on the trailer construction. I tow my '87 coupe in my new 20' CargoMate enclosed trailer and that comes in at about 6800 lbs.

When you figure out cargo weight in the tow vehicle, add up the weight of all the passengers (kids, wife and/or girlfriend, the dog), any luggage and tools and equipment for the car. Also, add in the tongue weight of the completely loaded trailer (should be 10-15% of the total towed weight). I have heard it's best to never exceed 85% of the maximum gross weight capacity of the vehicle.

If you are thinking about an Airstream travel trailer, you should be able to find out information regarding the weights and carrying capacity of that particular trailer.

I think that a 3/4 ton pickup or a Suburban or Ford Excursion would suit your needs. Extended cab or crew cab pickups easily seat 5. My extended cab '08 Silverado has shoulder belts for 5 people.

A diesel will certainly be up to hauling 12K lbs or more and even get reasonably decent fuel economy. My vote would be a Chev or GMC with the Duramax/Allison combo. A Ford F250 with the 7.3 PowerStroke would be my 2nd choice. After that, it would be either truck with a big gas motor. Dodge? Nope.

Zak77

I've found a number of F250's with the 7.3 but their rear seats only have 2 shoulder straps and the middle seat has a lap belt. Since I have 3 kids I'd not really comfortable putting one of them in a lap belt. Found a few Excursions though in the budget with the diesel.

Most likely I'll be towing the C5 on an open trailer as I don't forsee having the funds for an enclosed one.

The airstreams weigh between 5K and 9K depending on the length. Most likely we'll pick up a 29' that is about 7k I believe.

I'd love to get a 5th wheel toy hauler as it would suite both needs but the Mrs being an architect, she's not crazy about the way they look. And finding one that holds a C5, used at least, is a challenge.

2MCHPWR

i bought my wife an 06 escalade. it has the 6.0 LSx so its pretty good at towing my open trailer (way better than the v8 explorer I used before).

Cobra4B

I purchased a 2008 Nissan Titan SE 4x2 crew cab nearly 2 years ago for $16k. It had 44k miles on it and was in fantastic condition. The truck is rated to tow 9400 lbs and tows a loaded up 24' enclosed w/o issue. It's also my DD. When I was shopping larger trucks the Nissans were a good $5k cheaper than comparable Ford/Chevy/Dodges due to the fact that the body style has been out since 2004 and some of the early models (pre-2008) had some issues with the rear axle seals and some radiator issues.

Zak77

Had not thought about the Titans. I sold Nissan's for a few months between jobs in 2004 and loved driving those trucks. I'll add them to the list.

After a bit of research last night, a 7.3 Excursion is at the top of my list. Finding one for a decent price and not having 200-300K miles is a bit tough though.

A Chevy Duramax is pretty much out of my price range. Hard to find a 2003 and newer one for what I can spend. I prefer the 2002 and earlier styling but they did not come with a middle shoulder strap in the back.

Cobra4B

A 7.3 Excursion is a unicorn around here... good luck finding one for a reasonable price

moespeeds

I've been towing all kinds of stuff with Tahoe's for years. I can't own a pickup in my condo complex, and I prefer SUVs anyway. Right now I tow my car in my 26' enclosed with my Escalade. Tows ok, but gas mileage is in the 4-6 mpg range, and a good load leveling hitch is a must because of the short wheelbase. Best I ever had was an old Suburban I paid $9k for, and used it up over 200k miles without a problem other than a bad fuel pump. All my Tahoe's did great as well, I ran every one up to 200k before I got rid of it.

Zak77

LOL. Found one in Maine for 9K with only 100K miles but it has a salvage title. Hmmmmm

Bill Dearborn

You should be able to find an 03 or newer 2500 Suburban with 3 shoulder belts in the rear. My 03 Tahoe has 3 shoulder belts and I think the 01s and 02s had them as well but can't be sure. I wouldn't try pulling a 7K Airstream with anything less than a 2500 since there are other issues to worry about besides the engine. My Tahoe does fine towing my 5500 lb open trailer with a bunch of tools/spare parts behind the rear seat and 3 people in the vehicle. It basically doesn't know the trailer is there until it comes time to stop. That is when you definitely need good trailer brakes on the trailer as the Tahoe brakes leave much to be desired even without a load. Have had it since new so it is going on 10 years old and the brakes are the only complaint.

Bill

Zak77

Just found a very nice 2003 Yukon Denali XL for a good price. Higher miles but miles don't really scare me off. It has the 6.0L but I believe the Denali's are not 2500 just 1500's. Finding a used 2500 Suburban is tougher than I thought.

Vette53

I bought a 2000 F350 Dually with a V10 gas motor for 11K dollars 2 years ago. The truck had 150k mile on it so I have had to spend a few dollars on brakes, tires and a few other items. The gas mileage is not so good at 10mpg empty, 7mpg towing a 28foot enclosed trailer and Spec Miata. I do like the convenience of the gas motor since I don't drive it very much. I will say this about the truck, it is a pleasure to drive. Very comfortable and if I have to ride in the back seat, I prefer it over the Expedition we have.

Once you have narrowed your search, use cars.com or something similar to figure out what price range your dealing with and then search for the deal. You have time on your side.

Cobra4B

That's a great looking truck. Especially for a '00.

Zak77

Agreed, that is a beautiful truck. I like the styling of the Fords the best but they are well out of my budget as they did not put should strap seat belts into the rear seats until 2006 or 2007. Shame.

Found a number of V10 Excursions for decent prices. I work from home and don't drive that much. This will be a 3rd car so I should not be so overly concerned about mileage. towing the camper/vette to the track etc, and driving it in the winter when I don't take the C5 out. Since i've picked up my C5 I've put maybe 500 miles on my Jeep but 5K on the C5. Just can't be the 30mpg on the highway it gets.

Nsomniac

I think you could find one if you looked. I just picked this up last month. It's an '05 powerstroke with 120k on it. It also has the EGR delete, oil cooler, and headstuds done already (This is a must in the 6.0L. They are time bombs without it done, but just as good as the 7.3L afterward). I paid $13,700.

Zak77

Does your 05 have 3 shoulder straps in the rear seat?

Zenak

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...28594061&Log=0

there ya go

Zak77

That's right up the road from me. I'll be heading up that way tonight or tomorrow and will stop by.

Zak77

This is not a bad deal. Can tow pretty much whatever I need as well.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...29396755&Log=0