Towing and Towed Vehicle (Same)
#1
Towing and Towed Vehicle (Same)
I am looking for a vehicle to tow a 3500# Boat and also to be able to tow (4 wheels on the ground with minimum hookup) behind an RV. Dual Purpose.
I want a 96-98 year model.
The money consideration is between 8000 and 12000.
What are my options?
I want a 96-98 year model.
The money consideration is between 8000 and 12000.
What are my options?
#2
Personally I like the GM offerings here- the C-1500 pickup series is awesome. Dodge Rams and Dakotas (ooh- a V8 Dakota--- I know a guy her in SC that has a nice V8 Dakota for about $10K)are a nice choice too, but I'd shy away from Ford. I just don't like them. They look nice and all, but I think the GM trucks are superior in power and driveability.
Chevy 4.3V6 is a powerhouse of a 6. Especially in the S10's. But even a V6 1500 full-size would work. If you happen to find a Chev 1500 with a 350, that would be the best choice, but kinda hard to tow behind an RV.
Pretty much any V6 engine or bigger would work. Heck I towed a 4000# Boston Whaler with a 93 S-10 with a teensy 2.8 V6- sucker ran like it had nothing behind it.
For the 1500's Silverado is better than a Cheyenne which is better than a W/T as far as options go. I have a Silverado, love it. W/T (work truck) is basically a bare bones all muscle no frills truck.
I'd look for a good 2wd (unless you need 4wd but it'll add a grand or two to the price) Chevy or GMC with an automatic, and definitely an extended cab (especially if you go with a Dakota or S10). Again, stay away from Ford IMO. Even their 210hp 4.0 V6 is a pathetic waste of gasoline. A "less hp but more ass" 180 hp 4.3 Chevy will outpull that crap anyday.
Good luck amigo! Let us know what you get!
Mako
Chevy 4.3V6 is a powerhouse of a 6. Especially in the S10's. But even a V6 1500 full-size would work. If you happen to find a Chev 1500 with a 350, that would be the best choice, but kinda hard to tow behind an RV.
Pretty much any V6 engine or bigger would work. Heck I towed a 4000# Boston Whaler with a 93 S-10 with a teensy 2.8 V6- sucker ran like it had nothing behind it.
For the 1500's Silverado is better than a Cheyenne which is better than a W/T as far as options go. I have a Silverado, love it. W/T (work truck) is basically a bare bones all muscle no frills truck.
I'd look for a good 2wd (unless you need 4wd but it'll add a grand or two to the price) Chevy or GMC with an automatic, and definitely an extended cab (especially if you go with a Dakota or S10). Again, stay away from Ford IMO. Even their 210hp 4.0 V6 is a pathetic waste of gasoline. A "less hp but more ass" 180 hp 4.3 Chevy will outpull that crap anyday.
Good luck amigo! Let us know what you get!
Mako
#5
transmission failure will occur pretty quickly......this is because an automatic trans uses a pump to lubricate the internal bearings, etc.. without the engine running and operating the pump all internal parts will be moving without the benefit of lubrication.......manual transmissions rely on "splash" oiling of their gears and bearings much like the crankshaft of your engine, they do not rely on a pump and hence can be safely towed in neutral for extended periods of time......in any case, 4 wheel towing is kinda outmoded nowadays with locked steering columns, you will have to leave key in "on" position to unlock the wheel, battery will eventually be going dead all the time......most people opt for a two wheel dolly to carry the front end of towed vehicle to eliminate this problem.....
#7
Make sure whatever you buy has a tow package and heavy duty cooling. I'd stick with GM and get the heaviest duty truck you can afford. Go with a 350 in it. The six, while pretty stout, will be suffering behind anything of substance it has to tow. Not to mention the 4.3's come without most of the tow package and heavy duty cooling that is typically required.
You might consider an aftermarket transmission cooler as well. Hayden makes some good ones.
You'll have to change your transmission fluid and filter every 25k or so. I'd do it once a season to be sure. Same on the transfer case and differential.
You might consider an aftermarket transmission cooler as well. Hayden makes some good ones.
You'll have to change your transmission fluid and filter every 25k or so. I'd do it once a season to be sure. Same on the transfer case and differential.