Looking at changing tow vehicle

[PistonSlap]

I see a bit of talk about the 7.3. Make sure to check the build date on them. There is an early 99 model that has smaller injectors, turbo, and a few other things. I think on the door with a build date of 12/98 should be good. They have a little more power. There are all sorts of stuff about the E99 7.3 out there. I have one. As for the no start, they are pretty easy to figure out. Mine happens to be a bad glow plug relay. I just put a screwdriver across the studs like an old starter solenoid. Count to 20 and then proceed to start it. I got mine very well used with 255000 miles on it but the price was hard to pass up at 1500.00 dollars.

[olddude1970]

I either have to quit looking or buy something lol. I keep finding stuff...

2008 2500HD with a 6.6L duramax. 258K miles, asking 13900.00. Has leather seats.

Worth looking at? I would think so, but figured I would put the question out.

Thanks.

[PistonSlap]

Originally Posted by olddude1970

I either have to quit looking or buy something lol. I keep finding stuff...

2008 2500HD with a 6.6L duramax. 258K miles, asking 13900.00. Has leather seats.

Worth looking at? I would think so, but figured I would put the question out.

Thanks.

Check the transmission cooler lines for leaking, its a known problem with the lines. There is a TSB out on them but with that kind of mileage it would be out of any type of "Special Coverage". 08-07-30-049B. Other than the DPF system on that truck they are pretty solid.

[olddude1970]

Originally Posted by PistonSlap

Check the transmission cooler lines for leaking, its a known problem with the lines. There is a TSB out on them but with that kind of mileage it would be out of any type of "Special Coverage". 08-07-30-049B. Other than the DPF system on that truck they are pretty solid.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll check that.

This is a 1 owner truck, the service was done at the dealer that has it listed, so chances are its in pretty good shape engine wise.

[alwalk63]

I sell trucks for a living. 2 biggest mistakes I see are buying a truck to close to being maxed out in capacity and not factoring stepping up to the next bigger trailer.

Gas vs diesel...base it on how many kms per year you will drive. To the lake and back a few times won't pay for going diesel. As long as you are matching the trailer weights to the truck.

The gas engines and trannies will take care of you just never check the fuel economy. Lol

[mgodsey]

Originally Posted by Vasquez Kid

If I were to shoot from the hip I'd say that it seems like you are content with your trailer but the truck has a lot of mikes on it - but at the same time money is tight.

Consider a newer, lower mileage, gasser for now. Is it a daily driver? If so go with another 1/2 ton. Otherwise take your time and watch for a 3/4 ton gasser at a great price. Sounds like time is on your side.

Then buy the new(er) camper right before you retire.

Havemt read all the comments but this is probably the best advice I’ve seen given what you’ve said so far. Nothing beats daily drive ability like a 1/2 ton but yeah, if you even think you might be looking at something in the 8k-10k GVWR range then consider a 3/4 ton.

[DennisH]

We just updated to the same trailer that you have, from a 2013 T@B-S Teardrop. I couldn't pull the Hummingbird 16 MRB with my 2 door Wrangler so I traded it in on a 2019 RAM 1500 4X4 Laramie, with a Hemi.

[txauditr-ret.]

I too faced this same dilemma in 2005.
Ultimately I Bought a used low mileage 3/4 Silverado gasser took out the added warranty and have several TT since then. The TV is still going strong and I am hauling a 2017 Hummingbird 17RB with it and have never had a problem
Yes I am also retired and the other TT ranged from 6500- 12000 lbs

[olddude1970]

Well, new TV is home!
2008 GMC 2500 HD Duramax. One owner traded to the dealer he bought it from. Good service records.
New tires, new brakes, couple of new sensors and now a new owner.

Thanks to eveyone for the input

[Riverman]

Good news.... you will like towing with the diesel.

Free advice.... keep the diesel serviced often. I change my oil and filter too often but oil is cheaper than diesel engines.

[olddude1970]

Originally Posted by Riverman

Good news.... you will like towing with the diesel.

Free advice.... keep the diesel serviced often. I change my oil and filter too often but oil is cheaper than diesel engines.

That was my plan. Thanks. I figured I would be servicing it more often that the recommendes.

[Vasquez Kid]

Welcome to the duramax club olddude1970!
You've bought a very large hammer for now and can tow many trailer options in the future. Congrats. Here are some good Duramax forums to check out:

https://www.duramaxforum.com/forum/index.php?amp=1


https://www.dieselplace.com/forum/index.php?amp=1

Https://www.duramaxdiesels.com/forum/index.php?

[redley]

IF you think you will stay around 17’ go for the 3/4 ton gas pickup.

18-35’ go 1 Ton Diesel pick up. 12,000-14,000lbs.

36’-43’ 1 ton dually Diesel pickup. 15,000-16,000lbs.

[Fleetman]

Originally Posted by olddude1970

I have the possibility of picking up a 2010 F350 dully. Real clean inside and out. 182k miles, 11900.00 asking price. Has the 6.4 diesel. Doing some research on it now...way more truck than I need right now, but would pull anything we change to later

Managed Ford fleets for years, stay away from the 6.4, POS. Turbin/injector issues galore. 6.7 is the boss however.

1. How much (mileage) annually are we talking
2. How much daily driving are we talking
3. How big of a TT in your future

2012 newer 3/4 T 2WD regular bed best IMHO.

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by olddude1970

Well, new TV is home!
2008 GMC 2500 HD Duramax. One owner traded to the dealer he bought it from. Good service records.
New tires, new brakes, couple of new sensors and now a new owner.

Thanks to eveyone for the input Attachment 47647

Congratulations. I'm so happy that you found what you were looking for.

[dennis b]

Originally Posted by mgodsey

Havemt read all the comments but this is probably the best advice I’ve seen given what you’ve said so far. Nothing beats daily drive ability like a 1/2 ton but yeah, if you even think you might be looking at something in the 8k-10k GVWR range then consider a 3/4 ton.

Unless you go with a Ford F150 towmax!

[18EagleHT]

I used to tow a Outback TT (8500lbs) with a 2007 F150 5.4. Actually did ok. Moved on to a F250 gas and while it does have more power for hills, big difference was with towing at speed. Much less wiggle! And heavy duty suspension made a big difference too.

[G&BOlsen]

Perhaps I’ll be the lone voice of dissent here, but...
We just retired. Bought a 2017 Ford F-150 4x4 with max tow package. Has 3.5 ecobost and power is never a problem pulling our 27’ White Hawk. Fuel ecomy is the same as former Chevy with 5.3 gas when pulling. Better when not pulling.
We park it if side winds exceed 20mph. So far truck and trailer are all we hoped for.

[Sweetlou]

Originally Posted by G&BOlsen

Perhaps I’ll be the lone voice of dissent here, but...
We just retired. Bought a 2017 Ford F-150 4x4 with max tow package. Has 3.5 ecobost and power is never a problem pulling our 27’ White Hawk. Fuel ecomy is the same as former Chevy with 5.3 gas when pulling. Better when not pulling.
We park it if side winds exceed 20mph. So far truck and trailer are all we hoped for.

Was just about to post similar. I have a 2018 F-150 3.5Ecoboost that I custom ordered to be a max tow / Mac payload towing monster. 11500 tow, 2333lb payload, 17500LB GCWR and a Lariat with leather! It tows my Starcraft 27BHU easily, and tows like a diesel, rarely exceeding 2500 rpm. I get about 9.5mpg towing at 65-70mph, 18 unloaded.

Lou