I am in the market for a used truck that can serve both as a daily driver and towing vehicle for my track cars. If it means anything, the heaviest of the track cars is around 3,200lbs. Any recommendations, experience, advice, misc knowledge, trailer advice, suggestions, etc.?

I hope this thread isn't out of place, thanks in advance for all the help guys!

 

For a car that heavy I'd recommend a full size truck with a diesel if you can swing it. If you can't swing a good newer (98+ for the sake of daily driver reliability) diesel I'd go for a newer gas-powered 3/4 ton suburban, expedition or pickup. I heart my gas powered 2wd, regular cab Ram, it's a good compromise between "trailer, what trailer?" and daily drivability.


Modified by TeamSlowdotOrg at 12:34 PM 11/16/2005

 

I have a 95 7.3L Ford PSD F250 400K mi and it will tow anything. Here are a couple threads of some previous good discussion

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1292162
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=862991

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CRX Toad &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have a 95 7.3L Ford PSD F250 400K mi and it will tow anything. Here are a couple threads of some previous good discussion

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1292162
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=862991</TD></TR></TABLE>


thanks!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TeamSlowdotOrg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">For a car that heavy I'd recommend a full size truck with a diesel if you can swing it. If you can't swing a good newer (98+ for the sake of daily driver reliability) diesel I'd go for a newer gas-powered 3/4 ton suburban, expedition or pickup. I heart my gas powered 2wd, regular cab Ram, it's a good compromise between "trailer, what trailer?" and daily drivability. </TD></TR></TABLE>

good info, thanks

 

One word: DIESEL!

My '01 Superduty gets:
20 mpg on the highway
16 mpg around town
16ish mpg towing my car, cruising at 70mph with the A/C set to *stun*

Diesel. Absolutely worth the money. You will not regret it.

 

For comparison's sake, I'll post my average mileages:

18 mpg on the highway unloaded at 75 mph
13 mpg city unloaded
12-13 mpg on the highway at 75 with 4500 lbs of open trailer and 800 pounds of payload (tools, canopies, spares, other junk, crew ballast in the passenger seat )

 

As Matt has suggested, there are a lot of fans on here of the 99-04 Ford Super Duty/Excursion line. I absolutely love my Excursion. between 18-20mpg everywhere. It'll hold all the people and all their stuff. I don't even really need mine anymore and I may well keep it - I like it that much.

To me, the Ford SD lineup is the best overall package in heavy duty diesel pickups. The Dodge has a great Cummins I-6 engine, I just happen to like the Ford the best overall.

They're getting cheaper, and you won't regret purchasing one.

 

if you seach my user name in this forum, every one posted up alot of good info about the Diesel trucks.

Looks like within the next week i will have my truck.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The Dodge has a great Cummins I-6 engine, I just happen to like the Ford the best overall.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

The Cummins is a very good engine. Very, very good. It's just everything else surrounding that excellent drivetrain is of inferior quality (IMO) to the Ford. I hope the Diamler part of Diamler-Chrysler can do something about that. Perhaps their more recent offerings are better. All I know is for $14.5K I slipped on a '01 Superduty and it's the best automotive decision I've made to date....

 

Ford 350 Super Duty "Diesel"


Kiwi

 

Any thoughts on the Nissan Titan? For a gas truck, it seems to be able to pull quite a bit (9100 lbs!). I would think that even a 6000 lbs car/trailer combo would barely seem like its back there. Yet, it's hardly ever discussed with other gassers.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by KIWI &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ford 350 Super Duty "Diesel"


Kiwi</TD></TR></TABLE>

exactly what I'm expecting to buy.. just waiting for the ITR street car to be gone..

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Shmeek &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Any thoughts on the Nissan Titan? For a gas truck, it seems to be able to pull quite a bit (9100 lbs!). I would think that even a 6000 lbs car/trailer combo would barely seem like its back there. Yet, it's hardly ever discussed with other gassers.</TD></TR></TABLE>

the titan is just a 150 right?

I have towed with 3 or 4 different turcks, one of them being a 2000 ford f250 gas (no the heavy duty one). And when towing the trialer is very noticable (18ft open trialer, with my H4 civic). Unlike the other trucks i have towed with, 01 chevy 2500 HD 8.1l gas, 06 2500 chevy diesel, and 04 3500 chevy diesel. With these trucks i would forget the trailer is back there.

The gas trucks get pretty bad mileage The 00 ford gets 12mpg not towing, and with i towed with it i got 8.5mpg and 9.2mpg. the 8.1l gas chevy got 10.5mpg not towing, and when towing 9.8mpg. I have never towed my car long enough distances with the diesel to know what kinda of MPG they get, but when not towing i average around 16 to 17 mpg with a mix of highway and city driving.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kurisuchan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I am in the market for a used truck that can serve both as a daily driver and towing vehicle for my track cars. If it means anything, the heaviest of the track cars is around 3,200lbs. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Assuming an open trailer, any decent half-ton gasser would work for you. It just depends on your budget.

Diesels cost more money up front, but they get better fuel mileage. Diesels cost more to maintain, but will out-last and out-work the gasser. If you're into tweaking, diesels are much more fun to hot-rod than gassers. Problem now is diesel fuel costs more than premium

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by slammed_93_hatch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Looks like within the next week i will have my truck.</TD></TR></TABLE>

What did you decide on?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by johng &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
What did you decide on?
</TD></TR></TABLE>


unless i find a super deal on a ford, ill be going with the chevy. The 6speed auto allision tranny is awsome, and it has all the creature comforts i want. The ford is right there though, but GM just launched a new "rebate" so the price should be alot less fro the chevy. (the trucks i wanted from each manufacture were within 400 dollars sticker).

 

my dad tows with his chevy 2500hd duramax w/the allison tranny. he keeps it loaded down with a ton of **** (he's an electrical contractor) and regularly tows equipment in the 10000lb range, 150k miles and its still going strong. His truck loaded down (big *** steel campershell and a **** ton of tools) feels stronger and drives better than my neighbors 2005 dodge 2500 w/the cummins does empty, lol and ford cant be all that great b/c my neighbor traded his 2004 power stroke for the dodge. wtf ??

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krshultz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">As Matt has suggested, there are a lot of fans on here of the 99-04 Ford Super Duty/Excursion line...</TD></TR></TABLE>
Can anyone add links or some insight on which years/engines are best worst? I've googled this a few times and haven't found anything all that helpful. Primarily, I'd like to better understand the pros and cons of the 6.0liter turbo diesel vs. the 7.3liter turbo diesel. Any help?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by thawley &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Can anyone add links or some insight on which years/engines are best worst? I've googled this a few times and haven't found anything all that helpful. Primarily, I'd like to better understand the pros and cons of the 6.0liter turbo diesel vs. the 7.3liter turbo diesel. Any help?</TD></TR></TABLE>

From what I've read - and you know the nature of internet forums...

Around the middle of 2001 (I believe it was around June but I'd have to look it up to be sure) the 7.3L motors switched from forged rods (good) to "powdered metal" (less good) rods. For stock power levels, either is apparently fine. If you're into tweaking for lots of power and boost, you want forged rods. I'm not into tweaking so I haven't researched this much beyond just reading on thedieselstop.com.

Early 6.0L motors had a reputation for being trouble prone. I gather these bugs have been worked out by now. I've met and talked to many people who are thrilled with their 6.0L motors; personally, I'd avoid an 03 or 04 6.0, too many horror stories to ignore.

The switch from 7.3L to 6.0 I think started around the middle of 03. I've seen both 7.3L and 6.0L equipped 2003 Fords.

The 7.3 is actually an International T444E, like you see in many mass transit buses. It has its origins in the original 7.3L and 6.9L International diesel V8s that powered large Ford trucks for years. I believe 1997 was the first year they were available turbocharged.

As to 7.3L problems, I see a lot of chatter about failing cam position sensors, and oil leaks at the turbo pedestal. Beyond that, they're pretty well indestructible. It's a motor that's been around for years and has benefited from a lot of R&D.

Anyone interested in Ford Super Duty trucks would do well to check out thedieselstop.com.

(Edit: replace "powdercoated" rods, which I knew was wrong, with "powdered metal" which is right)


Modified by krshultz at 10:04 PM 11/24/2005

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krshultz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Anyone interested in Ford Super Duty trucks would do well to check out thedieselstop.com.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You da man. Thanks.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krshultz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Early 6.0L motors had a reputation for being trouble prone. </TD></TR></TABLE>

True. Funny thing is, I have three cousins in Eastern Washington and they all bought 2003 F-350's with the new 6.0. One is trouble free to this day, one had a oil leak that was repaired by the dealer and is now trouble free, the third had a lot of issues so the dealer bought it back and he upgraded to a 2004. My truck is a 2003 with the last of the 7.3 liter motors.

PS Karl, I sold my Superchips and ordered a 5-position DP chip. It'll be here Monday.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by johng &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">True. Funny thing is, I have three cousins in Eastern Washington and they all bought 2003 F-350's with the new 6.0. One is trouble free to this day, one had a oil leak that was repaired by the dealer and is now trouble free, the third had a lot of issues so the dealer bought it back and he upgraded to a 2004. My truck is a 2003 with the last of the 7.3 liter motors.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah the story on the 6.0 seems to depend on who you ask. For every person on thedieselstop that says the 6.0 is no good, there's another who says they've had nothing but success with theirs. I could have probably afforded a new 6.0 on lease, but chose a 7.3 just to be on the safe side. The interior/exterior is largely the same across all of them so it mattered little to me.

I will say that the 6.0 is a good bit quieter than the 7.3 can ever hope to be, even with the Excursion underhood sound blanket. If that's important it's something to consider. Me, I like the sound of a big ol' diesel V8 whistling away under boost.

Makes me all misty. Think I'll drive to lunch today.

And BTW John, I just rolled over 80K. I figure about 1 more year and I'll chip the thing

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krshultz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">And BTW John, I just rolled over 80K. I figure about 1 more year and I'll chip the thing...</TD></TR></TABLE>
And then sell it to me? What color is it?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krshultz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">And BTW John, I just rolled over 80K. I figure about 1 more year and I'll chip the thing </TD></TR></TABLE>

I thought about you when I was selling the programmer, but a guy right here at work wanted it. I'm pretty jazzed about the DP chip. Jody seemed like a pretty good egg when I talked to him. I told him what I wanted and he totally understood. He gets pretty good reviews as I'm sure you've read.

Edit.. Rick (turfer) just bought a 2005 Excursion with the 6.0. Maybe he'll chime in with pictures after he gets it next week. I'd like to test drive it to compare the motors.

 

Well since you mentioned daily driving, I think safety should be
of higher importance. Is it true the Feds require less occupant
safety than for passenger cars?

You mentioned "used" -- this implies lower price is important to you. How
much you got to spend. From my shopping around, diesels hardly depreciate
and you won't be able to get one used w/ low miles for cheap.

F150s are cheap on the used market -- but they have terrible crash ratings.
(the previous generation -- not sure of the latest)

Check out NHTSA website for more info. This site rocks:
http://www.iihs.org/ratings/default.aspx

I wound up buying new. In my experience used trucks fall into 2 categories:

1) work trucks dinged up really bad
or
2) good condition daily drivers with high miles and high asking prices.

I wouldn't recommend a SUV -- until you check your insurance rates.
They are signficantly more expensive to insure.