Suggestions on a DD truck
The 5-6K ceiling really limits you in the reliable towing vehicle department.
I would just look at your typical late 90's Chevy's and Dodges.
I have a 2000 Tundra with a buttery smooth fabtech suspension/285-75's and I get nearly 18mpg on the interstate and about 14-15 city.
It has the ability to tow my car, but there are definitely better trucks for that duty.
I would just look at your typical late 90's Chevy's and Dodges.
I have a 2000 Tundra with a buttery smooth fabtech suspension/285-75's and I get nearly 18mpg on the interstate and about 14-15 city.
It has the ability to tow my car, but there are definitely better trucks for that duty.
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If I were in your position I would be looking for something diesel as well. Not only will they tow more, but diesels will also last forever if you take care of them. Granted, you pay a bit more for a diesel up front, but you wind up getting better fuel economy as well as cheaper fuel, and I have seen diesels with over 400,000 miles on them, and have heard of them lasting much longer than that even.
It would be more than enough. We're only talking about <6,000 lbs (unless you're after a full enclosed trailer), not a massive towing load.
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If I were in your position I would be looking for something diesel as well. Not only will they tow more, but diesels will also last forever if you take care of them. Granted, you pay a bit more for a diesel up front, but you wind up getting better fuel economy as well as cheaper fuel, and I have seen diesels with over 400,000 miles on them, and have heard of them lasting much longer than that even.
Meh, you don't need a heavy duty truck just to tow an Evo, they don't weigh that much, especially with an aluminum trailer. Personally, if towing is going to be a very rare occasion and for short distances, you'd be just fine with a smaller V6 truck like a Tacoma or Ranger. If you think you'd be towing more often or for longer distances, any full-size base model V8 truck would be more than capable.
an aluminum trailer would cost more than the truck he bought haha
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I have a 1/2 ton 2wd Chevy with towing package and trailer brake setup for towing. However, most everywhere I tow is relatively flat. Considering that you're in NC I'd suggest a 1/2 ton 4x4 Chevy. A 3/4 ton truck with a diesel would serve you better if you're towing through the hills of NC, but my budget would be 13-15K with under 100K miles on the truck. $6K really isn't much for a [key word] reliable [/key word] truck that you can use for towing. You may find one in that price range but maintenance costs could quickly put your truck at 10K .
Although diesel trucks can easily run 500K miles if maintained properly so can gas engines. I have 230K on my 5.7 and have put over 300K on a previous truck with a 5.7. So, depending on what your normal towing conditions are you have some options.
Bang for the buck in your price range I'd look for a 96-99 1/2 ton Chevy 5.7 4x4 in good running condition. Some 2wd's come with the 4l80e transmission but most have the weaker 4l60e. I'd stay away from a 4l60e unless they have paperwork showing that it's a built one.So, if you're buying an automatic make sure you know what you're buying and how it performs under load.
I just saw a 4.3 '98 4x4 last week here on craigslist with 82K mi for $4K obo in good shape. Consider they'd probably take 3.5-3.7K you'd have 2K left to drop in a fresh 5.7. I also saw a 99 F250 for 6K, but considering the 220K miles on it I'd be prepared to put 2K into common repairs.
Although diesel trucks can easily run 500K miles if maintained properly so can gas engines. I have 230K on my 5.7 and have put over 300K on a previous truck with a 5.7. So, depending on what your normal towing conditions are you have some options.
Bang for the buck in your price range I'd look for a 96-99 1/2 ton Chevy 5.7 4x4 in good running condition. Some 2wd's come with the 4l80e transmission but most have the weaker 4l60e. I'd stay away from a 4l60e unless they have paperwork showing that it's a built one.So, if you're buying an automatic make sure you know what you're buying and how it performs under load.
I just saw a 4.3 '98 4x4 last week here on craigslist with 82K mi for $4K obo in good shape. Consider they'd probably take 3.5-3.7K you'd have 2K left to drop in a fresh 5.7. I also saw a 99 F250 for 6K, but considering the 220K miles on it I'd be prepared to put 2K into common repairs.
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I have a 1/2 ton 2wd Chevy with towing package and trailer brake setup for towing. However, most everywhere I tow is relatively flat. Considering that you're in NC I'd suggest a 1/2 ton 4x4 Chevy. A 3/4 ton truck with a diesel would serve you better if you're towing through the hills of NC, but my budget would be 13-15K with under 100K miles on the truck. $6K really isn't much for a [key word] reliable [/key word] truck that you can use for towing. You may find one in that price range but maintenance costs could quickly put your truck at 10K .
Although diesel trucks can easily run 500K miles if maintained properly so can gas engines. I have 230K on my 5.7 and have put over 300K on a previous truck with a 5.7. So, depending on what your normal towing conditions are you have some options.
Bang for the buck in your price range I'd look for a 96-99 1/2 ton Chevy 5.7 4x4 in good running condition. Some 2wd's come with the 4l80e transmission but most have the weaker 4l60e. I'd stay away from a 4l60e unless they have paperwork showing that it's a built one.So, if you're buying an automatic make sure you know what you're buying and how it performs under load.
I just saw a 4.3 '98 4x4 last week here on craigslist with 82K mi for $4K obo in good shape. Consider they'd probably take 3.5-3.7K you'd have 2K left to drop in a fresh 5.7. I also saw a 99 F250 for 6K, but considering the 220K miles on it I'd be prepared to put 2K into common repairs.
Although diesel trucks can easily run 500K miles if maintained properly so can gas engines. I have 230K on my 5.7 and have put over 300K on a previous truck with a 5.7. So, depending on what your normal towing conditions are you have some options.
Bang for the buck in your price range I'd look for a 96-99 1/2 ton Chevy 5.7 4x4 in good running condition. Some 2wd's come with the 4l80e transmission but most have the weaker 4l60e. I'd stay away from a 4l60e unless they have paperwork showing that it's a built one.So, if you're buying an automatic make sure you know what you're buying and how it performs under load.
I just saw a 4.3 '98 4x4 last week here on craigslist with 82K mi for $4K obo in good shape. Consider they'd probably take 3.5-3.7K you'd have 2K left to drop in a fresh 5.7. I also saw a 99 F250 for 6K, but considering the 220K miles on it I'd be prepared to put 2K into common repairs.
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From: Mesa, Az
What is your MOS? I had SOI training at Camp Pendleton and then wound up getting stationed at Camp Horno for a year. I was a 0341.
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I'm a 6323. Avionics tech (hence my screen name) on CH-53E's. I've been in 5 years in November.
Do 250/2500's pull more than 150/1500's given they have the same engine? I'm a little lost when it comes to trucks n such.
Do 250/2500's pull more than 150/1500's given they have the same engine? I'm a little lost when it comes to trucks n such.
