What truck? Do not recommend anything new. Think 15–20 year old. 150k miles type vehicle. I can deal with replacing time worn components like brake lines if needed as long as the powertrain is likely something that will last. Auto trans required.

We have newer daily drivers and put 25-30k on each one so I can’t justify anything newer for my purpose.

I want to know what trucks have shown longevity and can tow 10k every once in a while. (Think under 100 miles a year towing that weight) The other purpose is just to randomly haul stuff when needed. It’s a pain not being able to bring a sheet of plywood home when needed.

I know a friend with a truck is easier for that handful of times a year but I am past that. A man just needs a truck.

I’m currently looking at a well maintained f250 with a 7.3 diesel - never had a diesel but it’s barely over a 100k.

Is the one you’re looking at a powerstroke? They also sold 7.3L diesels without turbos and they were pretty sluggish.

I had a ‘97 F250 Powerstroke crew cab that had 285k miles on it. It was still a good, reliable truck and I should have kept it.

The other one to look at would be a 12 valve Cummins in an older Dodge.

I’m not a Chevy guy but in the early 2000’s they offered a 2500HD with an 8.1 gas engine. From what I’ve read it’s a strong and reliable engine. The 12 valve Cummins have a proven track record of longevity. I’ve owned a 95 & 96 Powerstroke and they were good but the auto transmissions are weak. The 98 intercooled Powerstroke made more power and was a great engine but stick with a manual, the auto was still the weak point.

quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:
Is the one you’re looking at a powerstroke?

Yes, the last year of the powerstroke 7.3 on this one. I understand the transmissions are a weak link. I guess I should check into rebuild prices on those if an old Ford winds up being the choice.

Has to be an auto. I don't care for manuals at the boat launch with a large boat.

Stay away from the Ford 6L diesel in the early-mid aughts.

I have an ‘02 Dodge 3500 that tows larger than that with no problem.

While the frame was being replaced on my F350 after a kid in a PT Cruiser ran a stop sign and T-boned me, I rented a 3/4 Ram from: Enterprise Truck. We used it to tow our 10,000 pound travel trailer. Some of the home improvement stores rent trucks cheap for hauling, or just pay the delivery charge.

For your purposes, this will be cheaper than just insuring a vehicle you don't use let alome the repairs and maintenance.

Renting a truck when you need to tow opens up buying a 1/2 ton or smaller for a sheet of plywood. You could get a Tacoma then.

mid-90s F250 powerstroke for the win

F250 with the 7.3 Powerstroke

If it’s just a truck you drive only occasionally I would not get a diesel. Get one of the big V-8’s like GM or Ford. The older Dodge’s and Rams were garbage.

This is coming from a guy who has had diesel pick-ups for almost 30 years.

As already stated, older 7.3 L Power Stroke or early-mid 00's GM 8.1L, which will have a Allison behind it or the rare manual

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:
If it’s just a truck you drive only occasionally I would not get a diesel.

This is coming from a guy who has had diesel pick-ups for almost 30 years.

As someone who has never had a diesel, I’m curious why?

Because that's the way Chrysler used to make them. I have had many clients over the years try Dodge because of price point, only to say "never again".. All of them

Early Duramax engines had a propensity for injector problems, 2001-2004 if memory is correct. Also those early ones had cylinder head problems. 2005 was the improved years.

Also unless Diesel fuel has been improved since I got out of the truck business that stuff gets nasty when it sits, attracts moisture and grows algae.

quote:

Originally posted by Oz_Shadow:

quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:
Is the one you’re looking at a powerstroke?

Yes, the last year of the powerstroke 7.3 on this one. I understand the transmissions are a weak link. I guess I should check into rebuild prices on those if an old Ford winds up being the choice.

Has to be an auto. I don't care for manuals at the boat launch with a large boat.

“I’m currently looking at a well maintained f250 with a 7.3 diesel - never had a diesel but it’s barely over a 100k.”

That should be a good truck, if it isn’t rusty. A nice one like that will bring $10,000 or more around here.

I have a friend who has a 2000 model F250 with an auto and the 7.3L powerstroke. It’s at over 600k miles now. He’s done a lot of towing with it-pulling a 20+’ flatbed gooseneck loaded with building materials mostly, on long highway trips. I don’t believe he’s ever had the transmission rebuilt. It’s been a good truck for him but it’s been relegated to local use by his crew now. He replaced it with a 2006 Chevy Duramax.

The advice to avoid the 6L Ford diesel is very good advice.

quote:

Originally posted by Oz_Shadow:

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:
If it’s just a truck you drive only occasionally I would not get a diesel.

This is coming from a guy who has had diesel pick-ups for almost 30 years.

As someone who has never had a diesel, I’m curious why?

Diesel fuel can be prone to growing algae if left sitting for an extended time. It is also hydrophilic to some extent.

My experience has been that diesel holds up much better in storage than gasoline does, though.

Don't Get a diesel to tow 100 miles a year.
Just get a 3/4 ton ford or chevy gas burner.

quote:

Originally posted by cheni:
Don't Get a diesel to tow 100 miles a year.
Just get a 3/4 ton ford or chevy gas burner.

I have a '99 Tahoe. It has the VortecV8 5.7 liter with the HD tow package. I use it for towing, moving furniture, taking a canoe to the river, deer hunting... etc.
It doesn't get driven a lot but I'm glad I still have it.

I have a 2005 35000 SRW with the 8.1 and Allison combination. Its a back up truck now with almost 300,000 miles, but we regularly towed 15,000 pounds behind it.

10 MPG loaded or empty, and no issue pulling the weight. We did maintain it religiously, but it was trouble free for the most part.