In the market for a TRUCK.. can you truck guys lend some advice?`

[mdprovee]

I have a Dodge Ram 1500 with the 4 doors. Great to get kids in and out, that's why we bought it. But it rides like a truck. The Hemi gets about 14 mpg.

I had a 98 chevy prior to the dodge. Much better ride quality & milage.

[fsstnotch]

I prefer powerstroke. But do not buy a 6.0 powerstroke. Plagued with problems! Even the diesel mechanics at the ford dealership will tell you not to buy one. I have a 2000 7.3 Crew cab 4x4. It pulls great, has the towing package with brake controller and everything. about 18mpg highway and 14 city. My wife loves driving it, she's "on top of the world" in it!

I'd think the AVA is more in your ballpark for what you want it for though. If not that, then a 1500 will be more suitable than a 3/4 or 1 ton. Especially if you want to stay GM. Gotta love them new TT powerstrokes though! haha

Josh

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

hmmm...

anyone have any info on some SUVs?

like the Tahoe and such?.. any pullable?

[fsstnotch]

I also have a 2003 EB Expedition 4x4. It has the 5.4 V8 and towing package. I pull mostly with the superduty but do on accasion pull with the Expedition as well. I've pulled an 18ft car trailer with a lifted 79 bronco on it about 400 miles. I averaged around 15mpg all on the highway. this is my wifes vehicle. it gets poor mpg!!! About 12city and 15-17 hw. About the best thing I like about it is the A4x4 function! You can nearly stand on the gas pedal in heavy snow and not break traction! It's awesome.

[tyoneal]

I have a 97 2500 4X4 Suburban.

Awesome truck. I pull car trailers, Tractors etc. It will do it all. I like having the bed closed in because I can lock up anything inside. I put a rubber bed liner in it so anything greasy, muddy, bloody etc. won't be difficult to clean up. (BTW: for DEER HUNTING!)

It will haul 6 easily and if you decide you need more, there is an extra seat you can put in so you can haul 8 plus all their stuff on vacation or to and from the airport.

My wife is small and she likes it because it is easy to park and makes a good kid and grocery getter or Home depot "Stuff" getter.


I've had the pickups, but having things enclosed had been a lot of help. If I need an open bed, I just pull a trailer.

Hope this helps,

Ty

[96z28ss]

I have an Avalanche and I use it to pull an open car trailer and it pulls it no problem. I also like the fack I can fold the rear seats down and open the back up and have plenty of room for sheets of plywood.

[jeff hanson]

For everything you mentioned that you want it to do, like room for the family, room for your job, occasional pulling, nice for your wife, and these days most of all, mileage, you can't beat a Chevy/GMC 1/2 ton crew or Avalanche. They have excellent ride and handling, good towing capability, and aren't sitting up to high for the wife. The Tahoe/Suburban route would also work well, you just would have to be alot more careful with your job. The truck beds are nice for anything and everything. I am currently driving a 07 new body style crew cab GMC sierra 1/2 ton crew and love it. I had the old body style before this one and they are both great trucks. I pull a 22' enclosed trailer with no problems. I personally feel that they are a little under rated as far as towing capabilities. If you're going used, I'd look for a 03 to 06, they made some nice minor changes in 03 on the trucks. I should probably mention that I sell these things for a living so I'm probably a little bias.lol. However, I have driven all of the competition and they don't even come close to these trucks ride quality. I should also mention that a 2500 will indeed pull better, but you completely lose any hopes of decent fuel mileage(except diesel) even when not towing, and they do drive a little more "trucky", something your wife will not be thrilled with. Good luck and hold out for the cream puff!

[130fe]

Originally Posted by 96z28ss

I have an Avalanche and I use it to pull an open car trailer and it pulls it no problem. I also like the fack I can fold the rear seats down and open the back up and have plenty of room for sheets of plywood.

I also have an 04 avalanche and it is great. The interior space is great and with the folding down back seat it can provide alot of space. I don't use mine as a "work" truck per say, but if you don't need an 8 ft bed all of the time, then look into them. It has the 5.3 in it and it has pulled an open car trailer several times on 500 mile trip without problems.

[TA219]

I have a 01 Tahoe with the 5.3 and it is a champ in my opinion.

I just got done moving in to a new house and i was able to tow everything easily, if your load is really heavy put it in tow/haul mode and it will hold you in gear a little longer and give you firmer shifts.

I had to go to the dump with the trailer and they weigh you before / after and i learned that with an empty trailor i was weighing in at ~7450 (truck and trailor) and i hardly knew the traior was back there.

When i was pulling the Camaro (full weight minus front end sheet metal) i actually had to stop on a hill to double check something and i was plesantly suprised at how easily it got going from a dead stop on a hill.

A buddy of mine pulled a rock crawler jeep with a heavy trailor attached to the back of his Silverado SS (6.0l) and he didnt have any problems but he did eventually trade up to a diesel because the MPG was horrible when towing (and he was towing alot)

I really dont think you can go wrong with a 5.3 or better

You might do some reading on which years are better, i have heard that 01+ got better heads and it feels that way when i compare my Tahoe to my parents 00 Silverado w/ 5.3... i think they may have seen an engine improvement in 04 but i am not certain.

EDIT- I just read Jeff Hansons post and that reminds me that he is 100% right, the 03s did see some neat improvements and new gadgets, the part i REALLY wish i had was that double din bose radio. If you find one with a bose sound system you can go on e-bay and pick up the factory navigation and an antenna and it is pretty much a plug and play deal!!

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

i was REALLY wanting to know someone with ^ setup.. kinda puts my mind to rest on that.. since im not going to tow alot.. just mostly work stuff and the occational haul of my camaro..

i can see getting the dually for the bonnie might kill the little tahoe!... lol