WakeWorld Needs A New Tow Vehicle
 

After a head-on collision took out my last truck, I decided to go with a Yukon XL to get more seating. That experiment is over. I need a truck with a bed. So now I'm shopping and wondering what to get. I Obviously need something to pull a giant boat like my Malibu 23 LSV or possibly even an M235 (fingers crossed). I'm definitely going with something used and I want to spend somewhere around $20,000-$25,000. I also need it to be a crew cab and 4WD. I don't really want a diesel because I only rarely tow and I don't really want to deal with the noise of a diesel (I realize the newer ones are quieter, but that's not where my budget it at. I really liked the 2005 Silverado that got smashed, so I'm kind of leaning toward another Silverado or Sierra, but my mind is open. Let's hear your best case for the truck you think I should get. Thanks for your input!

First gen Blazer or Jimmy! That's what I'm looking for. Granted my tow is 5 miles.

If you can switch to Ford then try an Ecoboost. You will be pleasantly surprised at the towing ability. If you bump to an M235, it is one of the only gas rigs that will tow it comfortably in my opinion. To get one at $25k it is going to have some miles on it though or maybe find a 2WD one since you are in Cali....
It will tow circles around the chevy and gmc counterparts. I am totally not biased cause I buy and sell all trucks and have towed with them all. The Ecoboost is the next best thing to a diesel. Fuel economy is not as advertised, but she will tow.

I 2nd that

The first and slightly Older eco boost trucks had HORRIBLE turbo problems if I remember correctly.... Had two of my buddies blow their turbos in 50,000-80,000 miles... Just somethin to be aware of... Maybe it was just their horrible luck lol

A gasser to tow a M235? Hmmmm, good luck with that. I guess I'd be looking at the pre-07 GM 2500/3500 platform with the 8.1.

I agree with the Ecoboost! For your price range, you should be able to find a decent used one. If you're not going with a diesel, then for your price range, I believe the Ecoboost offers the best bang for your buck in a gas truck. I had a Hemi Ram and an F-150 with the 3.5 V6 Eco and the Ford would out tow the Ram every day of the week! Only thing, if you do step up to a M235, then I would recommend sticking to a 250/2500 for towing capacity. And IMO, in the half ton gasser department, Chevy or Ram would win out as I don't think the Eco was available in the F250s. But ultimately, my vote is diesel, all day every day! If you towed like I do, you'd NEVER go back to a gasser! The torque and power are awesome!

I second the Ram with the 5.7 or GMC with the 6.2. The 5.3 motors suck.

I really don't tow a lot either. My tow is about 1/4 mile usually and then I occasionally tow back home for about four hours. However, this truck will also be my daily driver...even though I work at home and don't really drive daily. :)

I had a ram with the 5.7 HEMI and towing was not its strong suit. It was a great truck though. I have a 15 Tundra right now and tows better than any half ton I've driven and I have towed my boat with my dads 13' F-150 ecoboost. In the towing category I feel like the Tundra does just a bit better towing although the F-150 is just a much better and nicer truck all the way around. Both the Tundra and F-150 ecoboost will tow the 23LSV like it doesn't exhist. An older Tundra with the 5.7 may be your best bet in your price range given the ecoboost not being around nearly as long. Personally, I am waiting for the 2017 F-150 with the new ecoboost engine and the ten speed tranny as I am already to get rid of my Tundra. Its a hard truck to live with as a daily driver.

Haha, that's what my old truck was and that's what my current Yukon XL is. Love the 8.1, but I miss the Allison transmission that was in the truck.

If I towed every day this would be a no brainer because I'd get a diesel. However, I only tow a significant distance maybe two times a year. So I would like to get the minimum I need for towing a beast of a boat so that the rest of the time I'm not driving a semi through the Taco Bell drive thru!

What about leasing a new truck? Can you write it off as a WW business expense?

If leasing isn't an option, I would look for something with the 6-speed transmission. As much as I disliked that 5.3L in the GM's, the 6-speed did help it out some for towing.

Yeah, Ecoboost does not appear to be in my price range and I don't think I can get away with a 1/2 ton anyway.

I can write off part of it as a WW expense, but that doesn't make it much cheaper. I just don't like having car payments. I'd rather pay cash and be done with it. I can tell that I'm definitely in the minority because every Tom, Dick and Harry in my town has a brand new full-size truck. A new truck and the steep depreciation hit just seem like a poor financial decision to me (no offense intended to those that have done so).

Why did you dislike the 5.3L? Too weak?

For my altitude and towing conditions it was too weak. The closest lakes to me are 35+miles and the speed limit is 75mph. The 5.3 has to be above 3,500 rpm to even get close to where it's horsepower and torque are. I burned up the transmission in my Avalanche towing my RZ2 so I switched to a diesel shortly after getting it repaired.

It's funny that you mention depreciation because here you are looking at least 10 year old trucks to get in your budget. :D I paid $39k for my '07 crew cab Chevy diesel at the end of '07 and it's still worth at least $25k. That's not much depreciation in almost 9 years.

No, it's called stimulating the economy!

Sorry, I am of no help to you. I haven't pulled my boat with anything other than my Yukon XL. I'm afraid that if I tow with something better, I'll be forced to do my part in stimulating the economy...

Good point!

I had a Tahoe with the 5.3 in it and towed a lot with it. I absolutely hated that motor. It was a dog. The 6.2 towed it like it wasn't even there.

This sounds crazy but you might have your dealership do a nationwide search for a leftover 2014. I was looking about 2 months ago for F150's with an ecoboost and there were a few dealers out there that still had 2014's that were brand new and they were down to about $14k off of MSRP and the warranty starts when you buy it. Say you get a brand new truck for $14k off and then plunk down your $20k down payment and you get into a brand new truck for a pretty small payment or go for a short term and a larger payment and own a couple of year old truck with a full warranty that is going to last you at least 10 years. Just a thought.

Dammit Timmy! Stop making sense. You're costing me money!

If your profile is right, I just searched the Ford X-Plan site and found a few 2015's at a reasonable price. The 2 in the middle of the bottom row are both 3.5L Ecoboost, crew cab models.

I'd pick up a used Silverado or Sierra 1500. 2008-2010 or so. I love those trucks. I have a 2015 but I would've gladly gone with an older used one if it wasn't for needing the write off.

Don't you think a 1/2 ton is going to be too small to tow a boat that big? I was thinking I'd have to go with a 3/4 ton minimum.

Shoot, my bad, those trucks were only 2wd. I had 4x4 selected and it returned those anyways.

A silverado or sierra 5.3 will struggle with any hill with your current boat and will die on the vine if you go to a M235. The Ecoboost will tow it. You might wish you had the 2500 chasis for it, but not needed. I am towing a new Supra SA and it is a high freeboard heavy boat and it tows it with ease. Hauls long grades with ease.
I would still go out on a limb and say the Ecoboost will out tow the 6.0L and 6.2L GM gas motors. You would be able to get to the 2500 chasis though.
I see people tallking about issues with the Eco on this thread and others. I have not experienced them and I have buddies with it also and have not. I do know one guy that had issues on one of the early ones though.

Toyota Tundra

Just remember, Diesels have a WAY less depreciation value!! Plus, as stated above, broaden your search and you can find a truck at a volume dealership at a huge discount! I did this with my 2013 Cummins....FULLY loaded truck - MSRP sticker was $61,XXX.XX. I got it for Just under $49k! I've had it 3 years and right now, the current Kelly Blue Book value of my truck on the LOW end is $44,287! $47,717 on the high end (which mine would be because it' only at 20k miles and still in showroom condition!) Not much in depreciation there!

This wouldn't be too shabby.

I'm actually headed to pick up an F250 I bought on Monday. We have a Supra SE and i was pulling it with a 2012 F150 5.0. plenty of power to get the job done, but the chassis was not fun at all. Considerable sag and the SE made the ride feel like jello. Semis were blowing me all over the place on the freeway. I'm definitely going to miss my F150 but I like the security of knowing I'm well within my weight limits

Cheaper fuel, generally better mileage and less depreciation with a diesel. If you can rationalize selling your LSV and getting an M235, what's wrong with getting a diesel truck which you use every day?

i know you said no diesel but id go with a 2006 duramax with low miles! best year ever for a dmax and you can get one with under 70k miles for around your price range!! has the locking tranny which is awesome for towing plus no emission stuff like the new ones. Will tow a m235 like nothing.

There's 10-11 year old diesel trucks floating around with under 70k miles?!?!? I thought mine was low at just under 100k for an 07. When I went to buy a used diesel, they all had 150k-250k miles on them.

If someone has an 06 Duramax with under 70K miles and will sell it for $20-25k, then call me!!!

I'm sure that has nothing to do with the current bubble and subprime lending going on right now :D

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...2440/overview/

here you go.

$16k off of sticker is pretty sweet!

A Silverado with the 6.2L is a beast for towing in the gas truck division. I tow my X23 with 1500 6.2L lifted with 35s and have zero issues. As mentioned above, its like its not even there.

I thought really hard about a diesel, but I just don't tow enough to justify the additional cost.

I said around his price range lol. I have seen some
With 70k forsale for 25 but they didn't last long! They are out there though.

06-07 Duramax. They are the most sought after trucks from what I've gathered though, but they are good trucks.

David, Art has a 1992 Defender 110 with only 18K miles here at the ranch! Could see if he'd part with it just for you!

Ryan.... I want that 110... Send me a PM if it is for sale.

I like it. Be sure to tell him that I wrote FAM (Financial Allocation Module), which saved his company millions, before he quotes you a price. Maybe that will get it down into my price range! :)

Tundra crewmax. Test drive one.

Love the Tundras. I'm just not sure it will be enough to handle a big boat. Again, I don't want the tail wagging the dog. It seems like everyone is pretty split on whether or not a 1/2 can do the job. I'd rather err on the side of caution.

I tow my Axis A20 with my 15 Tundra DC 4x4. I have the TRD supercharger as well. It's definitely not lacking the power to tow a big boat (even w/out the SC) but the rear squats a lot even with the A20. I will eventually put some air bags or something to keep it more level while towing. With the proper tongue weight it tows the A20 really well. I'm guessing it's about 5k lbs or a tad more (trailer + boat + gear). My truck is rated for ~10k towing but the crew cabs are less and of course you have to subtract from that anything you're carrying in the truck (including passengers). The springs are pretty soft though; with a heavier boat I'd feel better with a 3/4 ton truck.

I've towed an M235 200+ miles or so this year, and I'd only be comfortable pulling that size of a boat with a 3/4 ton or 1 ton. If you end up sticking with the 23 LSV, i'd find a 1/2 ton EcoBoost... they pull the best out of the 1/2 ton category IMO.

I second a 6.2 1500 GM. The first year you can find the 6.2 is 2007 GMC Denali's only. You couldn't get the 6.2 in anything other then a Denali until 2010. I have an 08 and it pulls my 24v great and this is coming from my last truck being a modded Duramax.

I'm sure you could put it to much better use, I have never seen it move in the last 12 years other than one garage to another. It's only one of 500 made and he probably bought it for the coolness factor (I will send you a pic to show how bad ass!). Let me see if the ranch manager is getting rid of anything, You want 3/4 or 1/2 ton?

I have owned Fords, Dodge and now Chevy. I couldn't justify a diesel for my needs so I went with a Chevy Silverado 6.2 with the LTZ package . Most comfortable truck I have ever owned and it pulls like a tank. Gas mileage sucks ( literally ) but for a 1/2 ton gas truck its a great tow vehicle. My wife owns a MB and my Chevy is way more comfortable on long trips than her car.

That thing sounds sweet. I'm glad he's keeping it garaged for me! :) 3/4 is my preference.

Do you have the towing package on that? Or is it lifted or leveled? It looks like it's sagging a little in the back.

It comes with 3.73 and I looks like it's sagging worse than it really does, plus the supra is pretty nose heavy with about 200 pounds of lead in the very tip of the nose.


This is 2.5" leveling kit and 1.5" body lift, what I call a poor mans 4" lift, I got about 225$ in the lift LOL. I need to add a another .5" to the rear blocks.

Have you considered a dodge ram mega cab? The down side to that truck is it sets on a long bed frame. i bought a used 06 mega cab but wanted one with the diesel rather than the Hemi. But the leg room in the back is awesome. I actually prefer riding in the back than i do driving or riding shotgun. Also the rear seats lean back just a little. I opted for a diesel because i often tow north of 9000 Lbs +. I gave 17K for my rig, when it had 200k miles on the 5.9 cummins. The truck has been awesome!

Tundra isn't built like your average half ton. 6 speed transmission behind a peppy 5.7L motor. Pulled my 23' with 750 lbs of lead in it with ZERO issue. Serious kickdown gear if I ever needed to pass quickly. Set the cruise on 75 and it would pull the boat up and down the local terrain with no problem.

Tow/Haul button actually does something on a tundra. On most rigs, it keeps you out of overdrive and thats it. Tundras have different shift points on all gears. big tranny cooler is stock.

You need to drive one. And hook your boat up on test drive. Its closer to a 3/4 than 1/2 ton.

I actually love the look of that truck and have heard good things about the performance. I'd rather not get something at 200k, but it's good to hear that you've had a good run with that. They are hard to find in my area, but it's definitely on the list.

What year is your Tundra. I have noticed that they have gotten bigger and stronger over the years and I love the way they look and feel. I have two friends with Tundras and they love them, but they don't tow. I guess I could borrow one to test how well it tows the boat.

Mine was 2010 double cab 4x4. Sold it for a more family oriented ride. Still regret selling it, but now it looks like we made the right decision. 5.7L makes 380 HP stock.

Cummins recommends a rebuild at 500k miles. I also have zero blow by.... when i remove the oil cap while the engine is running, there is no air blowing out the oil cap hole. Meaning that the compression rings on the pistons are in good shape. Once you get use to the room, the idea of having a smaller truck is out of the questions... Plus i can store my wakeboard and a rope behind the rear seats and still allows it to recline.

^^^ You can put a wakeboard behind the rear seat??? That makes me want a Mega Cab now LOL

With system bindings, the board fits really well!

I do not think and half ton would be safe pulling a M235. Suspension, and Braking are gonna be an issue.

granted it is a Cummins powered truck. You can barely feel my 236 in tow

I agree with Jeff on M235 any other smaller boat would be fine.

hmmm.. a 380 horse truck with a tow rating of 10,800 pounds is a half ton?? as they say, you can't fix stupid. carry on.

Just because it can tow 10k doesn't mean it would be any fun...

The Tundra Nut Swinging is hilarious. I've driven a 2015 with a largish load and it was not fun. I'd pick anything actually marketed as a 3/4ton over one of those any day.

The engine is not what I'm worried about with the high mileage. It's the rest of the truck falling apart around it. :)

This is a great point. People always tout diesel longevity, but suspension, brakes, axles, hubs, etc don't know whether the vehicle is powered by diesel or gas.

i completely understand what your talking about David. It was a little bit of a gamble buying a truck with this amount of mileage. Since purchase, Ive installed a new water pump, and replaced the radiator after i found a crack in a end tank. But besides that, its been dependable. I drove to New jersey with a 40' trailer to try and buy a 1943 WW2 willys at auction.

The stopping power though with a 1 ton truck is very nice! Compared to my 1500 ram with a 318... It was a bear at times to stop my boat in a hurry.

Ive towed my buddies 2011 230 with his platnium edition eco boost F150.. it tows very nice! but only down fall is you need to lock it in 4wd if your on a slick ramp or you blow the tires off. Also setting on a steep hill an attempting to take off with boat in tow will blow the tires off.

Here is my 2014 Silverado 1500 with the 6.2L 4x4 with a 6in lift/35 in tires. Pulls my X23 just fine. I can set cruise and it doesn't hunt for gears. The new Silverado tows this boat great and I feel very safe with 4 wheel disc brakes. I get around 8-10 mpgs while towing and 16-18 while not towing...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...69e78cc946.jpg

stop screwing around.

http://www.f650pickups.com/Weaver-2.html

With that size boat a HD gas burning truck is ideal.

Does anyone tow with a 2015 Yukon or Tahoe with the 5.3 that doesn't have the hd tow package/ leveling shocks? I'm looking into them now and most do not have that option unless it's a Denali which is out of the price range unfortunately.

Detox, I was looking for the same thing and you are correct, it is really tough to find. The HD tow package Tahoe's come with a trailer brake controller that does most of us no good, and it "includes an auxiliary external transmission fluid cooler and engine oil cooler". Which are good but other than that the major change is the gear ratio from 3.08 to 3.42.

also....

In looking at the 2015 Trailering -guide from Chevrolet. It states the below in really fine print after it tells you that the tow ratings for the two gear ratio options.

***When using a weight-carrying hitch, the maximum trailer weight is 5,000 lbs. with a 600-lb. trailer tongue weight. A weight-distributing hitch and sway control are required for trailer tongue weights greater than 600 lbs

Which I take as, "your tow rating is 5000 lbs." because I cant find anything about sway control on the Tahoe.

https://www.chevrolet.com/content/da...ring-Guide.pdf

I tow a 2014 mojo with a 2015 Tahoe LTZ which has the magnetic ride control. It has plenty of power and does not move or sway bad at all. The Tahoe has 22 inch wheels and I put 40 pounds in the tires. This seemed to help. The boat is 4K dry so I know I am probably close to the suggested towing max.