Forum Discussion

lee4019's avatar
lee4019
Explorer
Jun 03, 2013

$10,000 TV

Hi Folks,

Looking for a early to mid 2000's TV. It will be a dedicated TV, making 4 to 6 camping trips per year, around 300 to 350 miles round trip. The TT that has the floorplans I'm looking at, are the Forest River micro and mini lites that have 4700- 5000 GVWR.

So far the 2006 Chevy Tahoe has been showing up on my research a few times. The LT and Z71 has 295hp and 335 ft-lbs torque at a price of $12k. That's my max budget. I would like to find a TV in the $10k range.

Oh yeah, there is a hill I will be going up and down, with 3% to 5% grade (2000' elev over 11 miles) that I should mention. So is their any TV's from the early 2000's, that are great for towing, that I should be researching?

Thanks
Tow Vehicles
  • MegaCab_PL's avatar
    MegaCab_PL
    Explorer
    Jun 03, 2013
    I had an older Tahoe and it was OK, not great, but it was 99 with older 5.7.
    Question - how many people and gear in the truck ?
    I would go with Z71 since they had 3.73 and tow package in the "Z71" already (at least that's what I remember).
    The LT, even with every luxury option may not have the tow package, or 3.73 gears.
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Jun 03, 2013
    For a dedicated TV, get any 3/4 or 1-ton ton gasser you can find. I like GM's 8.1L and Ford's V10 from that era. You'll get the same towing fuel economy with far more power and comfort from the stronger chassis. And you won't have to worry about finding one with the right equipment for towing an RV (engine, trans, HD cooling, etc) - they all do. You may get a larger fuel tank making your range better too.

    There are plenty of them under $10k.
  • lee4019's avatar
    lee4019
    Explorer
    Jun 03, 2013
    MegaCab_PL wrote:
    I had an older Tahoe and it was OK, not great, but it was 99 with older 5.7.
    Question - how many people and gear in the truck ?
    I would go with Z71 since they had 3.73 and tow package in the "Z71" already (at least that's what I remember).
    The LT, even with every luxury option may not have the tow package, or 3.73 gears.


    Me, my dog and suitcase, around 250lbs.
  • lee4019's avatar
    lee4019
    Explorer
    Jun 03, 2013
    APT wrote:
    For a dedicated TV, get any 3/4 or 1-ton ton gasser you can find. I like GM's 8.1L and Ford's V10 from that era. You'll get the same towing fuel economy with far more power and comfort from the stronger chassis. And you won't have to worry about finding one with the right equipment for towing an RV (engine, trans, HD cooling, etc) - they all do. You may get a larger fuel tank making your range better too.

    There are plenty of them under $10k.


    I know fords are f-250, are they gasser's? chevy's were 2500 or Silverado 2500 and their twin gmc, but are they gasser's too? Does Dodge make a 3/4 ton gasser in the early years?

    thanks
  • lee4019's avatar
    lee4019
    Explorer
    Jun 03, 2013
    Bonefish wrote:
    My Tahoe setup

    We first towed with a Tahoe and a similar rig. Check out the link above.


    Would it be a good tow if it was 1000lbs less? I'm looking at a realistic tow weight of 4400-4600lbs. That's TT with 600-800 lbs of cargo,
  • MinnCamper's avatar
    MinnCamper
    Explorer
    Jun 03, 2013
    Just sold my Mint 2000 GMC 2500 6.0 vortec with 125,000 miles. You can find them, I sold mine for $12,500 first guy that looked at it. Go with a 3/4 ton and get the records on the up keep.
  • Mvander's avatar
    Mvander
    Explorer
    Jun 03, 2013
    lee4019 wrote:


    So far the 2006 Chevy Tahoe has been showing up on my research a few times. The LT and Z71 has 295hp and 335 ft-lbs torque at a price of $12k. That's my max budget. I would like to find a TV in the $10k range.


    I believe the 2000+ Tahoe/Yukons came with a 3.73 or 4.10 diff. 7800# or 8800# rating.If you get a denali you also get the 6.0l.

    My 5.3 with 3.73s does OK with 5500lbs but wouldnt want much more. Stability is fine, just lacking on bigger hills.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025