How old is too old?

[cdar]

There always seems to be a question posted every so many days that asks "need a new/replacement TV, what about this..." The answers that the usual suspects provide are always pretty good IMO.

I'd like to ask he same question differently. I need a new/replacement TV and I'm on a strict budget which means older vehicle and/or higher mileage.

How old is too old and the same for mileage? This is a third vehicle that's only going to see weekend and towing duties. I'm fairly comfortable with a good older tv but then how do you know? Im not as much a gear head anymore so I don't know what trouble spots to look for for a particular brand. My next tv needs to be trustworthy enough to haul the family up and down the east coast (Maine - SC).

From my sig, and as best as I could estimate, I'm about 5500 loaded, based on past experiance, prior TT weights and the dry weight sticker on this new to me TT. Not sure of the TW, never got a chance to weigh before I retired my Explorer but at 13% I should be around 715#. This plus family and misc weights (1400-1500# total) could keep me in half ton payloads but I'm thinking the sturdier 3/4 t would be a better older TV.

Not looking for brand loyalty, just general input. Also notice I haven't mention truck or SUV. I'm open to all opinions.

[carringb]

I'm coming up on 355,000 miles on my van. I still don't hesitate to take it on long trips. Other than a heater hose I've had to splice 3 times in two months (I finally ordered a replacement today.... using universal hose wouldn't really work in this case), I have no other concerns with reliability. I put on about 30,000 miles/yr. I plan on keeping it until at least 500,000 and I'm pretty sure it can make it that far without any major repairs.

[hmknightnc]

Well there is no pat right answer to that question. If it were me and I was looking for a dedicated tow vehicle for pulling what you describe I would be looking for Ford 7.3L or Dodge(Cummins) 5.9L diesel engine in a 3/4 ton 4 door short bed truck with an automatic. These have proven to very reliable and relatively easy to make bullet proof if you have any issues needing major repairs

For reference I am running a '06 Dodge Cummins dually pulling 18k# horse trailer. Have about 140k miles on it with most of it towing. Keep trying to break the transmission so I can drop in an Allison and bullet proof the engine (need a good excuse). I plan to put at least 250k miles on it and if I can't break it soon may have to go to 500k after the repairs (have a cold one bet with a buddy)

[LewMichele_Paws]

Depending on how many years you go back you might have a 3 speed or 4 speed transmission and a carburator which would give you lower MPG.

[Lessmore]

It depends on condition, mileage and previous maintenance.... not so much how old the vehicle is..IMO.

We towed a large folding trailer with am 18 year old Chev Impala. Our trip was across the Canadian prairies, BC to Vancouver Island and back...through Washington state, Idaho, Montana and North Dakota.

The Impala was a '76, 350 V8, RWD, THM 350 transmission.

No problems .

But the car had been in the family since new, low mileage, extremely well maintained.

Have a good mechanic check whatever you get....first.