Is anyone towing with an older pickup truck.

[Sunnysidebeach]

A few years ago I purchased a 1999 GMC Sierra heavy half ton, (sometimes referred to as lite ¾ ton) Z71 4x4.

Since that time, I’ve completed the restoration process the previous owner had started, including changing out the rims to 18 inch and installing Michelin LTX AT E rated 10 ply tires, 5.3 ltr motor rebuilt, all AC system replaced, suspension upgraded, and before we leave for our retirement trip, I’ll install a new GM transmission, with a 3 year 100k warranty.

In the past year, I’ve pulled our 28 RLS Keystone Bullet all over Florida and had no issues.

My question is; we are retiring in two years, and want to head out west for six months at a time travel. Should I keep my current truck, or look at buying a newer 2/4 ton.

[jimlj]

I tow a '05 Alpenlite 28' bumper pull with my '79 F250. About 15 years ago I put a '89 Cummins with only 280,000 miles in the Ford. It now has about 350,000 miles on it and I wouldn't hesitate to pull the camper anywhere in the country. You guys with 20 year newer trucks don't have "old" trucks.

[CavemanCharlie]

Oh,, and a 99 is not old . Older maybe, but not old. If you were using a 79 then that would be old.

[CavemanCharlie]

Run it

[mountainkowboy]

Our last truck was a 1990 F350 S/C dually and was bought to be used to tow our 12K Alpenlite 5er and haul a 1990 S&S 11SC C/O camper. We sold it and the C/O to our son years back and are thinking of buying it back since they no longer use them. It had a 460 and ZF 5spd and still has under 130K on the clock. Never had an issue with it anywhere we went. We put over 50K on it as a beast of burden and it was easy and cheap to work on while being reliable as a rock.

[crcr]

You asked so I'll vote -- you've got it fixed up and it fulfills your needs. Keep it.

I have a 2004.5 Ram Cummins, 2nd owner. We got the new truck fever for a few months awhile back, but we only drive it 4-5K miles per year, so we couldn't justify $60-65K out the door for a well-equipped new diesel truck. We talked ourselves down off the ledge, LOL.

Yes, now and again I have to drop some serious money in it -- just had all AC components replaced, cost a grand. But that's way way less than the cost of a new truck. Not to mention the higher license fees and higher insurance. Plus, the new trucks are so much longer than ours, I would have difficulty fitting them in the garage. And I would hate to buy a new truck and park it out in the AZ sun!

Good luck with your decision!

[1320Fastback]

Man I thought you guys were going to talking about old trucks 😉


If your current truck is up to the task I say keep it.

[rangerjean]

I have a 1999 Chevy one ton dually automatic. It only has 50,000 miles on it and I have used it to haul a Lance camper and fully loaded horse trailer in the high country of Oregon..no problem. I now have a 25 foot tt and am making trips in the high country of AZ. Again no problem however slow going sometimes. It is very comfy...and paid for.

I had a 2016 3/4 ton DuraMax which I loved. It pulled everything I had in every condition and did it effortlessly. It was totally the gold standard for me. The price tag was just too high and I couldn't afford to keep it.

My take on this topic is what others have said, older vehicles may not seem as powerful as the newer more efficient ones but it would take me a while to make a big ticket purchase pencil out so in my book..keep the oldie. I am not a mechanic..just and old horse camping girl so if I can afford to keep camping and not pay a high monthly payment..I'm in. Good luck with your decision

[parker_rowe]

I wasn’t expecting this thread to be about a 1999.

But I guess I forget that we are coming up on the 2019 model year, making it 20 years old.

My 96 does a great job for what I’m towing. I have no problem using an older truck. New ones are nice though, just too expensive for me to afford at the moment.

[rhagfo]

TV in signature, bought used with 243,000 miles now 308,000 and going strong, pulling a 32’ 12,360# GVWR 5er.

[sgip2000]

Do truck drivers "upgrade" their trucks all the time? Of course not. They just get in the right lane and slowly climb the mountain.

[falconbrother]

I'm in the Smokies right now, waiting for a table at Joey's Pancake House. Wednesday we pulled 6000 pounds up Black Mountain in a 2000 Suburban 1500. Without beating on the old burb I could maintain 45mph. On the interstate I stayed around 65, 55 on the longer uphill climbs. Mine has had the engine replaced a while back. It's well maintained. It was not a stressful drive but, if I were going to be out West I would want more truck/SUV. In fact, when I get my wife's car paid off I'll be looking for a 3/4 ton. I don't think you're going to be happy in the big mountains.

[kearlms]

Pulling with a 1996 Chevy C3500. Towed great. Depending on what you two and what mountains you want to try to attack or here as to how comfy you will v be with the 1/2 ton. I use to tow my 6600 lb trailer with my 1998 Dodge 1500. many times I was white knuckle. I was very happy making the change

[daka320]

I like your setup! I say go for it!!! I know of a few coworkers that have upgraded their older trucks and use them to tow. Just make sure your truck is in good mechanical shape. But, Breakdowns are all part of the adventure! They will happen.

Also, make sure you have a good set of brakes installed. It is all about being able to slow coming down the hills out West here. Use your lower gears on your truck to keep you slow. Uphill, well if your engine is not the huge so-called powerhouses of today it just takes a little longer to get to the top. No big deal!

[westend]

I'd opt for driving my pride and joy around rather than fork out $50K for a new rig. I am still running my '03 F250. It's an adequate towing platform and every click of the odometer makes me smile.

BTW, make sure you equip that new tranny with the biggest, baddest tranny cooler you can find. Excessive heat is the major killer of trannies.

[carringb]

A nearly 20 year old 5.3L? Even a 2.7L F150 (or the new 2.7L GM 4-cyl) would feel like a jet-engine compared to what you have now.

Yeah, I think you'll enjoy retirement much more with a newer, adequately powerful powertrain.

For what you'll spend on a new transmission, that could pay for 20% of slightly used off-lease work-trim truck (current-day work trims are nearly as nice as the fancy trims from 20 years ago).