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.

[colliehauler]

Sunnysidebeach wrote:

azrving wrote:
I'd run it. You obviously know how to deal with mechanical issues. Towing around flat Florida is nothing compared to out west but it also depends on how you go west. 10 out to the southern parts isn't all that bad and it's warmest down there around Yuma and Quartzsite etc.

It looks like your tt is about 7800 lb so I'd stay away from places like 70 west. I had a 2013 Chevy 1500 5.3 pulling 5200 with 1800 on rear axle. It did fine going from Ohio to Florida but I wouldn't go anywhere near 70 west.

What gear ratio are you running?

3.73 gear ratio..

I-40 or I-80 wouldn't be to bad as well. Would be even better with some 4:30 gears but I don't know if it would be worth the money to upgrade.

[Sunnysidebeach]

azrving wrote:
I'd run it. You obviously know how to deal with mechanical issues. Towing around flat Florida is nothing compared to out west but it also depends on how you go west. 10 out to the southern parts isn't all that bad and it's warmest down there around Yuma and Quartzsite etc.

It looks like your tt is about 7800 lb so I'd stay away from places like 70 west. I had a 2013 Chevy 1500 5.3 pulling 5200 with 1800 on rear axle. It did fine going from Ohio to Florida but I wouldn't go anywhere near 70 west.

What gear ratio are you running?

3.73 gear ratio..

[trail-explorer]

If you have the money, and don't mind spending it, buy a new one.

If there's reservations about spending the money, keep your current truck.

[azrving]

I'd run it. You obviously know how to deal with mechanical issues. Towing around flat Florida is nothing compared to out west but it also depends on how you go west. 10 out to the southern parts isn't all that bad and it's warmest down there around Yuma and Quartzsite etc.

It looks like your tt is about 7800 lb so I'd stay away from places like 70 west. I had a 2013 Chevy 1500 5.3 pulling 5200 with 1800 on rear axle. It did fine going from Ohio to Florida but I wouldn't go anywhere near 70 west.

What gear ratio are you running?

[samsontdog]

I have a 2003 Ford 3/4 with nearly 110K on it. Thought about buying a new one but the sticker price made me decide NO WAY

[Flan]

Still towing with my 96 dodge reg cab long bed. It’s a 5 speed and has the cummins. 152k on it and always kept up on the small stuff. Easy to work on, cheap to register and low property tax on it.

[colliehauler]

doughboy wrote:
i have a 2000 ford excursion, diesel. i have owned it since 2001. it has just over 101000 miles. i have no plans of getting rid of it. pulls well, gets good mileage, and best of all it's paid for!!!!!

That's low miles for a Excursion.

[doughboy]

i have a 2000 ford excursion, diesel. i have owned it since 2001. it has just over 101000 miles. i have no plans of getting rid of it. pulls well, gets good mileage, and best of all it's paid for!!!!!

[campigloo]

Sounds like a new truck everywhere that it matters. It should be reliable so I say
give it whirl. If you don’t like some car dealer will still be happy to take your money. The east coast trip sounds like a good proving ground and it’s not that far from you.
Have fun!

[colliehauler]

A lot of people tow with older vehicles. I routinely make trips across the country, just North-South instead of East-West. If you have gone to that much work to make it reliable there is no reason you have to replace it. Next year I will probably go to Alaska with the truck and RV.

Some asked what if it breaks down. I'm retired I'll get it fixed and enjoy the area while it's repaired. So far never had a issue on several thousand miles of trips. I also have funds in a account to cover any repairs or a new truck. Kansas has almost 9 percent sales tax, personal property tax on vehicles each year and a new truck has higher insurance rates.

I choese to invest my money instead of purchasing a rapidly deprecating vehicle.

That said a new truck has far superior performance, better ride, handling and quieter as well. You have worked hard to get to retirement, if you want a new truck I would say go for it. Do you have to have a new truck probably not but that's only a decesion you can make.

[bid_time]

I'm still towing with my 02. Someday I will replace it, but not likely for a few more years. Sounds like you are not retiring for 2 more years. Use the truck until then and decide then if you want a newer truck. Until then, invest the money you would be spending for a newer truck and you'll have it if you need it.

[Saltworks]

I towed our trailer from Michigan to California with my 2002 GMC 2500 HD without any problems and would do so again. New trucks may have better towing capabilities, but not $50K better. If you are satisfied with the reliability I say keep on using it.

[camp-n-family]

After spending all that time and money on the old truck you might as well keep it. All the major components are new so it should be reliable and you’re never going to get your investment back selling it now.

[SoundGuy]

kerrlakeRoo wrote:
The newer trucks all have far better towing and cargo capabilities than those of 15-20 years ago.

Hard to imagine this is even a question, heck my 2012 Silverado is no match for towing compared to a new 2019 version. Friend of mine recently replaced his 2009 RAM Hemi with a new 2019 6-speed, drove it for a month, then took it back to the dealer, replacing it with a new 8-speed RAM Hemi which he says is noticeably better in every way than the same model year 6-speed.

[kerrlakeRoo]

The newer trucks all have far better towing and cargo capabilities than those of 15-20 years ago. I had 2500 Ram that seemed a beast in its day, today some would call it underpowered.
Since your truck is basically done, and you have the trailer already, try getting out of Florida some. A trip up to the mountains in western NC or Va will give you an idea of how the truck will do for longer trips including some mountains. I have a feeling you'll want a little more ooomph, but, since you already have it, give it a shot and enjoy what you rebuilt/restored with your own hands.