New Truck - But I'm not happy about it....

[sptddog]

So it seems that a new truck is in order (warranty out on the current one). While this is a good thing normally - it isn't really for me right now....

My current 2012 is running 19.5 Alcoa rims and tires. A rough ride, but built to haul. I can't transfer the wheels/tires to the new truck (well, I probably could but then I run a whole 'nother risk) because apparently spacers are illegal in PA and the dealer will not inspect it after we transfer them. I could take it elsewhere but then run the risk that another mechanic will realize the spacers are there and refuse to inspect it as well. It's been inspected the last 3 years in PA but a GMC dealer, but not the one we're buying the truck from.

The pros - much nicer ride.

The cons - yucky small stock rims and tires. Risk that others will not want to inspect in the future. My conscious if I transferred them and was knowingly running illegal spacers. The fact that it might sit lower and I have to readjust my whole hitch in less than a week (I'm hauling a week from today - replacement turnover ball being installed Tuesday).

Tell me it's not gonna matter....tell me the improved ride is worth it. Tell me it will haul the same and not 'roll' over the puny 17 inch stock tires.

(stamps feet - I don't want a new truck!!!!)

[Vette_Racer]

Get the new one, DEF issues will cost 3K, fuel pump could cost up to 13K, and if it causes damage to the engine that could be upwards of 20K. I traded a 2011 Chevy 3500 with worn out tires for a 2016 Ram 3500 with more pulling power for less than 20K, well worth it.

[Grit_dog]

Well if it's eating coolant that is not good. Personally I'd get that fixed under warranty while you still have warranty. Oil and coolant analysis will tell you where it's going unless by small chance it's only getting into a cylinder and going straight out the exhaust. Makes a little more sense now.
If you Want the security of a new truck/warranty it's as easy as buying one and switching your hitch over. Worry about the wheel/inspection issue later.

[Grit_dog]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
This is just silly..........

Nope. Normal.............for here!
To the op, doesn't sound like much of a conundrum, just sounds like you want a new truck but don't want to deal with inspection criteria. Here's a thought. Keep the OE wheels and put them on for your "inspection" if you think it's an issue...........or, and I can't believe I'm saying this, like Fish said, buy a ford!

[Tyler0215]

Trade right now before your other door handle falls off! The horror!
Someone is looking for a good used truck set up for towing.
The sales mans a winner, the banks a winner, and a lucky used buyer is a winner.

[gafidler]

there is "One" born every minute

[jerem0621]

JustLabs wrote:

sptddog wrote:
He's not willing to chance repairs that could be 3-5 grand if they happened

Drop $50k for a new truck to avoid a potential $3k-5k repair.

Makes perfect sense...lol

I know someone who traded in a car because it needed new tires.

I'm on my third car in my life with a warranty...I have saved a whopping $1,000.00 in warranty repairs.

I hope to drive my van until 300k minimum...my next truck will be one I hope to keep till 300k as well....just not sure what I want.

It's all about priorities.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[Cummins12V98]

Not sure what you are hauling that you THINK you need 19.5's on a 3500???

I run 65psi rear with 5,800# pin and 9,750# rear axle weight and 5,400# front axle weight. I am well within all my tires weight ratings with 17's.

If it is JUST for looks I understand. I looked into 19.5 Alcoa's but they don't make them in 8 lug.

[sptddog]

GMC has a 500 mile break-in, and I drive a lot for work, so instead of the car, I'll drive the truck a few days - 500-700 miles will be easy to get on it in a week.

I get the debt of a new truck. We haven't had issues (other than the door handles falling off!) with our current truck though recently we've suspected an exhaust leak, which the dealer can't find, but my antifreeze is often showing under the 'min' line. I've filled it twice since May. So there is a risk of head gaskets or injectors being bad - which would be covered by the extended warranty, or cost a lot out of pocket. Either way, expense and down time. I believe my husband's issue is that we go long distances a lot to camp, and often it's just me and the kids with the rig (I've put about 7000 miles on the truck/trailer this year). I think he prefers not having to worry about something going wrong.

As for the spacers, they are standard with the 8 to 10 lug conversion. Anything more than 1/2 inch in PA will not pass inspection. I guess other mechanics at the other dealer were not aware of how the conversion works and probably never had the wheels off it, hence they didn't notice them? I have no idea why it wasn't mentioned before, but we bought it with 8000 miles on it in MD, so I guess no one noticed.

I realize it doesn't make sense - heck, I'm the one sitting here whining that I don't really want a new truck. As someone mentioned, it's set up, it's ready, and it's easier to keep it. I really don't think it has leak issues, but yet, it's a chance one takes. Meh, I'm sure I'll like the new truck. I just liked my old one too. Everyone hauls on stock tires, so they should be fine.

[dodge_guy]

You do realize that the factory puts on spacers for the dually wheels? (front only). sounds like you have your priorities backwards!

[2012Coleman]

So the current truck with the giant rims and tires, with illegal spacers passes inspection, but if you buy a new truck and transfer the giant rims and tires with illegal spacers, it won't pass inspection?

And factory warranty expiring means you need a new truck? When warranties are running out, we always get offers to buy an extended warranty - why not do this?

:H :H :H

[Beer_Belly]

For the price of a new truck, you can do a lot of repairs to the one you have and like.....I'd keep it.

[Chuck_thehammer]

I do not understand also..

unless current truck has major issues. or major mistreatment...

I purchased my 2012 F 250 last year with 140,000 miles... should be good for another 100,000 easy.

100,000 miles and Done is So 1970's.

[OutdoorPhotogra]

I live people who trade in 3-4 year old trucks with many miles left in them. That's my target when I buy.. Previously bought a Ranger and F-150 both with around 60k miles on them and put 7 years and near another 100k on each. Just traded the F-150 on a 2012 F-250 with 25k miles. Ready for another 7-10 years. Maybe more since it's such low mileage.

[wowens79]

What kind of truck is it?? How many miles on it?? Unless it has been giving you constant problems I would not even consider trading. Trucks last a long time these days.

If you are getting a newer truck with a lower payment you are just going further in debt, and will never get out of that hole. My truck is a 2002 Chevy with 194,000 miles, I bought it new, and it's been paid for since 2005. The most expensive repair was last month I had to replace the A/C compressor and it was $1,500. That's about 3 car payments, I've been making payments to myself for 11 years, so I'm prepared to cover anything that breaks.

I think someone is trying to justify a shiny new truck.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

🙂 Hi, I know you said no Fords for you. You also said that you will buy this new truck and will be towing next week. I know my Ford had a 1,000 mile break-in for the differential, before towing. Will you have this truck broken in before next week?