New Truck or New Engine

[klyross]

So, anybody rebuilding or replacing engines in their TC hauling trucks as opposed to buying a new or low mileage used truck?

[Grit_dog]

klyross wrote:
So, anybody rebuilding or replacing engines in their TC hauling trucks as opposed to buying a new or low mileage used truck?

And to quote a local radio show....
“Random, random, random, random....”

Bonus points for anyone who can identify the station and radio show! Lol

[_1Flyboy]

What truck & engine do you have; some year engines are problematic....

[valhalla360]

With modern engines being so reliable, I think it's really become the outlier unless there is something special going on.

Back when 100k out of an engine was doing good, you often had a relatively new truck in good condition but the engine was shot. It made a lot of sense to rebuild/replace the motor...and it happened fairly regularly.

Now it's normal to get 200-250k miles out of motor (and most go to the junkyard with the engine still running) but that usually translates to 15-20yrs old, so bodies are rusted out, suspensions are worn out and the interior is faded and shabby, so it's a lot of money to have an old truck that's not worth much.

So is there something special about this truck to help justify the substantial cost to have an old truck?

[MORSNOW]

Crate motors from the manufacturer can be around the same price, but come with with full warrantees and are all new. Much less labor involved so the cost evens out.

[ranholago]

Its not my Truck Camper truck, but is my daily driver.
Ive got a 1997 f 150, that is in pretty good shape and is comfortable for me. The transmission went out and to replace it would cost just about as much as a 1997 f 150 would cost on Craigslist. To buy a new f150 is plenty of money. After taking plenty of time to think it through, for me spending the money for a new transmission was the right decision. Every thing cost about the same as a few new car payments and I am very comfortable with my old f 150. It was the right decision for me.
There is so many factors in making that kind of decision, it comes down to what is right for you.

[towpro]

there was a thread here about a year ago where someone broke down on road, got it towed home and put a new motor in truck. depends on what you got.

[rhagfo]

klyross wrote:
So, anybody rebuilding or replacing engines in their TC hauling trucks as opposed to buying a new or low mileage used truck?

Well a little more information on the truck would help.
Is the body and frame in good condition?

Is this something you will need to have others do, which will raise the cost.

It is your money and will need to weigh the return on investment.

[Lwiddis]

Don’t know of anyone rebuilding.

[jimh406]

I haven’t heard of anyone, but I don’t think it’s very specific to TCs. I think I’d go visit the brand specific truck sites to learn more about your engine and fixing/replacing it.

[specta]

I think it would depend on how many miles are on your truck and how much its been modified for hauling a camper.