Dec-23-2013 06:47 AM
Dec-29-2013 04:24 PM
Dec-26-2013 10:13 PM
Dec-26-2013 10:52 AM
crcr wrote:With a budget of $8k-$12k, IMO condition trumps a long list of wants, needs, and factory specs.
Hi, We’re shopping for a used truck for a tow vehicle & second vehicle. We have a used TT in mind to purchase after we buy the truck -- a Jayco 256rks (apparently last year of production was the 2012) --a 28’ TT, dry tongue weight of 680, dry weight of 5690, GVWR of 7500. So of course we are are being realistic and plan on 7000 to 7500 lbs loaded for camping.
We want a crew cab, short bed, 4WD, gas. I would like factory tow package with related differential gearing & HD cooling (we live in the desert), The truck won’t get very many miles put on it per year, so a bit older is fine, but it must be in well maintained condition because of the extreme hot climate we live in, and towing duty in this climate. We would like to keep the purchase cost in the budget range of $8,000 - $12,500 if at all possible.
With so many on this forum who have so much experience towing and with trucks, I would like a bit of information and advice for those who wish to share. I’m wondering how and where do I find the factory specs for used trucks? Specifically, I will want to know what ratio rear end, whether it has OEM tow package, an upgraded transmission cooler, and/or a larger optional radiator, and payload. Do I have to take the VIN# and run it somewhere to find out how it was factory equipped? Should all trucks have the yellow sticker with payload, etc., and where is it usually located? If the yellow sticker is missing, how does one find out payload?
We prefer half ton if we can find one that has adequate specs for our needs, though we would consider a ¾ ton if it is deemed necessary. I have owned a Ford van with a V10, and know the quality of that engine, but would rather get by with a V8 if possible, due to the difference in gas mileage.
I want to avoid any engine or make with a history of cooling problems, again due to our climate.. I would be interested in engine recommendations. I would like a used Ecoboost F150, but those debuted in 2011 so are still out of my price range. It seems like I have read that the Ford 5.4 V8 is not that powerful of a tow engine -- is that correct or no? How is the Chevy 5.3? I’m not averse to the Ram with a 5.7 V8, but one thing I don’t like about the Ram is that the crew cab is not as spacious as we would like, and the Mega Cab seems to bring quite a premium, plus I don’t much care for the looks of the Mega Cab model. However, the Ram is still a consideration. We’d be interested in a Toyota Tundra if it had the necessary payload, but the resale on those probably put them well out of our price range.
For payload purposes, when we go camping, myself and the wife weigh 300 lbs combined, plus a 65 lb dog, plus the typical camping equipment we would put in the bed of the truck. I would of course use a weight distribution hitch, and would like to move the two 6V batteries I have on our present TT, to the Jayco 28’ TT. The battery box I have for the two 6V batteries is thick heavy duty plastic, so not much weight added there, but obviously the two 6V batteries add weight over one 12V battery -- I’m going to say add 100 lbs to the tongue for the battery switch out.
If any of you can shed light on my questions about a truck selection, and/or how to get the real OEM specs on used trucks, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Dec-26-2013 09:30 AM
Dec-25-2013 05:26 PM
Lantley wrote:
THere is no source that I am aware of that will give you the build specs. However a dealer maybe able to give you info with vin#.
All 3/4 tons will have ample payload. If you go 1/2 ton you will have to be more concerned with the payload rating of the truck.
Dec-25-2013 10:09 AM
crcr wrote:
Thanks for all your replies. Very much appreciated.
Can someone tell me how to find out exactly how a used truck was equipped from the factory? Is there a website for each make where one can go and plug in the VIN# and get a list of the original equipment including the rear axle ratio, tow package or not, oversize radiator, larger transmission cooler, etc.? If there is no website that will provide those answers, is there some other way to get that information on a specific used truck?
Thanks.
Dec-25-2013 04:49 AM
Dec-24-2013 01:26 PM
Lantley wrote:
I would agree with APT. Sounds like you want a dedicated tow vehicle. Gas mileage for 1/2 ton vs 3/4 will be the same while towing. The only reason to consider a 1/2 ton is they may have a softer car like ride when not towing.
However that same softer suspension and chassis becomes a liability when towing.
Trying to find a older 1/2 ton gasser equipped for towing is a tall order.
If you plan to use the vehicle mainly for towing,why fool around with the 1/2 ton search when lots of capable 3/4 tons a readily available.
Dec-24-2013 12:04 PM
crcr wrote:
Thanks for all your replies. Very much appreciated.
Can someone tell me how to find out exactly how a used truck was equipped from the factory? Is there a website for each make where one can go and plug in the VIN# and get a list of the original equipment including the rear axle ratio, tow package or not, oversize radiator, larger transmission cooler, etc.? If there is no website that will provide those answers, is there some other way to get that information on a specific used truck?
Thanks.
Dec-24-2013 11:48 AM
Dec-24-2013 04:13 AM
crcr wrote:
Can someone tell me how to find out exactly how a used truck was equipped from the factory?
Dec-24-2013 03:38 AM
Dec-24-2013 03:23 AM
Dec-23-2013 04:07 PM
bmanning wrote:Gsturner wrote:
Don't overlook Nissan Titan. I bought an 07 used at 28 k miles in 2010. Just south of 100k now, the majority being towing a 34' Rockwood. Factory "Big Tow" package has trans cooler with guage, 410 rear end. Never got even close to overheating. 9400# tow capacity. Traveled all over country, FL,DC, SD, CO, AZ. Last trip averaged 9.3 mpg (scan guage). Crew cab with back 'suicide doors ' still allows full size bed, big enough to carry my Suzuki GZ250, ramp, a couple of bicycles and cargo box.
Clearly no one has informed you- or your Titan- that what you've experienced is impossible with a grocery-getter skirt-wearing half ton.
The last 68k miles were clearly a figment of your imagination.
:B