What a average age/mileage of your Tow Vehicle?

[Passage0ftime]

Just entered the RV world last Spring (2017) with a 26' Greywolf but by the end of the season we were sold on the lifestyle and traded up before the value went down. Upgraded to a Rockwood fifth wheel. Dry weight @7,700. All totaled up was about 9,200 Lbs. Had a 2012 Silverado 1500 w/ 5.3L. Ok for short hauls, but felt like I was reaching outer limits even with air bags in rear end.

So, to the point of this post, I had an opportunity to get into a 2006 Silverado 3500 with dually and the 8.1 Gas engine and Allison transmission. Had about 105K on the odometer. 2012 is hitting 100K as I speak. Love the 8.1/allison combo, only thing it won't pass is a gas station.

So my question is, how many folks run older TV? Why and why not? Obviously maintenance is a key factor but what else?

PS: property tax on the older tax is $50 vs $300+ for newer rig. Insurance low.

Happy Trails!

[ugeesta]

My truck is a 2002 GMC 2500HD with the 8.1l/Allison combo. To make it more of a gas hog, it’s got the 4:10 rear end. With a 26 gallon tank we can’t go too far without starting to think about a gas station. That’s okay, usually my DW needs a pee stop so they work hand and hand.

Currently, our trailer is 10,400 loaded and the truck handles it just fine. Thinking about getting the New Jayco Talon which will come in around 13,500lbs loaded with our stuff and water.

The truck averages between 6.75 and 7.25 mpg when loaded and pulling in the hills of Ohio and Pennsylvania. We only put about 3,000 miles a year on the truck between weekends and camping trips so we don’t worry too much about the price of gas.

Oops, forgot to add, the truck has just over 78,000 miles on it and we bought it new.

[73guna]

2007 Duramax classic with 80k.
My setup weighs around 18k.
Gets between 7-11mpg depending on wind, usually 9-10 though.
Im frugal, so I cant see spending 60k + on a new rig, plus I like my pre emissions diesel and will always have more then enough stock power to pull what I have.

Your 8.1 is a brute, but they are thirsty!

[campinginthewoo]

2004 F250 CC pickup 6.8 6.8 V10 118k and pulls a 25 ft coachman Catalina lite TT. Can't afford new and there's nothing wrong with current truck. I would love new truck and/or camper but don't like/need /afford new payments. My cousin drives a 2003 Avalanche with 400,000 and still runs only issue is the electronics are starting to act up.

[nickthehunter]

2002 F250, wihout looking, something north of 170,000 miles, but I'm pretty sure less than 175,000. As to they why or why not, I'd like a new truck, but I don't have the need for a new truck or for the payment that comes with it.

[WNYBob]

From what I've seen on here most get between 10 and 12 regardless of TV and RV combo.

[AlmostAnOldGuy]

To your specific question on age of tow vehicle:

Prior: 2001 2500 Suburban 8.1 - Towed to 135k
Current: 2012 F150 Max Payload (8200 GVWR) - At 50k and intend to go 150k+

You have a good engine. How is the rest of the truck? I only let my 8.1L go around 135k miles when other issues were piling up (electrical, etc.). If I had wanted to keep it I would have ponied up and repaired, however a truck was a better match for me than a Suburban so I sold and moved on.

You mention the tax difference is $250 a month. What about insurance? Even if insurance is only another $50 per month in savings you have $3,600 per year for preventative maintenance and you are not making payments on a new rig. Do you have a mechanic you really like? There are some good private shops out there and a good mechanic is valuable.

New trucks break too, and there is more on them to break. If you like the truck expect to invest in maintenance. Anybody can pull into the camp with a new rig. I think it is pretty cool to see an older rig that is well maintained. BenK is running a cherry 1996 2500 Suburban.

Good luck,
Stu

[Passage0ftime]

Lantley wrote:
The 8.1 is a great motor with a great transmission. The 8.1 is getting a little old but it is a very capable engine, but even in its hey day it was a gas hog.
If you can afford to fill it up the 8.1 will get the job done.
My advice is to not analyze the cost of owning an RV it is expansive.
If you enjoy the RV lifestyle the cost come with it.
What you have to avoid is what boaters refer to as one foot itis or playing the upgrade game.
You have been in the game 10 minutes and you have already upgraded! TO a vehicle that will lead to another upgrade.
Buy your last RV first do not inch towards your goal it only cost even more that way.
If you want to tow heavy I believe you need a diesel. Many will disagree but I suggest you tow your same trailer with your 8.1 and then tow it with a diesel. It will be a eye opening night vs. day experience.
Age of the vehicle is not as important as how it is equipped and its condition. You must also consider your camping style. Are you a local 200-300 radius camper or do you venture far and wide.Are your destinations limited by your vehicle?
My 2007 Duramax dually is capable of taking my rig far and wide. It has 275K on the odometer. I generally keep my vehicle until they are worn out.
I avoid upgrading just to have the latest gizmos as long as my vehicle is getting the job done.
Yes my vehicle is getting old but age is less a factor the condition.
The LBZ Duramax motor has a stellar reputation even though the newest models are 10 years old.
Take your time, settle in on a combo that work for you, do not shop price alone. RV'ing is NOT inexpensive. Fuel cost are high, with an 8.1 they are even higher.
However once you find what you like. KEEP it awhile and don't look back .

Lantley,

I whole heartedly agree with you, and I hope to get many more years out of the 3500. Already had the 1500 from pulling horses, so just added to the stable as I care about safety deeply and did not want to be white knuckle and 45mph on the grades. Mostly local, (45 min from Branson and Table Rock Lake) but looking at Savannah this year. My cars tend to the gizmo free. All the buttons and bells drain the wallet in repairs, let alone purchase. Upgrade from bumper pull to 5th wheel was that we saw many quality issues in first one, and knew we were going to stay at it. Like to see truck and trailer last at least another 10 years.

Thanks for the feedback!

[DutchmenSport]

We had a 1996 Chevy Silverado long bed, crew cab, 3500 gas dually and towed our 6000 pound "Dutchmen Lite" with it. It averaged 10 mpg on a good day. Photo was taken in 2006:

[Lantley]

The 8.1 is a great motor with a great transmission. The 8.1 is getting a little old but it is a very capable engine, but even in its hey day it was a gas hog.
If you can afford to fill it up the 8.1 will get the job done.
My advice is to not analyze the cost of owning an RV it is expansive.
If you enjoy the RV lifestyle the cost come with it.
What you have to avoid is what boaters refer to as one foot itis or playing the upgrade game.
You have been in the game 10 minutes and you have already upgraded! TO a vehicle that will lead to another upgrade.
Buy your last RV first do not inch towards your goal it only cost even more that way.
If you want to tow heavy I believe you need a diesel. Many will disagree but I suggest you tow your same trailer with your 8.1 and then tow it with a diesel. It will be a eye opening night vs. day experience.
Age of the vehicle is not as important as how it is equipped and its condition. You must also consider your camping style. Are you a local 200-300 radius camper or do you venture far and wide.Are your destinations limited by your vehicle?
My 2007 Duramax dually is capable of taking my rig far and wide. It has 275K on the odometer. I generally keep my vehicle until they are worn out.
I avoid upgrading just to have the latest gizmos as long as my vehicle is getting the job done.
Yes my vehicle is getting old but age is less a factor the condition.
The LBZ Duramax motor has a stellar reputation even though the newest models are 10 years old.
Take your time, settle in on a combo that work for you, do not shop price alone. RV'ing is NOT inexpensive. Fuel cost are high, with an 8.1 they are even higher.
However once you find what you like. KEEP it awhile and don't look back .

[The_Owl]

I have a 2014 Ram 3500 DRW. Purchased newer because the older trucks didn’t have the weight capacity that I needed for the new fiver. When we had the TT I was always at the limit with older and cheaper vehicles and didn’t want to be that way anymore. I bought the truck used so saved a lot on depreciation. I would make the same purchase again and really wish I would have had a better truck before.