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!

[Grit_dog]

07 in my sig, 160k miles. Wouldn't hesitate to drive/haul/tow anywhere any time. Maint, care and particular vehicle issues are the biggest factors and I'm comfortable enough with the above things to trust the truck.
With a good eye on the above an older vehicle CAN be just as reliable as a newer one, but the propensity is still greater for an unforseen issue on something that is 10-20 years old. Like that one dry rotted heater hose that leaves you on the side of the road with no coolant, or a brake wheel cylinder that finally gives up the ghost, or the AC compressor or alternator crappping out. These are all "little" things that can ruin your day that have a higher probability of happening with age.

So with that in mind, now it's a game of what's your tolerance or ability to fix these types of issues (if or when they happen) vs the big $ saved by buying newer?

[allen8106]

Personally, having had both and towed 10,500 lb 5ver with both I would stay away from gas and go with diesel.

[LarryJM]

Custom ordered my Van back in 2001 and it just went past 100K miles and with my BTS towing tuned tranny and aftermarket filters on every fluid there is except the window washer and brake fluid this will last as far as I can see into the future. Used almost exclusively towing and at around 17.5K GCW I get right at 10 to 10.5 with over 60K of that 100K actual towing miles. Repair free except for the the UVC harness connector that was a known issue.

Larry

[valhalla360]

Modern engines last a very long time with little care (gas or diesel). It's nothing to get a reliable 200-250k miles out of an engine with no significant work.

We replaced a 1992 F250 2-3 yrs back. The truck ran fine and I wouldn't have hesitated to tow cross country but the body was falling apart due to midwestk rust. It had 265k miles when we sold it.

We replaced it with a 2001 F250 with 110k miles and have put on 40-50k miles since then.

I think the sweat spot is 7-10yrs old. Lots of miles left for 1/10th to 1/4 the purchase price of new and you should easily get 6-10yrs out of it.

[LanceRKeys]

2001 F250 ZF6 6-speed standard, 3.73 rear end. Pulling about 7,000lbs get 11mpg towing at 70mph. I would love to try out the 8.1, as well as the ford v-10. If an 8.1 came up with a good price when I was looking a few months back, I wouldn't have hesitated getting one. From what I read, a bigger fuel tank would be one of the first things I would add. Old truck, new truck, they are all subject to break down, and they are all subject to expensive repairs. The newer ones are nicer, and more expensive, the older ones are simpler, and cheaper. Take your pick and enjoy it, if you don't enjoy it, sell it and get something different.

[Bad_Brad]

2008 F350 6.4. It has just over 63,000 miles, most from towing. I bought it new and plan to keep it indefinitely. However, upon retirement in several years, I hope to move up to a Freightliner Sport Chassis for my tow vehicle.

[1320Fastback]

1992 D250 Cummins, 5spd, 217,000 miles and tow only about 7,000 wet. Our big trip last year I knocked down 13MPG to Wyoming and back.

Why do I have it? Love old full size trucks, love being able to work on them, love no sensors, love no computers onboard, uses the same oil and filters as our equipment at work uses so get freebies when the mechanics show up, love getting 20MPG empty yet having a 8 foot bed, love no DEF and No Smog check.

Why dont I get a new truck? Wife has a new Tacoma and while another payment wouldn't be the end of the world I just cant see it for me. My truck get used at work, around the house and property, always hauling stuff and just dont want to worry about keeping a new truck new.

[rhagfo]

Our 2001 Ram with just a small six cylinder we tow about 11,500# very close to 20,000# combined and get about 11 mpg!

[Iraqvet05]

My 2001 Silverado 2500HD has 112k miles on it. It's a daily driver and has plenty of power for its age but I really want a 6 speed transmission in my next truck.

[KD4UPL]

That truck with the 8.1L would be great. I had on in an '01 dually it was a great engine/drivetrain. It was ALMOST as good as my '05 Duramax.
My TC hauler/worktruck/equipment towing truck is a 2005 Chevy dually with the Duramax and it has 225,000 miles on it. I have no plans of getting rid of it. In 2016 we went on a 3,500 mile trip from VA to CO and back. With my TC on I'm at 13,000 pounds. I had no problems. The last time I hauled any equipment it I had about 13,000 pounds on the hitch towing over the mountains in VA.
My daily driver is a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 201,000 miles on it. The family car is a 2010 Buick with 194,000 miles on it. I don't intend to get rid of any of them. They all are very reliable and run well.

[4x4ord]

I had a 2016 F350 and replaced it with a new F350 cause the old one didn't have message seats.

[LittleRedGoat]

Just bought a new one and planning on keeping it at least 10 yrs of not longer. The only reason I traded my 10yr old truck DW wants a bigger camper

[MinnCamper]

2006 Sierra 2500 Dmax with 181,000 and not looking.

[hone_eagle]

Bought mine with 500,000 on it and have put about another 50,000 so 450,000 to go and Iam looking at a engine rebuild 🙂

9mpg at best towing 16,000 and carrying a car.

[Edd505]

06 F350 6.0 SRW CC Long bed 12k 5w 206,000 12-13 towing