I'm looking at an '02 2500HD, 3/4ton, V-8, 6.6 turbo diesel with 39K miles. It towed a 21,000 pound fifth wheel -- on the flats, I think -- older couple. Is that too much for this engine? Anything I should look for? It drives straight, no odd noises...what should I look for? Any suggestions?

 

Wow, sounds like one nice truck. I'd recommend a dually rear, the extra two rear tires go a long way towards ride control. It seems like you already have a specific vehicle in mind. Just what are you intending to haul?

 

We're putting a pretty light-weight pop-up camper on the bed and pulling either a 19' runabout power boat or an 18' Hobie Cat, which really doesn't weigh much. However, we do like to head to the mountain lakes in the mountains of Colorado, so there's some pretty good mountain passes to climb.

 

Also, we did find that specific truck I outlined. We've had a hard time finding a long bed that isn't really used hard, so this is a good find for us -- we think. We just want to be sure that the transmission wasn't worked too hard and it really has like 80K miles rather than 40K. Any thoughts?

 

Just some food for thought. The purpose in purchasing my 2500HD(Yeah, love it.) was to have a little reserve capacity. I only haul a 16' trailer on occasion, and a small boat trailer sometimes. I could have gotten away with a 1500 2WD for most of my hauling needs in the flats. But 2AM on a mountain pass in the rain and wind is usually when the tail tries to wag the dog.

If the truck was owned by a single owner with other vehicles, likely the mileage is as claimed. If it's a dealer, you should be careful. In any event, the money you spend having a trusted mechanic you know look at it is well spent.