Hey guys, as the title says I am in the market for a good used truck mainly for a weekend tow vehicle. I have found two trucks that I am interested in. The first is a 2002 silverado 2500 with the 8.1. It is a 4x4 crew cab long bed with 180k miles. The owner says the transmission and transfer case were rebuilt at 160k and he is asking $7500. The overall truck looks to be in pretty good condition from the pictures I have seen. Do you guys think that is too many miles for this truck to be a reliable tow vehicle? I will be towing every weekend or every other weekend and pulling around 7k lbs about 5-7 hundred miles in 100 degree temps. The truck has never had a gooseneck or fith wheel hitch installed

The second truck is a 2002 F250 with the V10 and 125k miles and also a crew cab 4x4 and this one is loaded out pretty well. The guy is asking $11,500. This one has a hideaway gooseneck ball in the bed that was used to pull a 20ft lawn service trailer most of its life. This truck looks to be in better condition than the chevy does from the pictures. Both trucks are over 3hrs from where I live so I am trying to decide which direction to go when I do decide to go look at them. Thanks in advance for any help you guys can give!

 

The chevy will last as long as you want it too. The 8.1 can move and will pull whatever you need it too, although gas bill may not be very fun to look at

 

Yup both are gas guzzlers. Either better have the tow package set up.

If I was towing that big of a load and that many miles, especially if in a hilly or mountanous areas, I'd be looking for a diesel for better mileage and towing power. And perhaps a light 1 ton frame Vs a 3/4.

 

Neither,

Chevys just don't do well with towing and that Ford gasser is gonna break ya in fuel stops.

Allan

 

diesels tow better than gas - no question there

almost every report I've read the 3-valve V-10 will out tow the GM 8.1L - not so sure I would own a 2-valve V-10

this 8.1L 1-ton has been used exclusively for towing a 18,000 lb snowcat riding on a 3000 pound trailer - truck, trailer and cat weigh in just over 27,000 pounds - 5000 more than than the truck is rated for.

Zero engine/trans problems in close to 60,000 miles. Wish the truck was a diesel.

this is not my truck but I was the driver..........