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Considering a Suburban Tow Rig

It's actually not a bad deal at all if that was what you were looking for.

I know that new stuff is pricey, but IIRC from the beginning of this thread you were looking for a cheaper weekend warrior kind of tow rig. I was interpreting that to mean "less than $10k." But maybe your desires are growing bigger? When we first had this conversation back in July, you were "more than interested" in that old beat-up diesel farm truck. So either the goals are shifting or you're still narrowing down what you're looking for. :dunno:
 
I know that new stuff is pricey, but IIRC from the beginning of this thread you were looking for a cheaper weekend warrior kind of tow rig. I was interpreting that to mean "less than $10k." But maybe your desires are growing bigger? When we first had this conversation back in July, you were "more than interested" in that old beat-up diesel farm truck. So either the goals are shifting or you're still narrowing down what you're looking for. :dunno:

I haven't seen anything in the 10k price range that I would trust to tow a k5 cross country safely.

I wasn't seriously considering the van, but it is awesome and, except for price, meets all my goals. Those being, Diesel, 4x4, people hauler, low miles, not rusty, and can tow blazer. I could also camp in the back easily and set up some real awesome living quarters.
 
I haven't seen anything in the 10k price range that I would trust to tow a k5 cross country safely.

I wasn't seriously considering the van, but it is awesome and, except for price, meets all my goals. Those being, Diesel, 4x4, people hauler, low miles, not rusty, and can tow blazer. I could also camp in the back easily and set up some real awesome living quarters.

What was the verdict on the 3/4-ton diesel Suburban (with towing package, of course ;)). Was that a thumbs-up or thumbs-down idea?
 
What was the verdict on the 3/4-ton diesel Suburban (with towing package, of course ;)). Was that a thumbs-up or thumbs-down idea?


Do you mean the duraburb idea? That's definitely out the window. I can't justify that money on a used vehicle that's been so heavily modified and probably has high miles on both body and drivetrain.
 
Do you mean the duraburb idea? That's definitely out the window. I can't justify that money on a used vehicle that's been so heavily modified and probably has high miles on both body and drivetrain.

No, I meant a late 90s 6.5TD truck. They're much cheaper, although some of them will have high miles and/or rust. I'm not sure how recently you could get a factory diesel 3/4-ton suburban, but I think you hafta go back to the GMT400 days.
 
No, I meant a late 90s 6.5TD truck. They're much cheaper, although some of them will have high miles and/or rust. I'm not sure how recently you could get a factory diesel 3/4-ton suburban, but I think you hafta go back to the GMT400 days.


Yea, I don't think finding one of those in decent shape at a reasonable price is very likely. The really nice ones online have a rediculous price tag similarly to the early Duramax trucks. Also, they probably don't tow all that well.
 
Very good write up....the problem is everybody else in this market knows the same as what you just stated that there are really only a couple years/generations of each manufacturer that people want cause all the others have issues that you really don't want to deal with in an older truck. So those rigs (especially the cummins) are so overpriced! When I looked at those dodges, at least in my part of the country they were wanting mid to high $20k for those trucks, even with 200k+ miles on them....that is freaking absurd to me. And the 7.3 Fords were even worse cause now they are getting old enough that almost all of them are creeping up on 300k miles and they are still wanting around $20k for them....that is just crazy to me! And everyone knows that the 6.0 Ford is a time bomb waiting to happen. Then add to the fact that diesels are notoriously more expensive to own (higher gas prices on average, maintenance costs will always be higher, not to mention each time it goes down for a major repair it's almost every time a couple thousand dollars).

.....Can you tell I'm trying to make a push that they should bring back the 8.1? :D. Cause even though I get 8 or so mpg's less than that cummins, when the turbo or injectors go out on that thing (or the 7.3, or the Duramax...take your pick), just image how much gas I can buy with $4000 (and yes that is what it's going to cost you to replace those things).

When new diesel pickups are going for $60K, mid 20's would pretty much make sense. Is it artificially inflated? No not really. People want them and the prices are going to reflect what the market will bare. Diesels are not really that much more to maintain as far as consumables. They go more miles on an oil change, fuel filters are pretty cheap, and so are air filters really. If someone is factoring in that a filter is $9.99 for one, and $14.99 for the other as a factor, well I just don't know what to say about that. It's pennies...

Turbos and injectors just don't let go right and left in these engines. On most stock trucks a turbo and injectors should last nearly the life of what an 8.1 or 6.0's average service life would be. I have two Dodges well beyond 200K on stock parts and a 7.3L at 280K all original. That kind of mileage on an LS moving the WEIGHT that most diesel pickups do, and that LS is pretty much at the end of it's expected service life.

We will never see a big block gas engine again. No one wants them. Especially not when the factory is getting a reliable near 450HP out of a small block.
Yeah, it has been that way for at least a couple years now, and I don't really see an end in sight since new 3/4 and 1 ton trucks are going for $60k+ off the lot...who the freak is paying those prices??? That is just nuts! And the fact that you can really only spread that cost out over a 5 or 6 year note at best (I know, cause I work for a bank), your freaking monthly payment is more than what normal house payments are going for nowadays....probably the stupidest decision ever in my book...but that's just me I guess cause I see a lot of brand new trucks rolling down the road

That's why I saw we stay with the crew cab square bodies and just upgrade them to meet our needs!! :deal:
Tons of people are buying them like it's nothing. A lot of people make 6 figures these days and an $800 payment is not all that unreasonable for their budget. At first, yeah $60K is a lot. Until you look at what you are buying in comparison to trucks from 15 years ago. I remember cursing up and down when early 2000's diesels were hitting over $40K. I've spent $10K on one single truck of mine between the stereo, long arm suspension, better trans, more power, blah blah. Now for $60K I can go buy a truck with a kick butt touch screen audio system, super comfy interior, factory long arm plush suspension, reliable trans that handles the weight I move (gross well over 20K), and power nearly 1000ft lbs. All comes with a huge warranty package to back it up. I'm looking to replace both of my 7.3 Fords with 2012+ Dodge 4500's. Can't wait.
 
It seems a page back or two you were considering crew cabs? IMHO, I think 1st gen OBS Ford 7.3L trucks are a bargain. Should be able to find a crew cab 7.3 95-97 for a decent price within your budget. I have a couple of those trucks that we beat on daily and besides them being dogs when stock, they are pretty sound trucks. With a chip they are not too bad.

If it has to be an "SUV" I vote Excursion. A 7.3 if you can find the right one, or a 6.0. Yes... a 6.0L. A lot of them have had their issues fixed by now. The newest one is 9 years old already. They've either had their problems and have been fixed, or they are GTG from the start. Not all of them are junk from the factory. I've seen a few that have been fairly problem free from the beginning and some that were problem childs from day 1. You just have to go into a 6.0L purchase, educated on them to pick the right one. For what you want I'd go an '06-07 6.0L Excursion over all other SUV choices. The '05-07 upgraded Super Duty chassis from the 99-04 7.3 trucks is worth opting for the 6.0 IMHO. Just got to know how to tame that 6L. lol
 
I consider a diesel with 200k, no rockers, rotted brake lines, cracked seat cushions, and all the other broken things of a 200k Chevy truck to be out of its service life. I've looked at a few. Everyone I've seen should be a yard truck or a plow truck, that I wouldn't trust to leave the range of my AAA card.

Just because people will pay 20k for one does in no way mean that the vehicle has value at that price. Especially when injectors that require head removal are very possibly in the vehicles near future.
 
It seems a page back or two you were considering crew cabs? IMHO, I think 1st gen OBS Ford 7.3L trucks are a bargain. Should be able to find a crew cab 7.3 95-97 for a decent price within your budget. I have a couple of those trucks that we beat on daily and besides them being dogs when stock, they are pretty sound trucks. With a chip they are not too bad.

If it has to be an "SUV" I vote Excursion. A 7.3 if you can find the right one, or a 6.0. Yes... a 6.0L. A lot of them have had their issues fixed by now. The newest one is 9 years old already. They've either had their problems and have been fixed, or they are GTG from the start. Not all of them are junk from the factory. I've seen a few that have been fairly problem free from the beginning and some that were problem childs from day 1. You just have to go into a 6.0L purchase, educated on them to pick the right one. For what you want I'd go an '06-07 6.0L Excursion over all other SUV choices. The '05-07 upgraded Super Duty chassis from the 99-04 7.3 trucks is worth opting for the 6.0 IMHO. Just got to know how to tame that 6L. lol


Excursions have the same pricing issue.

Swettys 7.3 can barely haul his trazer.
 
I consider a diesel with 200k, no rockers, rotted brake lines, cracked seat cushions, and all the other broken things of a 200k Chevy truck to be out of its service life. I've looked at a few. Everyone I've seen should be a yard truck or a plow truck, that I wouldn't trust to leave the range of my AAA card.

Just because people will pay 20k for one does in no way mean that the vehicle has value at that price. Especially when injectors that require head removal are very possibly in the vehicles near future.
I have no clue about rot. This is California, rust isn't even something that is a check list item when buying vehicles here. Actually, what the market will bare is what values something. So, if buyers are lined up to buy something while others are not willing to pay that same amount, at a certain price level, than that is what defines the value of said item.
 
Excursions have the same pricing issue.

Swettys 7.3 can barely haul his trazer.
Point being? On the pricing? They are going for what they are going for.

Chip that 7.3. The obs 7.3's are dogs and have a narrow power band. The auto is actually a better trans behind them than the ZF5 stick because of their doggy low end. Once chipped, they are not bad, on par with early to mid 2000 trucks. SD 7.3's are considerably better. Intercooled, wastegated quick spooling turbos, bigger cc injectors, smoother idling... stock they are not all that bad really. Once chipped, they can run pretty good. I don't know who "Swettys" is and what the details are on his.

The 7.3 is known for it's toughness and longevity, not necessarily it's ability to burn rubber up to the rim.
 
I'll just put this here..

https://pueblo.craigslist.org/ctd/5779987418.html
04 2500 8.1L LT Burb, in my backyard for under $7000. Say the word and I'll check it out. Looks good for 176K miles.

Or.
http://boulder.craigslist.org/cto/5771508302.html
$6500 for a 1994 K2500 6.5Turbo burb. Another clean rig with 163K on the clock.

Or on the other side of the spectrum:
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/5787756760.html
2008 K2500 Suburban with a 6.0L vortec 4l80e trans for $26k but only has 55K on the clock. Again clean looking rig.

A wise man once said go west young man, go west. If you want clean, non-crusty 3/4 ton burbs, look in Colorado. You got a sample of 3 different generations of 3/4 ton burbs with the powertrains that will pull the load. Granted, the 08 might need a little help in the grunt department, but is a ton of support out for it. That search took 5 minutes scroll through to find those.

I bet the 04 and 94 will probably need something due to the age/mileage, but thats easier to do that repair rusty frames and sheetmetal.
 
I have no clue about rot. This is California, rust isn't even something that is a check list item when buying vehicles here. Actually, what the market will bare is what values something. So, if buyers are lined up to buy something while others are not willing to pay that same amount, at a certain price level, than that is what defines the value of said item.


I'm talking about the value of the vehicle as a purchase, not the value as it is priced.

Yes, the price point for those trucks is high because people are paying that for them. That does not mean purchasing one is a sound investment and that it will be the most worthwhile purchase. Therein lies the value of a vehicle.
 
I'll just put this here..

https://pueblo.craigslist.org/ctd/5779987418.html
04 2500 8.1L LT Burb, in my backyard for under $7000. Say the word and I'll check it out. Looks good for 176K miles.

Or.
http://boulder.craigslist.org/cto/5771508302.html
$6500 for a 1994 K2500 6.5Turbo burb. Another clean rig with 163K on the clock.

Or on the other side of the spectrum:
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/5787756760.html
2008 K2500 Suburban with a 6.0L vortec 4l80e trans for $26k but only has 55K on the clock. Again clean looking rig.

A wise man once said go west young man, go west. If you want clean, non-crusty 3/4 ton burbs, look in Colorado. You got a sample of 3 different generations of 3/4 ton burbs with the powertrains that will pull the load. Granted, the 08 might need a little help in the grunt department, but is a ton of support out for it. That search took 5 minutes scroll through to find those.

I bet the 04 and 94 will probably need something due to the age/mileage, but thats easier to do that repair rusty frames and sheetmetal.


Thanks, those first two have higher mileage than I'd be comfortable with.

I can't afford the last one in private sale.
 
Not saying you have to jump on them. Just an example of what is out here. I know about 9 months ago there was a ex-GSA (goverenment owned) 97 or 98 3/4 ton base model Suburban for sale not to far from my Parents house in west metro Denver. Vortec 454, 4l80e, plain jane rubber floor mat basic truck that had under 100k on it and an asking price of something crazy like $2500. From the multitude of pics the rig was mint. No rust, just typical aged paint.

They pop up pretty regular around here.

Your problem is going to be finding one that is low enough miles and people not jacking up the price because of what it is with the low miles. 2500 big block burbs were certainly produced less than the 1/2 ton variety and wise ones know this. Supply and demand. Limited supply and still decent demand tends to keep the prices propped up.

Personally, I wouldn't hesitate on the 2004. GM designed the 8.1 for medium duty trucks in mind with a 200,000 mile durability standard. Chances are, the 8.1 in the burb might have towed on an infrequent basis. No where near the strain it would see in a Medium duty or 22,000 pound GVW motor home. I'd look at the condition/function of the trans and 4wd systems and if they work like they should, change the fluids and go. Yes, a 12 year old rig is going to need some stuff like an alternator, battery or a/c compressor along with going through the steering/suspension. For the price with little put in for PM, you have a rig that can do everything you want it too. Pull the trailer, haul people (you would need to find 3rd row seats for it) and eat up road miles like a champ. Keep the search going, but I bet you'll find the older you go the more miles the rig will have.
 
Out of curiosity have you towed with anyone who's had a big block burb?

No, I've towed cars a few times but never with a suburban. I've used a 1500 with a 350. I've towed with a uhaul rental Ford that had the v10. I've towed with a newer ford super duty gasser. And, I've towed a couple cars with fire truck. I've also ridden in a couple ecoboost trucks that were towing

I've never towed a full size square rig. I've only towed cars and a step side k1500.
 

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