New Truck to Tow 6,000 lbs. With

[bayoubiloxiblue]

I am soon to get a new truck for work, I am presently in a 2003 F-150 Supercrew with the 4.6l V-8. I can spend into the mid twenties (26K or so), but my employers options to me are pretty much limited to General Motors & Ford products. I am leaning towards a Tahoe or Expedition because the weight distribution is pretty good, but any feedback on the new F-150 since redesign or Chevy Avalanche? I need to seat at least five, I have the fold-up armrest right now so I can seat six, but five is OK. Towing a double axle trailer with about 6,000 lbs. (boat, motor & trailer) total. The 4.6 is adequate, but just so. I'm all ears for improvement.<br /><br />PS: the 2003 F-150 has 95,000 on it in 25 months with only oil changes and one transmission flush at 60k (I felt guilty about not doing anything to it), it's held up well. Thanks

 

[jimr]

Re: New Truck to Tow 6,000 lbs. With

well by the looks of it you dont keep them long enough to have major problems. I am a GM guy but work on Fords all day long in our fleet. the new expedition I just set up for the PD has the 5.4L 3 valve and its got some git up and go. they screwed up and got the 60/40 bench seat that in regular civilan duty can seat 3 in the front.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: New Truck to Tow 6,000 lbs. With

I absolutely love my Silverado 1500HD crew cab. Standard motor is a 6.0L with a ton of torque, and you get all the heavy suspension to boot with 8 lug axles, etc. If you look at specs and tow ratings, you discover it really is just about a 3/4 ton truck, not even comparable to any other 1/2 tons. You can get an Avalanche with the same drivetrain/suspension, but I frankly never cared for their "convertible midgate" so I went with conventional pickup style. Even if you just go with the standard 1500 it'll tow the weight and comes with a 5.3, which should run circles around your present 4.6. <br /><br />If you can live without 4x4 you'll be right in your price range. Add 4x4 & keep other options under control and invoice price floats around 30K. Add leather and all the creature comforts and you're pushing 35K. Serious deals can be found on these as they don't move well...I bought my brand new 2003 model, 4x4, tow package, most options except sunroof and leather, for about $7K below invoice ($25,600 cash) due to a series of impressive rebates available at the time, and by waiting 'till after the 04's came out. But I haven't been able to duplicate a similar deal since then.<br /><br />The 1500HD's can be a bit tough to find in stock on dealer lots, and in my mind the only downside is the styling, rather bland and dated IMO. And when unloaded, it clearly rides like a truck...very stiffly sprung. But I value function over form, and 90% of my driving is loaded, so those things don't bother me a bit. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat if I was in the market.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[KM2]

Re: New Truck to Tow 6,000 lbs. With

Can you get a new Expedition for $26k? <br /><br />The 05 Fords with the 3V 5.4l with 300 hp would be a good choice.

 

[BUBBLES II]

Re: New Truck to Tow 6,000 lbs. With

Depending on who you work for, you may be eligible for a substantial discount. My company gets invoice price; not a bad deal. Just walk in and say, "Acme Widgets", show ID, and there is no haggling at all. Good for trucks, SUVs because they don't like to give them away like they do cars.