Tow Vehicle Value (age vs. miles)

[saltydog]

I've spent the past several months developing a 'strategery' for an upcoming purchase of a 5er and truck to replace my weekender/summer trip rig. Thanks for tolerating my lurking, brain is hurting from the knowledge gained.

My latest research on tow vehicles has led me to wonder what all of your opinions are when pricing/looking at a used truck....how does age relate to miles, what concerns you more when shopping? I've heard different rules of thumb concerning what is a low-mileage truck, but I want to hear your success and failure stories.

I am in the market for a 350/3500 DRW that is maybe 3-5 years old. I guess my target purchase price is in the range of 30-36K. This would be a truck for at least one year of full timing with my family (kids included). Thanks.

[450Donn]

For that price you should be able to get a low miles (less than 10,000 a year) truck about two years old. IMHO if I was shopping again, I would look at a pre 2007 Dodge 5.9L Cummins Mega cab, or a 2007 GM product crew cab Duramax/Allison. Had both and I actually like my Cummins better. The torque comes on sooner and holds flat all the way up the RPM range.

[LindaH]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450Donn I would look at a pre 2007 Dodge 5.9L Cummins Mega cab

Just as a point of information, don't assume that all 2007 Dodges have the newer ULSD engines. We have a 2007 Dodge 3500 with the 5.9L Cummins engine...it was produced prior to 1/1/2007, the start date when the new ULSD engines had to be installed.

[SuperGewl]

You did not mention what 5th wheel you are looking at towing. This will make a big difference as far as 1ton dually or SRW setup. You did mention kids, so I would say go Dually. This will give you the most Payload capabilty possible with a Quad Cab. Stay away from the Mega Cab. Yes it's great for the kids but limits your Payload and you will have to get a slider hitch which will add weight and further limit your hitch weight.

[InPursuit]

I got a 10yo one ton Chevy, one owner, 53xxxmiles, all records, in real good overall condition... for under $10k

and it came with a bathroom and bedroom and kitchen and sitting room and ots of storage space too

(yeah, I needed to rebuild the bath and kitchen but I mosty wanted to do that anyway and then added some suspension items and tires after 10,000 miles)

food for thought

[saltydog]

To ease any questions....I am expecting to pull a larger 5er, something in 12K-15k weight range, so a dually is where I am looking. Thanks for your thoughts.

[JIMNLIN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by saltydog To ease any questions....I am expecting to pull a larger 5er, something in 12K-15k weight range, so a dually is where I am looking. Thanks for your thoughts.

Any of the 3500 DRW trucks will fit in with only 12-15k trailer weight numbers.

If your needing lots of cab room the 3500 DRW Mega cab is tops. It has the same 9750 RAWR for carrying those big GN /5th wheel pin weights as the other Dodge trucks. The Megas are very popular with the hauling crowd of all types of trailers.

You might take a look at the F350 DRW V10 Fords. With 9000 RAWR and tow ratings up to 16-17k lbs their a stout hauler. The V10 is in lots of good size class C MH's.

Being a former commercial hauler with all F350/3500 DRW size trucks IMO miles on the odo is the biggest issue when looking at used trucks. With the newer gen diesels you also have to watch who and how the truck was operated. Some younger gen folks may buy a 3500 DRW and add the biggest refueling box on the market. Then drive the truck as they say "like you stole it". These trucks generally don't have lots of miles on the odo as someone thats working the truck or a RVer that travels a lot. good luck in your search

[saltydog]

All, thanks for your input, here is some more info/questions that better detail my situation:

1. What would you consider low/average miles for a dually?
2. Would you recommend a purchase of a 3 yo dually that will get lightly used for the next 5-6 years (until I can retire from the Army), before my family of 5 heads out for a year of full timing?
3. Should I even consider a late model used truck with say 75k miles on it?

Thanks, again.

[CD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by saltydog All, thanks for your input, here is some more info/questions that better detail my situation: 1. What would you consider low/average miles for a dually? 2. Would you recommend a purchase of a 3 yo dually that will get lightly used for the next 5-6 years (until I can retire from the Army), before my family of 5 heads out for a year of full timing? 3. Should I even consider a late model used truck with say 75k miles on it? Thanks, again.

If you are talking about diesel, 75K is just getting broke in. My Dodge is 9 yrs old with 80K and still runs like new. The worst problem I have had was at 4mos. a front wheel bearing went. They had ro replace spindle, bearings and hub. Covered with warranty.

[InPursuit]

People who are contractors or have a large farm or a ranch etc... **something** where the other 340 days a year the truck isn't pulling a 5W the discussion of what to get/own has already been done... and using that need as the criteria.

These folks have the truck (or something real close) when they decide to get a RV of some sort but they also get to write off nearly all the expenses of owning it.

What I'm finding it real hard to understand is the desire to own a heavy duty truck (eg the 1 Ton Dually) as an everyday personal car for those who DON'T have that heavy haul usage.