Used Truck Shopping...D/A wins..maybe.

[Paul Clancy]

Well I've been looking and test driving for some time and Think I've found the unit that fits our modest budget. It's a 02 2500 hd ext cab d/a with lots of miles (220000 kms) In great shape. Dealer claims it was a pilot truck. No sign of 5er hitch/bracket holes,tie downs or any bed damage. It may have towed a tounge trailer ..hard to tell. I know this is high milage but its the only way I will afford a d/a for towing my 6000lb 5er over high passes(I'm surrounded by mountains). I'm a diesel newb...so go easy. My current 94 1500 5.7 gasser can't do the job. I abosultely love the way the d/a handles/rides and how the engine is quiet untill you mash the accel. I test drove a couple 01s...dodge and ford and found them unacceptably loud for the daily driver routine I need. Great tow vehicles I'm sure (the dodge reminded me of a mini semi)but no good for the townhome environment where I live. I'm having the truck inspected by a large volume chev dealer and it's passed the provincial used inspections (dealer replaced upper ball joints brakes and fluids). I'll get the chev dealer to do a vin search as well. Opinions? My wife will drive it as a daily commuter and she loved it after a test drive...very car like ride.

Thanks,
Paul

[Paul Clancy]

Well I've been looking and test driving for some time and Think I've found the unit that fits our modest budget. It's a 02 2500 hd ext cab d/a with lots of miles (220000 kms) In great shape. Dealer claims it was a pilot truck. No sign of 5er hitch/bracket holes,tie downs or any bed damage. It may have towed a tounge trailer ..hard to tell. I know this is high milage but its the only way I will afford a d/a for towing my 6000lb 5er over high passes(I'm surrounded by mountains). I'm a diesel newb...so go easy. My current 94 1500 5.7 gasser can't do the job. I abosultely love the way the d/a handles/rides and how the engine is quiet untill you mash the accel. I test drove a couple 01s...dodge and ford and found them unacceptably loud for the daily driver routine I need. Great tow vehicles I'm sure (the dodge reminded me of a mini semi)but no good for the townhome environment where I live. I'm having the truck inspected by a large volume chev dealer and it's passed the provincial used inspections (dealer replaced upper ball joints brakes and fluids). I'll get the chev dealer to do a vin search as well. Opinions? My wife will drive it as a daily commuter and she loved it after a test drive...very car like ride.

Thanks,
Paul

[Paul Clancy]

No replys? So I guess I've stunned everyone with the milage on this truck? GG. Here's another question then. This truck sits about six inches taller than my half ton. RV service guy at the dealer seems to think raising the hitch hieght will be better than flipping the axels and give me enough bed rail clearence. Anyone done this? I'm a bit skeptical.

[RustyJC]

As much as possible, you want the 5th wheel to run level with a minimum of 6" bed rail clearance (8" to 9" preferred). I would let the service guy adjust the hitch and/or the 5ver's pin box to get you at least 6" bed rail clearance and then see how the 5ver is sitting - my guess is it will be way nose high if the truck is as tall as you describe, but that's only speculation. If it's that nose high, then you'll be looking at relocating the axles below the springs, etc. - bed rail clearance and 5ver attitude are really two separate, although interrelated, issues.

Rusty

[K-Star]

I had a `99 Ford F-250 before buying my `02 GMC 3500. I did not have to adjust anything. Try it first. If necessary, see if the adjustments will work out.

As far as the truck, now that that diesel is broke in, enjoy it. There are web sites where you can run your own VIN check. I think that would be better than going thru the dealer for it, even if it costs you a few bucks. With a diesel keep the oil changed and the fuel filter changed. You'll also have to change the tranny filter about every 10K miles. No worries tho, it is a spin-on. Check out the GM Diesel Page for help on your new diesel.

[Paul Clancy]

Thanks guys,
Bought the d/a and like it very much. Haven't got the hitch in yet but hoping in the next couple weeks. Another option I've read about are drop shackles for the backend or velvet rides. Supposed to offer 2-3inch drop. Anyone done this?

[Paul Clancy]

Just a quick update here,
went for the first real tow with some highway and city traffic, WOW. What a real pleasure to have the ability to get up to speed with no lag and brake with no worry. This truck with the D/A in tow haul mode is a magnificent ride. I've seen the same type truck hauling some huge 5ers so am not really surprised it is handling my little 5th so well. I was most impressed with how the Allison would downshift after touching the brakes to slow the load and save the brakes...this is one smart tranny. I've gone from dreading the trips to really looking forward to the pass trips. It just couldn't get better. BTW the trailer does sit a little nose high(not much) but I'm going to wait till the trailer is fully loaded to make a decision on flipping axels.

[FatDog]

my first 5er cost a little under $400 for the flipped axles, and i've seen a range of prices posted here by a number of people at up to $100 less then that. I just happened to know and admire the work of the place i went to, and they are a big shop.
then again i have a 4WD and with 295 tires so it's bed probably sits a few inches taller then your truck. I wonder how much lower your trailer will sit however, once with a load in it?

Congrats on the revised towing situation,
sure makes the trip a little more enjoyable.
And i sure like hearing about that tranny, seems like they came up with a good tow machine.
Mike