Community Forums

MrWanderlust · 10-24-2017, 01:12 PM

Hey guys I am in need of some advice. I am looking for a solid TT to live in. It seems like most are near the 10,000 lbs range. My 04 Suburban 1500 can only tow 7500 ish lbs. I am going to need to sell and buy something with a little more tow capacity.

My budget is too small to get the perfect tow vehicle so I am looking for suggestions on the cheapest options. I will occasionally be driving cross country, but will mostly be staying in one place for long periods of time.

My budget is only $ 5-7,000. I know this is not enough, but it's what I have. If you have any wisdom I am all ears.

Thx. You guys have been so much help in my journey!

dustyone · 10-24-2017, 02:22 PM

I would look into mdt's. You may find that there is a wealth of information on this. There is a forum here on this. I'm sure that someone here can direct you.

motojavaphil · 10-24-2017, 03:03 PM

Shop to your weight ratings. There are many TT's that fit that weight. The used market is ripe with depreciated Trailers that have a GVWR at or below your vehicle's ratings.

JIMNLIN · 10-24-2017, 07:44 PM

Quote:

My budget is only $ 5-7,000. I know this is not enough, but it's what I have. If you have any wisdom I am all ears.

Thx. You guys have been so much help in my journey!

I would look at a 3/4 or one ton SRW GM with the 8.1 engine or Fords V10.
At 5k-7k bucks most will be ran hard and put up wet.

Freqz · 10-24-2017, 07:58 PM

A 5-7k 3/4 or 1 ton truck will be pretty rough and that's pretty well what you need to pull a 10000 lb TT. You might find a 2 door, 2wd half ton with numbers that will sort of work but you won't like the towing experience.

More truck budget or less trailer...or find somebody to move the trailer for you if you're not going too far until your budget allows the truck you want.

MrWanderlust · 10-25-2017, 11:14 AM

I appreciate the help but I have no idea what all of your abbreviations mean. Can you please spell it out for clarity.

MrWanderlust · 10-25-2017, 11:15 AM

What is MDT?

nothermark · 10-25-2017, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrWanderlust

What is MDT?

Medium Duty Truck. Essentially what they use for dump trucks, heavier box trucks, and light duty trailer tractors. Most are diesel. You probably cannot afford to mess with them unless you are a diesel mechanic on the side. In essence you have yourself in a box over cost. Few vehicles are made that can handle 1500 lbs on a bumper pull.

Twilightzone · 10-25-2017, 11:42 AM

>"I would look at a 3/4 or one ton SRW GM with the 8.1 engine or Fords V10.
At 5k-7k bucks most will be ran hard and put up wet."

Yup. Should be a good number of 3/4 gas engine trucks out there.
Picking a good one might take a little doing.

Freqz · 10-25-2017, 12:20 PM

You might luck into a diesel f-550 in this price range. It won't be pretty and absolutely will be a work truck, but they derate the engines so they'll last forever.

It is a class 5 truck though so talk to your insurance agent and understand implication of insurance and licensing if you find one. (And the associated costs of an aging Diesel engine) You'll be able to pull any trailer you want, however.

https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ct...351713906.html

Dropthejacks · 10-26-2017, 10:11 AM

Ours weighs in at 10K lbs and we pull it with a RAM 3/4 diesel, and it pulls like a dream. I wouldn't dare hook up to it and try to take off down the road with anything in the 1/2 ton class. With your limited budget, you would be better off finding a TT weighing in around 5-6K lbs and looking for a solid, used 1/2 ton pickup. Get rid of the aging Suburban, they were good in their day, but the newer technology and build of current 1/2 ton models with give you much better and safer towing performance. There are plenty of nice, ultra-lights in that range. You didn't mention if you are flying solo or with spouse, 6 kids and 3 dogs. That will make a huge difference. Don't even glace at TT's with 3 slides, stay with 1, possible 2 if it is a shorter model. Good luck with the search!

Peto · 10-26-2017, 11:04 AM

Looks for a '97 Ford F250 with the 7.3L Powerstroke. Those engines are bullet proof and even an old one with many miles will serve you well.

Old-Biscuit · 10-26-2017, 12:17 PM

A 10K trailer does not need a MDT or a F550

A 250/2500 will be sufficient even with a gas engine

With 5k-7k budget they will not be pretty but all that would matter is it mechanically sound
Any vehicle you consider..have a mechanic check it out FIRST

IS your Burb a 2004 OR 2006 (other post)?

Do you have/use a WDH ?

Have you gone and weighed your current set up???

Have you checked into the 'other' options as suggested in other post?
Sumo or new springs ....air bags, properly set up WDH etc??

2500HD · 10-26-2017, 12:59 PM

Minimum 3/4 ton. If you can live with a regular cab look for a gas 2500 or f250 work truck interior a reg cab 2wd dually can be had for this kind of money as well. You may find one that is in good shape and good looking. I would stay away from a 15 year old MDT with some odd ball diesel that will probably look and ride like hell.