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03-21-2022, 11:20 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 81
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New (to me) tow vehicle and does this logic track?
So, been pulling a 2014 Venture Sonic with our beloved 2017 Acadia Limited for 2 seasons now, and on going to the mechanic found some burned Trans fluid and a little slipping and got scared...
So, knowing that our style is weekend warrior and not wanting to kill th seen dw 's SUV I went looking for a higher capacity, dedicated, towing vehicle.
After some Fb marketplace searching I found a 2004 Suburban 1500 with 150K on it that looks pretty good for $5K (figured cheaper than a new Trans in the Acadia) and now have a project to tow my other project..
Wondering if any other WW types have gone this way.. if it sounds like a good move, and any insights in towing with a Suburban Z71..
  
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2014 Venture Sonic 190 VRB
2004 Chevy Suburban Z71
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03-21-2022, 11:26 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Clovis, CA, USA
Posts: 11,630
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What engine does it have?
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2004 Monaco La Palma 36DBD, W22, 8.1, 7.1 MPG
2000 LEXUS RX300 FWD 22MPG 4020 LBS
It's so weird being the same age as old people.
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03-22-2022, 05:34 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: NC
Posts: 890
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Probably a 5.3. Keep that oil changed and never let it overheat.
For $5K sounds like a deal.
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2005 Cummins 2WD 3500 LB CC dually 2014 Blue Ridge 3025RL
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03-22-2022, 02:24 PM
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#4
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 81
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Engine
Quote:
Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland
What engine does it have?
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It's the 5.3 Z engine "L59" says the VIN lookup.
__________________
2014 Venture Sonic 190 VRB
2004 Chevy Suburban Z71
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03-22-2022, 03:12 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Clovis, CA, USA
Posts: 11,630
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You'll do fine with that, no mountains to speak of back there.
$5,000 isn't bad considering the insane car market right now...unbelievable!
__________________
2004 Monaco La Palma 36DBD, W22, 8.1, 7.1 MPG
2000 LEXUS RX300 FWD 22MPG 4020 LBS
It's so weird being the same age as old people.
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03-22-2022, 08:22 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Iowa
Posts: 339
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One thing you would notice is the advantage of towing with a longer wheelbase TV.
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2019 Outdoors RV Creekside 21RD Titanium
2019 Yukon Denali 6.2L
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03-25-2022, 09:21 PM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 81
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Ok, just keeping everyone up-to-date on this experiment.
Threw in for:
Interior parts (second row seat clip - Amazon) $12
Headliner glue - AutoZone $22
Differential gasket - AutoZone $32
Valve cover gaskets - AutoZone $64
4 wheel brake pads and rotors - AutoZone $250
Rear parking brake actuators and shoes - AutoZone $34
Wiring harness and mount for existing Trailer Brake Controller - Amazon - $30
I'll let you know if gaskets fix my oil leaks and where I am after applying the sweat-equity.
__________________
2014 Venture Sonic 190 VRB
2004 Chevy Suburban Z71
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03-25-2022, 09:39 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Palm Coast Florida
Posts: 10,913
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I always wanted to buy a mid 2000's vehicle just took see how well it is built. IMHO a 2004 is built as good as it gets. I think that is a 300,000 mile or more vehicle. Especially a good deal at 5G's.
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03-26-2022, 01:26 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 170
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Not sure what part of the country you are in, but check the brake and fuel lines for rust!
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04-04-2022, 12:02 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: South of Atlanta, Georgia
Posts: 1,787
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Co worker searched and searched and finally found his dream vehicle. A 2005 Suburban 2500 with an 8.1L (496 cid) big block V8. It was a Texas vehicle and had several interior pieces that needed replacing, PO must have had a dog that kept its paws on the top of the door panels at the windows. A couple of junkyard runs netted him some matching door panels and a couple of other pieces. The engine is a hoss and its fun to ride in it. He towed a Dodge Charger ('68 model I think) on a car trailer from Indiana to his house south of Atlanta, said he could not even feel the trailer back there.
Charles
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'03 Ram 2500 CTD, 5.9HO six speed std cab long bed Leer top and 2008 Bigfoot 25B21RB.. Previously, 2008 Thor Freedom Spirit 180, SOLD! 2007 Winnebago View 23H Motorhome, SOLD!
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04-04-2022, 03:01 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 183
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Yep, after towing with my wife’s 2008 suburban, I decided to get a dedicated tow rig. Bought a 2001 F250 diesel for $8k. I’ve spent some money on repairs, but cheaper than a new truck.
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05-13-2022, 03:04 PM
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#12
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 81
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Just some follow-up for those thinking of going the same way.
Put $700 into repairs, mainly 4 wheel brakes, rotors, parking shoes, oil pressure sender, and a bunch of degreaser and wire wheel for some rusty spots.
Have 2000 miles with the trailer in it now. Very happy with the extra torque and longer wheelbase.. and SO is even happy with the fact it can get good and dirty and she still has hers all shiny when we get home.
Overall - should have found same truck from a drier climate but I know High School level bodywork so it will still get me several years.
Oh and it is a BLAST FROM THE PAST having 20 year old headlights and entertainment / electronics package. So if you go this way budget $150 for new LED headlights and maybe $200-$300 for a good rearview to help hook up!
__________________
2014 Venture Sonic 190 VRB
2004 Chevy Suburban Z71
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05-13-2022, 07:53 PM
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#13
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2022
Posts: 69
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A Suburban's what I tow with.
I would've recommended a 2500 w/big block,
but that half-ton should do okay with a small trailer.
Snap a photo of your "Service Parts Identification"
sticker, which is most likely in the glove box.
It has several rows of "RPO" codes which
you can decipher on one of many websites.
Those codes tell the whole build of your truck.
FYI, "Z71" is an RPO code, but maybe you already knew all this.
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05-14-2022, 09:04 AM
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#14
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 98
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Next time you feel like spending money on it get a trans fluid temp monitor, new shocks and heavier rear springs.
__________________
Evergreen Ascend 19 ERD
04 silverado 1500
hobie tandem island, electric recumbent trikes
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