Best tow vehicle for 3 grand? Van, Suburban, or truck.

[motownbrowne]

Last year I bought a 2003 E350 extended window van with 113,000 miles on a 5.4 triton for $2500 form governmentliquidation.com . Passed Maryland state inspection needed nothing . I put 22,000 miles on it this year , I had to do tie rods and tires . It pulls my 10K trailer with a new holland 1925 no problem . Vans are good buys

Vans are usually priced a fair amount lower than trucks, but for heavy towing, an extended van is not the best choice, at least where Fords are concerned. Since Ford just extended the van past the axle and left the wheelbase alone, hitching a heavy trailer to an extended van unloads the steering axle and puts more down force on the drive axle than a regular bodied van.

Not that it can't be done, but if you have your pick of a tow vehicle, a regular van would be better.

 

[Sprinklerman]

That is correct , but thats also the reason I have a weight distribution hitch on my trailer . They rate the extended van for around 7900 lbs for towing .

 

[blackrams]

Ford superduty 1999-2004 with v10 and manual trans can be had for very reasonable prices. I wouldn't shy away from 4x4, even if you don't 'need' it, I often use the transfer case in low range without the hubs locked in just for the gear reduction, when maneuvering trailers or heavy loads in spaces. Just makes it easier on the trans, reguaregardless of Auto or stick.

A base model truck in decent shape can be found in the price range you state. And in Tennessee, the body is less likely to be rusted to heck.

Good points. :thumbsup:

Though, honestly, I don't see the need for the lower gear range but, my experiences obviously vary from yours. Readily admit I haven't done everything.
Although, if you ask my wife, I'm guilty of most things.................. :duh:

Rams

 

[bspeedy]

Ford superduty 1999-2004 with v10 and manual trans can be had for very reasonable prices. I wouldn't shy away from 4x4, even if you don't 'need' it, I often use the transfer case in low range without the hubs locked in just for the gear reduction, when maneuvering trailers or heavy loads in spaces. Just makes it easier on the trans, reguaregardless of Auto or stick.

A base model truck in decent shape can be found in the price range you state. And in Tennessee, the body is less likely to be rusted to heck.

Agree about the 4x4 being a nice thing just for the 4wd Low range use. I often use low range without having the hubs locked in for the same purposes.

Also agree with the guys about the lifted truck. Wouldn't have one myself, especially for towing. Just an example vehicle I grabbed from CL.

 

[dynasim]

Used Construction, Agricultural Equip., Trucks, Trailers & more

purple wave auctions.

Surplus auctions from this site can be quite good.

 

[MossRoad]

Used Construction, Agricultural Equip., Trucks, Trailers & more

purple wave auctions.

Surplus auctions from this site can be quite good.

Here you go....
Used Construction, Agricultural Equip., Trucks, Trailers & more

It's ugly and nobody wants it....

 

[MossRoad]

I like this, but its only got the 5.7 engine. Still, it would be fun....
Used Construction, Agricultural Equip., Trucks, Trailers & more

 

[Farmer495]

It's brand new...1000 miles. Looks like it was in an accident though, said frame bent etc.

 

[MRCONCDID]

A real chevy/gmc 3500hd. Gvwr of 15k. Dana 80 4.63 or 5.13 gears. 19.5 wheels. huge 4 wheel disc brakes, overdrive, 10 lug axles, and yes they can be found in 4x4. Made from 1990-1999 .
bought mine. 1994 scissor lift truck with service bed. For $1800 drove it home with working a/c. Put on new brakes. Wipers and Water pump. Sold service bed and lift. Made back $1740. Added flat bed for $800. To date truck cost me $860.
Oh yeah shes depenable with a 454 and 74,000 miles.
Not perfect but certainly didnt cost me $50,000 either.
MRC.

Before and after

 

[4570Man]

Does your truck have 16” or 19.5 wheels. My rollback is a F-450 GVW of 15000. Its really good for about 20k but the tires are the weak link especially if it’s hot outside.