Help me select a tow vehicle/snow plow
#22
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I still kind of like the idea of having the Eliminator roll out of a panel-van. There'd be plenty space for tools and supplies underneath the car and up high on the sidewalls.
Failing that, I'm actually thinking Nissan Xterra. 4WD, 5000lbs towing capacity. A decent engine (no V8, I know, but I won't be driving it THAT much). And all that for between $2,500 and $5,000.....
Failing that, I'm actually thinking Nissan Xterra. 4WD, 5000lbs towing capacity. A decent engine (no V8, I know, but I won't be driving it THAT much). And all that for between $2,500 and $5,000.....
#23
I still kind of like the idea of having the Eliminator roll out of a panel-van. There'd be plenty space for tools and supplies underneath the car and up high on the sidewalls.
Failing that, I'm actually thinking Nissan Xterra. 4WD, 5000lbs towing capacity. A decent engine (no V8, I know, but I won't be driving it THAT much). And all that for between $2,500 and $5,000.....
Failing that, I'm actually thinking Nissan Xterra. 4WD, 5000lbs towing capacity. A decent engine (no V8, I know, but I won't be driving it THAT much). And all that for between $2,500 and $5,000.....
I dunno where you live, but Suburban 2500s are in that price range too:
$3K asking price for a 99 GMT400 w/ 454: 1999 Chevy 454 suburban 2500
$4500 asking price for a 03 GMT800 w/ 6.0 LS: 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 4WD LT Leather Fully Loaded 3/4 TON
Enclosed trailers are a lot more demanding of the tow vehicle than open ones. For one they weigh more, and you'll be right up against that 5000 pound limit. For another, they have a lot more drag (hurting freeway acceleration) and a lot more sail area, so the wind pushes them around. To cope with that you want a longer wheelbase on the tow vehicle, and the Suburban is 130 inches vs the Xterra's 110.
--Ian
#24
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Point taken on the panelvan. I just like the James-Bondishness of the idea.
I like the Suburbans. A few years ago a buddy of mine was looking for one and most of them had gotten pretty rusty once they hit 10 years old or so. What's the last year they put a big block in a Suburban?
And I'm sure a Suburban will hold up nicely to operating a snowplow as well. Maneuvering in a narrow driveway maaaaay be a different issue though.
I like the Suburbans. A few years ago a buddy of mine was looking for one and most of them had gotten pretty rusty once they hit 10 years old or so. What's the last year they put a big block in a Suburban?
And I'm sure a Suburban will hold up nicely to operating a snowplow as well. Maneuvering in a narrow driveway maaaaay be a different issue though.
#25
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Big block is unecessary. The vortecs are good.
The independent front suspension will hate being used as a tow plow. But if its just your driveway it should be fine.
Don't get sucked into plowing everyones driveway, that **** destroys suspension.
The independent front suspension will hate being used as a tow plow. But if its just your driveway it should be fine.
Don't get sucked into plowing everyones driveway, that **** destroys suspension.
#27
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Point taken on the panelvan. I just like the James-Bondishness of the idea.
I like the Suburbans. A few years ago a buddy of mine was looking for one and most of them had gotten pretty rusty once they hit 10 years old or so. What's the last year they put a big block in a Suburban?
I like the Suburbans. A few years ago a buddy of mine was looking for one and most of them had gotten pretty rusty once they hit 10 years old or so. What's the last year they put a big block in a Suburban?
#31
Want to be sick? Guy in my car club just sold a 8.1L Suburban with enclosed trailer a few months ago...
"2001 Chevy Suburban 2500 LT, 8.1L, 4wd, leather, 2nd row bucket seat, 3rd row, etc. 169400 mi. transmission was replace at 125000 mi.
Haulmark enclosed trailer 20 ft. bench, electric brake redone 2 years ago.
$9500 for the package."
At least this will give you an idea of price and what is out there.
"2001 Chevy Suburban 2500 LT, 8.1L, 4wd, leather, 2nd row bucket seat, 3rd row, etc. 169400 mi. transmission was replace at 125000 mi.
Haulmark enclosed trailer 20 ft. bench, electric brake redone 2 years ago.
$9500 for the package."
At least this will give you an idea of price and what is out there.
#32
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If you really want the 8.1L, I would get a Silverado instead of a Suburban. The Suburbans all got 4L85Es, the Silverados with 8.1s got the same 5-speed Allison that went behind the Duramax. The 4L85s are decent, but the Allison is world-class.
#36
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Thanks everybody. I'm not really hung up on the Big Block thing. I just like the name and the idea. Had a Big Block '69 Corvette, and a '84 Big Block BMW (the 3.5l). With Turbo of course (a KKK K28)
Or maybe an Expedition? I know they never got the 460, but I'm sure the 5.4l could handle some towing duty. Most of my friends are more Ford than Chevy guys (I know - the company you keep)
Lars: Thanks! I very well may ask you to go take a look if I find something.
Now to come up with the budget. Where's the wife when I need to talk to her?
Or maybe an Expedition? I know they never got the 460, but I'm sure the 5.4l could handle some towing duty. Most of my friends are more Ford than Chevy guys (I know - the company you keep)
Lars: Thanks! I very well may ask you to go take a look if I find something.
Now to come up with the budget. Where's the wife when I need to talk to her?
#40
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No Ford 5.4L Tritons. Find a 7.3 E350 van and tow whatever you want. Or an F-350 with the 7.3, get a manual, and tow even more. $5k can buy you a decent van with some searching, trucks are about double from what little I have seen briefly looking.