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Dbraw · 07-10-2003, 01:50 PM

I am considering a different tow vehicle. Either a 2002 Chevy 1/2 ton pick up with a 5.3 engine or the same truck with a 4.8 engine. Our Airstream weighs 3,500 pounds. Would the 4.8 do an adequate job? Or should I get the 5.3? We have been using a 1990 350 and it does good except on hot days going up a steep hill.
Dan
Tennessee

Pahaska · 07-10-2003, 02:32 PM

I would definitely get the 5.3L. It is better than the old 350. I don't think the 4.8L has enough punch to make you happy in the hills.

rluhr · 07-10-2003, 03:04 PM

Ask yourself this: how much more money is it worth to you to be able to rocket up steep hills on hot days, versus downshifting and going a little slower?

Personally, I'd pocket the difference and enjoy the scenery on those rare occasions...

-- RL

Pahaska · 07-10-2003, 04:08 PM

Nothing takes the enjoyment out of trailering any quicker than an underpowered tow vehicle.

Being the owner of a 5.3L Silverado, I can tell you that the 4.8L is going to be underpowered and not terribly satisfying even when not towing. Particularly since he is used to the 350.

Dbraw · 07-11-2003, 04:28 AM

Thanks for the info. Youall give better advice than car salesmen. Looks like a 5.3 for me.
Dan

RoadKingMoe · 07-11-2003, 05:25 AM

Make sure you get enough axle ratio with it, i.e. 3.73:1 and especially if not 4WD, but even if it is, get that axle with limited slip.

Diana Langley · 07-11-2003, 06:25 AM

A few days ago I posted about looking at new tow vehicles. I decided to do most of my search on the internet. Great experience! Just typed in what I was looking for and the price range and ended up with about 11 possibilities. Got to check out KBB pricing, car reviews, and other possibilities while sitting in my bathrobe and sipping coffee.

E-mailed the dealer that had the vehicle I was interested in, answered a few questions, and went out that afternoon to take a look in person. Took a test drive, showed my drivers license, proof of insurance, signed the papers, and I drove her home. Piece o' cake.

I ended up with a 2000 Chevy Tahoe Z71. 5.7 liter, 4wd, tow pkg. After two days, I still like it.

I have a question for you cold climate people. I did a Carfax on the vehicle, and it's from Michigan. I've heard about salt on the roads in winter and rusting of the underbody.
Is this a big issue? I've heard rust never sleeps, and I wonder if I'm going to have a problem in a few years.
I love this Tahoe, and this is my only worry. Are there things I can do to mitigate the problem? Is there even a problem?

This Southern California gal don't know nuthin' 'bout snow, sleet, salt and rust!!!

85MH325 · 07-11-2003, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diana Langley
A few days ago I posted about looking at new tow vehicles. I decided to do most of my search on the internet. Great experience! Just typed in what I was looking for and the price range and ended up with about 11 possibilities. Got to check out KBB pricing, car reviews, and other possibilities while sitting in my bathrobe and sipping coffee.

E-mailed the dealer that had the vehicle I was interested in, answered a few questions, and went out that afternoon to take a look in person. Took a test drive, showed my drivers license, proof of insurance, signed the papers, and I drove her home. Piece o' cake.

Hi Diana!

So tell us what you got!!! How is it equipped? PHOTOS!!!!

Roger

Diana Langley · 07-11-2003, 06:41 AM

hhttp://www.edmunds.com/apps/uvl/idp.do?vehicleId=1156875&tid=edmunds.u.uvl.uvl.res ults.1.Chevrolet*&zip=92104ttp://www.edmunds.com/apps/uvl/idp.do?vehicleId=1156875&tid=edmunds.u.uvl.uvl.res ults.1.Chevrolet*&zip=92104

85MH325 · 07-11-2003, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diana Langley
http://www.edmunds.com/apps/uvl/idp.do?vehicleId=1156875&tid=edmunds.u.uvl.uvl.res ults.1.Chevrolet*&zip=92104

Wow! VERY nice!!! Good job!

Roger

Diana Langley · 07-11-2003, 07:23 AM

Thanks, Roger!
I actually got it for $3,000 less than the listed price. When I got in it for the test drive, there was a tag hanging frm the rear view mirror. They had a tent sale that weekend and someone forgot to take the sale price tag off. I held them to it, and got it for $18,998.

Now..... is anyone interested in a very well maintained 4Runner?

trumpwer · 07-11-2003, 11:32 AM

"I have a question for you cold climate people. I did a Carfax on the vehicle, and it's from Michigan. I've heard about salt on the roads in winter and rusting of the underbody.
Is this a big issue? I've heard rust never sleeps, and I wonder if I'm going to have a problem in a few years.
I love this Tahoe, and this is my only worry. Are there things I can do to mitigate the problem? Is there even a problem?"

In my opinion, its a problem, lived in MI, anything 20 years or older was rusted beyond repair. Never noticed it, it was just the way things were, till we moved to MT/ND. You see model Ts in field with a little surrface rust out here. Until 2 years ago, when they started using a de icer here that is 'not suposed to promote rust.' But everyone is all of a sudden noticing rust developing. On the whole, though, we would rather replace the vehicle from rust damage that from rolling on an icy road.

Pahaska · 07-11-2003, 11:48 AM

Quote:

I have a question for you cold climate people. I did a Carfax on the vehicle, and it's from Michigan. I've heard about salt on the roads in winter and rusting of the underbody.

No worse than we Texans going down on the beach at Padre Island. Or staying at an RV park on the beach in Galveston with a week of savage wind that coated truck and trailer with salt.

We simply wash it off and don't worry about it. You don't often see a recent car or truck here with salt damage.

if you are worried, take it to a car wash and spend $5 blasting every nook and cranny on the underside. Down here, we can also drive it across a flooded low water crossing and wash the underside pretty yheroughly.

Diana Langley · 07-11-2003, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pahaska

Down here, we can also drive it across a flooded low water crossing and wash the underside pretty theroughly.

Ha! I live in San Diego where we get less than 10 inches of rain a year! The only water I drive through is the run off from lawn sprinklers!

Pahaska · 07-11-2003, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diana Langley

Ha! I live in San Diego where we get less than 10 inches of rain a year! The only water I drive through is the run off from lawn sprinklers!

Not a bad idea. Park it over a sprinkler head and move it a little bit every once in a while until the entire underside is well washed of any salt residue.

Diana Langley · 07-11-2003, 03:15 PM

You know, that's not too far from what I've seen! Twice now I've come across a fire hydrant that had popped it's top and spouting water into the air. Cars will line up and drive through it for a free car wash!

I guess the bottom line is that I really don't have to worry about any rust or corrosion taking over the underside as long as any salt that may have been present is rinsed off. Am I right about that?

Pahaska · 07-11-2003, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diana Langley
I guess the bottom line is that I really don't have to worry about any rust or corrosion taking over the underside as long as any salt that may have been present is rinsed off. Am I right about that?

That would be my guess.