The Great Tow Vehicle Dilemma

[moosetags]

Originally Posted by pmclemore

I've been reading this thread with interest as well. My TV is an '04 Duramax, 235k miles and I know I'll need to replace it sometime. So I've been casually looking (and reading).

I would like to replace mine with one like it. I love the Duramax and have towed all over the country these 15 years - Alaska included. But the new ones are just so danged BIG! I parked next to one and it must be at least 6" higher. Don't know how I could check the oil or look into the bed of the truck without a ladder.

I guess one of the biggest differences is that my truck has 16" wheels. If everything is 18" or more, I guess that is a large part of the height increase.

Maybe I could swap my 16s onto a new truck.

Pat

We have noticed the same thing. We an '05 which was big. Then we moved to an '11, which was bigger than the '05. Now we have an '18 which is about the same as the '11. The reasons that we are looking at the '20's is that the new camera systems will really help with maneuverability, especially in parking lots. We also like the fact that GM has finally moved the DEF filler next to the gas cap. I am getting to an age that I would rather not lift a 25# bottle of DEF over my head and balance it in mid air while it empties.

Brian

[DKB_SATX]

I don't know how much of it is trying to get good ride and good payload at the same time (long springs with progressive spring rates, etc), how much is the "I have to see over everyone else" market mentality, and how much is "it's gotta look tough" marketing. I'm an average-height short-legged fat guy, and I bought the tailgate step and retractable side steps to make things a bit more manageable. My bone-stock 4WD F150 is tall enough that unless a gas station has the "big-rig" long-handled squeegees, I have to stand up on the side rail to reach the middle of the windshield to clean it, and without the tailgate step there'd be no way to get into the box without looking like a walrus.

[Fair_Enough]

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

I don't know how much of it is trying to get good ride and good payload at the same time (long springs with progressive spring rates, etc), how much is the "I have to see over everyone else" market mentality, and how much is "it's gotta look tough" marketing. I'm an average-height short-legged fat guy, and I bought the tailgate step and retractable side steps to make things a bit more manageable. My bone-stock 4WD F150 is tall enough that unless a gas station has the "big-rig" long-handled squeegees, I have to stand up on the side rail to reach the middle of the windshield to clean it, and without the tailgate step there'd be no way to get into the box without looking like a walrus.

Thanks for reporting this... hell, I thought I was shrinking!
WW

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Taking your truck "out into the wild" seems to be a common theme these days. That will work slightly better with more ground clearance. You see a *lot* of truck advertising with them out doing stupid things in trucks ( = stuff that you likely will get stuck if you try it yourself).

Bob

[moosetags]

After spending more than a month in the selection process, we have finally made a decision on a new tow vehicle for Lucy.

We have just traded the 2018 Silverado Duramax on a 2020 Silverado Duramax. We don't have the new truck yet. The dealer in DeFuniak Springs is getting the truck we want from a dealer up in Georgia on a dealer trade. We should have it in a few days.

Thank you for all the tips and insights that you have provided during this process.

Brian

[Tater]

Congratulations. You will love the new truck.

Jim

[Salvagediver]

Congratulations! What kind of hitch do you use? Heading to Panama City in a few weeks to see cranky, contentious, retired Navy guys. Will toot the horn on the way by...

[moosetags]

Well, we finally got the new truck on March 9th. It was right before went into Covid-19 mode. We named her Vivian. We have not yet been able to tow Lucy with her. We have been driving her around here, trying out all of the cameras and gizmos. So far, I am impressed with her many camera views.

Here are a few baby pictures.

Brian

[jaybauman]

Originally Posted by moosetags

Well, we finally got the new truck on March 9th. It was right before went into Covid-19 mode. We named her Vivian. We have not yet been able to tow Lucy with her. We have been driving her around here, trying out all of the cameras and gizmos. So far, I am impressed with her many camera views.

Here are a few baby pictures.

Brian

Nice truck!

What truck cap did you go with? Why did you select that particular one?

Thanks.

[Hans627]

Congrats on your new TV!

May it serve you as well as your previous TV's.

[moosetags]

Originally Posted by jaybauman

Nice truck!

What truck cap did you go with? Why did you select that particular one?

Thanks.

Vivian's topper is a Swiss Cap. It is the same one that was on Lillian. I was able to get a different skirt for the rear door to fit the new tailgate. This is my second Swiss cap. I had it custom configured with the driver side tool box and the generator access door.

This Swiss Cap is from their aluminum line. It does have a commercial look, but I like it that way.

Brian

[Nelson428]

Nice truck !!

[Spaggs]

I would lurk on each of these trucks' individual forums for a month until you get a feel what the "chinks in the armour" are. Every vehicle has its own problem(s), but this way you can determine which annoyance you are willing to fight with. Good luck. 🤞

[TexAirS]

The first chink in the 2500HD is the hood flying off. Should be a recall this month.


Sjohn
2020 Chevy 2500HD

[moosetags]

Originally Posted by TexAirS

The first chink in the 2500HD is the hood flying off. Should be a recall this month.


Sjohn
2020 Chevy 2500HD

Thank you for posting this information. The new plastic hood latch does not appear to be very strong. Looking at it made me wonder.

Brian