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Hi,
We are new to USA from UK and need to buy a truck that can also seat 4 passengers (3 are kids). We would also need it to pull a camping trailer, perhaps a 30ft one or similar.
My husband will also use it for his construction work so perhaps a longer bed on truck to fit all equipment.
Budget is below $10,000.
What would you recommend?
Thanks
(we are in Asheville, NC)
If you really want a 30ft TT, you are going to want a 3/4 ton truck if you are going to haul it up and down mountains/hills.
You won't find a truck with under 100k miles and at least 6 years old for $10k.
Just hit up craigslist and see what you can find in your budget.
I'd agree with PokerMunkee but actually would say you'd probably want a 1 ton truck with dual rear wheels if you plan on going through hilly terrain. I imagine you're looking at a fifth wheel versus a regular trailer if it's 30 ft long?! I can't imagine putting that much weight on a ball hitch. You'd almost need a fifth wheel set-up IMO.
With that being said, $10K won't even buy you a decent-condition half-ton truck. For even a BASIC 3/4 or 1 ton, you're looking at about $20K for a used one with high miles.
30ft is probably the very maximum (smaller will probably do), too be honest we haven't got as far as looking at 5th wheels/trailers etc. Just my husband needs a work van and it would be nice to have something we can use for camping trips etc too. My car will not be good for this!
30 feet is a huge trailer. It will cost much more than the truck. Suggestion, get a smaller trailer and use the extra money for a better truck. If you get a smaller trailer you can stick with a half ton truck and you will get a much nicer, newer and better condition vehicle for $10K. Stay away from anything that has been used for plowing snow. Transmissions are expensive.
If you are going to be looking at 9-10 year old trucks, I would stay away from Dodge. My suggeston for that time period for 1/2 ton trucks with gasoline engines is Chevy first, Ford second. Diesel engine trucks are mongo expensive. I would not tow a large trailer with one of the Japanese trucks. To get a deisel for that kind of moeny, you are going to have to go really old and/or really high miles and the truck itself will likely be worn out even if the engine is still in great shape.
Another option if you do nto need a pickup is a Chevy Suburban. Pop out the seats and you ahve a nice work truck. A chevy express van can work that way too. (or a Ford econoline, but they are not as nice).
Your price range is very unrealistic for a truck with that towing capability. $10K would buy you something likely worn out with a lot of potential for expensive repair problems. You probably need to re-assess whether you need a truck with that towing capability or be willing to spend clost to double that amount for something used that's halfway decent. Also, if your budget is less than $10K, you probably need to be concerned about the cost to fuel a truck of that size. At current fuel prices, you would be looking at 25 to 50 cents a mile just for fuel--and up to double that when you are towing a big trailer. If fuel goes to $5 or $6/gallon (which I consider darned likely), those per mile fuel costs could easily rise 1.5 times that.
Find a 1 ton crew cab. With that budget you are going to end up with an older pickup and more than a 100K miles.
I would look for a Ford F350 up to 2003 with a 7.3 Diesel. That is a good platform for both a work truck and toy puller.
We went to see a Ford F350SD, 2004, with a gas engine though. 154,000 miles. Priced at $8,200, through a dealer. Had all the seats we need. Any thoughts?
Location: The Circle City. Sometimes NE of Bagdad.
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A 1 ton is nice, but probably overkill. You really need to study the numbers on truck and trailer both net and gross weight. A 1 ton with dual tires will ride like a lumber truck when not loaded. Lots of 3/4 ton rigs will do the job if properly setup. Gas vs diesel is another consideration.
Lots of good info searching Google even for older tow vehicles.
30 feet is a huge trailer. It will cost much more than the truck. Suggestion, get a smaller trailer and use the extra money for a better truck. If you get a smaller trailer you can stick with a half ton truck and you will get a much nicer, newer and better condition vehicle for $10K. Stay away from anything that has been used for plowing snow. Transmissions are expensive.
If you are going to be looking at 9-10 year old trucks, I would stay away from Dodge. My suggeston for that time period for 1/2 ton trucks with gasoline engines is Chevy first, Ford second. Diesel engine trucks are mongo expensive. I would not tow a large trailer with one of the Japanese trucks. To get a deisel for that kind of moeny, you are going to have to go really old and/or really high miles and the truck itself will likely be worn out even if the engine is still in great shape.
Another option if you do nto need a pickup is a Chevy Suburban. Pop out the seats and you ahve a nice work truck. A chevy express van can work that way too. (or a Ford econoline, but they are not as nice).
Quick look at trailers and have seen some that state they can be pulled by a 1/2 ton truck, and as mentioned gas would be cheaper, so would like to consider 1/2 ton trucks, any other ideas? I think a suburban will be too small for husband's work. He loves Diesel (so common in UK) but knows you pay a lot more here for them!
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