Tow Pig Shopping

advantagekid01 · Apr 18, 2025

I’m looking for some insight on tow vehicles. Getting tired of driving from Orange County to Havasu in my 4 cyl 2wd Tacoma and launching the boat with it. My storage is only a mile away from our ramp, but it’s always nerve racking pulling the boat out. I’m looking to keep the purchase under $10k-$11k, and ideally would get a Silverado 2500 with a 6.0. Don’t need a 3/4 ton, but I want to avoid the DOD/AFM b.s. you get with the 5.3 and it seems 6.0 is the way to go. With 20 year old 2500 4x4 Silverados being crazy expensive, even with 250k miles, I’ve started tossing around the idea of a Chevy Express 2500 van. Has anybody used one of these for launching? It’d be 2wd, but I’m thinking that unlike a pickup, there’s enough weight over the rear tires to pull it off. I appreciate any insight!

-Derek

FYI, the boat is an advantage 21sr. Probably around 4000 lbs wet on the trailer.

lbhsbz · Apr 18, 2025

I would not buy a 3/4 ton truck or van to drive around mostly unloaded and only tow that boat a mile each way and launch it.

Consider maybe a 4th Gen V6 Toyota 4runner (4x4) for that. Should get 20MPG and they're about as bulletproof as bulletproof gets.

The 6.0L is a thirsty engine

advantagekid01 · Apr 18, 2025

lbhsbz said:
I would not buy a 3/4 ton truck or van to drive around mostly unloaded and only tow that boat a mile each way and launch it.

Consider maybe a 4th Gen V6 Toyota 4runner (4x4) for that. Should get 20MPG and they're about as bulletproof as bulletproof gets.

The 6.0L is a thirsty engine

If I’m getting at least 14-15 mpg on the highway, then I’m not complaining. I need something that can still lug dirt bikes to the desert, otherwise a 4Runner would be perfect. The only reason I’m looking for a 6.0 is they seem the most bulletproof out of all the early-mid 2000s gassers.

lbhsbz · Apr 18, 2025

advantagekid01 said:
If I’m getting at least 14-15 mpg on the highway, then I’m not complaining. I need something that can still lug dirt bikes to the desert, otherwise a 4Runner would be perfect. The only reason I’m looking for a 6.0 is they seem the most bulletproof out of all the early-mid 2000s gassers.

I've got a 2002 GM 1500HD (6.0 / 4L80E / 2WD)....I've seen 14mpg once, and that was doing right at 67mph the entire way to the river. More often than not, 10-11.

Also, if you're switching from a toyota to a 20 yo GM.....you'll be listening to rattles and squeaks the whole way there lol. And if you end up with a 1500HD...wear a mouthguard and a kidney belt

Justsomeguy · Apr 18, 2025

advantagekid01 said:
If I’m getting at least 14-15 mpg on the highway, then I’m not complaining. I need something that can still lug dirt bikes to the desert, otherwise a 4Runner would be perfect. The only reason I’m looking for a 6.0 is they seem the most bulletproof out of all the early-mid 2000s gassers.

1500 SS with a 6.0.

monkeyswrench · Apr 18, 2025

With the boat towing distance, a 5.3 truck would be fine. My wife's Avalanche has a 5.3/4L60, and gets 17-18 on the highway. We've used it to launch anything from a 28ft Majic to towing a 20ft enclosed full of quads. Mechanically speaking, not many differences in the early LS platform between the 4.8, 5.3 or 6.0. Many of the vans came with a 4.8 even.

advantagekid01 · Apr 18, 2025

lbhsbz said:
I've got a 2002 GM 1500HD (6.0 / 4L80E / 2WD)....I've seen 14mpg once, and that was doing right at 67mph the entire way to the river. More often than not, 10-11.

Also, if you're switching from a toyota to a 20 yo GM.....you'll be listening to rattles and squeaks the whole way there lol.

I guess I’ve overestimated their mpg, lol! I don’t have a light foot either. Had a 04 dodge 2500 with the 5.7 and saw 8-9mpg on a drive to the river. Swore I’d never go back

advantagekid01 · Apr 18, 2025

monkeyswrench said:
With the boat towing distance, a 5.3 truck would be fine. My wife's Avalanche has a 5.3/4L60, and gets 17-18 on the highway. We've used it to launch anything from a 28ft Majic to towing a 20ft enclosed full of quads. Mechanically speaking, not many differences in the early LS platform between the 4.8, 5.3 or 6.0. Many of the vans came with a 4.8 even.

I think the 5.3 is a great motor as well. However, I’m lucky to find a pre 07 with less than 220k on it, and I do not like the DOD/AFM that came in 07. Just sold my 07 1500 single cab that had a 4.8, and wouldn’t be opposed to another if it’s a crew cab and 4wd.

advantagekid01 · Apr 18, 2025

Justsomeguy said:
1500 SS with a 6.0.

That’d get stolen it’s first night in my neighborhood, lmao. I dig them though.

Justsomeguy · Apr 18, 2025

monkeyswrench said:
With the boat towing distance, a 5.3 truck would be fine. My wife's Avalanche has a 5.3/4L60, and gets 17-18 on the highway. We've used it to launch anything from a 28ft Majic to towing a 20ft enclosed full of quads. Mechanically speaking, not many differences in the early LS platform between the 4.8, 5.3 or 6.0. Many of the vans came with a 4.8 even.

Ah the old 4.8L. It was a fun truck. I ran the piss out of that thing. Poor truck. Had the valves done once and the trans. Sent it on its way after that. I miss it. Had a lot of fun in that truck. But a 5.3 would have been better. My best friends 5.3 was tuned with headers. He would destroy me even on 35s. But it launched a 21 no problem.

Deckin Around · Apr 18, 2025

After owning a few, I swear I would never buy another 6.0 Chevy. 10mpg max. Towing less than 8000 pounds I would much rather have the 1500 with the 5.3 motor. Look at the hp/torque #s between the 2. Not much difference.

240Hallett · Apr 18, 2025

I still have this 03 as my daily driver and a launch pig. I have no problems with 2WD on the launch ramp. 4.8 with about 280 K. Gets about 16 to 18 MPG cruising to the river, not towing.

advantagekid01 · Apr 18, 2025

Deckin Around said:
After owning a few, I swear I would never buy another 6.0 Chevy. 10mpg max. Towing less than 8000 pounds I would much rather have the 1500 with the 5.3 motor. Look at the hp/torque #s between the 2. Not much difference.

Have you had any 5.3s with the DOD/AFM stuff? If so, how many miles did you get out of them?

advantagekid01 · Apr 18, 2025

240Hallett said:
I still have this 03 as my daily driver and a launch pig. I have no problems with 2WD on the launch ramp. 4.8 with about 280 K.

View attachment 1497370 View attachment 1497371

I’m sold. 2wd and it can launch my dream boat?!

BingerFang · Apr 18, 2025

advantagekid01 said:
Have you had any 5.3s with the DOD/AFM stuff? If so, how many miles did you get out of them?

I had 170k on a 5.3 with AFM 100% of those miles… it was still running strong until my nephew accidentally poured 5 gallons of water in the tank… they are great motors with the AFM disabled.

calkid · Apr 18, 2025

240Hallett said:
I still have this 03 as my daily driver and a launch pig. I have no problems with 2WD on the launch ramp. 4.8 with about 280 K. Gets about 16 to 18 MPG cruising to the river, not towing.

View attachment 1497370 View attachment 1497371

Nice looking combination

NicPaus · Apr 18, 2025

I have a 2500 express with 4.8. Unloaded on freeway it gets about 13-14. I wouldn't even try and launch my waverunner with it here. But our ramp sucks. 2014 with 80k miles and one in 10k range would have 150k +.

I drove out a 07 Tundra last night. 4x4. See how it does launching. Definitely not comparable to my 2500hd that got stolen. Customer let me use it to haul kids and try it out. It shows 16.5 mpg. But must be a small tank as it drops Fast. I have seen them in the 12k range but a little rough. But reliable. My 05 reg cab has 272k never a problem.

FlyByWire · Apr 18, 2025

Found it. You’re welcome;

240Hallett · Apr 18, 2025

calkid said:
Nice looking combination

Thanks! Can’t afford new so might as well keep the old stuff decent.

Deckin Around · Apr 18, 2025

advantagekid01 said:
Have you had any 5.3s with the DOD/AFM stuff? If so, how many miles did you get out of them?

None of the 07-13’s with the first gen dod but multiple before and after.
I guess I have been lucky because I am not easy on trucks

… or maybe that’s the key is don’t drive like a grandma in 4cyl mode. I swear I could never keep it in the green unless going downhill.
between work and personal trucks
2014 1500 Denali went 170k mi before we sold it. 2015, 2017, 2020 all chevy 1500s with 5.3 went 100k. My current 2022 1500 Trailboss has 65,000 miles.
For 15 years I always had a 1500 and a 2500 Chevy truck at the same time both gas and diesel versions so I’ve got a pretty good reference between the Chevy fleet.

NicPaus · Apr 18, 2025

The 6.0 Chevy are thirsty. My last trip I averaged 12.7 mpg. 2wd reg cab long bed 2016.

2021 Chevy 2500hd crew 4x4 with gas 6.6 would average 16mpg.

My 2018 crew 4x4 1500 5.3 used to average 18mpg.

This Tundra if it had a 6 spd I would assume it would be around 18-20 mpg. Plenty of power. Went up Chiriaco at same 2k rpm as the flats. Never down shifted from lack of.

Aqualung · Apr 18, 2025

2wd 2011 Tacoma with 213000 miles. 4 liter V-6. Pulls my 22 deck boat without any problems. I almost idle the trailer and boat out of the water at Windsor. My trailer has a long tongue so I don’t have to get the rear tires in the water. Reliable and decent gas mileage.

Rivrat · Apr 18, 2025

My old 6.6 Duramax van worked good. Landcruiser has the duties now.

lbhsbz · Apr 18, 2025

Meant to ask...what's wrong with the Tacoma (aside from the 4cylinder part)? My old man used to drive out in his Mercury Sable and launch the boat without drama....maybe look for a Mercury Sable lol

oldman · Apr 18, 2025

I'll echo the 6.0 mileage being poor, and another nod to the 5.3, my brother went well over 240K in an 02 Yukon XL 4wd and towed his 1997 Tige all over with it. Many river trips and occasional trips to Shaver with no issue.

But finding a low mileage one will be tough and you'll probably pay a premium.

Justsomeguy · Apr 18, 2025

oldman said:
I'll echo the 6.0 mileage being poor, and another nod to the 5.3, my brother went well over 240K in an 02 Yukon XL 4wd and towed his 1997 Tige all over with it. Many river trips and occasional trips to Shaver with no issue.

But finding a low mileage one will be tough and you'll probably pay a premium.

My dad's 03 5.3 suburban had about 350,000 on it. It's still going as his gardener bought it. It's had a trans a fuel pump and some odds and ins. But the motor is 100% original. Mind boggling really because hes the worst on cars and maintenance. He had an 87 420 SEL. 3 motors he put in that thing due to no oil. Who does that? He's the damn reason they put oil life monitors in cars. Can't believe people like that exist. Obviously I did not get my love of motors from him. Lol but I got a pretty good example of what not to do.

Orange Juice · Apr 19, 2025

After having the ability to launch your boat, it should not leak a drop of oil, unless you want to deal with that kind of a hassle.

Ricks raft · Apr 19, 2025

Unless you want to put bikes and such inside the van I would find a Tahoe or suburban. For my work I have owned vans for 50 years. Great for what they are but the gm version with 6.0 will get 12-15 mpg on average. They are treated like an ugly stepchild by gm, old designs cheap materials not great driving. Unless you find one with limited slip or upgrade it they have no traction. Mine have all been 3/4 or 1 tons, 1/2 ton may drive better but not made lately. I rented a 2022 3/4 while my 17 was being repaired it had the 4.3 v6 with 8 speed and would outrun my 6.0 6speed, but only got 1mpg better. Don’t get get me wrong I love the practicality of a van and have driven over a million miles in them But drive one first. There are pretty good deals out there from ex rentals.

advantagekid01 · Apr 19, 2025

lbhsbz said:
Meant to ask...what's wrong with the Tacoma (aside from the 4cylinder part)? My old man used to drive out in his Mercury Sable and launch the boat without drama....maybe look for a Mercury Sable lol

The tacomas great, however it’s just too light of a truck. I launch in crazy horse where the ramp is pretty steep. Drags the front wheels all the way down the ramp when launching and takes a few minutes of spinning the rears and steering to pull the boat out. I’d also like to move into a bigger boat in the next couple years, and want a truck that will be ready for it.

Justsomeguy · Apr 19, 2025

advantagekid01 said:
The tacomas great, however it’s just too light of a truck. I launch in crazy horse where the ramp is pretty steep. Drags the front wheels all the way down the ramp when launching and takes a few minutes of spinning the rears and steering to pull the boat out. I’d also like to move into a bigger boat in the next couple years, and want a truck that will be ready for it.

Lol. Well it just so happens that picture in my 4.8 is at crazy horse. It had a locker in the rear. But it was 2wd. I took that thing everywhere. Including Olds at night. Ah to be young and dumb.

I've really been missing that truck since this thread. The interior was so comfortable too. If you can find a clean GMT800 I would do it. Best damn truck ever made in my opinion.

evantwheeler · Apr 19, 2025

advantagekid01 said:
I’m sold. 2wd and it can launch my dream boat?!

I had a single cab long bed early teens 1500 2wd with 4.8 when i lived in Vegas. It towed my 240 Baja Islander without any issue at all. I launched at Mead, site 6 and Windsor many times. Certainly would have felt more comfortable with 4wd, but i never needed a tow getting up a lunch ramp.

advantagekid01 · May 1, 2025

So after the posts on this forum, I ended up getting an 02 Suburban Z71, with 155k on it. I was convinced that I should be looking for a pre 07 5.3 or 4.8. Spent less than half what I originally set aside, so now I’m making some changes/upgrades to better suit it to me. The dog and friends loved riding in it on the way out to desert storm, and with the 3rd row seats folded down, it’s basically a truck.

Went through and replaced all pulleys/belts on the engine front drive, new alternator, all fluids (diff, t-case, engine), pulled out the heavy duty rear lift springs and put stocks back in (ordered 1” lift spacers to get it closer to level), and 33” tires with fuel wheels. Still not sure if I love the wheels.

All in all, I’m about $6k into a cool burb that will hopefully last a long time. Now I need to pull the camper shell off the Tacoma so that I have a truck again.

H20 Toie · May 1, 2025

Nice sub just a little to modern for me

River Dirt 2 · May 1, 2025

Nice find for a tow rig

I’m partial to Suburbans as well, 06 I bought new. Don’t drive it much, just sits here under a cover but can’t seem to bring myself to sell it. 3/4 ton 8.1 2wd

Tow Pig Shopping

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