Suggestions needed TV for 2011 Tracer 205M

[northstar1960]

Originally Posted by ShermanD

So I made a mistake but I would still not pull a 6000 pound trailer with anything less than 350 CU IN engine which happens to be the approximate size of a 6.0 chevy engine. the 5.3 is a 305.

and the OP posted this.

GVWR listed on Tracer 205M is 5,924 lbs.

which is what I based my response on. We all know that once loaded with everything but the kitchen sink, it will probably be overweight.

Now if you have the money get yourself an Excalade Hybrid. and pull 15000 lb with ease.. And yes they will, My half bro works for GM in their hybrid division and stops by with one on occasion, four planetary drive electric motors, a motor driving a generator and a bunch of batteries.

a 1/2 ton would suit him fine . the 6.0 is 365ci. i think the 5.3 would suit him and do more then get the job done . with the new 6 speed trannys he wouldn't have issue . i thought GM was going to offer the 6.2 in the 3/4 this yr maybe not . i would still rather have the 6.0 iron block as opposed to the aluminum 6.2

[BlissHunters]

Good to know future purchase. Thabks.

[BlissHunters]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

If you go with a 1/2 ton, be careful. My 2009 Chevy Silverado owners manual listed 99 (yes, I said 99!!) different permutations of the Chevy 1500, based on engine, transmission, bed size, cab size, rear end gearing, tow package, etc. The official towing capacity of these 99 permutations ranged from 4,000 lbs to 12,000 lbs. That's a pretty big spread. You don't want to end up with a 4,000 lb pickup and a 6,000 lb TT.

SO: Not all 1/2 ton's are created equal. KNOW WHAT YOU'RE BUYING.

Also, look at the sticker inside the drivers door frame to see what the payload is. You don't want to exceed the payload. For a used Silverado, the payload will be anything you add after the driver, so wife, basset hounds, and all your "stuff" plus the tongue weight of the TT. (I believe new trucks now include a passenger as part of the pre-payload load). Also add the weight of the weight distribution hitch you SHOULD be purchasing.

I bought my 2009 Silverado in 2012 with 35K miles for about $27K. It was good for 7500 lbs towing.

Good luck.

So far the handful that he's checked out have been joke. He said if he find a pickup truck body in good/great condition he'd consider replacing the engine.
This TV shopping isn't as much fun as shopping for the right TT, lol.

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[itat]

I can offer some advice on the previous generation F-150.

My 2009 F-150 XLT had rust developing on the rear cab corners (behind the rear doors) and the rocker panels (under the doors) on both sides. Had a guy replace everything with new metal and refinish. Looks fantastic now but it cost CAD$2500 to get it back to like new because they had to take the bed off the frame to cut out and replace the cab corners. He said this is a common problem on that generation of F-150.

Also check for a ticking sound when the engine is started from cold. The 5.4L engine tends to break bolts securing the exhaust manifold and its a long, labor intensive job (6-8 hours) to access and extract the old broken bolt and replace it. My mechanic says it'll be an CAD$1100+ job (for one side only). To me, it's still a lot cheaper than a payment on a new truck.

[BlissHunters]

BF couldn't agree more with your assessment & experience for the '09 F-150.

Even with these issues so far F-150 seems to be top of our short pre-owned list for now.

He has put word out on the mechanic grapevine but so far no calls. Meanwhile it's back to Craigslist & want adds for me ... oh the life of a research assistant, lol.

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[yetavon]

Originally Posted by northstar1960

chevy 1500 . with tow package will do you fine . or even a ford but never a dodge lol

Dyslexia will get you every time, D comes before F.

Our last 2 TVs have been Ext-cab Chevys, 97/05. and towing in the 5000lbs range. The 97 2wd no tow package 350 engine, towed fine but slightly squirrely. 05 4x4 with tow package with the 5.3 (325 CI) rock solid.
The GM Ext cab has the biggest back seat without a 4 door cab, WITHOUT losing room in the bed. Still comfortable enough for 5 when needed.
The 350 engine has lower rpm torque, 5.3 more HP. There are several versions of the 5.3 270-310 HP

[BlissHunters]

Going tomorrow after work to check out a 2004 250 Silverado with a tow pkg. Owned by a now retired auto parts store manager. Hopefully him bing in the biz will translate into a decent truck.
Fingers crossed !

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