What Truck To Buy?

thirteen · January 23, 2008

I am about to start building a house so I will be selling my SUV. I am looking for a truck to haul construction materials (I will be building my own house, not contracting). I would like at least an extended cab so my boys can go with me. I will probably haul materials in the back as well as on a trailer.

I pull a camper often for long distances that weighs about 6,700 pounds loaded plus about another 600 pounds or so in the back of the truck.

What truck should I get? I was thinking 2500 HD, but I am not sure. I want it to be at least a 2001 or newer. I would like to keep it under $15,000. High mileage is ok and I don't care what the truck looks like.

Gas mileage isn't a big deal to me because I can get virtually all my building materials within 12 miles.

What truck should I be looking for?

sahls01gmc · January 23, 2008

Well, it all comes down to what you personally "need". Know with building a house, you aren't going to haul every single piece of material to the house. A lot of stuff will be delivered to your house for free (assuming you spend a certain amount....which building an entire house shouldn't be a problem). I'm a superintendent for a home builder, and all I carry in my truck is my tools. Anything else gets to the job on a trailer. Your case is probably different than mine, but I have no need to be able to haul 10,000 lbs (although my truck can). I have an 01 2500 LD 4x4. I like the light duty because it rides like a 1500, but it has a beefy enough drivetrain to take all of the abuse I throw at it.

With what you would load into the back of the truck when camping (or even for work), I would get a 2500 truck just because of the ride quality after weight is applied.

Good Luck

James

davzog · January 23, 2008

I agree...the 3/4 ton 2500 sounds like a good bet....the HD would be my choice, as the cost used should be neglidgible over a light duty......mileage would be the same, but you just get a bit more truck....I would rather have more than I need than come up short.

Just simple things like tires...I looked at a 2500 LD when I bought my HD, and I think it had load range "C" tires, where my HD has the "E" rated tires....I would hate to be hauling someting heavy and have a dumb tire blow out...ugh.

Blaze · January 23, 2008

thirteen - I've got an 02 2500HD Crew Cab that would fit your needs perfectly. In fact, your reasons are exactly why I bought it in the first place. I've got the 6.0l with 4.10 axle and it's great for pulling a trailer and the extra spring is perfect when loading the box with sheetrock, etc. You can expect 12-14mpg, closer to 10 if pulling a loaded trailer.

All in all, great truck, very reliable, and fun to drive IMO. I'm actually selling mine to go back to a 1500 Crew Cab cuz I put too many miles on right now. Shoot me a message if you want to talk more about it. Thanks.

Wingnut · January 24, 2008

You got kids?

Easy...3/4 ton Avalanche with the 8.1 is what I'd be looking for.

My neighbor had one, and that was one bada$$ truck.

star2323 · January 24, 2008

You got kids?

Easy...3/4 ton Avalanche with the 8.1 is what I'd be looking for.

My neighbor had one, and that was one bada$$ truck.

They make a 3/4 ton Avalanche? I didn't know that. Sweet!

Wingnut · January 24, 2008

I don't know if they still do, but they did a couple of years ago, and he's looking for used.

wellinghurst · January 24, 2008

You got kids?

Easy...3/4 ton Avalanche with the 8.1 is what I'd be looking for.

My neighbor had one, and that was one bada$$ truck.

Good answer! Plus, you don't see those driving around every day.

davzog · January 24, 2008

I have always liked the Avalanche, and I have seen a couple of 3/4 ton models...I understand that they are not available as HD models, and there is no way I could tow a 5th wheel as the bed is too short, darn it. For a construction vehicle it might be a-ok as I think with the window and rear panel down it opens to an 8 foot bed...correct???

thirteen · January 25, 2008

I don't need anything fancy. I am leaning toward the 2500 HD 6.0. I would rather have more than I need. Granted, I live next door to my father-in-law who has a 2 ton diesel dump that I can use for just about anything, except comfortably drive around. I only need a truck that I can pile a family of 5 in and work it a bit as well as tow. Fancy stuff just breaks and dents.

I did find a 2002 GMC 2500 HD 8.1L. It has about 150k on it and looks great. I have not seen it in person yet. My immediate impression is it was repainted from an accident because there are no emblems on the sides or back. Do they sell these things without the emblems on the side and back? The seller is being elusive saying "no accidents as far as I know" and "it looks like original paint". Carfax is not showing anything, but we know that doesn't mean a thing.

cbxeric · January 26, 2008

A lot of people remove the decals/badges to get the clean look so don't let that scare you away. I have a Y2K 2500 and I love it, The Vortec 6000 is a great engine. With the 8.1 you get the Allison transmission which makes it a great tow rig. You might get a better deal on the big block as the mileage scares a lot of people away.

Good luck. Eric.

conrad1995 · January 26, 2008

I don't need anything fancy. I am leaning toward the 2500 HD 6.0. I would rather have more than I need. Granted, I live next door to my father-in-law who has a 2 ton diesel dump that I can use for just about anything, except comfortably drive around. I only need a truck that I can pile a family of 5 in and work it a bit as well as tow. Fancy stuff just breaks and dents.

I did find a 2002 GMC 2500 HD 8.1L. It has about 150k on it and looks great. I have not seen it in person yet. My immediate impression is it was repainted from an accident because there are no emblems on the sides or back. Do they sell these things without the emblems on the side and back? The seller is being elusive saying "no accidents as far as I know" and "it looks like original paint". Carfax is not showing anything, but we know that doesn't mean a thing.

I repainted mine (2000) when I bought it because of a clear coat failure. When I did, I wanted all the badges taken off. They would have put them back on, but I didn't want to wax around them and as mentioned much prefer the clean look without them.

Sometimes trucks are not repainted because of an accident, and only because they need it.

How does it drive? Shakes, wobbles, noises at speed? Probably a better indicator than fresh paint or missing badges.

If your not comfortable with his "elusive" responses though, I would proceed with caution!

Best of luck either way!

Wingnut · January 26, 2008

A lot of people remove the decals/badges to get the clean look so don't let that scare you away. I have a Y2K 2500 and I love it, The Vortec 6000 is a great engine. With the 8.1 you get the Allison transmission which makes it a great tow rig. You might get a better deal on the big block as the mileage scares a lot of people away.

Good luck. Eric.

Exactly.

I wouldn't sweat the lack of badges much...I've usually removed most of the stickers and badges within an hour of buying a new vehicle.

davzog · January 26, 2008

I removed all the badges and emblems on mine, too.....put on my own striping and made it a little custom....

Actually, I am surprised at how many folks do this....seems like I have to count wheel lugs at every intersection to see if the Silverado next to me is a 1500 or 2500..ha