Reply With QuoteA fullsize Chevy would be my choice. They get the best gas mileage of all the full-size pickups. No need for a diesel unless you just want one. They are expensive!
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Pullin'
I'm looking to purchase a used truck to pull my Nitro 901. Since I'll be retiring in Jan. 2010 I'll have more time to fish and plan to take advantage of it. I'm looking for milage, value and dependability. Gas or diesel ??? whichever will give the best performance. As always, I value your opinions.
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A fullsize Chevy would be my choice. They get the best gas mileage of all the full-size pickups. No need for a diesel unless you just want one. They are expensive!
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And if you like a Chevy. Check out the Avalanche! Makes a great vehicle with the locking storage in the rear. And comfortable to drive or haul a few people around in when you need to. Or keep warm fishing clothes in the rear seat, Etc.
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congratulations, on the retiring. i have to get up at 5:am for 5 more years before i retire. but here's my two cents on something to pull that boat with. i have a regular cab gmc full size two wheel drive with a 5.3 v8 auto. it has more than enough power to tow my boat. but it's hard on gas. it gets 17 miles per gallon, without a boat behind it. i have never checked it while towing my boat. but i don't think it will get above 10. i'm going to make it a point to check it. and i have a friend that has a 2007 full size gmc 4x4 with a 5.3 v8 auto and it gets 8 miles per gallon with out anything behind it. I hope you have a good fishing friend, to fish with. that helps cut the expense.Originally Posted by deaconlab
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If the main use of the truck is to pull a boat try to find any 3/4 ton standard cab standard shift work truck. Plenty of power, standard shift will help with the gas milage quite a bit. As far as make it is just personal choice.
Senior Member
If you do any winter fishing i would suggest a 4x4...after a close call on the ramp at cumberland last winter 2 wheel drives are for the birds
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I have a Ford Expedition now and love it. Before that I had a Chevy Silverado, 5.7 Liter. The truck would pull the crap out of any boat.
Both are great vehicles, in my opinion. Like the engine better in the Chevy, but like the transmission better in the Ford.
Went to the SUV because of kids. If I were buying a truck, get a 4x4, with four doors, 8 cylinder. Change fluids(transmission, oil, and radiator) sooner than later.
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My 06' F-250 Powerstroke 4X4 gets 21 mpg without and 17 with the boat behind it.
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My '05 F150 4x4, 5.4 V8 gets about 15mpg without boat and about 13mpg pulling my 201 stratos. It's better to have to much than not enough. you never know when you are going to need that extra horsepower or 4x4.
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Ive got a 05 silverado 4x4 5.7 letter gets 19 without and 13.5 with my 19ft ranger, I got the 4x4 not only for the winter but on steep ramps if wet I have seen pick ups that won't come up the ramp until you get 4 or so guys on the back bumper, I can go by myself and not think about it. My friend has a Dodge Ram with a comings diesel and he got a chip for the computer he pulls a 21ft bullet he puts it on cruse and I have seen it go up Hall's Gap and not down shift,he said after the chip he gets better fuel millage, I am going to try a chip for my chevy I have always had chevys but I must say that Dodge diesel is pretty impressive JMO
Gary
Member
Just want to thank everyone for their input. Always helps to have good information. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.
Senior Member
One thing to consider is picking up a 2000ish Chevy tahoe. Should be able to pick up a clean one for $8500. Gets 17mph on the highway, 12mph pullling a 3500 bass rig.
Use the extra money you have to but a new Toyota Corolla or Prius.
I've found this configuration works for me. I don't need to drive a 15mph vehicle for day to day traveling. I also don't worry about my Tahoe when it is setting on the ramp.
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