Re: [A/S] tow vehicle choice

[Charlie/Betty Burke <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jack,

There are always certain subjects that get the group all fired up. Choice of tow vehicles 
is one of the hot button subjects. Kinda like our RV's, we like brag and explain our razor 
sharp logic for why we bought the vehicle we did.
So of course I have mine 2 cents worth to contribute. After 12 years of towing with a 
1990 Ford F250HD SuperCab, 351cui, 5 speed I recently replaced it with a 2002 GMC 
ExtendedCab(prettier than a Chevy), 8.1L, Allison. So far I have slightly over 6,800 
miles on it, approximately 2,000 towing. The new 8.1L gas engine seems designed with 
towing in mind. It is 320HP/455lbft of torque. More horsepower and only 70 lbft less 
torque than the Duramax. Since it is a V-8 it does not operate in the same higher RPM 
ranges that Ford/Dodge V-10's do. Granted it's torque comes on at higher RPM's than a 
diesel but with the transmission/rear end set up as it is the torque comes in at highway 
speeds. Hill climbing while towing is impressive .I am use to pulling into the slow lane 
on hills and slowing to a graceful third gear ride. With the 8.1L it just downshifts and 
keeps on going. Per the owners manual I leave the transmission in OD and put it in 
Tow/Haul mode and away we go. I went through the same thought processes on diesel over 
gas. But since I just barely put 100,000 on the Ford in 12 years, I can't justify the 
added cost. That way I could spend the money on things like cab marker lights and such.
Good thing there is a great variety of tow vehicles out there for us to choose from and 
discuss the merits of.

Charlie
Happy 4th of July