Tow vehicle woes.

[ezmobee]

When we first got our boat 2 years ago we were towing and launching it with my sedan which was fairly ridiculous. One particularly rough day on the ramp last year we decided we needed a truck or SUV. The car couldn't be safely backed down the ramp very far and sometimes it was a real struggle getting the boat on and off. A few weeks later I got (what I thought) was an awesome deal on a very low mileage 1990 Chevy K1500. It was awsome for a few months and then the problems started. Now it basically needs a new engine due to very low oil pressure and an internal coolant leak. Normally this would be a pretty easy decision....Sell it! Especially since it is currently running pretty well. Problem is my car and the truck are paid for and the truck is otherwise in MINT condition. Not a spot of rust on it and all other mechanicals seem to be fine. So I'm pulling the trigger. It has a 305 in it now and I'll be upgrading to a 350 so I'll at least get some improvement out of it. I don't need a truck for much else other than towing my boat so I better have good boating season this year!! I'm looking forward to the increased power going from a tired 305 to a fresh 350.

 

[Vlad D Impeller]

Re: Tow vehicle woes.

Happy boating season to ya, and good luck with the new motor.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Tow vehicle woes.

Only thing better than cubic inches is MORE cubic inches........Good luck with your upgrade.

 

[Aquaman]

Re: Tow vehicle woes.

I installed a GM "crate" motor in my Suburban last August. It went from my "tow vehicle" to my daily driver.

I did a 500 mile break in before towing my boat, you may want to consider doing the same.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Tow vehicle woes.

Be sure to get a 4 bolt 350. Stronger engine.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Tow vehicle woes.

No replacement for displacement! Aquaman, I hope my situation works out like yours. I have never owned anything other than sedans before and I have really grown to enjoy driving my truck. I don't take it to work much because I have a 60 mile round trip commute but I drive it all the time around town. Also, it's a long bed and let me tell you, there's just something satisfying about going to Lowe's, picking up a couple sheets of plywood and being able to close the tailgate.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Tow vehicle woes.

It's not Red is it?:^:^

 

[Aquaman]

Re: Tow vehicle woes.

No replacement for displacement! Aquaman, I hope my situation works out like yours............. I have really grown to enjoy driving my truck. I don't take it to work much because I have a 60 mile round trip commute ........ there's just something satisfying about going to Lowe's, picking up a couple sheets of plywood and being able to close the tailgate.

60 miles? Ouch! I drive .9, yep, point 9 miles to work. I can fill the 40 gal. tank and ride what seems like weeks before I fill up again. I can take out my third row seat and do the same with plywood but I really like pulling up to the ramp with 8 passengers...

BTW The original 5.7 got 269,302 miles....a blown radiator hose on the way to the hospital was the only reason for replacement.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Tow vehicle woes.

60 miles? Ouch! I drive .9, yep, point 9 miles to work. I can fill the 40 gal. tank and ride what seems like weeks before I fill up again. I can take out my third row seat and do the same with plywood but I really like pulling up to the ramp with 8 passengers...

BTW The original 5.7 got 269,302 miles....a blown radiator hose on the way to the hospital was the only reason for replacement.

I don't mind my long commute. I work off hours (6:30-3) so there isn't much traffic. Only takes me about 35-40 minutes. My wife, on the other hand, makes the same commute for 8-4. It's absolutely miserable. But she only has to go in a couple days a week.

I wish my 5.0 had gotten that kind of mileage! It only has 88k on it. However, the old man I bought the truck from bought it in 2000. He put less than 5k miles on it from 2000-2006. I think the lack of use and probably cooresponding lack of maintenance did this motor in. It is currently the best running motor withh heart disease you'll ever see. I could probably keep running it but I can't trust it.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Tow vehicle woes.

It's not Red is it?:^:^

I don't think our friend here knows the Bleep Bleep,formerly known as you know who.
Besides he had a little red truck

 

[aspeck]

Re: Tow vehicle woes.

ezmobee, where do you haul your boat for launching?

I am assuming you are getting a crate motor from the wording in your post. They are good engines - decent warranty, and it should last you for the life of your truck. Have fun towing your boat this year! MORE POWER, ARRGH!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Tow vehicle woes.

I'm not in on the red truck joek that's for sure :'(

I am probably getting a Jasper crate motor. They are one of the few remanufactered engine companies that will allow me to trade in a different core. They will charge me $150 but that's better than eating the entire core charge. 3yr. 75k miles warrenty.

I tow my boat to the Susquehanna river down towards the Maryland line, the Peach Bottom, PA area. Fortunately I don't have to tow it that often as my uncle has a cabin down there and I usually can just leave it from week to week.

 

[Aquaman]

Re: Tow vehicle woes.

How much for the Jasper?

I bought a GM for $1700.00 before $100.00 rebate. 3 year/100K nationwide warranty. 100.00 core charge. I even contemplated keeping the core but both heads were cracked so I turned it back in.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Tow vehicle woes.

What's wrong with red trucks?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Tow vehicle woes.

The Jasper is around $1700-1800. The GM prices I got were over $2000.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Tow vehicle woes.

The Jasper should be a great engine. I am running their marine version of the 5.7, going on it;s 3rd season no problems to date. Good luck.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Tow vehicle woes.

I've heard they are good. They're a little pricier than some of the other remans but they are giving me a better break on turning in a different core.

 

[heycods]

Re: Tow vehicle woes.

Moving to techinacal section8)

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Tow vehicle woes.

LOL @ Spinner.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Tow vehicle woes.

LOL @ Spinner.

Honest question.8)