New tow rig, going back in time

[thedeuceman]

Just picked up
87 with a diesel



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[75starflight]

Nice looking Rig Joe! should pull just about anything you want to with that beast!

Is it a 6.2 or 6.5 liter diesel? Others may disagree with me, but both of those engine had some reliability issues if they did not get the proper maintenance. I think the 6.2 was the more problematic of the two if my memory serves me correct. But is has been almost 6 years since my place of employment was a GM dealer. So I could be wrong.

[dorelse]

Looks pretty rust free Joe!  More room for all your gear too!  Is that because the new boat is so much heavier?  Or more of the Explorer just needing a break?

I got a 'new' tow rig a couple weeks ago too.  I loved the Baja, but had several close calls of people not seeing me and pulling out in front of me.  Last one forced me onto the shoulder, so I'd had enough. 

[thedeuceman]

It's a 6.2, my father-in-law "Earl" has been running them for quite some time, he really likes them.
I have been looking for another explore for some time now, because the one I got is kind of wearing out.
After picking up the bal harbor I decided maybe we needed something bigger. So I started looking at suburbanites. Earl put this one together 10 years ago or so from rust free parts he picked up down south. So the body is in really great condition, paint is showing signs of wear, and it needs a bunch of minor stuff. Although 87 was near the end of their reign of terror, the square body Chevy's are kind of cool, and it's fun to be cruising around in a classic.


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[Plugcheck]

Still quite a following for those old trucks, should work well pulling the new boat.  Could always convert it over with the RV engine and transmission?  The 6.2 us a decent diesel with proper care.  Possible head gasket issues if it overheats, so keep an eye on temps. 

[Oldfishguy]

Have you thought about putting "collector" plates on it when it is registered? 

[thedeuceman]

Have you thought about putting "collector" plates on it when it is registered?

I was under the impression you get hassled using it as a daily driver


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[Rosscoe]

Cool!
Thats what I am looking at for my next tow vehicle. Lots of room for gear. I want something that will pull the largest boat with ease so definitely looking at a Suburban. I love the square bodies but want fuel injection on mine so it would need to be 87 or newer. Would like a 3/4 ton too. Much harder to find.

[dorelse]

Cool!
Thats what I am looking at for my next tow vehicle. Lots of room for gear. I want something that will pull the largest boat with ease so definitely looking at a Suburban. I love the square bodies but want fuel injection on mine so it would need to be 87 or newer. Would like a 3/4 ton too. Much harder to find.

You could look for a Avalanche 2500 Ross as well...

[makinwaves]

Very cool.  That should pull about anything.  I'm on my 4th suburban.  I've had a '73, '86, '99, and now a '05.  They're hard to beat for cargo, seating and towing abilities.

[Rosscoe]

Cool!
Thats what I am looking at for my next tow vehicle. Lots of room for gear. I want something that will pull the largest boat with ease so definitely looking at a Suburban. I love the square bodies but want fuel injection on mine so it would need to be 87 or newer. Would like a 3/4 ton too. Much harder to find.

You could look for a Avalanche 2500 Ross as well...

I didn't know they made 3/4 ton Avalanche.

[dorelse]

Yep, not very common, and generally, prices stay reasonable because of it.  8.1L Vortec...so you know...you can tow a house, but your mpg aren't great either.  Considered one this last time, but I really don't need something that massive right now.

Cool!
Thats what I am looking at for my next tow vehicle. Lots of room for gear. I want something that will pull the largest boat with ease so definitely looking at a Suburban. I love the square bodies but want fuel injection on mine so it would need to be 87 or newer. Would like a 3/4 ton too. Much harder to find.

You could look for a Avalanche 2500 Ross as well...

I didn't know they made 3/4 ton Avalanche.

[Fuzzbutt]

This is my new tow rig. However it's not a step back in time. She's a 2012 Ford Taurus SEL

[makinwaves]

Cool!
Thats what I am looking at for my next tow vehicle. Lots of room for gear. I want something that will pull the largest boat with ease so definitely looking at a Suburban. I love the square bodies but want fuel injection on mine so it would need to be 87 or newer. Would like a 3/4 ton too. Much harder to find.

You could look for a Avalanche 2500 Ross as well...

Yep, not very common, and generally, prices stay reasonable because of it.  8.1L Vortec...so you know...you can tow a house, but your mpg aren't great either.  Considered one this last time, but I really don't need something that massive right now.

I didn't know they made 3/4 ton Avalanche.

Mine is a 3/4 ton with the 8.1.  11 mpg average over the life of the vehicle.

[CVX Fever]

Mine is a 3/4 ton with the 8.1.  11 mpg average over the life of the vehicle.

My '04 GMC HD w/6.0 gas has averaged just under 12 after 180K. So not much difference in fuel economy between the 2 engines. With my truck the 8.1 got you the Allison transmission although after 12 years the 4L80 hasn't given me a lick of trouble -  knock on wood!

I love those trucks too. Would love a nice 87/88 K5 Blazer w/350 throttle body in Silverado trim. Problem is they are becoming collectable so if your looking for a truck to tow with your better off buying something newer. A 3/4 ton GMT-800(1999 - 2006) Burb/Yukon would tow circles around that era of truck and is likely more affordable if you want something halfway nice & dependable.

[thedeuceman]

Mine is a 3/4 ton with the 8.1.  11 mpg average over the life of the vehicle.

I love those trucks too. Would love a nice 87/88 K5 Blazer w/350 throttle body in Silverado trim. Problem is they are becoming collectable so if your looking for a truck to tow with your better off buying something newer. A 3/4 ton GMT-800(1999 - 2006) Burb/Yukon would tow circles around that era of truck and is likely more affordable if you want something halfway nice & dependable.

You speak the truth
This truck was not at all on my radar, we were looking at newer almost worn out suburbans, when my father-in-law herd this he said "let's just work out a deal on this one "


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[CVX Fever]

When I read your post and I went and browsed CL adds for fun and yep they still bring a lot of money if the body isn't falling off the frame. Your GMC looks pretty solid and unmolested. If it was mine it would probably get parked before the salt started flying.