[jensend]

Looks like we'll be trying to find a used late model (2006- on) truck in order to be able to take my '02 Z28 off the road and make it a dedicated track car. The truck would need to be able to tow the car and an open trailer safely at highway speeds. Would prefer a club or crew cab for the extra space an longer wheelbase. Right now I'm thinking gas as opposed to diesel since the truck will get limited use other than for track events and few camping trips annually. It will also be available to my two grown sons as needed. Want the space of an 8' bed so I can carry plywood, etc., when needed. Durarbility and reliability are major requirement. Capable of doing most maintenance and repairs on my own on a gas powered vehicle, but I'd like to have something that was practical to use and maintain. Looking for recommendations on what to buy/avoid, average real world mpg figures, etc.. Thanks in advance for your input.

[jensend]

Really appreciate all the advice, tech and "real world" data. Seems like the choice is far from a simple one- personal preferences notwithstanding. Finding a trustworthy deisel fuel source locally might be an issue in my area ( small town jersey Shore). While I'm close to NJMP, most of my track events are out of state with the bulk being at WGI. So, most of the time, I'll be towing at least 3-4 hours each way. Wondering if this will be an excessive burden on a 2500 series gas burner. I'm used to bare bones in most of my vehicles (standard trans, few if any options) so I'm looking for practical rather than posh. I guess I'm going to have to compromise on a used truck - gas or otherwise. Have never owned 4wd and am not anxious to start now especially with the added weight and maintenance issues. So far I'm guessing I'm looking for something between 2005 and 2007 based on the responses thus far. Thanks again. Any further info is also welcomed.

This post has been edited by jensend: Jul 9 2011, 03:50 PM

[1qwikbird]

Really appreciate all the advice, tech and "real world" data. Seems like the choice is far from a simple one- personal preferences notwithstanding. Finding a trustworthy deisel fuel source locally might be an issue in my area ( small town jersey Shore). While I'm close to NJMP, most of my track events are out of state with the bulk being at WGI. So, most of the time, I'll be towing at least 3-4 hours each way. Wondering if this will be an excessive burden on a 2500 series gas burner. I'm used to bare bones in most of my vehicles (standard trans, few if any options) so I'm looking for practical rather than posh. I guess I'm going to have to compromise on a used truck - gas or otherwise. Have never owned 4wd and am not anxious to start now especially with the added weight and maintenance issues. So far I'm guessing I'm looking for something between 2005 and 2007 based on the responses thus far. Thanks again. Any further info is also welcomed.

I'd imagine trying to find a 2wd 3/4 ton truck in NJ is going to be difficult. 4wd isn't horrible and I'd agree with the other post that manual hubs and manual transfer cases are the way to go. You get complete control over the drivetrain without relying on electronics to engage hubs/transfer cases etc.