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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Ross on March 01, 2007, 08:07:54 PM

Title: Buying new (used) truck
Post by: Ross on March 01, 2007, 08:07:54 PM
I just sold my big truck so now I have the funds to buy a 1/2 ton 4WD truck that is towable 4 down.  Can you guys give me an idea of which Ford and Chevy trucks are towable 4 down.  Correct me if I'm wrong.....The Chevys with shifter on the floor are no problem, but I'm not sure about the push button models.  If there is a button marked Neutral, I should be good, right? 

If memory serves, all fords in the mid to late 90's had a floor shifter.  Thats about as new as I can afford.  I'm not sure when Chevy went to push button, but I'm thinking that a mid to late 90's Chevy will also have a floor shifter.

Thanks....Ross
Title: Re: Buying new (used) truck
Post by: DrivingMissLazy on March 01, 2007, 08:20:17 PM
My 99 Chevy Tahoe 1500 has automatic with pushbutton control and standard shift column. Very easy to shift to neutral for four down towing. I would assume a pickup in the same era would be the same.
Richard

Quote from: Ross on March 01, 2007, 08:07:54 PM
I just sold my big truck so now I have the funds to buy a 1/2 ton 4WD truck that is towable 4 down.  Can you guys give me an idea of which Ford and Chevy trucks are towable 4 down.  Correct me if I'm wrong.....The Chevys with shifter on the floor are no problem, but I'm not sure about the push button models.  If there is a button marked Neutral, I should be good, right? 

If memory serves, all fords in the mid to late 90's had a floor shifter.  Thats about as new as I can afford.  I'm not sure when Chevy went to push button, but I'm thinking that a mid to late 90's Chevy will also have a floor shifter.

Thanks....Ross

Title: Re: Buying new (used) truck
Post by: Nick Badame Refrig/ACC on March 02, 2007, 05:00:05 AM
hi Ross,

All 4wd Chevys trucks and SUV's are towable with either push button or manual shift.

I'm not sure about Fords...

Nick-
Title: Re: Buying new (used) truck
Post by: Ednj on March 02, 2007, 05:15:38 AM
Ross,
These sites list all towable models
.
http://www.motorhomemagazine.com/dinghytowingguide/index.cfm
>
http://www.remcotowing.com/drive.asp
>
Title: Re: Buying new (used) truck
Post by: Ross on March 02, 2007, 06:19:41 AM
Quote from: Nick Badame Refrig. Co. on March 02, 2007, 05:00:05 AM
hi Ross,

All 4wd Chevys trucks and SUV's are towable with either push button or manual shift.

I'm not sure about Fords...

Nick-

That's cool...I really prefer Chevy...

Title: Re: Buying new (used) truck
Post by: H3Jim on March 02, 2007, 06:24:59 AM
I have a 2001 Ford F250 superduty 4 wd, automatic and it is not towable 4 down. 

I am bummed about it, as it means I have to get something I can tow.  Can't tow my car either
Title: Re: Buying new (used) truck
Post by: Runcutter on March 02, 2007, 06:29:16 AM
I'm not in the market, so haven't been paying attention to the issues.  I did want to comment that the FMCA magazine that came in yesterday had a correction to its January article - it now states that Mercury Mountaineer 4x4's with v-6 and v-8 are not towable with Ford's dealer-installed neutral tow kit.  It adds two new vehicles - Ford Edge and Lincoln MXK (whatever they are).

This may not help, but seems to point out that any single list can be inconclusive.

HTH

Arthur
Title: Re: Buying new (used) truck
Post by: Kristinsgrandpa on March 02, 2007, 04:25:38 PM
  I have two F-150's, an 04 and an 05, and both have the shifter on the floor and both are towable.

Ford has pamphlets at the dealers about towing.

The Fords with the pushbutton shifters don't have a neutral and can't be towed.

My next door neighbor has an S-10 Blazer that is fairly new and has the procedure in the manual to shift into neutral for towing.

Ed
Title: Re: Buying new (used) truck
Post by: Hi yo silver on March 02, 2007, 05:19:13 PM
I have an '02 Silverado with the electronic push button four wheel drive and it's towable 4-down by shifting the FWD controller into neutral.
Title: Re: Buying new (used) truck
Post by: belfert on March 02, 2007, 09:01:11 PM
Ross, I thought you are towing a Grand Cherokee?  Why go to a much larger/heavier full size pickup?  Or, am I getting my Rosses mixed up?

Brian
Title: Re: Buying new (used) truck
Post by: NewbeeMC9 on March 03, 2007, 02:07:04 AM
as mentioned before, on the fords  with a floor shifter your ok, with a pushbutton, most had a nuetral selector switch which cost about $12 and another $100 or so for install/programing.  Check the dealer if you have one in mind.  not there fav thing to do.

Title: Re: Buying new (used) truck
Post by: Ross on March 04, 2007, 05:23:44 AM
Quote from: belfert on March 02, 2007, 09:01:11 PM
Ross, I thought you are towing a Grand Cherokee?  Why go to a much larger/heavier full size pickup?  Or, am I getting my Rosses mixed up?

Brian

I'm trying to get down to one vehicle that can (1) Tow the boat (2) Go behind the bus (3) Haul the motorcycle while in tow and (4) be a daily driver.  I sold the Jeep a couple months ago.  It was an exceptional toad though.....

Ross
Title: Re: Buying new (used) truck
Post by: NewbeeMC9 on March 04, 2007, 06:04:22 PM
ford or chevy, Find you a good 3/4 ton or one ton diesel 4x4,  you'll like it better (buddy too).  especially if it has upgraded differentials, on Dana 60 axles and such.
Title: Re: Buying new (used) truck
Post by: Ross on March 04, 2007, 08:42:30 PM
I'm trying to keep it as light as possible for towing but still capable of pulling the boat.  1/2 ton won't pull the boat to FL, but it will get it to the water in the spring and back to driveway in the fall.

Ross