Oldest tow vehicle

[JB]

I love my '88 F250 for my 2h gn Trail-et. I don't expect it to last forever though, even though it's got "only" about 150k miles on it. I don't know what I'll do when *that* day comes :(

So, what do YOU have that's "old"?

[Foxtrot's]

Aw shucks - I thought I had the oldest truck - an F250 Ford club cab 4x4 l989, diesel, with 300,000 + km on it. No rust or dings to speak of. Spent tons of money on good maintenance and it runs well and is reliable. Never let me down yet. Always has good rubber on it and "my guy" keeps an eye on it for me.

[BarbB]

awww, mine is just a pup! 1992 Chevy extended cab, long bed, half ton, RED

[MunchkinsMom]

I sold my first tow vehicle, an '86 Chevy Silverado K30 one-ton 4WD in 2002, and from what I hear, they are still using it, mostly as the farm plow truck.

[dressagetraks]

My F150 is not oldest at 1995 model, but it did just click over 378,000 miles. Original engine. Replaced the transmission at 333,000 for the only major repair it's ever had. Hauls horses and hay, and has been a lifelong working truck. I just had it out Saturday morning picking up another load of hay.

Good truck. :yes:

[GoForAGallop]

I have a 1987 Diesel Suburban to haul my Trail-et, with over 200,000 miles. The only major repair it's ever gotten is a whole new exhaust system. I <3 it.

[equineartworks]

1986 Chevy Silverado...now a glorifed plow truck but still able to tow a two horse!

[Sparky Boy]

For about a year, when I was in my 20s, I pulled with a 78' suburban that my brother gave to me. It was about 20 yrs old back then. Rust bucket on wheels, rolling tack room, etc.

[ESG]

Jeez, and I thought mine was a senior citizen - y'all have me beat by a mile!

My "Beast" is a youngster (1996), and still girlishly fit (only 189,000), but then, I'd expect her to be. She's a Dodge Ram 3500 dually. One transmission repair, one A/C repair (normal with Dodge trucks), and I loff her dearly. Still gets 18 mpg with her Cummins, too.

[Everythingbutwings]

In 2001, I hauled Maddie to the Warrenton Labor Day show with the Infamous RV, 1972 Chevy Step van and our little red BP stock trailer. We used that set up at the very first COTH Frying Pan get together, too. It was 29 years young back then.


Our current truck is a 1990 F350.

[goodhors]

We have an 89 Ford Crewcab Dually. Runs wonderfully, but the frame is rusting out with the long years of salty roads and winter snow. Have had it for all the years, got it when it was 6months old, 15,000 miles then.

Been a super truck, ever faithful, as much power as we needed for hauling stuff. You can't get anything for them now if you try to sell, even with great tires on it! I think it is approaching 300,000. Got it fixed a few times, hit a 8pt deer that smashed the front, tines in the radiator, then broke loose and flipped down smashing the whole side. That bought it a new paint job at the same time they put new pieces on. Needed new diesel fuel injectors after 140,000.

Got a newer truck, 2003 Nissan UD model 2000 to replace the Ford. Was a super buy for that truck, couldn't pass it up. I like the new one, but am so used to the old one it will be be a wrench to FINALLY give it up. Sure has been good to us. Kind of feel like I am dumping a good old horse with out checking for how good a home he will be going to!!

[Trevelyan96]

Wow... didin't realize mine was such a youngster! 1997 Chevy Tahoe. I swear its a tank, still on the original transmission with 175K miles. DH's 1998 Ford F250 is on its 2nd one.

We haven't replaced either of them because its almost impossible for me to find a pickup that I can fit and drive comfortably on a regular basis. Once we start looking at all the seat, steering wheel, and/or pedal adjustmens I need to make so I can drive without my face on the dash, we're getting up into the 60K range.

[Foxtrot's]

I agree - my mechanic told me to hang on to it until it reached 700,000 (km, not miles!)
and then by then my horse, my truck and me should all reach the end of our journeys together (I've done the math!) If it looked like a heap I'd feel differently - as I have my pride, ha know. It looks great when it has had a wash, no rust or dents even at 20 years old.

[mroades]

Mine is a veritable baby then! Its a 2000 F-350, but it does have 335k miles on it

[chism]

I have a 1996 Chevy 2500 Dually. I've had it two years & it's still a spring chicken with only 135,000 miles. It's my "NEW" truck.
I wept a little when I had to replace my 1990 GMC dually two years ago. Everywhere I went, I would get snickers & jokes like "NOW, that's a farm truck! ha ha", but that thing was solid, could pull anything and was extremely reliable. The few times we had to make repairs it was always less than a $50 part and hubby's labor and we were good to go again. We bought it when it was 10 yrs old (with 100K miles)for $5K and put over 150,000 miles on it ourselves. I begrudgingly got the "step" truck when I started getting apprehensive driving to out of state shows because of it's age. I still miss it though.

[equineartworks]

1986 Chevy Silverado...now a glorifed plow truck but still able to tow a two horse!
So it looks like I'm the winner so far :lol: It even has honest to gosh bullet holes in it.

[Sara417]

I drive a 1988 Chevy Scottsdale which pulls my 1979 WW gooseneck trailer.
My horse is a 1993 model and I am a 1980 model. I joke that my truck, trailer, horse and I are almost 100 years old. Here is a picture (http://5acredream.blogspot.com/2008/09/new-horse-trailer.html), I still think it looks like a pretty sweet rig!

[equineartworks]

I drive a 1988 Chevy Scottsdale which pulls my 1979 WW gooseneck trailer.
My horse is a 1993 model and I am a 1980 model. I joke that my truck, trailer, horse and I are almost 100 years old. Here is a picture (http://5acredream.blogspot.com/2008/09/new-horse-trailer.html), I still think it looks like a pretty sweet rig!

My truck is that classic "chevy blue" too!

[Hampton Bay]

I think I win. Mine is a 1985 diesel Suburban, 260k-ish miles, and is only on its second owner. It was maintained beautifully, and it hauls very well. It does struggle a bit up hills, but it probably would have struggled up hills when it was new. The trailer is a 1989 (but almost completely rebuilt) Kiefer 2h BP.

Both are going to soon be getting a shiney new paint job, and the trailer is getting a new ramp as well. I am very lucky that my FIL welds and has a source of free steel.

[Sara417]

I love that "Chevy Blue!" I was so excited when I got my trailer that it is a perfect match. If someone doesn't know me, I say, "Look for the baby blue truck and trailer." Cute! :D

[Foxtrot's]

I got a very nice (adequate) paint job for $1,000.00 on my oldie but goodie from Maaco. All other quotes were for over $3,000.00. Made it look so much smarter!! I think my outfit is sweet enough, and I am recognized by everybody.

[bumknees]

mmm IF the tranny in it did not refuse to work 2 wks ago it is at home thinking on what to do next.. A 1978 ford f150 lariet ranger... would win...

[Foxtrot's]

There does come a time in all our lives when it is time to give up the ghost....though we do try to hang on as long as possible.

On the other hand you could fix it all up and put collector plates on it and save a bunch on insurance???

[Silvercrown90]

As of right now, I think I have the oldest truck that is still in use. It is a 1983 Ford F700 creampuff, beautiful to look at and with tons of torque to pull any size trailer. More importantly, with airbrakes it can stop the heaviest of loads with minimum pushing of the truck. I have owned it for 12 years. This truck is in tip top shape. She is affectionately known as "Big Rig". No rust, and hasn't been painted in over 12 years, but we keep her waxed and polished to keep the shine. This photo was just taken last year in October 2008 when she was only 25 years old.

http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww161/silvercrown90/F700-FrontViewOct08_c.jpg

http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww161/silvercrown90/F700-BackViewOct08.jpg

Sharon
http://www.coolfitwear.com

[JB]

I have a 1996 Chevy 2500 Dually. I've had it two years & it's still a spring chicken with only 135,000 miles. It's my "NEW" truck.
I wept a little when I had to replace my 1990 GMC dually two years ago. Everywhere I went, I would get snickers & jokes like "NOW, that's a farm truck! ha ha", but that thing was solid, could pull anything and was extremely reliable. The few times we had to make repairs it was always less than a $50 part and hubby's labor and we were good to go again. We bought it when it was 10 yrs old (with 100K miles)for $5K and put over 150,000 miles on it ourselves.
that's awesome! I was wrong, I think, on my miles - 150k, and I bought it 8 years ago (also for $5k :D) with "only" 135k miles on it. It's ONLY a towing and hauling truck, not a drive around truck, so it doesn't get a lot of miles put on it.

As of right now, I think I have the oldest truck that is still in use. It is a 1983 Ford F700 creampuff, beautiful to look at and with tons of torque to pull any size trailer. More importantly, with airbrakes it can stop the heaviest of loads with minimum pushing of the truck. I have owned it for 12 years. This truck is in tip top shape. She is affectionately known as "Big Rig". No rust, and hasn't been painted in over 12 years, but we keep her waxed and polished to keep the shine. This photo was just taken last year in October 2008 when she was only 25 years old.

http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww161/silvercrown90/F700-FrontViewOct08_c.jpg

http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww161/silvercrown90/F700-BackViewOct08.jpg

Sharon
http://www.coolfitwear.com
Whoa. Now THAT is a truck! LOL That's awesome!!

[Foxtrot's]

I guess technically you can say you won - but that F700 isn't a truck its a behemouth. In the interests of good sportsmanship, you WIN.

[pony89]

We are sadly retiring our tow vehicle wannabe, a 97 Chevy 1500 (rwd) with 205k miles on it. It does get to tow stuff, but nothing so big as a loaded horse trailer. It still runs like a dream, but unfortunately the brake lines just went and the tires are pretty much bald :( Add that to the body panels rusting through and the intermittent engine light, and it is time to bid a fond farewell rather than putting the money into it. Sad, because I think it might well run for another few years if we kept fixing it, but the salt on the roads is tough on cars around here, and it is always a balancing act not to dump too much money into a vehicle that may fail inspection due to rust.

The consolation is that we are getting our very first honest to goodness tow vehicle!! It's a 2000 Chevy 2500 w/4wd and tow package, and a mere 122k miles! And it was a steal! Now I can casually start looking for something to tow with this lovely "new" truck;)

[5]

Truck started out as a 1975 GMC body, cab & frame.
It has a 91 engine, the dually axle is 89, mirrors '90, Fuel injection off of a '95, 94 ABS, the rest is custom so does this frankentruck have a chance of qualifying as the 'oldest' truck?

[pb ranch]

1986 F-350 Club Cab. 460 gasoline engine. It pulls stongly. I loaned it to my husband's school friend's son and he wrecked it and didn't even tell me. I'd like to get another bed for it, though it's not wrecked badly. My gelding reached in and bit a hole in my seat!:( Otherwise, it's in great shape and I've driven it cross country pulling a trailer.

[sk_pacer]

May I add my 1970ish Fargo water truck?? Probably not since I don't pull anything with it, and it has a top speed of 30mph, has bad kingpins and a starter with a moribund soloniod....but it does start and most of its safety components work - signal lights, headlights, flashers, brake on the front passenger's side. hoist works too :)

[Foxtrot's]

"Frankentruck" - perfect!

When I started eventing during the grass roots era - the subject of many a thread here - anybody who turned up in a nice new shiny truck with no binder twine holding it together was told they "looked like Quarter Horse people".

[JB]

I guess technically you can say you won - but that F700 isn't a truck its a behemouth. In the interests of good sportsmanship, you WIN.

Well, I DID say "oldest tow vehicle" :D

[JB]

Truck started out as a 1975 GMC body, cab & frame.
It has a 91 engine, the dually axle is 89, mirrors '90, Fuel injection off of a '95, 94 ABS, the rest is custom so does this frankentruck have a chance of qualifying as the 'oldest' truck?

I dunno - how does the age of the parts, weighted by functional importance, average out? :lol:

[5]

I dunno - how does the age of the parts, weighted by functional importance, average out? :lol:

I thought it would be easier... Like what it says on the Veh. title but now I have to do the math. I have had calculus questions easier than that one. I have to factor in hills, driving power needed plus looking cool and those are not exactly numerical values.

[crewgirl34]

My one and only tow vehicle is a 1979 Chevy Scottsdale. She's a family heirloom, in fact, I learned how to drive in that truck. She's been in the family since the early 80's and has only left us stranded once, well, twice, but the second time was because my brother tried to fix something himself, so I don't count that! I still trust her to go however far I need to go-- just 3 years ago I moved out of state and she was my horse transport and made the 8 hour trip without any hitches. Granted, we had to stop at every gas station along the way, but still much cheaper than hiring a hauler!

[Silvercrown90]

My one and only tow vehicle is a 1979 Chevy Scottsdale. She's a family heirloom, in fact, I learned how to drive in that truck. She's been in the family since the early 80's and has only left us stranded once, well, twice, but the second time was because my brother tried to fix something himself, so I don't count that! I still trust her to go however far I need to go-- just 3 years ago I moved out of state and she was my horse transport and made the 8 hour trip without any hitches. Granted, we had to stop at every gas station along the way, but still much cheaper than hiring a hauler!

Did I mention that my 1983 F700 behemoth has 100 gallon fuel capacity in her two tanks? I only wish my own bladder were as big!!

[Foxtrot's]

"Made the eight hour journey without any hitches" - how did you manage to pull a trailer? :D

[terasa]

I was using my 1977 Ford pickup til last year, when it finally died and wouldn't start again. An inspection showed a few costly problems and the body was starting to go too. After waiting impatiently for the day it could be condemned so I could justify buying a nice shiny new model, I discovered I sort of missed old blue. Long story short, my money I had aside for the new truck is going back to the old one. My truck is getting a frame up rebuild and a new body and paint. Upgraded engine, suspension, and hitch too. Maybe it'll last another 30 years ;)

[crewgirl34]

The one great thing about having an old truck, you don't have to worry about anyone stealing it! My neighborhood has recently been hit by a rash of car break-ins. I was talking to a neighbor about it and mentioned I probably should take the keys out of the truck. His reply, "No, I don't think you need to worry about it." Although I know the comment was mostly directed on how I'm bring the neighborhood property values down with her parked outside, but in reality, I don't have to worry about it. First, they have to shut the door without waking the whole town. Then they have to get her to start which is an involved process in and of itself (but if you follow the simple 20 step protocol, she'll start up every time!). If they do manage to fire her up, they still have to put her in gear. I'm assuming by that time they would be so fed up with the situation that they would move along. Otherwise they still have to contend with shifting, and if that doesn't do them in, they will still only make it 30 miles out of town before they have to gas up! Old trucks ROCK!

[Foxtrot's]

Crewgirl - I got news for you - !

We live opposite the Hells Angels clubhouse and you know what they say about not crapping on your own doorstep or that the Angel's neighbourhooods are safe. Well my truck got stolen not once, but twice. Once right after we had bought it two top of the line new batteries (fishy, eh?), and the second time, years later, by kid joyriders. Except the gauge for the diesel does not work and only I knew it was on its last fumes. They didn't get very far and had to abandon it in the middle of the road. It, too, is tricky to start. But I did get a new starter, new battery (only one) and an interior shampoo out of the deal since I said I didn't know what they had been up to while they had the truck (mind boggles). I think I came out ahead on that one.

I'll admit I am a bit sloppy about locking it up, too.

[CookiePony]

When I started eventing during the grass roots era - the subject of many a thread here - anybody who turned up in a nice new shiny truck with no binder twine holding it together was told they "looked like Quarter Horse people".

I started eventing about 20 years ago and now the rigs are way more fancy. My 1995 F250 is among the oldest trucks whenever I pull into the competition grounds, it seems! It has a couple of dents, but only 45K miles-- it was a construction site truck in its former life (and even came with a rotating orange light on top, since removed). My 2H Trail-et is a 1989 model, but does not show its age. :)

[SarahandSam]

I have an older gentleman friend who does barbecue. Has an amazing huge pit made out of an old oil drum. He hauls it with a green and cream '72 Dodge pickup. That thing was a TANK. I would take it over most new trucks out there... it would go forever. Haven't seen him in a few years but I'd bet it's still running and hauling.

We used it to haul the pit from Buffalo to Terlingua, Texas for a chili cookoff. There is very little in life as awesome as driving through the desert in a '72 Dodge pickup with the windows down and Robert Earl Keen blasting and javalinas scattering. The only thing that broke down during that whole two-week cross-country trip was the brand new trailer for the pit.

[Fancy That]

Funny what some people consider "old" :)

My truck is a WORK HORSE and we only use it for hauling and the odd ranch/remodeling/project needs.

It certainly won't win any beauty contests, but with a 7.5L, 460 big block engine....it really does the job.

It even has the old fashioned 4WD that has to be manually "turned on" at each of the front wheels!

But again - it does the job and runs like a charm

[Bluey]

We have an 1990 F150 4x4 that will still pull the 16' gooseneck full of cattle fine.
It even doesn't look too beat up, other than the tailgate, that has definitely seen better days and had a few things too many things dropped on it.
I can account for every one of the few bumps and scratches on it.;)

I have lost count of how many people have told me to let them know when I want to give it up. As if!

[Foxtrot's]

Yes, isn't that a bummer when you feel you are getting stuck and you have to stop and get out and turn those darned hubs and then get back in, soaked and muddy usually.

[MunchkinsMom]

Yes, isn't that a bummer when you feel you are getting stuck and you have to stop and get out and turn those darned hubs and then get back in, soaked and muddy usually.

LOL - yup, and wrestling with the gear shifter thing in the cab was almost as bad. my '86 Chevy had that setup. Once at a horse show, I sort of got stuck in the mud trying to get to where the men were telling me to park the rig. I played "dumb blonde" and told the guys that I didn't know how to use the 4WD, and they did it for me!

I must say that I much prefer the "push button" on my '02 pickup.

[5]

"Frankentruck" - perfect!QUOTE]

When on occasion the parts decide thet no longer wasnt to work to gether it gets called a called a similar name without first 'r', 'a' & 'n' and using a 'U' and a 'c' in their place.

[QUOTE=SarahandSam;4190226]Robert Earl Keen blasting and javalinas scattering.

Do you Blame em? You were hauling a BBQ!!! I'd run too if I were a pig