Appropriate vehicle for Mobile Unit

MrHandWash

MrHandWash

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Would prefer to not go with a van set up (pretty much dead set on a truck) but looking for a vehicle that can accomodate more than 1 passenger (4 seater). Looking at pretty low budget, but trying to go for a good fuel economy.

I'm currently looking at a 98' GMC Sonoma (Extended crew cab) but I have yet to find a 3.0L V6 that is in good shape. I am mostly finding V4 2.2L.

Concern:

I'm looking at going with a single axle 4x6 trailer (dry weight of around 500-600lbs). I'm going to be slapping on a 60+ water drum (500.4 lbs) So that puts me up to 1100, then with my other supplies I'm thinking with generator, reclaim system, other supplies I'm looking at 1600+ lbs minimum.

The V4 can go up to 3,500lbs with a balanced tow hitch, the V6 can go up to 5,000lbs.

Looking at about a 4 city, 6 highway difference minimum between the two. Anyone think a V4 could handle almost a 2k tow weight regularly for an auto? or should I just go with the V6? Any suggestions? I know, this is an opinionated subject, but any advice would be appreciated.
 
What IS your budget? Might help with recommending something.

You're not going to find a 3.0L V6 S-series truck... I think you meant to say 4.3L V6.... which is a damn good motor -- same as an Astro van or base level half-ton truck. The 2.2L 4-cyl. is a bit weak for hauling the kind of equipment load you're looking at IMO.

If it were me and I was dead-set on a truck over a van, I'd go for an extended or crew cab half ton Chevy/GMC with either the 4.8L or 5.3L V8. More room in the bed of the truck itself, better for towing, more room inside. You can find older GMT-800s for dirt cheap all day long these days (99-07 models)
 
Every crew cab type truck will cost much more than a regular cab. I've been working out of my 2001 Dodge Dakota w/4.7l V8 and I have plenty of room and power. I average 16 mpg around town and about 18.5 on the interstate.

Loaded in the truck everyday is a 1850W generator, 55 gal. low profile tank, electric pressure washer, vacuum, 3 buckets and all the needed chemicals and such. I don't use a trailer. My back seat folds up for extra storage if needed.

Now having said that I am looking for another vehicle that will get better gas milage. I am switching to ONR so my water requirements will greatly be reduced so that opens up the available vehicles that will work for me. I'm considering a Subaru Baja. Also considered a Volvo Wagon. I have different taste.
 
It's $5000 for a vehicle. I know the V8's are bullet proof motors for the most part, but that horrible fuel economy is kind of discouraging. Then again... my current car is only 16 mpg.
 
Beware of the GMC vortex motor it requires a minimum of 61psi of fuel pressure anything lower it will not run. Also late 90's GMC trucks went through fuel pumps like there was no tomorrow. I was a service advisor at a chevy dealership in the late 90's and saw this all the time.
 
I was considering a late 90's, early 2000 ranger... but I heard they have head problems, and oil pans leak a lot. So, I don't want to have to buy head or cylinder rebuild kits.

So late GMC has fuel pump issues eh? That gets a bit pricey.

So... let's move on to Chevy. What issues might I expect if I go with a EX crew cab silverado, say... 98-2001. Still gets 17-19 city, 20-23 highway. Not too shabby, and a good towing rating 5000+ as well. A 'big' improvement on the bed size as well.
 
Have you considered an Explorer Sport Trak? Not a lot of room on the bed, but some have a 4.6 V-8 and it should handle the trailer. I think they get decent mpg too.
 
If you are going to be towing all that equipment a diesel may be the way to go. 3 reasons:
1) higher towing capacity for when you begin adding to your arsenal with possible upgrades like larger generator, RO system, more water for contract jobs etc.
2) Longer engine life; I have 300k on a 12v cummins and its still running strong.
3) Potential for great mileage if tuned correctly, all it takes is the right chip to get 20 mpg even while hauling.
 
Im using my dually to carry everything around. About to upgrade to a 400gal tank. I've been getting around 14 city and 16 hwy. That's with a 60 gal tank, Honda generator, pressure washer, and other supplies. But it's got 4.10 gears in the rear end which doesn't help the milage much. What's your budget?
 
$5000 budget. Duallies are out of the question with a 5k budget it seems. I'm not too interested in buying a 150k mile plus truck. Trying to stay under that kind of mileage.
 
GMC=Chevy. $5000 budget is going to be a tough order. Try the local papers just make sure you take it to your mechanic before you buy it. If the sellers baulks at this then walk away because something's up.
 
Well I've found a few silverados I like that are around 100-130k miles that are pristine. My father-in-law is a master mechanic and works on chevies/american and specializes in... well anything. I'll definitely bring it to his chevy dealership he works at, free inspection and work (I still pay him though, I'm not that bad, haha) ^.^
 
Sounds like a good deal for you and maybe you could father-in-law a free detail.:dblthumb2:
 
He has a white 93 S4, I'd be more than glad to detail it for him... but uh yeah, would go through so many pads haha.
 
Yeah, it would need a full correction in every way shape and form. It would be a 2 day project to bring that beast back to show room exterior. Then... there's the interior :'(
 
Two things,

In my opinion an s10 alone will not be big enough for a water tank, generator, supplies, etc.

And if you get a trailer go with a 5x8 with a side door. A 4x6 trailer is useless. 5x8s are not much heavier and close to the same price. A side door gives you access to the front of the trailer with ease.

I have a 99 s10 standard cab, 4 cylinder stick shift that I pull my 5x8 pace America enclosed trailer (with side door) with and its fine. I have a 50 gal water tank in the trailer with ALL my supplies IN the trailer (not the truck). I just hook up and go, when I get home I unhook and my truck is free of clutter. Takes about 2 minutes and I have everything I need!

A word of cautiong though a 5x8 is still small, you need to build lots of shelves, drawers and compartments to make everything fit. I just about have my trailer set up the way I like it to make the details go smooth
 
Yeah, well I've already looked at 4x6 and 5x8's. If I could get a side door 4x6 that'b be amazing. Assuming they don't make them (have yet to see one) so I'll probably have to go with a 5x8 side/back folding door model. As far as supplies for the trailer goes, I already have all of my supplies for shelving and multiple bottle holder wall mounts picked out. It's just a matter of coming up with the funds and building a large client base then taking out a small business loan and funding the rest.

I'm already going to pay for the most of the accessories out of pocket: Vehicle, trailer, vaccum, drawers, DA's, Orbitals, rotaries, buffers, and probably a generator, water tank.

Reclaim system, tornado/carpet steamer, pressure washer is where I might be in a bit of a tight spot.

Going to make it happen though, the fiance started up nursing school, so I can get a night job with my free time and probably going to work... 80-90 hours a week for about 6-months to a year to fund this project on my own. I have a friend who would be willing to learn and help as well for full 2-day jobs to shorten things up. Going to have to bust my rear to make this happen though... because quiet frankly I'm not enjoying what I do right now. I'd be happy just making $600+ after overhead a week detailing on my own.

I work 45-55 hours a week right now and only make like $500, kind of sad. I can't accrue overtime, so it just sucks. Picking up a night job.
 
You mention the horrible gas mileage of the full size trucks? Well, the 5.3L Chevy/GMC gets great mileage. My 05 ext cab 2wd gets 17 city, and 23 hwy. On a long cruise to so-cal I did 24mpg with the bed and cab completely loaded. Drive them right and they will get good mileage.
 
I use a 2000 Grand Marquis with 373 gears in it. I have a 4x6 heavy duty enclosed trailer with a 33 gallon air compressor, 100 gallon water tank, 2600 psi gas pressure washer & a 5500 watt generator. I have all my supplies in my trunk so I can't carry the 10 bodies I used to be able to in the massive trunk lol. Oh and I fit my vacuum in the trunk too! That how I roll and boy do I get some looks drivin down the road lol--
 
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