What should I look for.

[popo8]

So I saw this amd thought for the price of a trailer this can do more for me than a trailer and wont beat up my escalade. What should I look for if I go check this out?

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[popo8]

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4197834836.html

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[joelster]

With the gas 460 it will get about 10mpg unloaded and about 6mpg with a car on back. If I used something like that to go to the shootout it would add $550 in gas for the trip, lol. My trailer was $1500. A gas 460 is a strong bulletproof engine, but a pig on fuel.

[popo8]

Good info there. Idk that i would use it for the shootout...but for the cost of a nice trailer and not abusing my escalade...i think that additional fuel would be worth it..i can use it for anything... I just know nothing about rollbacks or fords. lol.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[BIG CAT]

popo your escalade should be rated for 7500+/-
the money you will dump into that thing you could buy a nice aluminum open trailer. weight wise they run 1600lbs to 1800lbs empty. so your probably looking at a total weight of just over 5k. so its not all that bad. you should not have any trouble with it as long as you drive it reasonably(no towing at 80mph).

[popo8]

I guess its thatbI just really dont want to trailer with my dd. Id rather something dedicated so if something happens... O guess i should clarify that its this ad that got me thinking. may not even be this specific one IF i do get one...but rather this that got my thinking juices flowing.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[BIG CAT]

ok.

what about a old ambulance and a open trailer? a guy on yb posted some pics of his. it looked like a damn nice setup. plenty of storage and he turned the inside into a lounge area.

[popo8]

Lol... it would be cool. but i like the idea of one unit. no hooking...unhooking...

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[JCzNova]

If you want a rollback get one bro. Don't let a bunch of Nay-Sayers get you down.

Across country, sucks. Around town, can't be beat!

[SSlowBoat]

for the amount of times a trailer would be nice to own, a rollback would have been better in my case. i say do it.

its a bitch to get a car onto a trailer on a wierd road/shoulder/etc in the dark, but a rollback, hook-up, drag it, hop in and go.

[JCzNova]

for the amount of times a trailer would be nice to own, a rollback would have been better in my case. i say do it.

its a bitch to get a car onto a trailer on a wierd road/shoulder/etc in the dark, but a rollback, hook-up, drag it, hop in and go.

There are still people around with common sense. Thanks Tubby.

[popo8]

If you want a rollback get one bro. Don't let a bunch of Nay-Sayers get you down.

Across country, sucks. Around town, can't be beat!


for the amount of times a trailer would be nice to own, a rollback would have been better in my case. i say do it.

its a bitch to get a car onto a trailer on a wierd road/shoulder/etc in the dark, but a rollback, hook-up, drag it, hop in and go.


See, thats my thinking... just simpler. And in this instance... its 3k... a nice trailer is what, 2k??? And it would cause no wear or tear to my esky.... Yes, I know the caddy is rated to pull... but, in the end, not trailering is more wear and tear than not trailering, right?

[firebird_1995]

What does a trans rebuild run these days? Factor that in on using your dd to haul a trailer.

[popo8]

What does a trans rebuild run these days? Factor that in on using your dd to haul a trailer.

Crazy u said that...its part of what i thought. And i need my dd to always be available.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[AdamG]

Check your state laws on licensing you may or may not need a special license. id make sure its a real good vehicle or u could put more into it then its worth. Tires for that beast wont be cheap. U might want to look into insurance as well. U may have to put not for hirer on the side

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[shownomercy]

for the amount of times a trailer would be nice to own, a rollback would have been better in my case. i say do it.

its a bitch to get a car onto a trailer on a wierd road/shoulder/etc in the dark, but a rollback, hook-up, drag it, hop in and go.

And for the 90% of the time you are not using a flat bed, where would you keep it? I know Popo is out in middle of nowhere PA but still ... :lol:

Look into a tilt deck bumper pull with a winch. Best of both worlds without the size of a flat bed.

[AdamG]

And for the 90% of the time you are not using a flat bed, where would you keep it? I know Popo is out in middle of nowhere PA but still plus insurance on the tow truck. Trailer is covered by the tow vehicle .



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[popo8]

Check your state laws on licensing you may or may not need a special license. id make sure its a real good vehicle or u could put more into it then its worth. Tires for that beast wont be cheap. U might want to look into insurance as well. U may have to put not for hirer on the side

Sent from my SCH-I110 using Tapatalk 2

Im pretty up to date on licensing laws... ;)

Dont need anything special to operate...and I got a great vinyl guy. lol

[popo8]

And for the 90% of the time you are not using a flat bed, where would you keep it? I know Popo is out in middle of nowhere PA but still ... :lol:

Look into a tilt deck bumper pull with a winch. Best of both worlds without the size of a flat bed.

Big concrete slab behind my house.

[popo8]

plus insurance on the tow truck. Trailer is covered by the tow vehicle .



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As long as its not a business vehicle, insuring it will be just as easy as putting it on my current policy.

[firebird_1995]

I seriously doubt you'd lose any money on that rollback. If it doesn't work out like you think, put it back up for sale. I've been looking around here for one, best I can find is a broke down 79 ford for 3k. Hell I can't even find a decent bed for that much. Id like to put my 54 Chevy cab on a rollback frame....

[AdamG]

Hey im not bashing your idea just trying to throw stuff out there u might not have thought of. I can tell you the amount of times I have got into things thinking they were great ideas only to be caught off guard from stuff I didn't think of.

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[popo8]

i appreciate that man. I didnt think u were bashing.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[JCzNova]

popo8 Did you change the title of the thread? Did it say "Should I buy this" before??? Just wondering since everyone wants to tell you why not to buy it, instead of telling you what to look for.

Enter stage right. Featherburner: Just the DICKHEAD comment I was waiting for again.

[SSlowBoat]

And for the 90% of the time you are not using a flat bed, where would you keep it? I know Popo is out in middle of nowhere PA but still ... :lol:

Look into a tilt deck bumper pull with a winch. Best of both worlds without the size of a flat bed.

Ahh the glory of having a big red barn lol i wouldnt have a problem storing one. Lettuce be cereal guys, most of us still have opti's. A rollback would be a good choice lol

[shownomercy]

Ahh the glory of having a big red barn lol i wouldnt have a problem storing one. Lettuce be cereal guys, most of us still have opti's. A rollback would be a good choice lol

Do you know what a tilt deck is...?

http://www.trailershopper.com/files/27494.jpg

Toss a winch on the front, and bam, nice easy loading of Fbods. All while in the towing comfort of a caddy.

[BIG CAT]

See, thats my thinking... just simpler. And in this instance... its 3k... a nice trailer is what, 2k??? And it would cause no wear or tear to my esky.... Yes, I know the caddy is rated to pull... but, in the end, not trailering is more wear and tear than not trailering, right?

It sounds like you have your heart set on getting it. but my gut instinct tells me that things going to be a money pit and the stuff the listed as needing to be repaired is just the tip of the ice berg.

[popo8]

Do you know what a tilt deck is...?

http://www.trailershopper.com/files/27494.jpg

Toss a winch on the front, and bam, nice easy loading of Fbods. All while in the towing comfort of a caddy.

yes i know what a tilt deck is... I will say this again... I DONT want to tow with my DD. Thats the issue with a trailer.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[popo8]

It sounds like you have your heart set on getting it. but my gut instinct tells me that things going to be a money pit and the stuff the listed as needing to be repaired is just the tip of the ice berg.

I def like the idea of one unit rather than a truck and trailer...and no matter what the rating of my caddy...its still more wear and tear than NOT towing with it at all. Also...it may have gotten lost in all the responses...but the link posted is thw truck that got me thinking...not nec the one i would get and in the end...Isnt ANY vehicle a MONEY PIT? If I wanted a cheap hobby...Id grow peppers. ha.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[JCzNova]

There is a twin of that by me, has the 7.3 diesel.... but is a 5-speed.

Or this!
http://images.craigslist.org/00n0n_8G7PUCKwRbC_50x50c.jpg

[popo8]

There is a twin of that by me, has the 7.3 diesel.... but is a 5-speed.

Or this!
http://images.craigslist.org/00n0n_8G7PUCKwRbC_50x50c.jpg

i found a few diesel ones as well. and they are not much MUCH more.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[SUBARU POWER TIME]

I totally understand the want for the rollback. It looks pretty clean in the few pics. But things to look for would be the condition of the hydraulic system ( lines and whatnot). When I was looking at buying one. I took one for a spin liked how it drove. Then went to check all the bed operations and it blew a hose :-/. Being a 4 speed it's probably got the floor engagement pto to run the pump. I would check the operation of that closely.

How does the clutch feel? Does it chatter?

Any major leaks on it?

It says runs rough. So start with a tune up and a carb rebuild. Could just have a leaky intake gasket causing the rough running condition.

You can always toss a single plane on it if you wanted 😉.

But for 3k you can't go wrong as long as it functions 100% Hydraulic lines get kind of pricy pretty quick.

You can always turn around and sell it.

I would buy it

[SUBARU POWER TIME]

If you have the option I would get a diesel!

[shownomercy]

Popo I thought a ways back you mentioned you did not like the rattle of diesels? A 7.3 PSD will rattle your brains out, as would any 12v or old 6.5 TD.

[popo8]

Popo I thought a ways back you mentioned you did not like the rattle of diesels? A 7.3 PSD will rattle your brains out, as would any 12v or old 6.5 TD.

i did... i was searching for a DD at the time and was thinkin about a diesel pu.... Thats right before i bought the caddy. Simce this would not be a dd...it would be about the work horse angle.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[popo8]

If you have the option I would get a diesel!

Its def an option. my concern is diesel maint and repair seems to be more costly...

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[shownomercy]

i did... i was searching for a DD at the time and was thinkin about a diesel pu.... Thats right before i bought the caddy. Simce this would not be a dd...it would be about the work horse angle.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

Well the drive to the midwest is gonna be a long one if you are driven crazy by a loud diesel. Food for thought.

And yes, diesel will be more expensive to fix than gassers, but, you do infinitely better on mileage both on and off tow.

[popo8]

Well the drive to the midwest is gonna be a long one if you are driven crazy by a loud diesel. Food for thought.

And yes, diesel will be more expensive to fix than gassers, but, you do infinitely better on mileage both on and off tow.

it may never make that trip. Although a thought Its really for just aroind here...maybe the 180 mile trip to ocmd once a year. The track.... other projects...helping friends out...u know...local ish.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[SUBARU POWER TIME]

The longevity of a diesel is great. Just keep up on the oil changes (ROTELLA T) I mean they are pretty low maintenance. Not to mention. A 7.3 will pull your entire neighborhood down the street. But so will that 460.

[SUBARU POWER TIME]

Although they cost more to fix. They seem to break down engine wise less!

[shownomercy]

it may never make that trip. Although a thought Its really for just aroind here...maybe the 180 mile trip to ocmd once a year. The track.... other projects...helping friends out...u know...local ish.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

Oh ok, well, would def be cool, but be prepared for everyone you know asking for tows ;)

Just remember to stick "Not for hire" stickers on, and if ever pulled over, say its for a friend who is not paying you.

[SUBARU POWER TIME]

He will just flash his brass pass and be on his way

[94Blackbird]

Although they cost more to fix. They seem to break down engine wise less!

Properly maintained, the engine will wear out the truck it came in, and the next one and the one after that!

[popo8]

Properly maintained, the engine will wear out the truck it came in, and the next one and the one after that!

BUT... stuff still goes wrong, even properly maintained. Is the cost of those specialized repairs worth it?

[popo8]

Oh ok, well, would def be cool, but be prepared for everyone you know asking for tows ;)

Just remember to stick "Not for hire" stickers on, and if ever pulled over, say its for a friend who is not paying you.

Oh yeah.. I know. I dont mind. I think Ive been pretty blatent that I enjoy helping others, even at a loss to me. As for the NOT FOR HIRE decals.. its a must. We have the on our race toter and stacker for the same reason as well.

[shownomercy]

BUT... stuff still goes wrong, even properly maintained. Is the cost of those specialized repairs worth it?

A old 7.3/12v/6.5 TD will be slightly cheaper than a newer common rail stuff to work on. Still, injectors aren't cheap and they aren't getting any newer.

[popo8]

A old 7.3/12v/6.5 TD will be slightly cheaper than a newer common rail stuff to work on. Still, injectors aren't cheap and they aren't getting any newer.

Im not gonna act like I know.. but I remember a ford diesel van in the shop and something about a high pressure injector pump...or something like that had failed and it was CRAZY expensive. Does any of that make sense?

I guess the additional fuel does not bother me when it wont be traveling that far...often. Even if it makes a long trip at 10mpg... as compared to the escalade doing 15mpg loaded.... that is an additional 50% of fuel cost...right. But at the same time, if the motor shits the bed.. how hard is it to find, and replace that engine.. or even a rebuild as compared to the cost of a diesel shitn the bed?

[SSlowBoat]

Do you know what a tilt deck is...?

http://www.trailershopper.com/files/27494.jpg

Toss a winch on the front, and bam, nice easy loading of Fbods. All while in the towing comfort of a caddy.

I know what a tilt deck is, we put scissor lifts on them for work when we dont have a loading dock. I cant stand em personally

[shownomercy]

Im not gonna act like I know.. but I remember a ford diesel van in the shop and something about a high pressure injector pump...or something like that had failed and it was CRAZY expensive. Does any of that make sense?

I guess the additional fuel does not bother me when it wont be traveling that far...often. Even if it makes a long trip at 10mpg... as compared to the escalade doing 15mpg loaded.... that is an additional 50% of fuel cost...right. But at the same time, if the motor shits the bed.. how hard is it to find, and replace that engine.. or even a rebuild as compared to the cost of a diesel shitn the bed?

Yea, a injection pump will be pricey.

I would say that replacing the trans and engine in the escalade would be cheaper than in a diesel for sure.

Shaun, wasn't sure, just checking ;) I want one in a gooseneck config.

[AdamG]

shownomercy The big thing with a tilt deck is to get a hydraulic one. Dont cheap out and get a gravity one.

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[popo8]

Yea, a injection pump will be pricey.

I would say that replacing the trans and engine in the escalade would be cheaper than in a diesel for sure.




Issue is.. I cant afford to have the escalade down.... especially in the winter months.

I actually meant in a gas powered roll back. lol

[SSlowBoat]

shownomercy The big thing with a tilt deck is to get a hydraulic one. Dont cheap out and get a gravity one.

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shownomercy this is my point, even trying to stay out of the way, ive had too many dudes get their legs taken out due to stupidity. add in dark backroad in the rain at night, and its a recipe for getting knocked the hell out. i want your truck and trailer combo personally lol

[AdamG]

shownomercy this is my point, even trying to stay out of the way, ive had too many dudes get their legs taken out due to stupidity. add in dark backroad in the rain at night, and its a recipe for getting knocked the hell out. i want your truck and trailer combo personally lol

Personally im going to a hydraulic tilt back. Loading with the trailer I have is a pain. I have to pull the ramps out put them back and hope they are setup right. But I put everything on it. This is a pic with my old truck. And the new truck
I completely understand why popo wants a flatbed. Its just not something that would work for me because of the distances I run. Ramps are such a pain.
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[SUBARU POWER TIME]

If you want cheap to fix get the 460. BIG BLOCK POWA

[popo8]

If you want cheap to fix get the 460. BIG BLOCK POWA

I like how u think. lol

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[AdamG]

Id go with the 460 as well evey fuel stop sells gas but not everyone sales diesel. Also if u get tired of it u can always part it out and stuff the engine in a fox body lol.

You might want to try and find a 4x4 cause I always find my self in odd places helping friends I once slide off a muddy wet culvert pipe on a step hill.

Another thing is ask about gas tank sizes ford sold tow truck specific gas tanks which are smaller then what comes in the standard trucks. Not sure why they did this but they did.

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[popo8]

Id go with the 460 as well evey fuel stop sells gas but not everyone sales diesel. Also if u get tired of it u can always part it out and stuff the engine in a fox body lol.

You might want to try and find a 4x4 cause I always find my self in odd places helping friends I once slide off a muddy wet culvert pipe on a step hill.

Another thing is ask about gas tank sizes ford sold tow truck specific gas tanks which are smaller then what comes in the standard trucks. Not sure why they did this but they did.

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Good info...didnt know about the fuel tanks.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[SUBARU POWER TIME]

Well how's the search for a roll back coming along? I'm curious.

[popo8]

I have a cl search set to notify me when stuff within my parameters get listed.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[SUBARU POWER TIME]

Nice. Didn't know you could do that