Is it possible to get a viable10K lb tow vehicle for under $8K (less is better, this vehicle will only be used for towing ~ 5 times a year)?

10K lb may be an overstatement of need, I will be towing a formula 272 sr-1 which I believe is ~ 6K dry and it will sit on a tri axel trailer having brakes on 2 axels. So all loaded up and playing it safe I am calling it 10K but in actuality it may be less?

Only requirements for this vehicle are cost and safety/reliability (and it must be able to do highway speeds). If possible, what sort of vehicle/vintage should I be looking for?

Thanks!

Perfect candidate for you. The 8.1's are great, just thirsty.
http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...00-o65285.html

WOW, that's a beast!

Agreed, any GM with the 8.1 and 4.10 rear end. Suburban, Yukon XL, Sierra 2500, Silverado 2500, Avalanche 2500.

I have been looking for something like that.... who's is it? (member name)

Look at the 1st pic where you can see behind the passenger frt wheel. These GM's rot big time underneath. Trust me. 04's and 05's are even a mess here. Not many GM trucks older than this around anymore. I would assume IL close to the same.

Always get a qualified 2nd look at any GM truck...up on a lift....and go nuts.

Fuel lines, brake lines, fuel tank senders (only available as a pump/sender, etc module) and then of course rocker panels and frames and etc.

I've gotten many at work that where just bought (used) and either need $2k+ worth of work, or have to go to the junk yard. Unfortunately in my state, you can sell a car 'As is" without any lemon law protection. Suks being the bearer of bad news.

What he said. I love my 03 2500hd 8.1.

I'm in somewhat in the same situation.
I currently have a 1999 Dodge 1500 4WD that pulls our boat but it doesn't PULL as well as I would like- it has about 123000 miles. I have been looking at a replacement - the desire of my heart would be at least a 3/4 ton diesel, 4WD extended cab and short bed. The problem is that we don't use this truck much at all and I cannot justify spending a lot of money on a vehicle that sits in our garage- I think when I purchased the truck in 2009 it had 90K on it so you can see in the 7 years I put on around 20K miles. I have looked at CarMax and local used car/truck lots and some of the junk and prices that they want are simply crazy- I don't want to spend more than 18K. I live in northern Indiana and if anyone has a solid lead please pass it my way.

Take care and safe boating

3pointstar

No idea. I just remembered seeing it in the classifieds and posted the link.

Griff nailed it before i could, I have a 2001 Chevy Suburban 4wd with the 8.1 and its a beast at towing! Mines been beefed up a bit now but even when it was stock it would pull anything at all. I have a 31' Scarab and when it's loaded with fuel and the truck is filled with people and coolers it still just chugs up and down the Ozark Hills all day long without a hiccup.