I'm looking for a diesel powered tow vehicle. What I can afford is in the 2000-2006 year range. Right now I have 25' boat and trailer that weighs close to 6000lbs. I am also looking to upgrade to a 28-29' single engine boat in the future and would like to have the towing capacity to tow that. Which diesel engine is the most reliable for this and what would be the maximum amount of miles on the motor would be ok?

Ford 7.3L '99-'03. Bone reliable with a good stiff chassis wrapped around it. Decent interior. Find a ZF 6speed if you've got the stones for it

It seems like all the big-3's diesel offerings were good up until 2002 EPA emissions and then took a bit of a hit in terms of driveability and reliability. In recent years though, it's gotten better. So if you're budget precludes anything new 2008+, I'd stay with the older stuff IMHO. I may be generalizing a bit too much though. Others will chime in.

Randy

Ford 7.3 as stated would be my first choice and upwards of 150K miles still leaves plenty of tow miles left in it (if it's been maintained properly).....NO 03-04 6.0 Fords. After 05 they got the bugs worked out fairly well (I love my 07).

here we go again.....

A GM/Chevy 2500HD with a 6.0 will tow a 28-29 single fine.

Thanks for all the input so far everyone. Keep it coming. Let me understand what you are saying t500hps. Up to 150k don't worry but after that be aware?

ive got 95 f350 diesel 250+ miles, proper maintenance, regular intervals. this thing has been bullet proof reliable, also have 04 excursion diesel have been lucky with it so far 120 miles on it, again maintained reg.......5.9 cummins is also a great engine

I can't say what the "best" is but I enjoy my 7.3 F350. Be prepared that they will need front end suspension parts if they have never been replaced. I would dare to say the automatics are probably good for about 150k if they have been towed with. If they go out most people put BTS transmissions in as a replacement. Personally I sought out a 6 speed and LOVE it. When I'm at the ramp I just drop it in low gear and let my foot off the clutch. Pullls my 15k out with NO problem.

Also - I would get a dually mainly because I can't think of a good reason not to.

No - I think he is saying he would buy one with up to 150k on it because you could get plenty of trouble free miles out of it still.

There are lots of the 7.3 trucks with 250k that have never had anything other than regular maintenance.

I don't know the trucks as well as some, just that would be about the cut-off for me. I'm expecting the engine will have plenty of life left at that point where-as buying oe with over 250K is getting closer to the end. Regardless of brand, once getting around 150K other items (door handles, starters, u joints, etc) are going to start wearing out.

seafordguy understood what I was trying to say.