Full size van or truck

I'm looking at getting a cheap tow vehicle, so I don't have to use the family mini-van to take the boat out. My commuter car won't work for towing.

The third vehicle budget is $5000 max and preferably less. It'll be just for fishing and camping. It'll need to hold two car seats and another adult. It needs to be able to pull the boat, and a load of camping stuff.

Older full-size vans, seem like they'd be ideal for now. Especially considering the camping stuff can locked up easily and left ready to roll.

Most of friends that think an old truck would be better. But that is all they have experience with, and no experience with a big van. I don't need to haul loads of dirt, mulch, etc.

What are the disadvantages to driving an older van, vs a older truck? Any other considerations or input is appreciated.

Older anything has it's downside! I'd go with a van myself, I've had a full size van and with kids it comes in handy, I have a truck now!

If you don't need to haul anything look for a older Tahoe or similar vehicle for your towing needs.

I've used my uncle's Navigator, and a friend's Tahoe. In comparison, out Odyssey has a ridiculous amount of interior capacity.

My buddy had a full size Dodge van. He mounted rod holders to the inside roof. Now poles always in the van and takes less loading time for an outing.

Man, you can't beat a van! I've always loved them and have owned a bunch of them. Nothing rides or drives better and, at least around here, a van is way cheaper than a truck. The only issue I can think of is that the conversion vans, with all their extra weight (mainly fiberglass roofs and body kits) are generally under-powered. Adding a big, heavy boat makes things worse.

I had a Chevy Astro. I still say it's been the most useful vehicle I've had. Rated to tow over 5000#, seating for 8, lots of storage space.
I had the cheap one, two removable bench seats. I always left the rear one out, utilized the extra storage space.
They made them in AWD also, mine was rwd. Recommend the AWD.
I pulled a 16' tin boat, 20' pontoon, 16' ski boat, and a 6 x 12' box trailer with it. It was always asking for more.
Do a search on them, the modification possibilities are endless.
I would recommend getting one with rear heat/ac, that's alot of space to heat and cool.
Keep in mind with a truck, you'll most likely put a topper on it, which is more money.

I think a truck, or like someone said Suburban or Tahoe. The old Suburbans and Tahoe's like the gas but are built to tow and haul. They in my opinion are cheaper and easier to work on...if you are a do it yourself type person or hiring it done....my son used to be a mechanic and he alway said you need to double the time to do anything on a full size van vs a truck or Suburban. A big part of this equation for me would be what can I find that has the best miles, best overall conditon for the monehy. All will get the job done.

Full size van (12-15 passenger size, minus the seats) will be fine. Up until recently I used a Suburban for landscaping. Loved the ability to keep gear ready to go at all times but locked up. Pulls the trailer very easily. FYI Currently have it for sale (under $2k), but it needs tires and battery.

I am a truck man myself. Like the 4wheel drive and case I need it. I've got the crew cab with the the hard back on the bed that is lockable.
LittleJohn

If you want a full size van, with all wheel drive, I believe the Chevy 2500 series had a factory Option for it.
Or, go ahead and spend the kids inheritance and get a Quigley van. Look them up, they're sswwweeeeeerttttt!

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/Van+~+Minivan

I was in the same spot a few years ago. Infact I bought my boat with nothing to pull it with. I decided to base my decision on getting the best tow vehicle I could find for the money. I had the same budget as yours and settled on 2002 Suburban with 72,000 miles. I live in Texas but that truck has been to Florida and Washington DC just to name a few. It's the greatest travel vehicle I have ever owned. Remove the back seat and it is the same size as a full size truck. I wish I could afford a new one.

Having been raised in station wagons and owned 2 minivans, I have a little experience. The van is a good idea but if it has solid panels on the side they have blind spots that I don't like. Window versions are nice but lack security due to all windows. Pickups are about the same in that aspect also and draw a lot more funds to buy because everyone likes a 4dr pickup, old or not. I have an extended cab pickup with a fiberglass topper and like it fine, kinda like the best of both worlds for my needs. My only concern with pulling a boat with a smaller van is the weight of the boat and gear and family. If it's a big fiberglass boat, there is also the stopping factor. My GMC Jimmy had 4 wheel disc brakes and was almost challenged when trying to stop my 18' bass boat. Minivan brakes would be no better. Just my thoughts and input, hope it helps.

I get a van. when camping you could also sleep in it if you wanted too.

My neighbor has a 4x4 suburban for sale around 6 grand he might take 5. 214000 miles.

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Originally Posted by BAMA S

My neighbor has a 4x4 suburban for sale around 6 grand he might take 5. 214000 miles.

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Thanks. There is a clean one around the corner from me. The guy wants 4k, but it has 297k miles.

I bought a 2004 4 wheel drive explorer a few years back that I paid 5000 for. had 135,000 on it when I got it. 3 rows seating and will haul my bass tracker and the grand kids no problem. I like the 4 wheel drive on wet and slippery ramps. Seen a guy last weekend with a new explorer that was not 4 wheel drive trying to get a 22 ft pontoon boat off the ramp. Didn't think he would make it but after spinning the front wheel drive for about 5 minutes he finally made it.

Rock Creek Dave?