High mileage tow rig

ShipC1970 · 02-19-2025, 05:39 PM

Hey everyone!

New to stock racing and car is almost done. Plan on being on the track for the 26 season most likely. Going to be in the market for a used 1 ton diesel to tow my race setup. Not looking to cut corners but a new diesel isn?t in the budget. Currently have a 2023 Silverado 1500 with a 5.3 that struggles to pull my buddies 24? enclosed hauler with my stocker mustang. What would you guys consider to be a reliable high mileage diesel? It won?t be a daily just a tow pig for racing and transporting the car. More then likely going to get a 4th gen ram 6.7 3500 drw. Plan on purchasing a 28? enclosed trailer toward the end of the year as well hence the 1 ton dually. Let me know your experiences towing set ups and if I could possibly make due with what I have now.

Thanks!
Chris

BIGG18c · 02-19-2025, 06:50 PM

The main things I considered when deciding on a tow rig were: How far are you towing, How many times a year, and what is the elevation changes. If you are only going a hundred miles or so on flat land a handful times a year your current half ton would be fine with a weight distribution hitch. If you are going long distances or through a lot of elevation changes then I would choose the diesel for sure. This is just how I decided on what to buy and is by no means gospel lol

Sean Marconette · 02-20-2025, 12:24 AM

The 4th gen ram 6.7 3500 dually will do what you want. Brakes are the biggest concern with the 1500. So many people on the road, switch lanes and hop in front of you thinking you can stop on a dime. A 3500 is going to be setup for towing too.

Sean

ken robinson · 02-22-2025, 02:31 PM

I'm in div 1 towing a 24 goldrush with 2022 gas 6.6 GMC . My older 2011 6.0 2500 GMC did ok . I haven't had a dually in years

GTX JOHN · 03-13-2025, 08:49 PM

I have pulled up to a 53' gooseneck with 2 cars all
over our division for 25 years with a Diesel Ram Dually.

I have always been pleased with the service I have gotten
with them.

cordoba13 · 03-27-2025, 06:11 PM

6.4 2500 hemi ram, 28ft, much cheaper purchase/maintain, 12mpg

02-19-2025, 05:39 PM	#1
ShipC1970 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2023 Location: Upland, CA Posts: 37 Likes: 26 Liked 28 Times in 11 Posts	High mileage tow rig Hey everyone! New to stock racing and car is almost done. Plan on being on the track for the 26 season most likely. Going to be in the market for a used 1 ton diesel to tow my race setup. Not looking to cut corners but a new diesel isn?t in the budget. Currently have a 2023 Silverado 1500 with a 5.3 that struggles to pull my buddies 24? enclosed hauler with my stocker mustang. What would you guys consider to be a reliable high mileage diesel? It won?t be a daily just a tow pig for racing and transporting the car. More then likely going to get a 4th gen ram 6.7 3500 drw. Plan on purchasing a 28? enclosed trailer toward the end of the year as well hence the 1 ton dually. Let me know your experiences towing set ups and if I could possibly make due with what I have now. Thanks! Chris Last edited by ShipC1970; 02-19-2025 at 05:59 PM.

02-19-2025, 06:50 PM	#2
BIGG18c Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: North Dakota Posts: 43 Likes: 19 Liked 35 Times in 14 Posts	Re: High mileage tow rig The main things I considered when deciding on a tow rig were: How far are you towing, How many times a year, and what is the elevation changes. If you are only going a hundred miles or so on flat land a handful times a year your current half ton would be fine with a weight distribution hitch. If you are going long distances or through a lot of elevation changes then I would choose the diesel for sure. This is just how I decided on what to buy and is by no means gospel lol __________________ Grant Christianson C521 S/G,S/C, Pro ET.

02-20-2025, 12:24 AM	#3
Sean Marconette Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 977 Likes: 785 Liked 274 Times in 76 Posts	Re: High mileage tow rig The 4th gen ram 6.7 3500 dually will do what you want. Brakes are the biggest concern with the 1500. So many people on the road, switch lanes and hop in front of you thinking you can stop on a dime. A 3500 is going to be setup for towing too. Sean __________________ Sean Marconette 84 Mustang 5060 SS/N

02-22-2025, 02:31 PM	#4
ken robinson Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: tomsriver nj Posts: 473 Likes: 72 Liked 213 Times in 85 Posts	Re: High mileage tow rig I'm in div 1 towing a 24 goldrush with 2022 gas 6.6 GMC . My older 2011 6.0 2500 GMC did ok . I haven't had a dually in years

03-13-2025, 08:49 PM	#5
GTX JOHN VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Boulder City, Nevada 89005 Posts: 2,719 Likes: 2,760 Liked 2,425 Times in 687 Posts	Re: High mileage tow rig I have pulled up to a 53' gooseneck with 2 cars all over our division for 25 years with a Diesel Ram Dually. I have always been pleased with the service I have gotten with them. __________________ John Irving 741 Stock 741 Super Stock

03-27-2025, 06:11 PM	#6
cordoba13 Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2023 Location: westerly RI Posts: 13 Likes: 1 Liked 8 Times in 5 Posts	Re: High mileage tow rig 6.4 2500 hemi ram, 28ft, much cheaper purchase/maintain, 12mpg