need to decide...

richie 2 · 03-03-2016, 12:15 PM

I have enough parts to build either an older GM surburban or an early chevy ramp truck....either unit need to go bracket racing. need pro n cons, which would be best. tks.

03-03-2016, 04:38 PM

I'm guessing if you build the Suburban you'll need to buy a trailer so that would be a con unless you already have one. A pro going that way though would be in you already had an enclosed trailer so that the car would be protected and you could store things in the Suburban and sleep in it if necessary.

The biggest pro for the ramp truck would be the cool factor! Those are just plain neat! Also a pro that you don't need a trailer. Cons are that the car is exposed to weather, thieves, etc. and there isn't much room for spare equipment or people.

I would say the Suburban if you already have a trailer.

Scott

richie 2 · 03-03-2016, 05:21 PM

failed to mention there is no trailer. I believe a couple cabnets under the ramp bed would work for floor jack, gen., tool box....its a 67 chevy one ton so way yes on the cool factor....

Lew Silverman · 03-03-2016, 09:53 PM

Without a trailer your only option is the ramp truck.

Having used both types of vehicles there are definite advantages to both, but depending on your situation, also significant disadvantages -

Unless you have another vehicle the ramp truck can be a PITA to use as every day transportation, so a Suburban makes sense here.
If you have a Suburban, you'll need a trailer, and a place to keep it when not hauling the race car, so here the Hauler makes sense. The Suburban also isn't the easiest vehicle to haul large heavy parts in, at least without having to unload everything you've already loaded up!
If you're building a truck, or modifying one, consider adding a sleeper to the back of the cab, you'll appreciate not having to sleep on the front seat bent around the floor-shifter and steering wheel.
Properly set-up the Suburban can be a decent tow vehicle, but the hauler would be easier (and less nerve-wracking) to use.
Are you concerned about fuel mileage? 7000 pound Suburban's with 6500 pound trailers get really lousy gas mileage!!

Good luck with your project! I miss my ramp truck, but my Suburban has been a "work-in-progress" for many years! PM me if I can help in any way!

Tim H · 03-04-2016, 09:18 PM

I have had 2 Suburbans for tow vehicles,(1985 and 1993). Both have served me well, however I only pull an open trailer. I also like that I can use my Suburban as an everyday vehicle if req'd. Years ago my dad had a 1971 GMC ramp truck and it was a pain in the ***** to park at hockey rinks and school when I used to borrow it. It also had really poor traction in the winter. Just sayin'

richie 2 · 03-08-2016, 08:33 AM

tks. guys. I like the idea of load the car on the truck and off you go. friggin with trailers is a pain. we had two different rig's in the 80's and motored ! I could invest trailer money into the truck...wouldn't be using it on date nite either...this time a 383ci instead of a bigblock.

03-03-2016, 12:15 PM	#1
richie 2 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 916 Likes: 319 Liked 155 Times in 71 Posts	need to decide... I have enough parts to build either an older GM surburban or an early chevy ramp truck....either unit need to go bracket racing. need pro n cons, which would be best. tks.

03-03-2016, 04:38 PM	#2
Tar Heel Guest Posts: n/a	Re: need to decide... I'm guessing if you build the Suburban you'll need to buy a trailer so that would be a con unless you already have one. A pro going that way though would be in you already had an enclosed trailer so that the car would be protected and you could store things in the Suburban and sleep in it if necessary. The biggest pro for the ramp truck would be the cool factor! Those are just plain neat! Also a pro that you don't need a trailer. Cons are that the car is exposed to weather, thieves, etc. and there isn't much room for spare equipment or people. I would say the Suburban if you already have a trailer. Scott

03-03-2016, 05:21 PM	#3
richie 2 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 916 Likes: 319 Liked 155 Times in 71 Posts	Re: need to decide... failed to mention there is no trailer. I believe a couple cabnets under the ramp bed would work for floor jack, gen., tool box....its a 67 chevy one ton so way yes on the cool factor....

03-03-2016, 09:53 PM	#4
Lew Silverman VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 1,438 Likes: 372 Liked 129 Times in 59 Posts	Re: need to decide... Without a trailer your only option is the ramp truck. Having used both types of vehicles there are definite advantages to both, but depending on your situation, also significant disadvantages - Unless you have another vehicle the ramp truck can be a PITA to use as every day transportation, so a Suburban makes sense here. If you have a Suburban, you'll need a trailer, and a place to keep it when not hauling the race car, so here the Hauler makes sense. The Suburban also isn't the easiest vehicle to haul large heavy parts in, at least without having to unload everything you've already loaded up! If you're building a truck, or modifying one, consider adding a sleeper to the back of the cab, you'll appreciate not having to sleep on the front seat bent around the floor-shifter and steering wheel. Properly set-up the Suburban can be a decent tow vehicle, but the hauler would be easier (and less nerve-wracking) to use. Are you concerned about fuel mileage? 7000 pound Suburban's with 6500 pound trailers get really lousy gas mileage!! Good luck with your project! I miss my ramp truck, but my Suburban has been a "work-in-progress" for many years! PM me if I can help in any way! __________________ Lew Silverman #2070 "The Wagon Master" N/SA

03-04-2016, 09:18 PM	#5
Tim H VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,010 Likes: 898 Liked 430 Times in 142 Posts	Re: need to decide... I have had 2 Suburbans for tow vehicles,(1985 and 1993). Both have served me well, however I only pull an open trailer. I also like that I can use my Suburban as an everyday vehicle if req'd. Years ago my dad had a 1971 GMC ramp truck and it was a pain in the ***** to park at hockey rinks and school when I used to borrow it. It also had really poor traction in the winter. Just sayin'

03-08-2016, 08:33 AM	#6
richie 2 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 916 Likes: 319 Liked 155 Times in 71 Posts	Re: need to decide... tks. guys. I like the idea of load the car on the truck and off you go. friggin with trailers is a pain. we had two different rig's in the 80's and motored ! I could invest trailer money into the truck...wouldn't be using it on date nite either...this time a 383ci instead of a bigblock. Last edited by richie 2; 03-08-2016 at 08:37 AM.