Buy Tow Vehicle-Good Or Bad???

[Taz480]

Im looking at a really nice 1995 Nissan XE extra cab harbody. 2WD. Only seen pictures, so far. It appears from the pics that it was a tow vehicle.(You can see the hitch mount and 12 volt plug.)

I remember hearing something about tow vehicles having more milage on their chassi than on the motor, or that buying a tow vehicle was really bad for some other reason......or it might have been that I heard that buyina a tow veh. was really good. I cant remember what it was I heard but I remember hearing something about the issue.

Obviously there could be some paint damage from towing a vehicle. especially if the pilot car didn't use any kind of guard during the tow, but short of that, is or are there any major positive or negative aspects to consider when purchasing a vehicle that used to be a tow vehicle?????

Thanx a bunch as always!!!

Here's a shot of the truck Im looking at....

[Taz480]

Bump



Sorry, guys. I know its kinda rude to bump and I don't generally allow them at my forum, either but it's kind of time sensitive.

Thanx again!!

[sickcallawayc12]

If i was gonna question anything, it would be the tranny as i think that would be under the most stress rather than the engine and chassis, but i don't know anything about towing really. probably depends on what the previous owner towed too.

[Taz480]

Originally Posted by sickcallawayc12

If i was gonna question anything, it would be the tranny as i think that would be under the most stress rather than the engine and chassis, but i don't know anything about towing really. probably depends on what the previous owner towed too.

Thank you for the reply. You know what?? I think thats what I remember hearing about, something about the tranny. Thank you. That would make sense, too. Even if the truck is in neautral, the outbound gears and the differential are still spinning. Anyone else have any other insight??

The one good thing I can think of because I spent 10 years in the RV industry is that if it was a tow vehicle, it was most likely owned by some rich older folks and probably not driven a whole lot. Not saying thats the case but very possible. Most of my customers when I worked in customer service usually kept their tow vehicles just for towing behind their motorhome and only drove it a little bit when they were parked somewhere. I dunno. I dont know how many miles are on it yet. Wasn't in the description. The car lot guy just sent me those pics and a brief description to see if I was interested before he goes to auction to get it.

[Taz480]

Originally Posted by sickcallawayc12

If i was gonna question anything, it would be the tranny as i think that would be under the most stress rather than the engine and chassis, but i don't know anything about towing really. probably depends on what the previous owner towed too.

LOL. Heh, I was just re-reading your post. Im sorry, I think you misunderstood. The truck wasn't the towing vehicle, it was the towed vehicle, like behind a motorhome. In the RV industry, a "tow vehicle" is the vehicle being towed, not the one doing the towing. I was told once that that was bad on a car, or good or something. Don't remember but I think it did have something to do with the tranny. Maybe not. If anyone knows, I would appreciate it. Thanx, all!!!

PS-Going to look at it tomorrow, I think.(Wed. 2/21)

[sickcallawayc12]

yes i did misunderstand. sorry. Good thing is it probably wasn't used much.

[Andydg]

If it was towed behind a motorhome it was most likely owned by older and/or rich people and with very little abuse besides the being towed part. Most of the people I know that have an RV buy a small, light, and econimical vehicle specifically to tow. So it might not have even been driven all that much apart from the vacations it tagged along with for.