and do i need 4x4 to pull a 24 up a ramp? it seems the rwd is about 3 to 5 k less.

My 94 Gmc Sierra has 221,000. My dad's had 300,000, he had a chevy van that went 450,000 when he traded it and never had the valve covers off, A friend of mine has a 02 Gmc 2500 and does all sorts of heavy hauling working in the concrete industry and has 236,000. GM will last forever if maintained correctly. Basic repairs such as waterpumps, fuel pumps, alternator, etc. I would expect to rebuild or replace a tranny at 150-200,000 though.

We have a 2001 2500HD reg cab with the 6.0 w/4.11 rear. We bought it used with 21k and it now has 33k.
It has been a good truck. I'm glad to hear that others are having good luck with the motor as we rarely use it as a daily driver. Made the mistake of letting the truck sit in the barn to much and had to turn the rotors turned and replace the rear calipers. A good friend (ex V 20 owner) and master tech for GM scolled the hell out of me for not driving the truck. Told me I was doing more harm then good letting it sit. :nut:

The truck is thirsty but it pulls our Rosborough pretty darn well. We towed the Rosborough up into the mountains of upstate NY going to Lake Champlain last summer. That is when I thought having a diesel would be nice.

ctt, on the 4wd question, i've trailered boats from 19 to 23 for 30 years and just recently had 4wd on a tahoe. i love it. a lot depends on the ramp angle and surface. i load the boat on the trailer and my wife(in 4 low) eases it up the ramp. probably not a neccesity, but very nice to have.

I've had good luck with Ford products. My E-150 conversion van v-6 w/towing package has 150K miles, runs great and pulls the V-20 w/o issue and serves as a work truck most of the time.

Wife and I have a 1998 Chevrolet Suburban K1500 4wd which we bought in 01 or 02 with 65k miles. Still running very strong at 168k

our 99 Burb has 190,000 on it anda still going strong, down here in Orlando today, checked milage with 6 people, back full of luggage, even had teh carrier in the hitch with a cooler and box of food on it. Ran 70 or better on the way down, made 18.4 mpg with the 5.7 2wd

Before the F-150, I had a Silverado 1500 w/a 350...motor went to sh!t and had to replace at 150,000...the F-150 w/a 5.4 litre has 240,000, uses some oil (about a qt between changes), but otherwise runs great...I'd run it back down to Franco's inna heartbeat...

My bet is the next post will be a guy who can swap Ford for Chevy w/the same story...it's a crap-shoot either way...you might wanna buy a 3 yr warranty for whatever you get...

As far as 2WD, I've pulled several 24'ers out w/my 2WD...but it's been on good ramps and not overly steep or slick...so that's gonna depend on what kinda ramps you have to deal with on a regular basis...you'll definately save $$ on initial purchase and fuel costs w/2WD...

I honestly don't believe anybody can predict a Ford or a Chevy is gonna last longer than the other...:beer:

I have a 2002 1500 I bought it in 2005 with 60k for miles, now has 175,000 and runs like a dream! My brother has a 2500 with 215000 and his also is going strong.
So yes 200 should be easy!

2x vs 4x I say if you can get a posie in it you would be fine other wised stay with 4x4 its a dream on the ramp!

Chevy vs Ford there is always going to be some for each, me its Chevy.

Reel, you nailed it that one, that 03 E150 with the 4.6 is the worst vehicle for the miles it had on it I've ever owned. That being said, I'm picking up the replacemnt for it Wednesday, its a 99 E350 with a 7.3 diesel, its got 300,000, I figure the rings have just about seated in this motor