Many thanks to all who replied to this post of a couple weeks ago. So many of you pitched in with advice, I think I owe it to you to bring the saga to a close.
I drove my new truck home this afternoon — a 2018 GMC Savana 3500 with a 6.0l V8.
Because when it comes to hauling an 80lb payload of fancy terrier dogs across the continent – a one ton is just the truck for the job.
I need to send a big tip of the hat to Jaden at Saskatoon Truck Centre. He found me a niche vehicle in in a red hot market, set it up for towing, and at a fair price. Not to say it wasn’t pricey. Ouch ouch ouch.
But I think I have a project in mind to help offset the inflationary pain, so stay tuned. (No donations, please).
Nice Kate. Queen of the Road. I don’t know if they rust in Saskatchewan, but if they do, get it Krowned or Rust Checked.(Spring is the Rust season) In Toronto, most GM vans are White and Rusty. The Mercedes Sprinters are worse. Either of those sprays will mean a long rust free life.
Good idea on the Rust Check. I bought an ’87 S15 Jimmy in ’89. Had it Rust Checked in the first couple months, and then alternate years until I sold it 17 years later, in 2006. Bought it in Alberta, had it in Ontario for 4 years, and then came back to Saskatchewan. The only rust showing at time of sale was across the front of the hood, and around the windshield.
Bobs – in theory black vehicles rust more slowly because they absorb heat from the sun and dry out faster. Shouldn’t be an issue in Sask where there is a lot less salt on the roads than back east. Congrats Kate, my 2010 GMC is still running strong. May you have many years of carefree motoring.
I’m so glad for you, Kate … and your furry friends. I stayed out of the discussion, because I know nothing of that type of vehicle. The most recent car purchase I helped with was my daughters purchase of a used BMW X5. What an exhausting endeavor. We looked at crap car after nicely polished thrashed car … over and over. And when anything decent (one owner, low miles, no incidents) came on the market … it was snapped up instantly. Finally found a good one, after about 5 months. The last thing anyone wants to do is to buy an expensive headache.
Good choice, congrats! Every Hutterite in Saskatchewan is jealous now!
Congratulations!
A “mini” bus, of sorts.
Curious to know if when you look at it do you see it as a Chevy canvas?
Sweet. Hope they threw in “The Very Best of Canned Heat” CD for your troubles. Ain’t a road trip without Goin’ up the Country while driving on the interstate.
Congrats.
That’s a monster truck.
And an empty canvas.
Art Follows Life dept.
https://www.gta5-mods.com/paintjobs/chevy-express-free-candy-kidnap-van
John Tory resigns. Good riddance you bag of sh*t
Now that is my kind of van. Perfect for doing anything. I would love that for camping and prospecting in BC next summer.
Purty
In complete honesty, it’s the stealth camping that helps these big vans pay for themselves.
An excellent choice of vehicle, that one….my company had the same model in a 2016 version and 3/4 ton. Don’t know exactly what engine it had but I know it was 300 horsepower. The thing was always fully loaded but handled the weight beautifully (yours can only be better) and for some reason the brakes seemed to last forever.
Brakes last forever in Saskatchewan in general. My Ford E350 has 250,000km on original shoes.
“Brakes last forever in Saskatchewan in general. My Ford E350 has 250,000km on original shoes.”
Oh, right…Saskatchewan (mostly flat, right?)….
I get about 1/4 of that in my Astro. 🙁
What’s it cost for title and registration in Canada?
Varies widely between provinces. It’s pretty reasonable here, the basic plates and insurance on this 89$ a month, which I top up with a side policy for lower deductable.
A MONTH? Wow. You don’t pay a one-time annual fee? When I lived in Ontario for 15 years we did. And do in the U.S., in all the states I’ve lived in.
It’s optional, you can pay annual or monthly. I like monthly.
Just FYI a vehicle license is just under 90 bucks in Alberta.
Good for you Kate.
Iv’e got 3 pickups. Hate buying vehicles. It’s almost impossible to win. You got it done!
Does it have a HEMI ? sorry I drive a Dodge, see ya in the rearview. lol
That would be a Ram, mate.
There’s one of those 6L engines in a 1ton pickup I sometimes drive at work. It wouldn’t suit me for my personal vehicle, but I think it will serve well in that van for what you intend to do with it.
Technically, Ram didn’t become a separate line until 2010, the third gen Hemi came out in 2003 and was not limited to just being installed in pickups, they came in Jeeps, SUV’s and cars, also.
Well done and good choice!
yAy! Got all the room you need for the pups and some oomph from the V-8.
The good news is you’ll never get to find out how unhappy you would have been while towing with the V-6. Oh darn ;o)
Oops! Edited to add that the people above who suggested graphics are onto something. Might I suggest the Possum Lodge Possum-mobile graphic? How about a greyhound?
Looks like enough HP (342) to pull the trailer up and down hills crossing the country. The extra space and power should mean a relaxed long distance trip.
Nice pick!
“Looks like enough HP (342) to pull the trailer up and down hills crossing the country. The extra space and power should mean a relaxed long distance trip.
Nice pick!”
The perfect pick, if you require a van that can tow. Makes me wonder why GM discontinued the larger engine.
Of course, I also question why they discontinued the Astro/Safari when they did. Contractors *loved* them.
AWD In that? Sasktel has a few but in the 2500 models.
Either way. Glad you found a ride.
I watched the thread about finding a new van. I think it’s funny that in conversations like that( and I put tire brands in same category). Put 4 men in a room and you will see 5 opinions on what is best.
I’m a long time reader and a few time contributor but thanks Kate. The van journey was fun.
I usually contribute late at night after a couple Molson products.
Looks good, should be a lot of years and miles left in that one.
Got what you wanted!
Good choice! Glad you found what you need.
Now that’s a beauty! Congratulations on the new rig!
Kate, I worked for a lot of trucking companies and drove a lot of vans over the years. In 2005 working in Louisiana I had to drive a GM van of this generation. They were head and shoulders above the other vans, especially when you have to pull a trailer. You chose very well.
The mystery about you I’d like solved is how such a nice Saskatchewan lady got herself working for Disney. The other day you did a post stating a lot of people had been laid off by Disney “including me.” What did you do for the evil mouse?
” What did you do for the evil mouse?”
I believe she was quoting someone else?
Schweet.
Yes on the Rust Check, at least every two years. Watch the lines to the rear, brake and rear AC if equipped. The body will eventually rot too if not kept at.
An Elan will fit in the back…..
Gonna get lost inna snow storm. Needs a nice, wide, bright, rattle can orange racing stripe…
Getting what you want is a big part of satisfaction – so I say good for you – and inspector Clouseau (photo here – https://winface.com/photos/clu.jpg ) says “woof”.