Getting that New Truck Itch

When I get to the boat ramp, I’m always amazed at how many hundreds of thousands of dollars are tied up in tow vehicles. Even as there are myriad complaints about inflation and gas prices and interest rates, somehow everyone but me seems to have a truck or SUV that’s less than two years old. Usually they’re loaded to the hilt with options, too.

Meanwhile, my 2011 Suburban just keeps chugging along. That’s partially because these days I only use it to tow, so it has low mileage. Part of that is because I’m not a “car guy,” so that new vehicle smell doesn’t jazz me up too much – on the contrary, any enjoyment might be lost in the fear of getting that first scratch. Finally, I’m just tight with a buck when it comes to certain categories of gear. I could afford a new vehicle, and this one costs me a few thousand bucks a year to stay in proper shape, but writing that big check’s going to be hard. 

It could go tomorrow, but I hope it doesn’t. At the same time, as little things start to deteriorate, I’m definitely jealous of those shiny chariots that my friends use to pull their boats.

When Hanna and I retire – the number of days are down to triple digits – the plan is for me to get a dually to pull a camper, while she’ll get a new Suburban to pull the boat. They will be new, and since they’ll be used more frequently, we may indulge in a few creature comforts that we’ve never opted for before. My only hope is that the next tow vehicles are as good as this one has been. I’m working on being thankful rather than envious, and this seems like a good starting point.

I continue to spend more money than I probably should on fishing tackle, and on travel to exotic places, and I like to think that the fact that I’ve been so careful when it comes to tow vehicles has enabled me scratch those itches. Each additional year I get out of the old red ‘burb gets me closer to retirement and earns me the right to a few frivolous Tackle Warehouse orders.