Need opinions on trucks

[stoinkythepig]

Retiring my 99 Durango and looking for a truck to replace it. Has to be a crew cab, I want seating for 6. Has to be rated to tow 10,000 lbs and have 4 wheel drive. I don't want a diesel. Seems like all the makers have really improved their trucks lately. Wondering what the best choice is. Leaning toward Tundra, but I'm open to suggestion. Used is an option.

[Falko]

For what ever reason, Toyota reduced their tow rating from what it was. But that would be my first pick as well.
10k? you upgrading or just preparing to do so? I'd look into a 3/4 if you plan to pull it a lot. Guy I used to work with towed a 8k travel trailer with a 1/2 crew chevy with the 5.3. He said it was outgunned in the hills but with weight distributing hitch it seemed to handle the weight all right.
My parents bought (and sold a couple months later) a 2010 chevy 3500 crew dw duramax LTZ. I didn't think the interior was as great as everyone made them out to be. It was nice, but not breath taking.
I've had the expy for over 6 years now and its had its issues, but I wouldn't say it was a bad vehicle. By no means no repairs that you couldn't handle, hell, I handled them. The engine though just seems weak. I found out early why they don't put a red line on the tach, it won't go over 4500 anyway.

[tropicoz]

I've got a Tundra Crewmax and I couldn't be happier with it. Even with big wheels and a lift I get "decent" gas mileage, 14-17 mpg on the highway depending on how heavy my foot is. The one complaint I have is the thickness of the body metal. It's probably all newer trucks, but the Tundra has thin sheetmetal. Doesn't seem like it would take much to dent it.

[Danz19899]

I really like the newest body style F-150. Finally got a new motor and so far they seem pretty damn good. You could even get it with the 3.5T motor rated at 23MPG not bad for a full size truck. Also still rated to tow 11,300 with the tow package . . . and oh ya 420 ftlbs torque at 2500!! WTF lol. The tow package comes with trailer stability control and electric brake controller

that would be the truck i would get if i were looking. The tundras are good trucks but that 5.7 is not gentle on gas. might be something to consider since we are looking at $5 a gallon by july

[stoinkythepig]

For what ever reason, Toyota reduced their tow rating from what it was.

They adopted the new SAE tow rating system. I imagine other makers will by next year.

No plans to upgrade my boat, it's just that I'd like some margin in rated capacity. Been towing at 2000 over forso long, I'd like to try 2000 under for a change.

[xrocket21]

Ford F-150 Eco-boost with max-tow package
thank me later

[PinHead]

I have had good luck with my Dodge 1500. Not sure of the exact tow ratings, but it sure as hell pulls my 21' camper around np. As well as all of the other stuff I pull around that is much smaller.
But yes, a pig on fuel!

[MikeyZ]

You can't go wrong with either an F150 or a Tundra!

Both are great trucks and will last a long time.

[jpallein223]

2500HD. got one. love it crew cab 8ft bed. land yacht. great for the races

[Danz19899]

If you put 100k on a truck that gets 23 to the gallon vs a truck that gets 17mpg. you would end up saving 7 grand in gas not kidding. Am bored enough to do the math for that,

And thats only at $4.00 a gallon

[xrocket21]

if you dont get an ecoboost at this point, youre doing it wrong

[butcher bergs]

Ferd F-teenthousand

[jwm2k3]

If you put 100k on a truck that gets 23 to the gallon vs a truck that gets 17mpg. you would end up saving 7 grand in gas not kidding. Am bored enough to do the math for that,

And thats only at $4.00 a gallon

What would the savings be if it were $5.00 per gallon??

[Danz19899]

a 17mpg truck over a 23mpg truck will cost you

6 cents per mile at $4.00 = $6k extra fuel in 100k miles

8 cents per mile at $5.00 = $8k extra fuel in 100K miles

(guess my original #'s were a little off but still that's a pretty significant chunk of change)

[Trouble]

I'm loving my 5.7 Tundra Double Cab. It'll seat 6 on the odd chance I have someone other than the dog in the back seat but still has the 6 1/2 foot bed. My fuel mileage isn't great but I'm running a levelling kit and oversized agressive tires. I'm getting 14-16 around town and 10 when pulling a loaded trailer on the interstate. Last year when I had the stock over the road tires on I was in the high teens to borderline 20 for fuel mileage. If you're going to be putting much tongue weight on the truck definately expect to due overload springs, air bags, or a weight distribution hitch. I went the spring (cheap) route and I'm happy with the results. It seems to have more power than my F350 diesel did and it rides better. It just won't take as much weight.

Besides, it'll do 0-60 in 6.3.

[stoinkythepig]

If you're going to be putting much tongue weight on the truck definately expect to due overload springs, air bags, or a weight distribution hitch. I went the spring (cheap) route and I'm happy with the results.

I already have a weight distribution hitch, so that's not an issue.

[e30addict]

is it just a tow bitch or a daily driver as well?

If it's a tow bitch - a 3/4 ton Ford with a 3V V10 is a kick ass tow vehicle. They actually get about the same mileage towing as the 5.4 does since it isn't working as hard all the time. I wouldn't want to daily drive it though.

You could actually get a an early 2000 one for around 5 grand or so and then buy a nice commuter car to really save on gas as another option.

[TheIglu]

You could actually get a an early 2000 one for around 5 grand or so and then buy a nice commuter car to really save on gas as another option.

a 17mpg truck over a 23mpg truck will cost you

6 cents per mile at $4.00 = $6k extra fuel in 100k miles

8 cents per mile at $5.00 = $8k extra fuel in 100K miles

(guess my original #'s were a little off but still that's a pretty significant chunk of change)

Looks about what the difference in resale is for the Ford vs Toyota.

[stoinkythepig]

is it just a tow bitch or a daily driver as well?

If it's a tow bitch - a 3/4 ton Ford with a 3V V10 is a kick ass tow vehicle. They actually get about the same mileage towing as the 5.4 does since it isn't working as hard all the time. I wouldn't want to daily drive it though.

You could actually get a an early 2000 one for around 5 grand or so and then buy a nice commuter car to really save on gas as another option.

It would be mostly for towing and short commute/shopping/mommy-mobile duty on days when I'm not motorcycling. I have a Toyota Matrix that gets 34 MPG and is my commuter for when I can't ride. My wife works 1.5 miles from my house and uses the Durango for commuting and motherly duties when she can't walk or the Matrix is not available. We have put about 6000 miles a year on the Durango over the last 5 years, so there's no need for the huge expense of a diesel.

I spoke with my neighbor who is a seasoned mechanic and someone I trust. He recommends a 2003-2005 Chevy/GMC 2500HD crew cab with a 6.0. He claims they are cheap (<$15k) and plentiful in the used market, easy to work on, great for towing, and reliable. I will be checking them out. He recommended against a used Ford, except for the Super Duty Diesel because they "are a bitch to work on".

I like the idea of spending less than 15 grand, and I don't want something that's going to need a lot of work right from the start.

Thanks to all for the input.

[stoinkythepig]

Going to see Sheppo tomorrow to test drive a Tundra and a Sequoia.

[csmutty]

It would be mostly for towing and short commute/shopping/mommy-mobile duty on days when I'm not motorcycling. I have a Toyota Matrix that gets 34 MPG and is my commuter for when I can't ride. My wife works 1.5 miles from my house and uses the Durango for commuting and motherly duties when she can't walk or the Matrix is not available. We have put about 6000 miles a year on the Durango over the last 5 years, so there's no need for the huge expense of a diesel.

I spoke with my neighbor who is a seasoned mechanic and someone I trust. He recommends a 2003-2005 Chevy/GMC 2500HD crew cab with a 6.0. He claims they are cheap (<$15k) and plentiful in the used market, easy to work on, great for towing, and reliable. I will be checking them out. He recommended against a used Ford, except for the Super Duty Diesel because they "are a bitch to work on".

I like the idea of spending less than 15 grand, and I don't want something that's going to need a lot of work right from the start.

Thanks to all for the input.

Sounds like he's a GM guy. Ask multiple people for their opinions, not just 1 person.

[R7]

I spoke with my neighbor who is a seasoned mechanic and someone I trust. He recommends a 2003-2005 Chevy/GMC 2500HD crew cab with a 6.0. He claims they are cheap (<$15k) and plentiful in the used market, easy to work on, great for towing, and reliable. I will be checking them out. He recommended against a used Ford, except for the Super Duty Diesel because they "are a bitch to work on".

I like the idea of spending less than 15 grand, and I don't want something that's going to need a lot of work right from the start.

Thanks to all for the input.

I'm a GM guy and currently drive a 06 F-250. Just for comparison, the truck I drive has the 5.4 gas and 65,000 miles on it. 2 brake jobs, axle seals, motor burns 1 quart of oil every 2,500 miles, the 4x4 stopped working (some electric thing shit the bed) and countless other little problems. It also rides like a truck built in 1950 and because of that, it is now a rattle box going down the road. It'll get 11-12 mpg empty and tows OK if you're always going downhill...a slug is the best word i can use to describe that motor.
The comparison, my father has a 2005 2500HD with the 6.0L with 130K on it, he's put brake pads on the rear once and replaced 1 universal joint sense new. It also gets 14mpg normal driving and rides reasonable.

IMO if you're going to be towing 10K with it regularly, despite what the factory says for tow ratings, you're going to destroy any 1/2 ton series truck, 1500 chevy/gmc, f-150, toyota tundra..etc.

If i were looking to tow 10k around and wanted to stay away drom the desiel, my choice would be the 2500 HD with the 8.1L gas and Alison transmission. I had an 04 and it was an awesome truck, and towed beter than anything I've ever driven. Normal driving I was getting 13-14mpg..sometimes 15 on an all higway trip. Towing, it really didn't drop off that much if you keep the speed reasonable, 11-12 if you kept it under 75. One thign I liked about the 8.1 and alison, it never downshifted on the highway unless you really stepped on it. If you need to pull a hill, or wanted to go a little faster, just press the gas and it would go.
Something to remember with engine selection..there's no replacement for displacement

[stoinkythepig]

Sounds like he's a GM guy. Ask multiple people for their opinions, not just 1 person.

Good idea. I'll start a thread on that. I'll call it "Need opinions on trucks".

[stoinkythepig]

IMO if you're going to be towing 10K with it regularly, despite what the factory says for tow ratings, you're going to destroy any 1/2 ton series truck, 1500 chevy/gmc, f-150, toyota tundra..etc.

If i were looking to tow 10k around and wanted to stay away drom the desiel, my choice would be the 2500 HD with the 8.1L gas and Alison transmission. I had an 04 and it was an awesome truck, and towed beter than anything I've ever driven. Normal driving I was getting 13-14mpg..sometimes 15 on an all higway trip. Towing, it really didn't drop off that much if you keep the speed reasonable, 11-12 if you kept it under 75. One thign I liked about the 8.1 and alison, it never downshifted on the highway unless you really stepped on it. If you need to pull a hill, or wanted to go a little faster, just press the gas and it would go.
Something to remember with engine selection..there's no replacement for displacement

I'm planning to tow a 7400 lb boat/trailer with it. Had it weighed and it's a real 7400 lbs, not the published weight.

[tropicoz]

Good idea. I'll start a thread on that. I'll call it "Need opinions on trucks".

ROFL!!!