Best Truck?

[Bkinz]

another pichttp://www.snowestonline.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=131570&stc=1&d=1296867420

looks like you need some air bags...

 

[mnescape]

Torque is more important than HP for towing.

I agree................

Tundra 5.7 Torque = 401 ft lbs @ 3600 rpm
Chevy 6.0 Torque = 380 ft lbs @ 4800 rpm

 

[92 coupe]

If you were looking at new I would say crew cab ram for the money. Super roomy, laramie package has some sweet options, and 5/100 powertrain warranty. Not to mention the new body style is leaps and bounds ahead of the old gens. Used they're all a crap shoot. You never know how they were taken care of. Every brand has their issues, they are machines and are going to break. Never really had any interest in gm's so cant really comment on them. I was always scared of the ford spark plug issues(my bro inlaw was qouted like some insane number to do plugs in his, up around a g or sumthin). He traded in on a new 6.7 f250. Not a fan of toyotas and thats sad considering I work on em. No tundra has the same cab space as a mega cab sadly. And pricing on toyotas is rediculous, you'd think they are gold plated but evidenced by the frame quality I think they're made out of recycled tuna cans. But I'll continue to book 42 to 60 hours bangin out frames in 2 days. Thank You Toyota I wont even bring up the price of parts. I did price out a limited crew max and it was almost the same as the 10 2500 laramie mega ctd I bought. Like many stated drive as many as possible and buy the one you like most. Good Luck in your search.




EDIT: Didn't realize this was so old. Did you find a truck?

 

[drypowder]

looks like you need some air bags...

thats my friends old truck and he did need some air bags.
he just bought the new 2011 durmax 2500 and that same trailer with the skytrack lift on it only goes down 3 or 4 inches . the new duramax also has 400 hp and almost twice the tow weight
it also comes with a price tag of 50 k

 

[snengineer]

Buy quality regardless of who makes it, that's my mantra. Keeping crap running is too expensive. I went with the Tundra.

 

[opel]

If you were a mechanic, you'd know that GM pickups are a lot easier to work on than Dodge or Fords.

Go with a Chevy or GMC.

p.s. why not try a Duramax?

Agreed!

 

[Matte Murder]

I have a 2007 Tundra. LOVE IT! I actually love my truck. Power is great. The engine has enough power that it starts out in 4th gear. Never use 1st to 3rd unless off road. The tranny is silky smooth, hard to feel the shifts. Brakes are awesome. I drive like a maniac all the time and the brakes held out for 100,000 miles. I use synthetic oil and do about 7500 miles before I change it and the oil still looks like honey when it comes out. 100,000 miles and no blow by at all. I painted it flat black(hence my screen name) runs on 22" wheels with 35" Toyo MTs(best truck tire ever made. Traction is great, quiet, and they will go 80,000 miles on a half ton). Even the tail lights were blacked out until a Stater wrote me for that. The comment a guy made about there being no room in a Tundra puzzles me as I am 6' 4" tall and it fits me great. Go to Toyotas web site and watch the promo videos on this truck, then drive one and you will buy one. I get 14 mpg overall and again I rarely drive the speed limit and I've got big tires on it. 2 things I did to it to make it a better tow rig. Mounted air bags in the back and put a 46 gallon gas tank in it. I LOVE THIS TRUCK!

 

[D-stroyer]

Well I just don't think that I can justify the cost of buying a desiel first of all. And second, I'm not sure if I will really ever need it or 3/4 in this truck.


I probably won't be doing a ton of towing. A few snowmobile trips MAYBE pulling a 4 place open trailer or so. And just hauling my sled in the back of the truck. Nothing over 5000lbs for sure...

But as of right now, my future wife and I are looking to move to Fort Collins, CO so she can go to grad school. This is the reason I'm looking for a truck. I have the only sled for a while, so chances are I won't need to haul more than just mine. I need to be able to get up to the friends cabin by Albany, and I don't think my car will make it on the days that I want to go . So anyways, I don't see this truck as a forever truck. Yes, I would pry have it for at least 4 or 5 years, but during that time, I don't anticipate doing a ton of towing like I said. I feel like I would have better mpg w/o a 3/4 ton.

If there is a reason I should consider something bigger than a half ton, based on what I have said, let me have it . I'm just trying to get all my research done so that I can make the best decision and purchase something that will fit my needs.

David

I was at this crossroads a couple months ago wondering if I should get another 3/4 diesel or go smaller when I sold my mega cab, only hauling one sled in the back. Here were my criteria: proper 6.5' box, proper crew cab, good fuel mileage. I got a 2011 D-max. The 1/2 ton crews mostly have 5'7" boxes, and I'm not putting that much weight rearward of the rear axle centreline with the small block v8s these trucks have. Understeer anyone? Besides, the track would barely sit on the tailgate. I ran a 7' deck last year, no thanks. The extra 11 inches of box length goes a long way. I've seen too many toyotas with bent tailgates from loading sleds. They're just built too light. I had a Ford once, never again. Most of the maintenance issues with modern diesel fuel systems can be prevented by installing 2 micron fuel filtration to keep the injector tips from being eroded. I did 11 injectors in my dodge in 2 years. Now I know.

 

[GlennRMK]

My 2 cents, being said I currently drive an 03 Cummins but I really don't consider myself to be brand loyal

I had an 04 GMC 1500 5.3. The worst truck I've ever owned hands down. Bought her new and sold her with 13k miles on it. 13 MPG empty and 8-10 MPG towing. Towed a car once and never again. Towed a 2 place ok but still downshifted all the time and got crappy mileage. Also had several trips to the dealer for warranty work.

I honestly thought my 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 318 out pulled it with my 2 place sled trailer. This is the truck I had prior. The Jeep got better fuel mileage and didn't have to downshift as much.

I honestly think the Triton line of motors in the Fords are junk. Underpowered and like to blow spark plugs out. I have zero respect for the 5.4 or V10.

I think the 07 Tundra with the 5.7 is hands down the best 1/2 ton in those years. The motor and build quality is good.

I think the 06-07 Hemi (06 got rid of the crappy torsion bar front suspension which I hate) would be my next choice or maybe the Vortec Max 6.0 in an 07 with the newer body style (again rid of the torsion bar setup).

The Nissan Titan would probably be my next choice.

The Ford definitely would be the last choice.

All this being said, if I were to buy a brand new truck I would most likely get the Ecoboost F150. I don't care for the Ford styling that much but its nice to see motors that actually have some power like the Ecoboost, 5.0 and 6.2.

I would also give the 800 ft lbs 6.7 Cummins a look or a new Duramax.

 

[powerstrokeguy]

just traded off the 08 cummins on an 09 f 150. gets better fuel mileage then i expected. Seats are the most comfortable i have ever sat in.

 

[nrewerts]

Not fair

Your voting system dose not seem fair. Three General motors trucks to split the vote, one ford, one Toyota, and one dodge.

 

[snokaw]

Ford F150 Supercrew. Max Trailer / Max Tow / 6.5 foot box, EcoBoost, Get rid of the original tires and put E rated All-Terrains.

 

[skyler.hager]

Ecoboost for sure of all these halftons.

I'd still rather have a diesel tho!

 

[Jordo]

Come on u have to man up and go 3/4ton Diesel min if ur going to be pulling trailers in the mountains need power to get up those hills plus I pull a 32ft enclosed Pace and I get 14mpgs with my Duramax!

 

[apex jeff]

Being in automotive repair for 30 yrs (shop owner 16 yrs),I would say chevy 1500 is a cheap date and a good fit for most owners.Reliability is good and repairs are reasonable. When test driving a used chevy do this simple test, does everything within drivers reach work? For example door handles, int and ext, are hinge pins wore?,do power windows and locks work? Are all guages working?, check 4wd switch for proper function, do all blower speeds work? do wipers turn off? check multi function switch ( headlamp,t/s,wsw,hi-beam,hazards). Its the everyday small things that wear and fail on GM. When we see a ford or dodge, engine,transmission, and axle problems are more common. Other than fuel pumps/harness problems and coolant leaks on 5.7 vortecs most GM repairs are affordable and same day service.

I drive a 2009 silverado 1500 ECSB 4x4 work truck with LS trim. This package deletes pw,pdl, and gives a stick for 4wd, yet gives carpet,cloth,chrome,tinted glass,xm-onstar,built-in brake control,3.73 limited slip rear diff,tilt,cruise,and saves about $ 8,000.00 over an LT. Fuel mileage is 17 mpg avg, I have seen 20 mpg hiway. Cab is roomy and ride is comfortable. My only complaint is single center defrost outlet on dashboard. I really hate doing the " gangsta lean" as it takes forever to defrost outer windshield edges. After all I did buy this truck for sledding. Good luck on your search,and buy what you like best,after all its your money.


Jeff

 

[440dart]

The key is HAD problems. I didn't have any issues after the J35 recall was done on my 07.5 Dodge 3500. I deleted the emissions stuff 10,000 miles after the J35 mainly for fuel mileage. I would take the 07.5+ without the emissions over the 04-07 5.9. The exhaust brake and 68RE trans make the 07.5 a better truck IMO.

To the OP, I've had Dodge, Chevy and Ford 1/2 tons. I liked the Ford the best by far. You might also want to take a look at a tundra, they seem to be a really solid truck.

Iam in the same boat once i deleted and running a smarty on my dodge 6.7 ive owned and driven 100+ dodge diesels and would never go back to a 5.9 and once you upgrade the turbo on the 6.7 the 5.9 dosnt keep up untill you get in the 900+hp.


If you go diesel and want reliable trasportation go with a 05 down 5.9 they are cheaper and you can still get the iron case 6speed "nv5600" instead of the aluminum cased "g56" that comes in the 06 up. But the 06+ come with better interior and way way better headlights



To the OP if your looking at a new truck i would go with the new dodge as the ride and interior is amazeing but if i was looking used i would go with a chevy if money is an issue go with the dodge as you can pick them up cheaper, the newer dodges have come along way over the old 5.9gas trucks i would never own a 5.9gas truck

 

[GoBigParts]

This post is kind of like Best sled. Mine of course. LOL.

 

[meathooker]

Forgot to mention gm received govt bail outs... What's the rippling effect on our economy from that?

To the OP I've owned a 2006 5.3 cc 1500, 2007 ext cab 4.8,and now a 2009 cc 6.0 2500. My uncle has a 2009 f150 and I've test driven a few Eco boost f150. My dads had diesels since 96 and currently a duramax, and I've borrowed them quite a bit.

My experience:

I loved my 2006. Put 70000 on it in 2years. Pulled an open car trailer, 4 place enclosed, and 6x12 enclosed with 6 people in the cab on road trips. Best mileage I ever got was on the freeway no trailer from Utah; 21 mpg. Around town I would get 14. With snowmobile trailer I would get 10. Went through 3 sets of brakes.

2007. With the 4.8 sucked. Not sure why Chevy even puts that motor in a full size. It got worse mileage than the 5.3 in every situation.

2009 2500 gasser liking it so far. Only had it a month but I pulled a car trailer and it is so much nicer than the 1/2 tons. Get 13 around town, 14-16 freeway, 11 pulling car trailer.

2009 f150 - love this truck. Would take it over the Chevy 1500 any day

Eco boost - perfect truck to fill the gap between the standard 1/2 ton and 3/4 diesel. Power is smooth, very torquey, and mileage is supposed to be great. Heard they are starting to have issues with the direct injection system but it's still under warranty (unless you drove the wheels off of it) so that shouldn't matter.

As for a diesel if I get to a point in my life where I can afford to have a truck just for pulling that I don't have to drive every I would consider it

I think that's a little short-sighted to be honest. Regardless of brand, you support the dealership and it's employees/owners and all of the supporting employers (jobbers, delivery companies, office supply people, etc, etc) on the local scale. Then on the national scale you have the production plants with all of their managers, employees and support staff, as well as the parts distribution network, and then the zone and national head offices. All of that is the same for Toyota (for example) as the domestics and employs no one from off-continent whatsoever.

You have to get VERY high up the chain before any money is turned over to Japan. Toyota Canada and Toyota USA operate as individual companies; seperate from Toyota Motor Corp (Japan). The only thing passed back to Japan really, is money for the few models we still import directly from there, the parts that come from there, and obviously some profit. For the models that are still imported.....well, GM, Ford and Chryco import parts from all over the world to build cars, and many models are built out-of-country (eg Mexico). For the profit portion....well in either case 2 things can happen with company profit.....they can either piss it up a rope, or re-invest in the company (and in turn the economy) regardless of manufacturer.

 

[Xrider]

Just sold my diesel and bought a 2011 Dodge 1500 Hemi. I don't tow anything heavy anymore, small enclosed 2 place. So far really like the truck, the ride and quietness is amazing, pretty good power too. Also enjoying the automatic after having the 6 speed manual. Haven't seen the remarkable mileage everyone said they get with these but it's brand new so we'll see.

 

[Jaynelson]

Just sold my diesel and bought a 2011 Dodge 1500 Hemi. I don't tow anything heavy anymore, small enclosed 2 place. So far really like the truck, the ride and quietness is amazing, pretty good power too. Also enjoying the automatic after having the 6 speed manual. Haven't seen the remarkable mileage everyone said they get with these but it's brand new so we'll see.

Don't feel bad.....most people who get amazing mileage in any truck are either confused or lying LOL