I need an everyday truck, mine is about worn out. A 1/2 ton, maybe a 3/4 ton. At my age, might be my last. I hate the inflated prices and dealer profit as much as anyone but it is what it is and I can't wait hardly any longer. Price is usually a factor and it still is, but I'm not afraid to spend more than normal on this truck. What features would you want? At this point, I have not chosen a brand nor a model. Things that come to mind for me...
4wd
crew cab
short bed is fine, even preferred
great a/c
'more' towing capacity a plus
good riding all-terrain tires, not road tires
good sound system (I like music)
cd player if I can get it
Sirius/XM radio a plus
backup camera(s)
do not want it 'jacked up,' getting old
adjustable suspension a plus
electric windows
cruise control
keyless entry a plus
remote start a plus
toolboxes / storage a plus
drop down tailgate (ease of entry is good)
bumper tow hooks
front winch a plus
fabric seats are ok
probably gasoline (never had a diesel)
has to look good, lol (I know that is subjective)
Some of this is not absolutely necessary.
Probably a full size 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton, i.e., not something like a Chevy Colorado or Nissan Frontier.
I don't want to have to climb in the truck, so, lifted or tall tires or whatever that makes a truck taller is a negative. If I can get in it without effort, any of that is fine. I am plenty active and athletic but it will go downhill from here and my knees and back are bad.
All of the fancy bells and whistles are not necessary but I will probably have to take some because of bundling. I like geewhiz stuff, yes, but it's not totally necessary. What have you found to be a must or is there any feature you have seen that you really like?
Also... if you have an opinion... does a modern 4wd 3/4 ton drive rougher on the highway than a 1/2 ton? I might do quite a bit of traveling.
I went looking, after my son bought a new truck - for a model with heated steering wheel and seats..
Couldn't believe up here in Canada how hard it was to find a model moderately priced, with those options - considering our long and cold Winters!
For those of you in the USA - probably not a deal breaker - but up here it certainly was going to be for me - from the very first time my old arthritic hands and saggy butt drove my son's for the first time - the quest was on past that point!
Even with what they call 4 wheel drive I want and have differential lock.
Rear window defog is nice.
GAB
What do you plan to use it for? Are you towing a larger trailer or hauling a slide in camper? If so 3/4 ton is a must, 1 ton is better. I have been driving a Ram 2500HD, a derated 3500 for tax and licensing purposes for years and don't want anything less. The ride is firm but comfortable and with the diesel it will pull anything I need to move. I just wish it had power mirrors and cruise control.
Quote from: sawguy21 on January 09, 2023, 05:06:06 PM
What do you plan to use it for? Are you towing a larger trailer or hauling a slide in camper? If so 3/4 ton is a must, 1 ton is better. I have been driving a Ram 2500HD, a derated 3500 for tax and licensing purposes for years and don't want anything less. The ride is firm but comfortable and with the diesel it will pull anything I need to move. I just wish it had power mirrors and cruise control.
First, I just need an all-around truck for everyday stuff and also some long distance trips. Second, there is a possibility I will continue to sell firewood and tow capacity can come in handy. All of this might change due to my age, I might slow down on that stuff. I pull a trailer loaded with firewood. (I really can get by with a 1/2 ton for this; my current truck is 2wd and really, all I have needed is 4wd on occasion.) Also might pull a travel trailer. Ideally, one would have two trucks -- an everyday 1/2 ton truck and then a 3/4 ton or 1 ton for RV stuff. But my current truck is not much of a backup because it is worn out. And the RV stuff is just a possibility, so, I can't buy for that, as it's not a definite plan. At this time, a 'beefy' 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton is what I am leaning towards. But it's nice to have feedback on features people really like. Mentioned above is locking differential, heated steering wheel/seat, rear window defogger... that type of thing is worth jotting down to consider. Just last week, I got stuck hauling firewood out and I got out with a come-along and a chain but I was real lucky to have a big log to tie to, else, I would have had to walk out. A 4wd would have never gotten stuck in that situation, I know how to drive in mud AND even locking differential might have gotten me out, as my truck does not have that!
If your towing less than 10k lbs and not doing it daily any new 1/2 ton truck will do that with ease.
Remote start!!!!!
I keep saying I would trade the heated seats for a heated steering wheel but I think I would miss the heated seats.
I am going to say I am not really brand loyal. I have an F-150 that I absolutely love. When it comes times to replace it I will very seriously look at the F-150 again.
I have 5 jeeps 2, dodges, and a toyota. just to show you how brand loyal I am not :)
I use to work in a hardware store.
I found out most new trucks are hard to load a 50# bag of grain into because of the height of them.
Quote from: thecfarm on January 09, 2023, 06:00:33 PM
I use to work in a hardware store.
I found out most new trucks are hard to load a 50# bag of grain into because of the height of them.
You just identified my main beef with modern trucks. After, say, 2015 or thereabouts. They have increased the overall size and it's ridiculous. Especially height. Most any truck is 4-6 inches taller. The real jacked up ones are way taller. I hate it. We did just fine for decades with what they were before. And the price has gone through the roof, it's out of hand.
I don't think CD players are available anymore. Backup cameras are required by federal law.
If it was me I would want radio and heater. Standard shift also. :D
I really don't know all the specs (height/width/length) but I put down my $100 to be placed on the wait list on a Cyber truck. They are all wheel drive with no need for locking diffs. Cargo and tow capacity is better than 1 ton trucks. What price range are you thinking? The new trucks are ridiculous! You're looking at $85k+ these days. Don't know what they will eventually sell for by the "loaded" version I signed up for was $69k. I have solar and will charge from my house or cabin so fuel normally will be free. Maintenance is virtually zero. I heard people really like the electric F150 but I think those are over 100k if you have more than basics.
I bought a new f150 seven years ago. Just last month found I had adjustable pedal and throttle position.I also have a knob on dash to help you back up. Never needed either one so maybe you can save money not having them included. I broke the backup camera several years ago and do occasionally miss it.
Like said. A remote start! Electric windows . You might say you don't need them but when you do and you need a window down on passenger side you will wish you had them.
In 2020 I moved up to a 3/4 ton from a half ton. The 2 things I miss are the smooth ride and lower bed height. It's a 2500 ram crew cab short bed 4x4. Ride is best with about 1500 pounds in the back. Part is tires. Half tons come with P rated tires like most suvs and cars. 3/4 tons come with much stiffer LT tires which on their own contribute to a rougher ride, let alone the much bigger springs. It's not terrible, but if I didn't need the towing capacity I'd be in a 1500.
As for height, it's ridiculous. Had to put nerf bars with steps so the wife could get in and out easily. Tailgate height is a few inches above my belt.(I'm 6'3") this truck is not lifted with factory tires and barely fits under the 7' high pole at most car washes. Don't get me wrong, I love my 2500. Just being honest if it helps you make a decision
Everything on the road has been american sized. looks at the tacoma. used to be a mini truck now its midsize.
lever activated 4wd, with lsd or locking diff
Fog lights
tow package w 4 and 7 pin connector
cold weather package
2 batterys
heated tow mirrors
outdoor temp gauge
good armrest
a good oil undercoat
hillbilly proof floor (think rubber vs white carpet)
real good extended warranty, the factor kind I prefer
I am getting soft in my old age, so I'd want power locks, remote start, radio controls on the wheel, and a goodsized b/u display. Oh, and if it can do the blueteeth thing so I can listen to my books on the tablet through the truck speakers, thats pretty great too. And, cab lights, cause I like em!
Well the last couple years I have been through a F350 XLT super duty, Silverado 1500 LTZ, and now a 22 Ford Ranger Lariat. They all have their uses. All 4x4s.
The F350 super cab 8 ft bed could Cary 4k pounds in the Bed and pull a big trailer but it rode like crap empty, averaged 10.5 mpg, had a really big turning radius, and had to heavy a gvw for some roads.
The Silverado 1500 Crew cab short bed was junk and had serious frame rust in less then 2 years. It was comfortable, had a 9k tow rating, 1400 pound load rating, fairly large turning radius, averaged 18 mpg, and could have been my favorite truck if GM did the tsb for rusting frames they scheduled. Turned out it was too bad the cab and bed needed to be removed pushing the cost too high so they refused to do the tsb in the end and the dealer bought it back.
So last year we needed 2 new vehicles. Was easy to order a Subaru Forester from Japan for my wife. But when I started truck shopping nothing affordable was available in a F150 or Tundra. They were all going to be in the mid 60s and up with tax and warranty. I started looking smaller and decided to try a Ranger. My dealer had one in que so I put my name on it without even driving one. I got a Crew Cab Lariat that is loaded. Has an e locker, trailer package, and everything else but a heated steering wheel, sun roof, and cooled seats. It is my favorite truck ever. Comfortable ride, great handling, 7500 pound tow rating, 1600 pound load rating, and averages 23mpg on regular. Never thought I would go smaller then a 1500 but in reality it meets all my needs, the insurance is about half of what the Chevy was because of all the safety features, and it's so easy to park and maneuver tight spaces. Pulls my small dump trailer as good as the 1500 did. Only problem is it's black and shows dirt.
In the end I am glad that I really considered all my needs this time instead of wants. Got out the door with tax, plates, fees, and 8 year zero deductible warranty for $49.800. A comparable F150 would have been $69000 out the door. I wouldn't buy a new truck built during the pandemic without a warranty.
Here it is getting firewood. My perfect truck for this stage of life and the grandkids fit nice in the back seats.Plus met requirements for passenger plates so I can use all roads.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34694/IMG_1436.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1656543952)
Air conditioning ventilation seats 😂. Don't knock it till y'all try it. Get the truck loaded up
Quote from: GRANITEstateMP on January 09, 2023, 08:10:55 PM
lever activated 4wd, with lsd or locking diff
Fog lights
tow package w 4 and 7 pin connector
cold weather package
2 batterys
heated tow mirrors
outdoor temp gauge
good armrest
a good oil undercoat
hillbilly proof floor (think rubber vs white carpet)
real good extended warranty, the factor kind I prefer
I am getting soft in my old age, so I'd want power locks, remote start, radio controls on the wheel, and a goodsized b/u display. Oh, and if it can do the blueteeth thing so I can listen to my books on the tablet through the truck speakers, thats pretty great too. And, cab lights, cause I like em!
You just summarized everything I will be looking for in a truck in 6 months or so. Saved me a lot of typing on my suggestion. I don't want the bells and whistles. I want to listen to the podcasts on my phone through the speakers, a vinyl floor and leather seats. Forget about the heated seats, I want the cooled seats.
Why do you think you need lever activated 4wd ?
Ponsse equipment come with a very nice heated and cooled operator's seat, they are very nice.
Most trucks with a "lever shift 4x4" still use electronics to control front axle engagement. This isn't the days of lever transfer case and manual locking hubs (unless you have a 3/4 or 1 ton ford).
I bought a new Silverado 3500 in 2020.
Regular cab and 8' bed.
Took the bed off and put a flat bed on it.
It has the 2LT package in it.
That includes remote start.
Heated seats.
Heated steering wheel and power windows.
I wouldn't trade it for the world.
The comfort features are awesome.
I'm not going back.
In 2020 it was 46k.
Expensive. But reasonable bu todays standards.
Get the options.
You won't regret it.
I ordered an F350 CC SB Powerstroke 6.7L a year ago. 5 month wait. LOVE the truck. 1050# of torque, so I can haul 11,000# of skidsteer + attachments on 20ft flat trailer, or a bunch of big logs. Heated seats and steering wheel, remote start and entry, and a gazillion other niceties. I had the bed-liner sprayed, and added a bomber lumber rack and saddle tool box. All in maybe $80k, but at 3% interest, so quite happy.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/64567/20221123_084203_Menlo_log.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1673323958)
Unless you tow heavy and frequently I would shy away from a new diesel. The emissions and fuel systems are fairly reliable when used hard, and less than reliable when used to putt around town.
Add to that mess the cost difference in the diesel option and the ridiculous fuel prices diesels are expensive to drive and maintain.
This coming from a guy with 2 diesel trucks that stay parked most of the time anymore and I drive around a gas SUV.
Quote from: chevytaHOE5674 on January 09, 2023, 11:26:51 PM
Unless you tow heavy and frequently I would shy away from a new diesel. The emissions and fuel systems are fairly reliable when used hard, and less than reliable when used to putt around town.
Add to that mess the cost difference in the diesel option and the ridiculous fuel prices diesels are expensive to drive and maintain.
This coming from a guy with 2 diesel trucks that stay parked most of the time anymore and I drive around a gas SUV.
My daily driver is a Mach-E, and the F350 gets a solid workout a few times a month. I seriously doubt I'm going to experience "less than reliable" in any of my Power Strokes (7.3L, 7.3L, 6.0L donor, 6.7L).
I also looked at a RAM 2500 Cummins pretty seriously before pulling the trigger on the F350.
My ram has a 6.2l gas and my Chevrolet 2500 work truck has a 6.6l gas. Both will tow a skidsteer, mini excavator, or load of logs just fine. The new gas burners are pretty impressive.
Quote from: Walnut Beast on January 09, 2023, 08:32:13 PM
Why do you think you need lever activated 4wd ?
don't need it, want it. buttons are fine, but I like the lever to engage 4x4.
I know it still has some electronics, but I'd like to keep that stuff to.a minimum
For a list of options/features that I want:
-key fob for keyless entry and start button. I had a fob in my prior car, and my current truck has a traditional key and remote. It gets old quick. It's bulky to carry around and more of a pain than I remembered.
-good headlights
-heated seats is a minimum
-heated steering wheel would be nice
-an easy to use hands free. I use mine to adjust heat and radio, but they are not all easy.
-a screen that can be blackened/turned off for night driving. The light is a distraction. I didn't think I could in my truck, the toddler figured it out in 30 seconds.
-lock or limited slip rear diff
I understand your comment about trucks getting so big that it's hard to get in or use the box. Now they have to come with ladders. :D
I'm the tallest of my surroundings at 5'11", everyone else around me is 5'7" and shorter. My wife couldn't even see what was in the box of a f150, and it was shoulder height for my father. It's one of the reasons I went with a Colorado, the other being the driving dynamics. If you need the rig for towing though, you gotta go big. Just seems so excessive nowadays in my opinion, but they are nice and people like them.
4x4, 100 mi range or better, defrost, a bed and a seat. Cheap, it will be destroyed. What happened to the regular working man's truck?
I picked up a new 4x4 Toyota Tundra last March. I bought it site unseen. The lot was empty, they had 5 on order with no deposit so I picked the lessor model, SR5, put my deposit down and waited. Sold my 07 Tundra with 250,000 miles for 7k. It was just about worn out, but it was a Toyota and they always bring money on the way to the junk yard, not like the N. American stuff that you almost have to pay the junk yard to take.
New Tundra was $53,000 Canadian $ so %30 less for the USA market. It has a V6Turbo, great mileage, can tow 11,000 lbs. I tow a 10,000lbs trailer all the time, and I bet I overload it more than I care to think about, and my mill is 4500 lbs, which gets towed almost weekly. This truck pulls all my stuff as well if not better than my old truck, and I get double the gas mileage now.
It has Heated seats and Steering wheel 8) and the best of all is the Backup Camera. It has all the options I need , in fact it has too many options in my opinion.
It is missing front tow hooks, and Limited slip differential , which the old truck had on both axles. I miss both of these options.
It has way too much media technology on this truck. I am way more distracted driving it with screens and info flashing at me. I was safer TXTing and driving my old truck than trying watch all the info this truck throws at me. changing the radio station requires me to look at Display instead of just reaching over and hitting a button on the radio.
Quote from: Don P on January 10, 2023, 07:14:18 AM
4x4, 100 mi range or better, defrost, a bed and a seat. Cheap, it will be destroyed. What happened to the regular working man's truck?
Up here contractors seem to be switching to the stripped down Ford Transits to get that plus a secure area for equipment.
My new ranger is about the exact same size and capacities as the 1998 F250 light duty Lariat super cab that I bought but weighs 1500 pounds less.
About distraction, Reading texts to you as they are received causes less distraction to me and adaptive cruise along with auto breaking and blind spot monitoring make them so much safer if distraction occurs. Safety is definitely worth the extra investment and reduces insurance cost tremendously.
@wkf94025 (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=54567) i wouldnt bet the farm om that. Local ford garage in my po-dunk area has 1-2 6.7 trucks in the shop for emissions or fuel related problems at any given time.
Don't think I'm bashing ford either it happens to GM and Dodge also. I seem to see less of it with the Dodges though. I see it all the time with heavy equipment (skid steers, tractors, forwarders, processors, end loaders, etc) in my shop (egr coolers, doser valves, def heaters, CP3 failures, etc).
When the old school diesel got brought into the emissions world with egr, def, dpf, common rail, etc the idea that the "engine will run forever" went out the window, this is a proven fact.
I like a common rail diesel, they run great and are reliable. When all the emissions stuff gets added to the mix though, not so good.
Do Dodges (Rams now I guess🤷♂️) still have the full time engaged axle? On my 03 (gosh 20 years old) there is no disengagement mechanism except for the transfer case. The whole front drive line spins all the time, which is a foolish design imo. Ford uses the same axle with lockouts, I'd prefer that. At least you could manually unlock them.
Problem with a common rail injection system is when something goes wrong like a CP3 failure then the whole rail and injectors is contaminated. Resulting in huge expense to remove, clean, replace just about everything in the system. No more 15 minute injector swaps, or 2 hour injector pump replacements.
Depends on the year of the dodge. Some years had a CAD (central axle dissconnect) others did not. Going from memory pre 2002 had CAD, 2003-2018? did not and were engaged all the time, 2019+ have CAD again.
.
As an example my NH tractor with an FPT 6.7 in it (almost the same as a cummins 6.7) just got put back together at 4100hrs with a new CP3 and sent the injectors out to be cleaned/checkee to the tune of nearly $4k bucks in parts and many hours of my free labor.
Coming to my shop soon is an older Ford tractor with 14,000 hours and one motor rebuild and the original fuel system. And if needed a new pump and injectors could be tossed in for less than 1500 bucks and 2.5 hours of time.
Ah, I didn't realize that the CP3 would take everything out👎.
It is hard to beat the simplicity of a mechanical 5.9 Cummins. I think you can get a whole set of injectors for the price of one electronic injector.
Common rail is just that all injectors on a common rail. Therefor any trash coming out of the pump gets spread thru everything on the rail.
Its all about tradeoffs. The old mechanical diesels are reliable and "cheap" to maintain. But they tend to be dirty and smokey.
Quote from: 21incher on January 10, 2023, 08:45:20 AMAbout distraction, Reading texts to you as they are received causes less distraction to me and adaptive cruise along with auto breaking and blind spot monitoring make them so much safer if distraction occurs. Safety is definitely worth the extra investment and reduces insurance cost tremendously.
Totally agree. The only regret on my F350 in that regard is that it doesn't have the the Blue Cruise autopilot that my Mach-E does. Talk about lightening pilot workload and improved safety.
I love my '97 F350 7.3L CC Dually, but it's nowhere near as safe on a long haul as the new F350.
I find there is no Txt I need to hear, that can't wait until I get to where I am going. The cruise is always cutting out now due to winter, snow and crap on the truck. If I could just have regular CC back I would be happy. I've been driving all these years with just regular CC and haven't run into anyone. I shut off the lane centering in the 1st week I had the truck, I live on a twisty turnny road and always crossing the yellow line. The beeping drove me crazy.
I would be happy with vynal floor mats, easier to blow the sawdust off.
I have to have the truck running to charge my cell phone. What a pain that is.
No I do not need all the technology or "Safety" items
I had a hard time with 'Siri" just asking her to call someone and now we expect her to drive our cars without a driver..... no thanks
Quote from: Stephen1 on January 11, 2023, 02:29:03 PM
I have to have the truck running to charge my cell phone. What a pain that is.
If it happens to be a GM, there may be fuse you can relocate to make the USB powered all the time.
I just had to move the fuse from one slot to another.
Bought a new truck in 2015.GMC 2500.At the time I didn't think I could afford what I wanted but dealer spec'ed out what they called a work truck.6.0 gas engine,auto transmission,4x4,Power windows,ac,blue tooth,towing package,spray in bed liner,power mirrors,cruise control and several other options I'd never had before.Doesn't have carpet and has cloth seats but still nicer than any truck I've ever had.Paid $37,000 at the time.Rides a little rough on bad roads but is the quietest vehicle I've ever owned.Worst thing is 12 mpg but I don't drive it that much.I think it's got 30,000 miles.May be the last truck I ever buy.
Quote from: Dom on January 11, 2023, 06:52:07 PM
Quote from: Stephen1 on January 11, 2023, 02:29:03 PM
I have to have the truck running to charge my cell phone. What a pain that is.
If it happens to be a GM, there may be fuse you can relocate to make the USB powered all the time.
I just had to move the fuse from one slot to another.
Same for newer Rams. Worked putting a dash cam in a guys truck. The instructions in the owner's manual are worthless. Need to YouTube it. Something like move fuse 91 to the 92 position. Yeah, 90 plus fuses! ::)
Lots of good input already. Really comes down to getting what you need for it to perform the function plus doodads you want. I kinda like all the doodads, but it is a little overwhelming these days.
One thing I didn't see mentioned yet is a built in brake controller. Much cleaner than trying to stick one somewhere after the fact. Probably standard with a tow package, but something to check.
Wimedley is onto something about spec'ing out a truck. Probably the best way to go. I'd be curious to see the price of his truck today. Still better than buying one off the lot though.
I'd also recommend finding the fleet sales people near you. They are a pleasure to deal with and not the usual dealer and sales types. They don't mind selling a single truck to an individual, they just don't want to deal with typical tire kickers and wheedlers that buy at the standard dealers. Good pricing is the norm at fleet sales, even for a single vehicle.
Some of my favorite comfort features are: heated steering wheel, electric folding mirrors, sonar front and back, memory seats (yes, really!). The auto sensing wipers and headlights are pretty good these days too, although not that big of a deal. It is nice though to get in my truck day or night, rain or shine, and everything is set for takeoff. they only time I really need to mess with controls is with trailers, and the onboard brake controller has 5 different trailer memories so it's pretty easy to just yse my different trailers with different braking parameters. Still have to adjust the gain for empty vs. loaded, but everything else is stored in memory.
It sounds like your towing needs would best be handled in 3/4 ton. 1/2 tons have some good tow specs these days, but doing a lot of heavy towing really works better in the 3/4 ton. Or a one ton serious work. You will give up ride comfort though once you go above the 1/2 ton version. Maybe air bags would help - I've got know experience with air bags.
I hear that new vehicle prices and availability are coming back to somewhat normal. Its still pretty pricey to get a good truck though. Good luck with your quest!
I cussed my 05 Ram because I had to keep the engine running to charge the phone. After years of this I discovered a live port to the left of the drink tray the charger stays plugged into. ::)
Got in my 2011 truck awhile back and da steering wheel was tipped down and pulled way out. :o DanG , now how did this git broke. Then da wife explained ta me she had moved it 'cause it was more comfortable' for her. 12 years and I never know I could adjust it. ::)
4-cylinder Tacoma for me. I have towed a 16' foot trailer with roofing steel on it before. Of course I was on the back roads, not the 4-lane. ;D But I mostly just need a basic, reliable, cheap to maintain gaser to haul clearing saws around the county for work and haul firewood to the house. Going on 9 years, no issues, no rust. I had a small chev in the 80's that was reliable, but rusted to heck by 10 years and a Dodge 1500 that was a pile dog doo by year 8. :D
Just had my 2nd F 150 taken off the road, failed inspection, could
poke holes through the rusted out frame. Seen it coming but was hoping to get
another year out of it.
So was ready to downsize anyway. Just don't need a big truck anymore.
Found a 2013 Tacoma SR5 auto. with 14K miles on it. Like new, nice truck, Like.
Gas mileage 21-22 mpg, Like that too.
Vented cooled light colored seats. Any color besides Black sorta works around here, but my summer clothing tends to be shorts and sandals. Ever sat down on a Black seat in August? If it's too hot for a dog to walk on pavement that is too hot for my bottom. Remote start, cools the interior a bit.
Last year I started looking to replace my Pavement Princess 2015 Ram 1500 Diesel, not because I needed to, but some of the new electronical thingys are really nice. I thought I would like the 650-700 mile range but my bladder can't hold out that long on the highway. Super comfy ride. If I have to I'll just keep it until I find something I like enough to open my checkbook for.
onthe tow rating end of things. I have the max tow package on my 2015 f-150. its rated to tow 13000 lbs. I have had a 14' equipment trailer with a 3.5 ton excavator on it. which I am guessing weighs about 10k total. going up the hills it pulled amazing. I couldn't believe with the 3.5 ecoboost how it pulled like it wasn't an issue. on the flats and going down hill takes me to my next sentence.
JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN, DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD!!!
going downhill was downright scary having a 6000lb truck being pushed by 10k worth of equipment. Yes, I had trailer brakes and everything but it sure as a white knuckle scary ride.
Then going up my driveway involved 4lo with the rear diff locked and scratching all the way.
Sounds like you need to move the load on the trailer or change things up with a WD hitch or something.
I routinely haul 20k behind a 6,900lbs F250 and have never been scared or white knuckled.
Most 3/4 ton trucks weight 1,500-2,000lbs more than their half ton counterparts but are often rated to tow double what a 1/2ton will.
Quote from: woodroe on January 12, 2023, 08:17:07 AM
Just had my 2nd F 150 taken off the road, failed inspection, could
poke holes through the rusted out frame. Seen it coming but was hoping to get
another year out of it.
So was ready to downsize anyway. Just don't need a big truck anymore.
Found a 2013 Tacoma SR5 auto. with 14K miles on it. Like new, nice truck, Like.
Gas mileage 21-22 mpg, Like that too.
Nice find, I've been in my 2013 Tacoma SR5 auto for exactly nine years now. Has a little over 100K miles I've put on it and I intend to run it as long as possible. 4x4 V6 crew cab with the tow package rated at 6500 lbs. I pull an empty or lightly loaded skid steer trailer with it regularly but never max out the tow rating. I keep a '95 F350 dually crew cab around for hauling machinery and large loads, part of keeping the Tacoma nice for as long as possible. I dread the day I need to shop again, hoping there are some technological leaps by then.
Quote from: Stephen1 on January 10, 2023, 08:10:17 AM
... way too much media technology on this truck. ... changing the radio station requires me to look at Display instead of just reaching over and hitting a button on the radio.
^^This right here.^^
We like how simple the basic f150 lightning is, funny for an Ev but the cruise control is just that. Has the backup camera like everything nowadays. Cabin super clean, light seats but not cloth, what the Tesla's use instead of leather. When the back seat folds up you can clean it with backpack blower. I should have bought the custom transfer tank from ford - my TS one is a make do.
Got knobs for radio and ac/heat or you can use screen and hook up apple car play.
Fancy vehicle for us but much better cab than the old 2008 f350. I think the gas version is much the same. Charger finally in so I don't think we buy electricity again except overnight at the house- 0.09/kWh -$10 for full range of 230. Not driving much this year is the plan- just stay home and work.
My newest truck is a 2017 F250. One of my frustrations I have with it is after I hook up a trailer. I feel like I have to play 20 questions with the truck. It's going on about blind spots and this and that. I'm about to scream at it that I just need to haul the tractor to do some work not sit in the yard pushing buttons on my steering wheel. Sorry rant over.
I never got the 1/2, 3/4 and 1to truck types your guys always talk about. can anyone explain to me? what does the 3/4to stand for? loading capacity? that would be rather low
It's pretty antiquated terminology that really doesn't mean a whole lot anymore other than a basic class.
Newer 1/2 ton's have a GVW (gross vehicle weight rating) of around 7-8,000 lbs which puts there payload capacity in the 1500-2000 lb range and a towing capacity of 7-13,000 lbs depending how its equipped.
A 3/4 ton has a GVW around 10-11,000 lbs, payload around 3,000 lbs and a towing capacity between 10-18,000 lbs. (a single wheel one ton will be similar but slightly more)
A 1 ton dual wheel would probably have a GVW closer to 13-14,000, payload 4-5,000 lbs, and towing 13-26,000 lbs
I did not look any specs up so I may be off a little, but it gives you a rough range. The big difference in towing capacity for the larger trucks in mainly gas vs diesel motors.
I have not read through this entire thread, so I apologize if this has been mentioned already.
I think the best upgrade I've done on my truck is a heavy duty front bumper/ grill guard with a receiver hitch, combined with a warn 10,000 lb winch on a cradle/ carrier (other brands have similar configurations). I can put the winch on the front or back of the truck. And I keep it under my topper, so it is out of the weather.
One thing that always bothered me about front mounted winches is that if I get stuck, I rarely want to keep going in that direction.
I also have rear helper springs, I was told that sometimes the airbags get moisture in them and pop a hole from freezing.