New Truck Discussion

OldBuzzard · Jan 11, 2024

B1Toad said:
My criteria for a "truck" is that it has at least eight bolts holding each wheel or pair of wheels on . Anything less is a car with a bed (runs for cover)

My criteria is that it can be used as a "truck". Meaning an 8 foot bed, so you can "pickup" stuff.

And I don't want four doors. If I want an SUV, I'll get an SUV. A pickup truck shouldn't have four doors and a vestigial (@Zorba's word) bed. But of course 99% of "trucks" sold now are exactly that, so I'll have to buy something older. That's alright, it's all I can afford, and it will come without $10K worth of useless entertainment electronic touchscreen junk.

Pardon me while I step down from my soapbox.

tworley · Jan 11, 2024

OldBuzzard said:
Pardon me while I step down from my soapbox.

ok, Zorba

DavidBT · Jan 11, 2024

suicideking said:
Yeah, I do want to test drive one, but leaning towards a 1500 size. I have 3 boys, 10, 12, and 15. So I think they would fit fine in either. If all of us are going somewhere, we would take her Expedition with the third row seat which keeps the kids from killing each other.

Strongest contenders are the RAM, F150 and Tundra. I like the Silverado, but probably going to be eliminated due to having the worst gas mileage. I still need to test drive all of them and see which one I prefer. I liked my last two F150's, but now they are on a different model.

The 2019+ Rams have a flat rear floor and the crew cab has a extra 4" over the 4th generation. My wife had a 2015 crew 1500 and we were surprised with how much bigger the back seat area of my 2021 has over her 2015 is.

Woodrow · Jan 11, 2024

suicideking said:
I'm going to buy a new (or used) truck in the next year. So starting to look at options. So far, finding it odd that regardless of whether they're a V6 or V8, some turbo, some not, all seem to have similar gas mileage. With the gas mileage, I figure the numbers are tweaked for emissions and not power. When tested, I'm assuming they drive as slow as possible and not mashing the pedal.

Most interested in a Gladiator. I wouldn't mind a JL or JLU, but my wife is adamantly opposed to having a third Wrangler for fear that I will want to destroy it offroad. I guess I've made enough comments about the JT being too long for serious off road, so she's ok with that.

I might end up getting a 1500 size truck. For the price of a V6 JT (most interested in the Mojave), I can get a V8 RAM and they get almost the same gas mileage. That might be more practical even though I don't really NEED a larger truck. My wife's vehicle is a 3.5 Expedition with the max tow package. So unless she gets rid of it, I don't really need something that tows. If I do get a 1500 size, I will want the tow package though figuring in 5 - 10 years she will want something smaller.

I had a 2018 F150 with the 2.7 and it was perfectly fine. However, if the gas mileage is worse than the RAM, seems like the RAM would be better with less things (turbo) to go wrong. I like the Chevy/GMC, but that has the worst gas mileage, so probably eliminate it due to that.

Please chime in with your opinion. Especially if you have one of these listed.

View attachment 489609

What do you want to do with it? DD, haul bulky stuff?

suicideking · Jan 11, 2024

Woodrow said:
What do you want to do with it? DD, haul bulky stuff?

Mostly DD and the usual trips to home depot or to the dump. I do want to be able to tow, but don't own a trailer or currently have a place to store it (HOA). Most can be handled by my wife's Expedition which does have the max tow package and trailer brake. Though I figure she will eventually (5+ years?) want something smaller and I would be left without a tow rig.

In the next few years I want to put a gate to my back yard so will have trailer storage.

I'm sure my wife would jump at the chance if I offered to take the Expedition so she could get a smaller vehicle. Thought I would like the Expedition more, but it just seems bulky and more like a minivan. My 2018 F150 seemed to handle much nicer, traded for the Expedition. Which I somewhat regret.

I have a short commute, about 25 minutes each way.

suicideking · Jan 11, 2024

DavidBT said:
The 2019+ Rams have a flat rear floor and the crew cab has a extra 4" over the 4th generation. My wife had a 2015 crew 1500 and we were surprised with how much bigger the back seat area of my 2021 has over her 2015 is.

Not too worried about the back seat. Currently the only one that rides in the back regularly is my 10yo on the way to school. He fits in the back of my DD TJ. He just doesn't like getting in and out.

Woodrow · Jan 11, 2024

suicideking said:
Mostly DD and the usual trips to home depot or to the dump. I do want to be able to tow, but don't own a trailer or currently have a place to store it (HOA). Most can be handled by my wife's Expedition which does have the max tow package and trailer brake. Though I figure she will eventually (5+ years?) want something smaller and I would be left without a tow rig.

In the next few years I want to put a gate to my back yard so will have trailer storage.

I'm sure my wife would jump at the chance if I offered to take the Expedition so she could get a smaller vehicle. Thought I would like the Expedition more, but it just seems bulky and more like a minivan. My 2018 F150 seemed to handle much nicer, traded for the Expedition. Which I somewhat regret.

I have a short commute, about 25 minutes each way.

OK. Makes sense. How about sell the Expedition, get a smaller vehicle your wife would like and for yourself an extended cab 1/2 ton pickup in your favorite flavor (maybe the 3.0L duramax Chevy 1500 would be worth a look?)

suicideking · Jan 11, 2024

Woodrow said:
OK. Makes sense. How about sell the Expedition, get a smaller vehicle your wife would like and for yourself an extended cab 1/2 ton pickup in your favorite flavor (maybe the 3.0L duramax Chevy 1500 would be worth a look?)

Ok, nice! Hadn't looked at that combo. Gas mileage is 21/23, so definitely a contender and still in the price range. Horse power is less, though might be worth it for the gas mileage. That's what I don't like about the F150 2.7EB: You get less HP without better gas mileage. I had that engine in my 2018 and never complained. Though not sure how much more it would cost for the diesel fuel.

This was one of the least expensive that I pulled up. Selected the 3.0, 4WD, Crew cab.

Apparition · Jan 11, 2024

suicideking said:
Ok, nice! Hadn't looked at that combo. Gas mileage is 21/23, so definitely a contender and still in the price range. Horse power is less, though might be worth it for the gas mileage. That's what I don't like about the F150 2.7EB: You get less HP without better gas mileage. I had that engine in my 2018 and never complained. Though not sure how much more it would cost for the diesel fuel.

This was one of the least expensive that I pulled up. Selected the 3.0, 4WD, Crew cab.

They still let you buy diesel in Cali?

If you own a diesel and aren't using a fuel card to save money, you're doing it wrong. I wouldn't buy a diesel if I had to pay pump price.

Woodrow · Jan 11, 2024

suicideking said:
Ok, nice! Hadn't looked at that combo. Gas mileage is 21/23, so definitely a contender and still in the price range. Horse power is less, though might be worth it for the gas mileage. That's what I don't like about the F150 2.7EB: You get less HP without better gas mileage. I had that engine in my 2018 and never complained. Though not sure how much more it would cost for the diesel fuel.

This was one of the least expensive that I pulled up. Selected the 3.0, 4WD, Crew cab.

That looks like a nice one. Its hard to beat diesels for torque and the mileage is better than gas most of the time. A half ton wouldn't work for my truck needs but I'd favor the Chevy if I was in the current new market.

Zorba · Jan 11, 2024

Viking Jeeper said:
I too had a Nissan of that model. Cant remember what year it was but I bought it used in 1988. It was so stripped down it did not have a radio, air conditioning, a clock, cigarette lighter (needed for my cross country drive for my radar detector), or a passenger side mirror. Got me through 2 years in California and 4 years of college and I only changed oil and serviced brakes once.

Other than the lack of A/C (and cruise control), that sounds like my kind of vehicle! I had an '81 Datsun with the "Naps-Z" engine - 2 plugs per cylinder and NOTORIOUS for blowing head gaskets.

CreepinDeth · Jan 11, 2024

Observation

Ever notice the only people that bring up penis size drive little trucks, or minivans, or dont ride a bike and project their penis perspectives about other guys toys??

You dont see guys in big trucks, fast cars, fast bikes, or Choppers sweatin other guys Johnsons

Just an observation over the years

Little trucks are cool too guys, just like big trucks are

Apparition · Jan 12, 2024

CreepinDeth said:
Observation

Ever notice the only people that bring up penis size drive little trucks, or minivans, or dont ride a bike and project their penis perspectives about other guys toys??

You dont see guys in big trucks, fast cars, fast bikes, or Choppers sweatin other guys Johnsons

Just an observation over the years
Little trucks are cool too guys, just like big trucks are

Observation

You brought up penis size

Shank · Jan 12, 2024

Apparition said:
Observation

You brought up penis size

so did you now.

Viking Jeeper · Jan 12, 2024

Zorba said:
Other than the lack of A/C (and cruise control), that sounds like my kind of vehicle! I had an '81 Datsun with the "Naps-Z" engine - 2 plugs per cylinder and NOTORIOUS for blowing head gaskets.

Oh yeah, that truck did not have cruise control either. Or power windows. Those might have been obvious without a radio! I drove the CA to report to NAS Miramar listening to a boom box. When I got there I bought a stereo for the truck. I was fine in CA without air but two years later I left CA on July 5 with a severe hangover for Missouri. There is a bit of desert in between.

Apparition · Jan 12, 2024

Shank said:
so did you now.

Your definition of "brought up" and mine are not the same

B1Toad · Jan 12, 2024

One thing to watch for since you say you are considering a travel trailer in the future is payload. While most 1/2 ton trucks will brag about a towing capacity of 10,000-13,000 lbs. damn few of them can actually do it due to their low payload numbers which everyone, including the RV sales person, ignores. There are millions of pickups out there with a 1,300 lb payload which means by the time you load up people, fuel and gear there's no way you can safely or legally tow even close to 10,000 lbs. You're going to need enough payload for about 13% of you trailer's loaded weight for the tongue weight so if you're serious about a TT I'd be looking for as much payload as possible, 2,000 lbs or more would be great, unless you're planning to tow a Scamp or something very light. Keep in mind all the options like crew cabs and 4x4, diesel engines, leather etc etc all add weight which in turn reduces payload. Damn few crew cab 1/2 tons out there with any decent payload.
Also the payload number stated on the door label cannot always be trusted due to additions after it left the factory, the CAT scale is your friend. (GVWR-curb weight=available payload).

Very common on the RV forums for people to find this out too late and take a bath on their new 1/2 ton trading it in for a 3/4 or 1 ton.

suicideking · Jan 12, 2024

B1Toad said:
One thing to watch for since you say you are considering a travel trailer in the future is payload. While most 1/2 ton trucks will brag about a towing capacity of 10,000-13,000 lbs. damn few of them can actually do it due to their low payload numbers which everyone, including the RV sales person, ignores. There are millions of pickups out there with a 1,300 lb payload which means by the time you load up people, fuel and gear there's no way you can safely or legally tow even close to 10,000 lbs. You're going to need enough payload for about 13% of you trailer's loaded weight for the tongue weight so if you're serious about a TT I'd be looking for as much payload as possible, 2,000 lbs or more would be great, unless you're planning to tow a Scamp or something very light. Keep in mind all the options like crew cabs and 4x4, diesel engines, leather etc etc all add weight which in turn reduces payload. Damn few crew cab 1/2 tons out there with any decent payload.
Also the payload number stated on the door label cannot always be trusted due to additions after it left the factory, the CAT scale is your friend. (GVWR-curb weight=available payload).

Very common on the RV forums for people to find this out too late and take a bath on their new 1/2 ton trading it in for a 3/4 or 1 ton.

The only towing I plan to do is the Jeep on a trailer. No plans of a trailer that I can sleep in. Haven't really looked into trailers yet, but might go with aluminum to keep the weight down. I probably don't really NEED 4x4, more of a want than anything else. Seems like the 4WD trucks are more likely to have the tow package. Probably only going to tow a few times per year. I'd say 6 tow trips per year would be about right. The rest of the time, it just needs to be a DD. The truck will likely be pretty empty when I do tow, usually solo.

CreepinDeth · Jan 12, 2024

upxc9tvjo0r8rmh975cywf9&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=200w.gif

Mike_H · Jan 12, 2024

suicideking said:
Ok, nice! Hadn't looked at that combo. Gas mileage is 21/23, so definitely a contender and still in the price range. Horse power is less, though might be worth it for the gas mileage. That's what I don't like about the F150 2.7EB: You get less HP without better gas mileage. I had that engine in my 2018 and never complained. Though not sure how much more it would cost for the diesel fuel.

This was one of the least expensive that I pulled up. Selected the 3.0, 4WD, Crew cab.

My dad has a baby duramax 1500 High Country. Its a VERY nice truck. Its not a tow rig, but it would pull your jeep fine. For cruising and DD duties, it drives really well and he's getting really good milage with it (I think north of your posted estimate)

New Truck Discussion

nerd before it was cool

Metalcloak free

TJ Addict

1997

TJ Addict

TJ Addict

1997

TJ Addict

Attachments

Sand Hollow '26

1997

"The Veiled Male"

TJ Addict

Sand Hollow '26

TJ Addict

2A Supporter

Sand Hollow '26

TJ Addict

TJ Addict

TJ Addict

autos are better - WRWD508

Similar threads