Best Full Size Truck For Ruff Country Travel (W/ A Pop Up Camper)

[Overlander]

Hey fellas, Looking for a general concencus on the best full size P/U for off road.
Im planning a FWC (or the like) and using it mostly in the west with my small family in: DV, Canyonlands , Baja ect......
It will double as the work truck and Im kinda set on the double cab models.
Range is a big concern and so is comfort and reliability.
I realize I will need to mod the truck a bit and im ok with that.

I know nada about full size trucks (Landcruiser guy)

Thanks,
ken

 

[K6ON]

Hey fellas, Looking for a general concencus on the best full size P/U for off road.
Im planning a FWC (or the like) and using it mostly in the west with my small family in: DV, Canyonlands , Baja ect......
It will double as the work truck and Im kinda set on the double cab models.
Range is a big concern and so is comfort and reliability.
I realize I will need to mod the truck a bit and im ok with that.

I know nada about full size trucks (Landcruiser guy)

Thanks,
ken


Hi Ken..I'll be one of the first to wade in on what i'm sure will be an interesting thread. For a real full size
truck, I'd recommend a Ford or a Dodge. For Gas, The new Power Wagon and new Ford Raptor can't be beat. If you're spending most of your time in the deserts going fast then buy a Raptor, if you're spending most of your time in the mountains then the Power Wagon should be your choice. If you're looking for a diesel, then it's sort of a toss-up between the Dodge and Ford. I'm partial to the Cummins diesel in the Dodge, but there's plenty of folks who like the Power Stroke in the Ford.
Good luck on what ever you decide upon.

 

[rich]

Overlander, it's hard to leave the Landcruiser behind for anything. I had a 75 fj40, should have never sold it but at some point you need more space and your kidneys need a rest from the constant beating then enters the full size trucks. If you're going full size I recommend the diesel. The chevy's with mitsubishi duramax's in them are riddled with problems which leaves you with the two afformentioned trucks the dodge with the straight six cummins diesel or the Ford power stroke with the 7.3 liter turbo diesel. The cummins are great and bullet proof but if you like a responsive vehicle you will find the cummins frustrating off the line. It's like driving a tractor, slow steady all torque no top end. For me it drives me nuts. But mechanically speaking they are bullet proof. In the ford if you get an F-25 or F-350 from the mid 90's all the way to the first half of 2003 you can get one with the 7.3 liter engine which are both bullet proof and responsive. The truck jumps off the line and with a little adjustment and a boost gage the truck flies and can pull a house off it's foundation which is a vehicular combo not to be missed. You have to stay away from the 6.0 and 6.4 liter Ford Powerstrokes starting mid 2003 and beyond. The reason the 7.3 liter diesel is bulletproof and the best ford ever made is because it wasn't made by Ford, it was made by International Harvester and was time tested in combines and other farming equipment for years before it ended up in ford trucks. The 6.4 and 6.0 liter engines in the later models are still International Harvester engines but, due to emissions standards they swapped out the International Harvester Engine Management system (EMS), the computer with a Ford EMS that was more restrictive. The engine and the EMS never spoke to each other correctly and caused no end of troubles. When you start shopping for these trucks you'll find a 2004 with low miles selling for less than a 1999 with high miles and that is because the 1999 has the 7.3 liter IH engine with the IH EMS which can't be beat for longevity. These trucks will go 300k easily. If you are considering a straight veggie oil conversion ever, both the 7.3 liter Ford and the Dodge cummins are great candidates for conversion. The cummins, due to its simpler design actually pulls ahead a bit in terms of a veggie oil conversion candidate. On the re-sale market you will barely be able to tell a difference in price between the F-250 3/4 ton and the F-350 1 ton so I say go for the 1 ton if you can find it. The engine, transmission and Transfer case are all the same the only difference is the axles and although our campers are light you might as well have more truck than you need so you can have the truck with the camper on it and tow an FJ-40 for some desert fun.

Just my 2 cents, although due to the length of my post it was probably more like a dollars worth of advice

Rich

P.S. - FWIW I intend to take my own advice. By summer I hope to have sold my T-100 and have an F-350 diesel with a 7.3 liter engine under my FWC fleet camper. Then the next step will be to install the veggie oil conversion!

 

[jon]

Overlander, it's hard to leave the Landcruiser behind for anything. I had a 75 fj40, should have never sold it but at some point you need more space and your kidneys need a rest from the constant beating then enters the full size trucks. If you're going full size I recommend the diesel. The chevy's with mitsubishi duramax's in them are riddled with problems which leaves you with the two afformentioned trucks the dodge with the straight six cummins diesel or the Ford power stroke with the 7.3 liter turbo diesel. The cummins are great and bullet proof but if you like a responsive vehicle you will find the cummins frustrating off the line. It's like driving a tractor, slow steady all torque no top end. For me it drives me nuts. But mechanically speaking they are bullet proof. In the ford if you get an F-25 or F-350 from the mid 90's all the way to the first half of 2003 you can get one with the 7.3 liter engine which are both bullet proof and responsive. The truck jumps off the line and with a little adjustment and a boost gage the truck flies and can pull a house off it's foundation which is a vehicular combo not to be missed. You have to stay away from the 6.0 and 6.4 liter Ford Powerstrokes starting mid 2003 and beyond. The reason the 7.3 liter diesel is bulletproof and the best ford ever made is because it wasn't made by Ford, it was made by International Harvester and was time tested in combines and other farming equipment for years before it ended up in ford trucks. The 6.4 and 6.0 liter engines in the later models are still International Harvester engines but, due to emissions standards they swapped out the International Harvester Engine Management system (EMS), the computer with a Ford EMS that was more restrictive. The engine and the EMS never spoke to each other correctly and caused no end of troubles. When you start shopping for these trucks you'll find a 2004 with low miles selling for less than a 1999 with high miles and that is because the 1999 has the 7.3 liter IH engine with the IH EMS which can't be beat for longevity. These trucks will go 300k easily. If you are considering a straight veggie oil conversion ever, both the 7.3 liter Ford and the Dodge cummins are great candidates for conversion. The cummins, due to its simpler design actually pulls ahead a bit in terms of a veggie oil conversion candidate. On the re-sale market you will barely be able to tell a difference in price between the F-250 3/4 ton and the F-350 1 ton so I say go for the 1 ton if you can find it. The engine, transmission and Transfer case are all the same the only difference is the axles and although our campers are light you might as well have more truck than you need so you can have the truck with the camper on it and tow an FJ-40 for some desert fun.

Just my 2 cents, although due to the length of my post it was probably more like a dollars worth of advice

Rich

P.S. - FWIW I intend to take my own advice. By summer I hope to have sold my T-100 and have an F-350 diesel with a 7.3 liter engine under my FWC fleet camper. Then the next step will be to install the veggie oil conversion!

FYI. The 6.0 and 6.4 litre were both made by Navistar, and as far as realibilty goes on the 7.3, can you explain why I broke 2 rocker arms at 52000 mi. The autos in the fords from 99- 04 are good for maybe 80000mi if you don't tow anything and about 35000mi. if you do. The 6.7 litre Ford will be the first diesel actually made by the same company as the truck it goes in, it will be by far the most hi tech. motor to go into a pickup. Ford and Navistar are involved in several mulit million dollar lawsuits. EAT CRAB

 

[EdoHart]

FYI. The 6.0 and 6.4 litre were both made by Navistar, and as far as realibilty goes on the 7.3, can you explain why I broke 2 rocker arms at 52000 mi. The autos in the fords from 99- 04 are good for maybe 80000mi if you don't tow anything and about 35000mi. if you do. The 6.7 litre Ford will be the first diesel actually made by the same company as the truck it goes in, it will be by far the most hi tech. motor to go into a pickup. Ford and Navistar are involved in several mulit million dollar lawsuits. EAT CRAB

I dunno, could it be the modifications you made to your truck?
http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/index.php?/topic/915/page__hl__tow%20missle__fromsearch__1

All that bolt on power without addressing the top or bottom ends of the engine sounds like a recipe for distress. I am surprised the engine quit before the transmission.

I don't mean any disrespect. However, I am sometimes surprised by what people expect out of their stock equipment.

 

[Bat]

I think Dodge and Ford have there moments but the 6.0 tends to bagged on to much. I think the later 6.0 are just fine as long as service records are in order. The 7.3 are great but like mentioned my friend just replaced his tranny with 90k on it. The Raptor is a great truck but I think putting a FWC on his back is going to take away its purpose. Good luck in the search and proper service records will always bring out the best.

 

[Barko1]

I was pretty ignorant about bigger trucks but after some reading bought a 1999 7.3L and have been very happy. It all depends on how much you want to spend. I found one with 111,000 on it last Spring and now 9 months later I have added 28,000 more. A Diesel Performance chip really enhanced the power without any issues, plus a bigger/better air filter, a 2" front lift/leveling, some nice Firestone E rated 285's and I have a strong machine that saved me about $30,000 over new Of course it is not new but I imagine I will get many more miles out of it. If you were to buy a 99 try to get one of the 99 1/2's, did a few upgrades although I am happy with my early 99.

 

[chnlisle]

To quote a great WTW Sage.

"Why don't you just discuss something less controversial like immigration or gay marriage"

 

[Overlander]

To quote a great WTW Sage.

"Why don't you just discuss something less controversial like immigration or gay marriage"



Don't really much care for that conversation plus I have a current need to acquire information about trucks in the trucks section.

Thanks guys great info, PLEASE keep it coming.

ken

 

[chnlisle]

See what I mean about offending. Help me here Salty.

 

[jon]

Don't really much care for that conversation plus I have a current need to acquire information about trucks in the trucks section.

Thanks guys great info, PLEASE keep it coming.

ken

Ken, we're doing the best we can to provide you with the information that you apperantly can't find on your own. By the two posts you have made I assume you haven't been around here too long. It might be a good idea to get a feel for the place before you start trying to run the show. If quotes like that bother you, I'm probably going to drive you nuts.

 

[chnlisle]

And so it begins.

 

[craig333]

The thing about diesels being slow is a throwback to days long gone. http://dakartruck.com/

You want tire burning power out a diesel? Not hard to do. Happy with mine stock. I can still pass people going uphill.

 

[simimike]

I'm going to assume that you are going to buy new. I would recommend a gasoline powered 3/4 ton or better. If you buy a 1/2 ton you will be going straight to suspension mods. Dodge, Ford and Chevy all make good trucks. Since you will be spending a lot of time driving from one scenic wonder to another, the interior should be comfortable and suit your personal ergonomics. In other words, get the interior you like best.
Why get a gas powered truck? Well, right now the diesels are going through a smog adjustment much like the trucks from the '70s. Hopefully in a few years the technology will be improved along with the reliability. Plus the gas powered trucks are getting close to the the diesels in mileage so the main advantage is not there. Not to mention a $6K or better premium for the the diesels.
4X4? Yes! I have a 4X4 and I hardly ever use the 4X4 option. The reason I spent the extra money on it is I once had a 2X4 and got stuck on a wet rock. I said never again. To me the extra cost and maintenance is worth it.
If I had to buy a new truck today I most likely would get a 2010 Ram 3500. Single rear wheel, 4X4 short bed Hemi. Why Ram? I like the looks, no other reason.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[lostnot]

I'll play. Cummins less moving parts. Earlier trucks had problems with the automatics. Ford has much more heavy duty frames. Chevys are comfy.

 

[Overlander]

I'm going to assume that you are going to buy new. I would recommend a gasoline powered 3/4 ton or better. If you buy a 1/2 ton you will be going straight to suspension mods. Dodge, Ford and Chevy all make good trucks. Since you will be spending a lot of time driving from one scenic wonder to another, the interior should be comfortable and suit your personal ergonomics. In other words, get the interior you like best.
Why get a gas powered truck? Well, right now the diesels are going through a smog adjustment much like the trucks from the '70s. Hopefully in a few years the technology will be improved along with the reliability. Plus the gas powered trucks are getting close the the diesels in mileage so the main advantage is not there. Not to mention a $6K or better premium for the the diesels.
4X4? Yes! I have a 4X4 and I hardly ever use the 4X4 option. The reason I spent the extra money on it is I once had a 2X4 and got stuck on a wet rock. I said never again. To me the extra cost and maintenance is worth it.
If I had to buy a new truck today I most likely would get a 2010 Ram 3500. Single rear wheel, 4X4 short bed Hemi. Why Ram? I like the looks, no other reason.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Mike

You brought up a very good point on the diesel power-plants that are currently available stateside are not quite 100% ready. Its a bummer , Im absolutely enamored with a diesel power-plant.
I would love to be able to purchase a new vehicle but not in the cards . Another good point on the interior , in my very short time looking @ trucks I have discovered there are some really bad interiors out there and I hate to admit it but that means quite a bit to me.

Hummmm........




I'll play. Cummins less moving parts. Earlier trucks had problems with the automatics. Ford has much more heavy duty frames. Chevys are comfy.


More Hummm...

THANKS!
ken

 

[John D]

Chnlisle, you are right and you have a sense of humor.

Anyway, Overlander, if you want a work truck, don't forget to get an 8 foot bed.

John D

 

[Barko1]

Most everything is a compromise right The long bed (which I have) and a crew can make for heck of a long truck if you plans include using it to run errands around town.

 

[Marc]

OK I'll give my two cents being one of the rare ones that actually has and likes the 6.0 PSD around here.
My rig is a 07 F350 std cab 6.0 PSD 4x4 with 3:73 LS's front and back. I carry a ATC Cougar full time which is always loaded and ready to go. The only mods I've done are to raise the front end about 3" with a donahoe/Icon kit and added a winch bumper. With this set up it is quite capable in basically stock form and consistently gets 12 mph city and 14-17 hwy. I have 45,000 on the clock and not a single issue. Reg sched. maint. is critical to the 6.0 . This rig is never babied and is also my daily driver which has power to spare. You leave these trucks stock and they are very reliable. Most issues were with the early ones, 03-05 where issues arose when individuals were running programers/chips and running too much hp for the stock heads/gaskets to handle, as well as contributing to egr related prblms. There are alot of choices out there. It all comes downn to personal choices and needs. I've always been partial to Ford and Toyota but thats just me. Do your homework and you will come up with what best suites your paticular needs.
Thus far Ive been real happy.

 

[John D]

This is as good a place as any to discuss the 6 1/2 foot bed vs. the 8 foot bed.

At the present time the country is covered up with 6 1/2 foot bed trucks. Before the recession, a lot of people were buying trucks as all purpose transportation vehicles. Such trucks really belong to the Sport Utility Vehicles class. Those of us who understand the legacy of the so called "work truck" tend to cringe every time we hear people calling anything with a 6 1/2 foot or less a "truck".

True pickup trucks are descended from vehicles that actually do work or fight wars. These modern short bed trucks are toys. A work truck must have a bed which allows a full sheet of plywood or other 8 foot long building materials to be carried flat with the tailgate closed.

The extended cab trucks with an 8 foot bed are indeed long. However, these trucks are one step heavier than the old fashion half ton pickup. Most of them are at least 3/4 ton trucks because the extended cab tends to use up too much GVW load carrying capacity. A 1/2 ton truck with a 4 doors and 6 seats has a rather limited hauling capacity. A half ton truck with a full 8 foot bed has a more useful net load capacity when equipped with a standard cab. It is actually quite difficult to find an extended cab half ton truck with an 8 foot bed. I don't know if one can even be special ordered. They don't make a whole lot of sense because they end up with something like a 700 pound net load capacity.

I have a friend who owns a landscaping business who bought a standard cab truck with a 6 1/2 foot bed. He was not thinking when he took advantage of a sale price on a short bed truck. Now he has to ride with shovel handles and other items sticking out over his tailgate. He made a mistake and regrets buying this truck because it is not designed for work. He will be getting rid of it as soon as he pays the stupid thing off.

If you like the short bed truck ... fine. If you want to use your truck for work, be sure to at least understand what 8 foot bed models all about ... if you can find one for sale. Eight foot bed models are worth more money. They can be more easily used to make money. Beware of making the same mistake my buddy did as he tries to use his little short bed truck for real work.

John D