New Truck Help

DA

davinski

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 14, 2007
Messages
391
Ok, still recovering from my truck mishaps. But, with encouragement from friends, I've decided to start looking for a new truck. Like a lot
of other FWC users, I have a Hawk. Don't think this will change, but my brother keeps saying I should go for a Grandby and get more space. tempting. Long bed? Just maybe.

Anyhow, for now I will assume short bed. Probably an extended cab truck, as I don't have need for the crew cab. 4x4 and probably a 3/4 ton as I am tired of hitting the payload limit of my older truck.....

I went looking at the major big truck makers yesterday. Wow. Expensive and big. Nice nice nice. Lots of money, so probably need to make a very good decision between now and probably spring. Unless I want to try to get an 09. Seems a lot of those are gone already!

Toyota makes a mighty nice truck. My friends with Tacomas and Tundras swear by them. They seem to have much better reliability ratings. I like that. BUT no 3/4 ton truck. Man, if they made one I am sure they could corner the market. So, sorry Toyota, I don't think this will cut it.

Since I have a dodge, I think the only reason to go with dodge is if I want the Cummins diesel. Nice, and a lot of folks really like them. But, can't see myself paying the premium for diesel. I don't think I will drive it that much.

Ford? oddly, I don't know too many with big ford pickups. My family seemed to like the chevy trucks. I drove a few. Nice, but not sure I would be ready to go ford.

Chevy/GMC. Boy, I really like the new chevys with those nice doors. A good friend has an 08 with a Northstar on it. Very very capable. My brother has an older chevy and loves his northstar on it.

I have read countless accounts of what truck is better and such. But what I want to know is which is better for us FWC and ATC users? OK, youall, let me hear what you have to say before I make any final decisions.

Thanks

Dave in Seattle
 
I'm biased... obviously... but I think the Dodge is the best choice, if you're going Diesel. Are you set on new? A couple year old Dodge 2500 with the 5.9 Cummins would be a good choice. You'll get better mileage with about the same power vs. the new Diesels. Depending how much exploring you do off the beaten path, the Chevy/GMC tends to sit much lower and that could be a problem for you in stock form. The Dodge and Ford sit much higher from the factory. I'm intrigued by the redesign of the Dodge HD trucks that are just hitting the market now too. VERY nice upgrades in the interior vs. the previous generation.
 
Dave, the reason I decided on gasoline over diesel came down to my driving habits. I was pretty sure the truck would sit in the driveway for days doing nothing and then I would get in and drive it to the boondocks. I decided that this was not good for a turbo charger.

If you browse MSN Auto's reliability ratings, you'll see that Dodge and Ford's big trucks stand equal to Toyotas in quality. I don't know about Chevy, because I wanted a solid front axle.

Now that clean air has finally caught up to the diesel engine, their fuel efficiency is about the same as the gasoline versions.

I got a nice used truck with 46k miles on it for less than half the original sticker price. This is probably because the price of big trucks crashed when fuel prices spiked a year ago. Nowadays, you may find that the incentives on new '09s make them the best deal.

If I can do anything to help your search, like perhaps helping you find a clean Texas truck, please send along a PM.
 
Guys, there are so many choices.

Right now I am thinking new just because i will get many years of use and can make changes early. Didn't do that last time and got less enjoyment out of it. Pretty sure this
truck will be used for a long time and will probably run it into the ground over about 15 years or so. Maybe longer.

One question i was asking myself when looking at the brochures and stuff, what really is the difference between a 3/4 ton and 1 ton truck? seems not a lot. might it be worth the little extra to get the extra payload capacity? You never know what I'll carry/tow in the future. I never intended to put a camper on my 1/2 ton when I first bought it and now the hawk is the best thing I ever got.

Also, I think gas will be the way to go for me. availability is the key and to do diesel, I'd have to make sure it had a really nice size tank...probably after market and that is more cash. Besides, driving patterns will be lots of sitting in the street, then nice long trips on the weekends or vacations. Not ready for retirement and long distance travel yet. Of course, if I were to retire today, I'd probably get a diesel, a big big tank, and get the hell out of town!

dave
 
The fuel issue isn't really a problem. I just need to remember where I'm going and plan accordingly. I don't leave town to go to markleeville with half a tank. Did that once and had to drive into Carson city. But now I think about it and never have issues anymore. I haven't regretted getting a diesel but you sure do pay a big premium up front. I also consider that someday I may wish to pull a large trailer and I'll be ready when I do.

If i had it do over again I'd go with the long bed and the grandby, but its not something that bothers me enough that I'll change at this point. The short bed and the hawk get the job done just fine.
 
Dodge, gas. 1/2 or 3/4 ton. Most of the time (90%) the 1/2 does it all. Sometimes I wish I had the 3/4 but NOT that often. $ here are 1/2 29,000 and a 3/4 37,000. Quad cab 4x4. short box.

If u change campers, I would be interested in talking to ya. Maybe u should get a 1 ton longbed with a grandby after all. ha ha..................

cheers
 
I know that in the last 8 years I've been buying exclusively used trucks. This new F-150 Diesel, if it comes to fruition, will have me buying a new truck before I actually need one.

I like the torque and efficiency of a diesel, but not so much the 45k price tag. If I can buy a brand new truck with a solid diesel engine for under 30k, I'll probably buy a new one in 2010 or 2011. Having previously owned a CTD, I'd like to get back to diesel - but it has to be right. If it's not, I'll run another 100k on my 3/4 ton gasser.
 
Seems to me that you're getting a lot of good info. here except for one problem, the feed back you're getting is based on how OTHER people use their trucks, how YOU use your truck is all that matters when you make the final decision. Griz says 1/2 Dodge is all you need 90% of the time, well I think he means it's all he needs, because the way I use a truck the front wheels of that Dodge won't be touching the ground most of the time. Gas or deisel, again, how are YOU going to use the truck, if towing is in your future, the answer is obvious. 1 ton vs. 3/4, the only difference is the spring pack under the rear axel, 1 ton if your towing a fifth wheel, or have plans for one of those 12ft. mongo Lance campers, but you're hanging around here so I guess one of those isn't in your future, unloaded a 1 ton truck is going to give you a miserable ride. I think if people gave some thought about how they were really going to use a truck we wouldn't be spending so much time on the airbag and helper spring topic, neither of which is a very good fix for the actual problem. Ford, Chevy, Dodge: Not to cloud the issue but I'm not buying anything from somebody who already owes me billions, and besides the Chevy. has the weakest front end in the business, and is real costly to fix, not to mention no ground clearence...Don't really now anything about Dodges at all, I've never had one, but I suspect most were bought not because they were Dodges, but because they were Cummins powdered, to me that's half a reason to buy a Dodge or I guess now a Fiat, I don't hear anybody ravin' about the interior, or how great or long lasting the transmissions are. My old man was a Ford dealer all my life, and once when I was younger, much younger I talked him into getting me a new 1972 Chevy 4+4, he did it, but it broke his heart to see me in that truck, when I went to visit him I had to park a least a block away from his house. I've never forgotten how he felt about it, and every time I think about my dad I think about that truck, which by the way was a real P.O.S.
 
I have read countless accounts of what truck is better and such. But what I want to know is which is better for us FWC and ATC users? OK, youall, let me hear what you have to say before I make any final decisions.


Well, really it's easy. FWC/ATC are American made and owned. So, in this department, think Ford. ;)

Really, I think the big 3 are all the same... Except you get a solid axle, not IFS, and some ground clearance if you go Ford or Dodge. That is enough for me to rule out GM completely.

As far as diesel vs gas? Man, I *LIKE* how effortlessly the diesel takes me up the grades. I like how diesel can sit in the tank for a couple months without risk on my camping truck. I don't like how much diesel engines weigh or cost.

As far as I'm concerned, a v8 F250 extended cab long bed seems pretty optimal...
 
I don't hear anybody ravin' about the interior,


Actually I think the interior on my dodge is nice.
 
Ok, like the opinions, good to hear what other people think.

Yes, a 1/2 ton would work for me most of the time. But when I load up and have to take all that extra gear for extended stays off pavement, that 3/4 ton sure looks a lot better. This truck will mostly be used for fun stuff. the Hawk will probably stay on it 90% of the time as I only take it off to do maintenance and to do the spring load of topsoil, mulch and the like. I could have them deliver that, but trips to the nursery always bring back a bunch of stuff....Besides, it makes me sweep out the bed!!!

I''ve never owned a diesel, so don't know much about it. I don't think I am ready to make that jump yet, as gas is so easy. Don't plan to tow much, expect maybe a boat once in a while when we go water skiing or maybe fishing. Those trips won't probably see much off the main roads. Probably not all that far either. Might get a trailer for extra stuff on extended camp trips or hunting, but won't weigh all that much so not a big deal.

I remember reading about the axle bit, can you all fill me in on the details about this? Not sure what it all means. My family has a long history of really liking GM trucks. Why, I don't know. I've a dodge and few friends do as well, so have some first hand experience there. A few friends have the Tundras and they love them. None has a camper, though and none really goes off road like we FWC owners do. They do other off road stuff, but don't camp like I do. Often, they stay in motels when four wheeling.....

Have been checking the dealers around SEattle, not a lot of 09s left on the lot or that can be found when they search....If I decide to go new, will have to wait til the dealers get more hard up and want to talk deals on the 2010 models. Starting to check the used market as well. So many choices. That all, your input is much appreciated.

Dave in Seattle
 
Regarding front suspensions: take a look at each. You'll find more moving parts under the GMs, including CV boots. We are talking 4x4s, here, if you aren't then ignore this. Anyway, all these extra moving parts require, you guessed it, maintenance. Furthermore, they're more prone to failure. BUT, they probably give a smoother ride.

Fish is wrong about the difference between F250s and F350s: they indeed have more differences than just springs. Front axle F250 is Dana 50 vs F350 Dana 60. Rear F250s are 10.5" while rear F350s are one of the 10.5" or a Dana 80. I assume -- but with no real justification -- brake parts are robusterer (new word) on the F350, too.

The cost difference between an F250 and F350 when I bought mine was about $400. I feel the more robusterer (there's that word again!) truck is worth $400; however, the ride is stiff.

And, to stir the pot, if you buy a big American truck, this whole discussion of airbags becomes just a lot of hot air. Unless maybe you go to a 3000 pound camper later, but if you are going to do THAT, skip the SRW trucks and get a dually.
 
Scott,



That is good advice. Yes, looking for 4x4. The moving parts is concerning. I will have to do some reading on this. I would assume maintenance is an issue, but is there any documentation that they have more problems. Wondering if this is a real practical problem or not. I have not heard about it much from people with these trucks, but maybe I just don't pay attention to it. Thanks for the input.

As an aside, wondering if all the ham here would ever consider starting a net like the boaters do. would be cool to check in and see where everyone is. That way, anyone in trouble could always ask for help. The rest of us could learn about cool places to get out of town.

As for the airbag thing, I would really like to not have to worry about this any longer. Get away from those 1/2 tons worries. As for 1 ton trucks, 400 is not all that much, but probably way overkill. The only reason to get a 3000 pound camper is if i get married. If I need a 3000 pound camper, then I will have much bigger problems. Hi Hi! On the other hand, there are lots of used campers out there. To have a FWC for off road use would be great. Switch it out for a nice posh "Hilton" for more civilized travel could be doable. I'd probably shoot myself first with the folks I would be hanging with, though.

thanks and 73 de N0XLW

Dave
 
<snip>Fish is wrong about the difference between F250s and F350s: they indeed have more differences than just springs.<snip>

fyi from the Ford Truck Enthusiast Super Duty Techfile

The question that seems to keep coming up week after week is

"What is the difference between a F250 and a F350"

Here it is:

There are 3 differences between the SRW 250/350...
1) F-250 vs F-350 badges
2) 2" rear spacer block in 250 vs 4" in the 350
3) *most important* GVWR for F350 SRW is 9900 in most states and the F250 8800 in most states.

Affectionately,

mwi
 
I've had my Hawk on a 1/2 ton Dodge and a 3/4 ton Chevy. Although a 1/2 ton truck can carry the Hawk, it's a much more comfortable ride on a 3/4 ton truck. Like RonSchon, I buy my vehicles used, which can mean it takes a while to find what your looking for (it took me a year to find the truck in my signature, almost as long as it took my to find my FWC Hawk).

A Diesel engine will add a premium, but if you plan to keep the truck for 200-300K miles or more, it will pay for itself in the long run.

The Chevy has a great ride on the road, and as long as you stay with it's very small size tires, you likely won't have a problem with the front end components. The Independent Front Suspension is what gives it such a nice road manner, but that is also it's weak link off road (which kind of defeats the purpose of 4x4). I bought my Chevy because I got it for a great price and I knew I would have to do some upgrades to make it work as well off road as a Ford or Dodge.

If I were looking for the best truck, which didn't require modifications, and I planned to keep for a long time, I would look for a few year old Dodge 2500 with a Cummins 5.9L diesel (in fact that's what I was looking for when I found this Chevy).
 
Ok I am going to jump in the mix here as I am working through the same decision myself. I am a Toyota Man through and through. My first one was a 75 landcruiser fj40 then a 1986 4-Runner and finally on to my 1996 T-100. My first car was a 1978 king cobra mustang, the charlies angels car for those that can remember and it was great for all the reasons a 16 year old wants a mustang and terrible for 4 reasons F-O-R-D. I strayed one other time buying a subaru outback and sold it a year later going right back to Toyota. However, facing a future of campers towing trailers with rafts on them, even though my FWC is light I feel the pull of the 3/4 ton. After a ton of research I have settled on a used 1999-2002 F-250 7.3 liter diesel with 100k miles or less. 100k is about 1/3 life for one of these diesels. I always buy used because of the immediate depreciation in car values but as others have said it takes a time commitment. The reason for the age range is this is the time period that Ford was putting 7.3 liter international harvester diesels in their F-250 and F-350 trucks. It's the best diesel they ever used because it wasn't made by Ford. It's been used in combines for over 40 years in different forms, is time tested to go 300k miles and is a great candidate for a veggie oil conversion. My Grandfather worked for FORD, my Dad and all of my brothers own nothing but Fords and you couldn't get me to buy a Ford except for those years of the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks. Check the repair records and write ups of that engine, they are bullet proof and they are the only thing that would make me stray from Toyota. If Toyota comes out with a 3/4 ton diesel in the states I will jump straight back to them in a heartbeat. In the meantime check out the Fords.
 
i own one of the TOY-ota Tundras.

Um....it's a wimpy, wimpy 1/2 ton....but it went everywhere the 3/4 and 1 ton Fords and Dodges did this weekend in the San Juans....not that we pushed it er anything .(this wasn't "real" 4-wheeling by any means). I only put in in 4-wheel a few times all weekend....

Reliability is key here. I look around these hills and see LOTS of old toyotas chuggin along...but see very FEW older model Chevy's, (remember the S-10??) Fords (my dad had 3 Rangers to my one Nissan king Cab), Dodges (how about a Raider? seen any?) from the mid-80's.... THAT says alot here....

there are aspects of the Toy that are lacking....but reliability ISN'T one of them. I hate giving ANY of these bastards $$$...so the farther between purchases I can make it the better.

Diesels are great if you aren't following one. That **** gives me a headache and makes me pass folks in crazy places on windy roads. Pee-U.

good luck in yer quest

mtn
 
If it is not going to be a daily driver I sure wouldn't spend the $$ on a new one to just sit there. I ended up with a 7.3 Ford that had 110,000 miles but was 20% of what a new one costs. I've put 25,000m on in the last 3 months so it is not a driveway dweller.
 
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