Trucks.

""I keep seeing people talk about how disappointed they are with their new Taco... ""

In my context I came from a old verion of 2010 ranger for which I paid 19250 can $ it was so cheap I almost had enough in my checking acount, it was 4L/ AC / ex-cab 4x4/ hand crank windows which was the only trim level and i liked old ranger

9 years later I buy the cheapest SR5 Tacoma for 41xxx ish SO comparing old Ranger to new Tacoma it cost > twice as much but it wasnt twice as good,

SO while I liked Tacoma, but i love Tundra altho it cost another 20K I still think I got better bang for my bucks with the Tundra

yeah I think we might end up getting either a Nissan Frontier Pro 4x or a Honda Ridgeline

my gay little truck has been at the dealership for over 7 months now and they finally offered me a buyback

don't really need a real truck, just a glorified garden truck that can tow our boat, put shit in the bed, etc. advantage of the Nissan would be if we got an UL camper setup

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Originally Posted by tgapp

my gay little truck has been at the dealership for over 7 months now

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Sounds like it might be story-time, Unca TG! :D

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Originally Posted by tgapp

yeah I think we might end up getting either a Nissan Frontier Pro 4x or a Honda Ridgeline

my gay little truck has been at the dealership for over 7 months now and they finally offered me a buyback

don't really need a real truck, just a glorified garden truck that can tow our boat, put shit in the bed, etc. advantage of the Nissan would be if we got an UL camper setup

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I have a Ridgeline. So long as you aren't going off road (like anything rougher than a Subaru dirt road), it's a lot nicer than any other midsized pickup. If you need off-road capability, buy something else. If you're going to tow more than 3000# regularly, buy something body on frame.

It's excellent in snow (great AWD system), and the most comfortable long distance vehicle I've ever had. Basically it's a Pilot with a bed. It's wider than the Tacoma/ Frontier/ Ranger, which gives more inside room, but parking in the garage is tighter as a result.

Criticisms: it's not as well built as the Japanese built Lexus or Toyota products I've had. The infotainment is a bit out dated. Mileage could be better - - a hybrid version would be ideal. I get around 23 mpg all around, with a fair amount of mountain driving.

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Originally Posted by El Chupacabra

I have a Ridgeline. So long as you aren't going off road (like anything rougher than a Subaru dirt road), it's a lot nicer than any other midsized pickup. If you need off-road capability, buy something else. If you're going to tow more than 3000# regularly, buy something body on frame.

It's excellent in snow (great AWD system), and the most comfortable long distance vehicle I've ever had. Basically it's a Pilot with a bed. It's wider than the Tacoma/ Frontier/ Ranger, which gives more inside room, but parking in the garage is tighter as a result.

Criticisms: it's not as well built as the Japanese built Lexus or Toyota products I've had. The infotainment is a bit out dated. Mileage could be better - - a hybrid version would be ideal. I get around 23 mpg all around, with a fair amount of mountain driving.

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yeah this about sums it up, great readout of the trade-offs we're looking at. i just think the Ridgeline is dated currently.

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I got a ride in the back of a ridgeline on FSR roads into the bush and it seemed OK for that kind of thing it would probably be good for mall hopping not everyone needs a truck hell I dont need a truck

Re: tacoma, I've walked back a little on that idea and have realized there's probably a reason I've been driving a full size for so long, it just works for what I need.

FWIW I was specifically looking at the current gen Tacoma, which does not have the underpowered gear-hunting drivetrain, the new turbo 4 and 8 speed drives great. Sounds like there may be some trans overheating issues though?

Dealer called me about a 2013 Tundra with 100k that came in on trade, said it was pretty clean. Interior was mint but every ext panel had a scratch or dent. Kind of a bummer, a low mile older truck is right up my alley. I don't think we'll agree on a price and feel like he kind of wasted my afternoon. Oh well.

Snow addict, is your Ford an ecoboost or V8? And have you driven Tundras much? There's a stark difference in engine character between the 3.5 ecoboosts and the 5.7 tundra. The ecoboosts pull freeway grades at lower rpm on a little boost, feeling like there's tons of power reserve. The tundra don't feel strong until 4000 rpm. Above that they are pretty powerful. Its not as noticeable at lower speeds in lower gears. Reliability wise, the 5.7 has a better track record, but I wish I'd held out for a low mile extended cab 3.5 ecoboost ford, even if it cost a little more and are hard to find.

Current F150 is a 2012 5.0 with 3.73 gears and 33s. Drove the 13 Tundra with 4:10s (according to dealer) and it drove a little stronger than my Ford, which is a little tired with 190k and leaky manifolds. The rear diff in my truck seems to be on its way out which is what has spawned the whole move to a newer/lower mile truck. Part of me doesn't want to move on, I have it set up with Bilstein 6112s and it drives great. I want more payload for a four wheel camper if I go full size though.

With the issues the new Tundras are having and leaning away from the Taco, I've also considered a 3.5 extended cab F150. Drove one last week, might have made a deal on it but really don't want another black truck in the desert lol. The wife also hates suicide doors.

I love talking/shopping for trucks but am having a really hard time being decisive this time around.

Got it. I will say the double cab tundra doors are way nicer than suicide doors. I don't need a crewcab, and wanted to keep the wheelbase shorter while still having a 6.5 foot bed. I put stuff in the backseat all the time and it's way easier with real doors.

I liked being able to flip up the seat base and put stuff on that area with the 4 dr tacoma, I would put the stuff on an upside-down rubbermaid stool which was waterproof

not the the same on tundra

I love my first gen Tundra. '01 with 412,000 miles. I only drive it maybe 2,000 miles a year now. Mostly for ski, camp and boat trips. The suspension was squeaking not handling great . Aside from some front shocks, I haven't done anything underneath. I know the first gens are known for ball joint issues, so I had to make the call: just let it squeak and hope for the best. Then wait until I retire in a 2-4 years and buy new truck. Or start throwing some money at it.

I chose the latter. It's at a Toyota specialty shop getting the entire suspension replaced and new tires. I was thinking about going all in and doing a paint job, reupholster, new stereo with back-up camera and remote start. The engine I'll just run until it dies and then just replace it.

Is this stupid? It would be cool to have restored first gen, but would I be better off keeping my powder dry for a new truck when I retire? I plan on towing a small travel trailer when I retire and expect I'll be using a truck a lot more.

^^^Get the Tundra in nice shape as you are doing, but do not sink so much $$$ into that you will be forced to sell it to buy the new tow vehicle. I have a 13 Tundra reg cab, short wheel base as a daily, and a 24 Chev 3500 for the truck camper and towing. It's a great combo.

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Originally Posted by snowaddict91

Current F150 is a 2012 5.0 with 3.73 gears and 33s. Drove the 13 Tundra with 4:10s (according to dealer) and it drove a little stronger than my Ford, which is a little tired with 190k and leaky manifolds. The rear diff in my truck seems to be on its way out which is what has spawned the whole move to a newer/lower mile truck. Part of me doesn't want to move on, I have it set up with Bilstein 6112s and it drives great. I want more payload for a four wheel camper if I go full size though. With the issues the new Tundras are having and leaning away from the Taco, I've also considered a 3.5 extended cab F150. Drove one last week, might have made a deal on it but really don't want another black truck in the desert lol. The wife also hates suicide doors. I love talking/shopping for trucks but am having a really hard time being decisive this time around.

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You should plan a 250/2500 or more for the FWC. And the 8 foot FWC (grandby) makes a huge difference in livability over the Hawk

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Originally Posted by Hopeless Sinner

You should plan a 250/2500 or more for the FWC. And the 8 foot FWC (grandby) makes a huge difference in livability over the Hawk

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Mrs. Snowaddict has been adamantly opposed to a 3/4 ton every time I brought it up. I finally got her to drive a 2015 F250 today and she liked it so I guess she's on board now. She's set on a 4 door short bed and I'm good with that for how/when we use our camping rig. I've been driving a 4 door 6.5 bed for like 12 yrs now, including an old 97 F250 that I never should have sold.

Dealer 30 min away has a 2015 gasser lariat that the Mrs. Is trying to get me to go look at, but I kinda want to go newer/lower miles, it has 133k.

The 6.2 is proving to be a pretty good high mile motor. Mine has 150k with lots of 5-10k towing over mountain passes, dirt roads cold weather starts and it has been trouble free. The 7.3 Godzilla is sweet but I'm not sure you actually get a better more reliable, lower cost of ownership truck. They are just nicer. Which, aside from picking your favorite game and being a dick about it seems to be the game. How much new and fancy do you need? There are plenty of $30k trucks that do the truck stuff just as good as the $90k ones and if you shop hard you can get a nice new 3/4ton for $60k,

So are you D1 baller or baller on a budget? How much money do you want to put in a truck?

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Originally Posted by Foggy_Goggles

The 6.2 is proving to be a pretty good high mile motor. Mine has 150k with lots of 5-10k towing over mountain passes, dirt roads cold weather starts and it has been trouble free. The 7.3 Godzilla is sweet but I'm not sure you actually get a better more reliable, lower cost of ownership truck. They are just nicer. Which, aside from picking your favorite game and being a dick about it seems to be the game. How much new and fancy do you need? There are plenty of $30k trucks that do the truck stuff just as good as the $90k ones and if you shop hard you can get a nice new 3/4ton for $60k, So are you D1 baller or baller on a budget? How much money do you want to put in a truck?

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I believe you can get a 1T Chevy LT gasser btwn 55-60K, nicely equipped, but no leather, heads up display, etc. And the price difference btwn 3/4T and 1 T is neglible, which prompts me to wonder why one would choose to buy a new 3/4T.
Ford will have more payload, and bigger gas tank in the long bed(48 gal), and not as good a ride as a GM.

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Originally Posted by snowaddict91

Mrs. Snowaddict has been adamantly opposed to a 3/4 ton every time I brought it up. I finally got her to drive a 2015 F250 today and she liked it so I guess she's on board now. She's set on a 4 door short bed and I'm good with that for how/when we use our camping rig. I've been driving a 4 door 6.5 bed for like 12 yrs now, including an old 97 F250 that I never should have sold. Dealer 30 min away has a 2015 gasser lariat that the Mrs. Is trying to get me to go look at, but I kinda want to go newer/lower miles, it has 133k.

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One of the things I l really liked about the OBS Fords, like your 97, is that the shortened was 6'9" or 81". 6.5ft beds, although not much shorter, kinda suck

I'd not up on all the model specs but the reason to get a 3/4 ton over a 1ton is that is fits your use case better. The 1ton is basically just a suspension designed to haul and tow heavy loads but the unloaded ride suffers.

Tuco, what bed and door config are you looking for? Can you get a true 4dr. 8' bed in a half ton? You can't in an F150.

But again, use case. I like a 4dr 8' bed but I live in the sticks and don't mind parking far away and walking at the grocery.

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Originally Posted by Foggy_Goggles

I'd not up on all the model specs but the reason to get a 3/4 ton over a 1ton is that is fits your use case better. The 1ton is basically just a suspension designed to haul and tow heavy loads but the unloaded ride suffers. Tuco, what bed and door config are you looking for? Can you get a true 4dr. 8' bed in a half ton? You can't in an F150. But again, use case. I like a 4dr 8' bed but I live in the sticks and don't mind parking far away and walking at the grocery.

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My advice would be to drive a GM 1T before buying a 3/4 T of any brand. They ride very well even empty and exactly the same as the 2500, it's the same spring pack.
The 3500 includes 2 overload springs w 5 leafs, compared w 5 leafs only for the 2500, heaviver axle, and bigger rear diff and the most important factor is much higher payload. In my case I future proofed myself from ever buying another HD truck in case I start towing a boat, or trailer of some sort w my FWC in the bed. The price difference is around $1200 btwn the 2500 and 3500.

If considering any Ford 250/350, I'd strongly recommend test driving and test parking it during that drive. Like just pulling into a regular striped spot in any parking lot.

The F350 crew cab long bed I had was horrendous to park or maneuver at all. I had lots of other reason to dislike it, but that was certainly one of them. I would guess that a solid front axle Dodge would be similar, but I never drove any.

Re: 250 vs 350 - - some states charge different registration fees for one ton vs 3/4 ton, sometimes much higher fees. This is worth checking into before buying.

I did a hot shot for a buddy in an almost new Chev 3500 PU that I had never driven before, he gave it to me loaded with 2800 lbs of drill gear in the bed, I could just leave it in cruise the duramax had assloads of power and it rode smooth like a Cadillac so i thot wow !

then the guy at the air cargo in Fortmac grabbed all the the freight with a fork lift and suddenly it rode like a truck

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Originally Posted by snowaddict91

Dealer called me about a 2013 Tundra with 100k that came in on trade, said it was pretty clean. Interior was mint but every ext panel had a scratch or dent. Kind of a bummer, a low mile older truck is right up my alley. I don't think we'll agree on a price and feel like he kind of wasted my afternoon. Oh well.

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Dude, I drove an hour and a half to check out a Tundra a few years ago. Beautiful truck, low miles, Limited, etc. Walk around to passenger side and there was huge damage to the side. WTF? You guys weren't gonna mention that?
I honestly think you'd be pretty happy with a Tundra with a camper on it. Like I have mentioned, mine (2009 w/ 150k) has a 1200 lb camper on it full time. Beefed up suspension helps for sure. It is really nice that it drives and parks like a 1/2 ton. Pull into the ski area parking lot and no problems whatsoever. Stop for groceries, etc. easy. I also rock a 2x moto carrier sometimes. Parking gets more difficult, but I honestly do not notice the extra load even then. I'm not hitting bumps as fast or slamming the brakes, but I can set cruise control at 80mph in UT no problem. Never had any issues with transmission temp either, at some point I think they got rid of the tranny cooler though. I get 11.5 mpg hwy which I feel like is pretty good considering.

3/4 tons are nice, but expensive and american, which makes them extremely unreliable in my book. I almost bought one from my FIL but that thing had more gremlins than Gremlins 2. haha

^thanks for the Tundra report, haven't totally ruled it out yet as I too would rather drive a Toyota. But also trying to future proof this purchase and long term travel with a bigger camper a few years down the road is a possibility that still has me leaning towards something with more payload.

Re: 3/4-1 ton parking, registration, etc. all good points to think about. BTDT with a 250 before so fairly familiar. I'm in agreement on parking lots being a pain but the Mrs. Said it was fine enough on a short drive yesterday. I specifically asked about parking.

I'm leaning strongly towards a 6.2 Ford as I know that vintage of Ford well and can get one cheap enough to avoid a payment if I want. That means I can have another DD and not put a ton of miles on it.

Probably won't consider a Chevy, in the pick a brand and be a dick about it argument I'm a Ford or Toyota guy. Won't try and argue about why, just what I like.

I agree, as much as I hate Ford, a friend of mine's recent experience with Chevy has me even more against their new trucks. Ram doesn't even enter the discussion unless it has a Cummins and even then.... I guess Ford it would be. Now, for the camper side of things, if you have that kind of payload capacity, and want to spend more time in it, I'd definitely go with a hard sided camper. Especially if you plan on using it in the winter. Depending on your budget, there's some pretty badass flatbed Total Composites. This might be something I'll be looking at in the future. [img]https://www.truckcampermagazine.com/...Camper-2-1.jpg[/img]