We're Gonna Get A Truck! Anyone Know Anything About TRUCKS?

[arwalden]

We've decided against to get an S-10 or Ranger or Colorado... but instead we're ready for a REAL honest to goodness FULL-SIZED truck. We already have an S-10 and it's been a good truck, but it's just too small to use as a RV towing vehicle.

Right now, we're just starting the research phase... and so far, we've narrowed it down to a Chevrolet Silverado or a Ford F150. We're definitely getting an extended cab... maybe even a 4-door crew cab.

I keep hearing that Chevrolet trucks have a better initial quality review (or something like that) and that they have a higher resale value. That sounds good (I think.) --- But then I hear that Ford sells MORE trucks than Chevrolet... so there must be a reason for that too... or is it just good marketing?

Do you know anything about trucks? Any stories to tell or advice to share about your truck?

-- Allen

[Sanity Claws]

1. Trucks are big

They are generally believed to compensate for small penises.

[arwalden]

2. Thank you.

[mike_c]

7. arwalden has a blue duck and a poodle in his posts...

...which pretty much invalidates questions of overcompensation. I mean, only a real man with no self-esteem issues would dare....

Dude, get the truck and drive it with pride.

[Sanity Claws]

23. Very astute observation

Arwalden,

sorry if my biases against big trucks came out. I get scared when one of those big honkers drive up behind as I'm getting near a red light. I'm afraid the driver won't stop and will smash me in my moderate sized car to smithereens.

Is there a reason you want the truck other than the way it looks? to haul a boat, or a horse trailer, or heavy contruction equipment?

[arwalden]

26. To Pull Our RV... To Haul Lumber and Drywall... To Haul Logs...

... firewood, brush, mulch, topsoil, siding, and a lawn tractor/mower.

The little S-10 was the little truck that tried. And the car just isn't the right vehicle for these jobs.

[sendero]

42. Congratulations!

You've explained to yet another person that some of us ACTUALLY USE OUR TRUCKS TO HAUL STUFF THAT NO CAR WILL HAUL!

Now, the only new vehicle I've ever purchased was a 1999 F150. I still have it, and I've had no trouble at all with it - battery, brake pads (they don't last long without asbestos) oil changes.

I could easily recommend this truck, and I think that Fords really are a better built truck - if you go out to the farmlands around here, the Fords outnumber the Chevies 4 to 1.

On the other hand, the Silverado is a nice truck also. I think in terms of quality and reliability, they are pretty similar.

If I were you, I'd go drive each truck. If you aren't drawn to one or the other (because they definitely have different "personalities") , then flip a coin :)

[arwalden]

46. Thanks For The Advice. -- We Briefly Considered Buying USED... But

considering what we want to do with the truck, we decided against the possibility of buying someone ELSE's problems that they wanted to get rid of.

I like the way the Ford trucks look on the outside. But I like the interior of the Silverado. --- Decisions, decisions!

-- Allen

Yeah... amazing that not EVERYONE uses their trucks to pick up dry cleaning or drop off the kids at school. (Although I'm sure that I'll have an opportunity to use it for errands too.)

[sendero]

48. Well...

... I'm guessing these trucks ride and drive differently.

My F150 rides and handles like a big car. Go test drive both of them, I'll bet you one gets your attention!

[arwalden]

51. Yes... A Big Car Ride And Feel Will Be Important...

... especially on the longer camping trips. Thanks for reminding me of that. The last thing I want to do is to feel like I'm riding on a schoolbus seat for hours and hours.

-- Allen

[arwalden]

24. LOL.... That's Not A Poodle!! Worse!! -- It's A Shih-Tzu!

Mitzi

[CatWoman]

9. I drive a truck, and I don't have a small penis

[mike_c]

28. I beg to differ....

But the proof is massively OT and would probably piss some people off, so I'll direct you here for clarification:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penis

Scroll down to the section labeled "Relation to female genitals."

[MrScorpio]

3. The Bigger...

The more gas it guzzles

[tyedyeto]

4. People, men especially, are very devout as to which truck they own...

My s/o and a friend are always digging each other about which is better...Ford or Chevy. No one ever wins that debate, it's always a standstill.

[babylonsister]

5. My husband has had a Dodge for years;

Ram Charger, extended bed, 2-door extended cab. He loves Dodge trucks and has never had many problems w/them.

[hippiechick]

6. Oh my, Arwalden, that's so ... domestic !

A truck ! Next you'll be arguing at Lowe's over whose going to put up the new siding on the house !!

Congratulations !

:loveya:

[arwalden]

13. The House Already Has Siding...

... (the house is only 6 years old) BUT the original detached garage is about 30 years old and NEEDS siding. I think it's already been decided that I'm get to do the siding. (Note... that I *get* to do the siding... not *have* to do the siding.)

We are so domestic...

:loveya:2

[Briarius]

8. I've always had a Chevy

I don't have a truck anymore, but if I were going back I'd choose a Chevy. Ford trucks used to be less reliable than Chevy, but since the 80's Ford has gotten better. I still have a bias against Ford over their quality issues. That being said, go for a diesel if you're going to be doing a lot of towing. Best of luck!

[Mr. Blonde]

10. You will run into those who

will tell you that Ford is the best. The next person may say that Chevy is better. I would go out and test drive both and whichever one you feel is better I would go with. Ford does have a higher towing capacity though which it looks like will be playing into your decision.

[MidwestMomma]

11. My brother-in-law swears by Chevy trucks

He drove his last one for years and only finally got rid of it when I think the gas tank rusted or something. His new truck is a Chevy too.

[TexasProgresive]

12. What size RV will you be towing

You might want to read some of the RV and trailer mags. Have you looked at the new full sized Toyota? I've seen good reviews on it. Oh it sounds like you are looking for a pick up for a valid reason and not to compensate for inadequacies. Take your time looking-one other thing you might do is to go to an RV park and talk to some of the hard core towers. Those with experience on the road will be a great resource.

[arwalden]

30. Currently It's A Folding Camper (12' Long)...

... and the car can (barely) handle it. But we've already started eyeing a small hard-side RV that's in the 20'-24' size range.

I like your idea about talking to other folks at the RV parks... so obvious... I would have never thought of it myself. Thanks!

[JanMichael]

14. Well...My Nissan XE, vintage 94', is the best vehicle I've ever owned.

If there's a Nissan in the class you're looking for I'd highly recommend it.

And, in response to the small penis comment above, I've actually had penil growth since I bought the Nissan.

Go figure?:shrug:

[arwalden]

34. Hell... Just Looking At The Brochures Makes Me Get... Well...

you know. It's better than porn.

[Lars39]

15. A shade-tree mechanic friend of ours

swears that Chevy's are easier to work on. He's worked on vehicles for about 35 years, nevers buys new and never pays more than $8000, including taxes.

[arwalden]

43. That's Good To Know...

... I've never done many repairs myself, but I do try to save by changing my own oil and filters. Depending on what the problem is, I might be inclined to buy a Chilton's guide to see if I can repair it myself.

[CatWoman]

16. Alan, I drive a Mazda B210. bought it in 1998 brand new

never, ever had any problems with it.

When I purchased it, however, 10 bucks would fill my gas tank. Now it takes 20.

I get great mileage too.

[GOPisEvil]

17. Toyota makes a full-size truck.

Toyota is also renowned for not making crap.

My dad has a 1999 F-150, and he likes it, although he gets about 17mpg.

[arwalden]

37. The One's We're Looking At (2WD) Get 19 MPG City and 23 HWY

... not great. But I've seen worse. But... there's always the optional 37 gallon fuel tank. It costs more to fill up, but you can drive longer between fillups.

[Atlas Mugged]

73. Get the optional fuel tank!!!!!

You'll never regret it, especially is you live in the Northern states. I have a Dodge Ram, which I love, a Chevy SUV, and a Crown Victoria - all of them have the large tanks.

And before anyone starts ranting about the SUV, I actually need it. I have a 400 foot driveway in the snowbelt of WNY.

In the future, I may get a Silverado since everyone I know who has one loves it. Which is the same reason I got the Dodge Ram.

[cags]

18. We have a Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab and love it

We chose it because I had family that worked for Dodge and got it at $700 under cost.

Can't beat that deal, but its been a great truck, no problems. Actually 2 other family members got them too.

[Rowdyboy]

19. Michael has a 1983 Nissan and he loves it

Totally reliable and useful as hell but far too small for what you need.

[LSK]

20. get a diesel, it uses less fuel

[arwalden]

38. Less Fuel... but they're LOUD!!

Even when idling at a stop light, the ones I've seen sound like Semi-trucks. (Either that, or they needed better mufflers.)

Is that normal for deisel trucks to sound so loud?

[GOPisEvil]

40. Yeah, but if someone angers you, you can leave them in a diesel cloud!

Diesels do not have spark plugs, they combust fuel with pressure, which leads to a temperature high enough to cause a spark. Diesels are loud, but they last forever and have TONS of power.

[sandnsea]

21. Ford F350 dualie diesel n/t

[KG]

22. if you're gonna tow, think diesel.

fords power stroke diesels will pull a house.

[B Calm]

25. I've had 3 Ford trucks and 4 Chevy trucks. If you want a nice ride

and better fuel mileage, get a Chevy. If you want a gas hog, get a Ford. I'm getting 18 MPG with a full size, extended cab Chevy, V8 motor and 4 wheel drive.

[DemoTex]

27. Jesus Allen! A truck ain't you! Or me .... but!

I'm looking at one too! My mountain place in the wilds needs a truck. I can identify only one P/U truck to replace my 99 Subaru Outback wagon. That is the the Toyota Tacoma 4-door long-bed. The biggest requirement is that the back seat fold-down allows for me to put Nick-Nick's kennel cage in the passenger cabin with loops to tie it down. I don't really need the 6-cylinder motor, except for occasional tows of my 3500# cargo trailer. If the Toyota misses my mark, it will justify another great Subaru Outback Wagon (my gay friends call them Les-bar-ous). What I really need is a hybrid version of that truck ...

Mac

[Maddy McCall]

31. Ooooo....are you going to sell the Outback?

I want it! I love those car thingies!

[Maddy McCall]

32. And a good friend of mine has a Tacoma and LOVES it.

Great pick ups.

[arwalden]

41. First Things First...

Before driving it off the lot, I'll put a rainbow flag bumper sticker on it. I can't be "too butch"... what would people think? LOL.

I never thought of myself as a truck-person either... but things change.

[DemoTex]

45. Rainbow sticker ..

I'm straight as an arrow, but I might put a rainbow flag up in solidarity with my gay brother, Russell, and his partner, Randy, both of whom I love. Fact is, they are the male couple on the gay-partrner's rights suit against the Druid Hills Country Club in Atlanta, Georgia. I'm with the queers for years and years and years.

[arwalden]

47. Which Reminds Me Of Another Story...

... in reverse.

A buddy of mine has a rainbow sticker on the back of his Ranger. When his brother borrowed the truck, he IMMEDIATELY put some blue masking tape OVER the rainbow sticker (so that strangers on the highway wouldn't make the mistake of assuming he was a homo.)

Too funny! My friend just rolled his eyes and was glad that AT LEAST it was the masking tape that was easily removed.

[Maddy McCall]

29. I love my parents' Dodge Ram.

I borrow it every time I get a chance. It's a great, dependable, fun-to-drive vehicle.

[B Calm]

33. Dodge trucks have a high rate of transmission problems!

[Maddy McCall]

36. I guess my parents are lucky.

They've had theirs for six years and it has almost 140,000 miles on it, and no transmission problems....indeed, nothing other than regular maintenance.

[ScreamingMeemie]

89. Their vans do, but not their trucks. We had the same one for almost

twenty years. Another for 8 before we sold it, and just got a brand new one. Not a tranny problem yet. Our caravan? Well that was another story. :hi:

[SoCalDem]

35. I just bought a pristine Ford Ranger 1994 for $1,500

for my son.. (He doesn't have the money now, but it was too good a deal to pass up)..So The National Bank of Mom & Dad will register, tag and insure it until he recuperates from the back surgery he's about to have :(

[arwalden]

39. What A Great Thing To Do! I'm Sure He'll Love It...

... that's about the same size as our S-10... and it's been a good little truck for us.

[LynneSin]

44. OH MY GAY STARS you're turning into a Redneck

And seriously - if you want a truck that's going to last for awhile - get yerself a Toyota

:P

[arwalden]

49. I Turned Into A Redneck When We Got The John Deere...

... now we're just making certain that it sticks! :hi:

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

50. are you a lesbian?

[arwalden]

53. A Big One!

:-) Flanel shirt, short haircut, and comfortable shoes.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

54. and now a truck

for the record...I opt for GopisEvil's recommendation if you are pulling an RV...a duel axle diesel....POWER BABY!!! And they aren't that noisy once you roll up the windows

[Beware the Beast Man]

67. If you grow a mullet and a pencil mustache,

I'll officially disown you. :D

[arwalden]

81. What If I Just Keep Buzzing My Head...

... and grow a goatee instead? I quit smoking... but I could put a Copenhagen bumper sticker on the truck. I could add a Dale Earnheart sticker in the rear window along with one of those leaping-bass stickers and a gun-rack. Of course I'll need a BIG ASS whoop-antenna (for my CB radio) attached to the bumper... complete with a tennis ball slipped onto it as a bumper to keep it from scratching the paint.

Mud flaps with chrome naked-lady silhouettes and curb feelers will be a MUST! I'll need a Plexiglas shield attached to the hood to deflect rocks and other road debris. A bug-screen in the spring will be helpful too.

Hell... I'll bet I can spend more on ACCESSORIES than on the truck itself! :hi:

[LynneSin]

58. Hopefully you're form of redneckness will catch on to others

:D

We need more progressive rednecks in this world

[arwalden]

59. I Thought You Meant Homo Rednecks... Well...

... I reckon there's plen'y o' them aroun' too, Ma'am!

[RedCappedBandit]

52. I'd go with Chevy

I'm a "car lover" if you will.. and I personally would always choose chevy over ford, just a personal preference

[ConcernedCanuk]

55. I'm sorta a Ford man, BUT

.
.
.

There are other things to consider.

First of all, me being me, I wouldn't buy anything new these days.

Far better to find an older style you like, and fix it up if necessary. You'll save megabucks, and if you choose the right make/model, in 10 years the truck, if well maintained, will be worth MORE than you paid for it. A new truck will depreciate about 7-10 grand in the first two to three years.

If I can "turn" you over to thinking used, previously owned, whatever term is PC these days - I'll elaborate later.

As a licensed mechanic for over 30 years, 20 of them in and around bush towns, I have alot of experience with most makes of trucks, 1/2 tons, 3/4 tons, 2WD and 4WD. (I also work on Tractor Trailers, but that's a wee bit more than ur lookin' for)

If you are purchasing new, I advise buying from "one of the big 3" Ford, Chrysler, or GM, one where the dealer is close by. The $$ you may save buying out of town or just plain far away will make warranty work and regular service a pain in the - U know . . .

I'd stay away from the NEW Fords, I hate to say that, cuz I like Ford trucks pretty much. But Ford completely redesigned their engines, and new designs bring new problems.

Normally, my second choice would be GM, but again, we are talking NEW stuff.

So yup, I recommend Dodge, mainly because they still use the same engine (5.0 liter or 318 - same thing) because it's the best engine they ever came out with, and didn't throw it away like Ford did with the 289, and GM with the 283, which were their best engines. - Yeah, I've been around awhile!

I read somewhere in this thread that Dodge had more transmission problems than others. The only transmissions from Dodge that I became aware of with excessive tranny problems were the smaller Dodges like the Durango, etc. I am not aware of any problems with the full sized ones, and I am one of the few mechanics around up here, although not a specialist, that have rebuilt quite a few trannys - mostly because people did not service them, changing the fluid and filters now and then - or just plain high mileage.

If you are going to haul, get the trailer towing package - includes a tranny cooler (they work harder and get hotter), extra wiring and circuits for the trailer, and there is also a camper package available that will handle charging the battery in an RV while you're driving without overloading the standard alternator - as well as a protection circuit should something in the camper short out while you are driving.

OH, I'd go for the extended cab b4 I would the crew cab. Crew cab is a longer wheelbase, and a bugger for regular driving, corners, and parking. And heavier, so poorer gas mileage. Of course you could go for the short box, but then lumber won't fit in unless the tailgate is down, and I always thought short boxes looked weird on an extended cab anyways, - sort of unbalanced.

If'n you just plain don't like Chrysler products, used is out of the question, and GM is closer than Ford, Go GM.

That's it!

Enjoy it whatever you get!

:thumbsup:

[tk2kewl]

56. BEWARE of 2000ish Fords

I heard something on the radio about recalls on F150s and Explorers. Trucks went on fire while parked because of some faulty wiring.

[Lugnut]

57. A bit prejudiced but

We pretty much stick with GM because we've had good luck with them.

My husband had a full-size '79 GMC for over 20 years. When he sold it in 2001 he got $1,500 for it and the truck is still on the road. We used the truck for all the reasons you mentioned including towing the travel trailer.

Good luck with what ever you choose. :)

[lectrobyte]

60. I would tend to lean toward Ford, although it's hard to consider

offering advice over the net. A lot of it depends on what you will use the truck for, how the local dealers are, are you looking to go new or used, etc. etc. I suspect that Ford and Chevy are both pretty close these days, so your best bet may be to shop both and get dealers bidding -- this should be a good time of year to shop if you are buying new, and they always seem ready to deal on trucks.

[guitar man]

61. Get the Ford

The Chevys lose resale value a lot faster for some reason. I have been driving F-150's for 20 years and they have always been tough and reliable. The 2000 model (which I own now) looks like it might have a problem with a switch in the cruise which has started some fires. They have issued a recall to replace the switch. Other than that, it's a great truck, I love 4-wheelin' through the mud and snow with it!

[PartyPooper]

62. Arwalden, my partner and I each drive a Toyota truck or SUV.

I drive a Toyota Tacoma. And, my other half drives a Toyota "SUV" thingy. We've had great luck with these vehicles.

I highly recommend Toyota. They even have another "Super Truck" model these days. Please check it out!

GOOD LUCK!

:D

:hi:

[arwalden]

82. Thanks!

Based on what you and others have said here, I'll have to look again at Toyota and Nissan.

-- Allen

[lectrobyte]

63. Although I'm more of a Ford fan, I seem to recall Chevy or GMC coming

out with a hybrid full-size truck -- it might be worth looking into for gas mileage reasons if nothing else.

[PittPoliSci]

64. my dad has a chevy silverado.

it's a monsterous gas eating machine. however, two of my friends have the colorados. they swear by the truck, it gets great gas milage and has power comperable to the s-10. it has an inline 5-cylinder, so you get power and economy.

plus, i don't know what your financial situation is, but my friends were offered a smart buy, which is like a 300 dollar a month lease, which pays towards the truck, and after four years you have the option of getting rid of it like a lease, or continuing with payments until it's paid off and you can keep it if you decide.

[mopinko]

65. my chevy truck

i drive a 93 suburban that has 260,000 miles on it. it is a stripped down former fleet vehicle with rubber mats and vinyl seats.
i love the thing. it has given us almost no trouble in the 7 years that we have had it. it has pulled a trailer on several cross country trips, and has stranded me exactly once. it isn't even the big giant engine. just a workhorse.
i'd buy another in a heartbeat.

[maveric]

66. Do you really need a truck? Do you haul things or use it for work?

If not then why buy a truck?

[mopinko]

68. did you read the thread?

doesn't look like it. why don't you?

[lectrobyte]

69. He says his S-10 is not big enough to pull his RV. Yeah, they need

a truck.

[arwalden]

70. Hi Maverick!

You're probably a lot like me... Sometimes when I get rushed (or when the thread is LONG) I'll just read the headline and skim the rest of the post. That may be why you overlooked where I described how our current S-10 *barely* has the ability to pull our RV and will DEFINITELY not pull the upgrade we're planning. (After all... before you get a bigger RV, you first have to be able to tow it off the lot.)

We get a lot of use out of our current truck for the following tasks: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=2592772&mesg_id=2592879&page= so it's likely that we'll get a similar benefit from a larger truck as well.

There's only so-much 8' lumber you can slide in at an angle to a car window... and you can't easily bring home drywall or plywood in a sedan. :)

-- Allen

[DancingBear]

71. Ever consider a Nissan Frontier?

From what you've said you'll be doing with the truck, it sounds as if you might be able to get by with a mid-sized truck.

I own an '04 Frontier Crew Cab, and it's been fine. The only truck in its class with BOTH full crew cab (yep, four real doors and a real back seat) AND a full 6' bed. I live on 61 acres, and I've taken heavy stuff in the bed of that truck with no complaints at all. Also, I'm a woodworker by trade, so it has hauled its share of raw wood, heavy machinery, etc.

A 4WD Crew Cab (don't EVER buy a 2WD truck if you can help it) will still come in at less $$ than a full size Chevy or Ford, and will still get you around 19/23 in mileage (that is one of reasons I didn't go full size - I wasn't about to drive something that got 14/18). In the 05's, Nissan has opted for a little more HP as well -which is a good thing, as the truck could use a bit more oomph, but it still ain't bad for a truck.

Also, Nissan is always very accomodating price wise - based on the same loan terms my '04 payments are actually less than the '02 I traded in!

[arwalden]

77. Thanks... I'll Check It Out.

[SCDem]

72. We've always had problems with Ford trucks

Chevy trucks are much better.... and the Silverado sounds like a good one. Make sure to stick with just a F150 and not a F250 because with a F250 you'll end up spending a lot in gas.

[DelawareValleyDem]

74. Well, don't pay too much attention to sales figures

Britney Spears sells a lot of records but I wouldn't recommend listening to her.

Consider diesel, especially if towing is a major consideration. Dodge has a turbodiesel that can haul 16,000 lbs.

[CanuckAmok]

75. Between GM or Ford, I'd go Ford

But for towing an RV, I'd opt for a 250, not a 150.

However, I should say that before you buy, you should look at the Toyota Tundra extended cab. It's a very comfortable, well-build full-sized (V8) truck, and the resale value whomps any domestic vehicle.

The Toyota is a little more expensive than the domestics, but it's a great deal more vehicle.

I had no I dea you were so domestic, by the way. Do you have room for a pony?

[arwalden]

76. Room For A Sauna AND A Pony!

Honestly... we do! (Only it's not quite as manicured as Violet's.)

:hi:

[kick-ass-bob]

78. Higher resale?

That only matters if you plan on selling it within like 6 years. Do you plan on doing that? My neighbor has a 20 year old Ford extended cab (I guess that's what its called - it has a back seat) that still gets the job done.

He said he will always get another Ford truck - and he always buys used.

[arwalden]

79. Yeah... I Thought The Same Thing...

if someone is ALWAYS buying a new truck as often as they buy a new computer... and if they ALWAYS want to be saddled with making payments, then "higher-resale" value might be attractive to them.

But on the other hand, it does seem to suggest long-lasting value for the initial investment. If it doesn't depreciate as quickly, then (supposedly) the quality is better. Perhaps?

It's so confusing.

I need to check... what does U-haul and Ryder use for their rental trucks?

[kick-ass-bob]

80. I'm almost positive that UHaul uses Ford.

Don't know about Ryder...

[Frogtutor]

83. Get the four door crew cab, if you can

My husband went from a four door crew cab Ford to an extended cab (with the little mini back doors) Chevy, and it was not an easy transition to make! We do a lot of RV pulling, and the crew cab was so roomy and comfortable; plenty of leg room in the back seat, and could seat 6 people comfortably. You couldn't pay me to ride in the back seat of that extended cab. Our son is only 12 right now, so it doesn't bother him too much, but of course, he preferred the crew cab, too.

Other than that, I think my husband prefers the performance of the Chevy to that of the Ford, but it's really not a fair comparison. The Ford was larger, and diesel fueled. My brother is a Ford truck guy all the way, so I think it's just personal preference.

[Skittles]

84. only that a lot of assholes drive them in Texas

:7

[arwalden]

85. Is There A Cause And Effect?

Does the truck cause them to become assholes? Or were they assholes to begin with?

[bearfan454]

86. I have a 2000 F 150.

I have had no trouble with it at all. I have 122,000 miles and still no clutch replacement. I look at it this way:

Fords trucks are cheaper than Chevy trucks. You can count on about 200,000 miles either way so 200,000 miles is cheaper with Ford.

[Blue-Jay]

87. GET A HUMMER!!!

And then go buy your truck.

[ScreamingMeemie]

88. I'm a Dodge girl myself, Allen. Well a Dodge bride, I guess. MrG has

only owned Dodge trucks. He just sold his very first Dodge truck, a 1988 in excellent running order. They are excellent for hauling. You can even get away with a Dakota for hauling campers. Get the 8 foot bed. It's silly to get the 6 foot bed if you're going to use the bed for hauling anything. They don't fit couches, plywood, 2x4's etc.

On a side note, we did rent a Ford F150 for the trip to WI for my aunt's funeral and we were shocked (pleasantly) at how roomy the cab was.

But, I'd still go Dodge. They were founded on trucks.

Happy shoppin!!! :hi:

[jswordy]

90. Be sure you check out the Nissan Titan

It will definitely be my next truck in line. And don't listen to the carping enviros...if you live on a farm or a rural lifestyle, you need a full-sized truck. If you live on a postage stamp lot in the city, that's different.

I literally have hauled an entire 40x40 shop I am building in the bed of mine, or on a trailer connected to it.

[cmd]

91. We have a 2000 Silverado

It's o.k., if you don't mind the rattle in the dash that came with the truck, the power windows that have been replaced on both sides and the tailgate latch that didn't latch. My feet freeze on the passenger side during the winter, it gulps gas...........I really don't like that truck. Mr. cmd loves it.

[achtung_circus]

92. I've been driving pickups for years.

a minimum of 300 miles a day, up to about 900 miles a day. I've driven all the big 3 both personally and professionally.

As far as manufacturers,
F O R D
o n o e
u a a
n d d
d

mostly sucks. I've driven the F-150 and the Ranger, currently I'm provided a Ranger. Not much good to say about either.

Chev or GM, well I've got a '91 Chev C1500 with 250,000 miles on it. It eats alternators about every 75,000 miles and the turning circle is kind of wide, but it's an OK truck.

I like Dodge. I've driven them as work trucks, 1500, 2500, Dakota in 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive. If I were in the market for a new vehicle myself I'd buy an Quad cab 4X4 Dakota, that's for the kind of driving I do with the loads I haul and carry. I've driven 3 or 4 on the job and loved them. I've also driven the full-size and liked them.

My nephew asked me this question about 3 months ago. I told him that the oil companies in Alberta almost universally lease "oilfield spec" Dodges, 1500 or 2500 model, 4X4, quad cab.

I also mentioned inspecting livestock trucks. In the parking lot of an auction you'll see 15-20 trucks lined up. Almost universally, they are Dodge 3500 4X4 dually diesels hauling 35' livestock trailers. The professionals seem to agree on Dodge. It's rare to see Ford, GM or Chev in that role.

Diesel provides greater power, and you have fewer big mechanical problems, but when you do get a problem, it's a huge one.

[Schema Thing]

93. I'd go diesel for gas mileage, longevity, and power

Especially if pulling a trailer.

I'm selling my 2001 Dodge with a gas V8 :

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x2603126

And have purchased a 96 dodge 3500 series doolly/cummins diesel with 175k miles on it. It gets about 50% better gas mileage, and I'll have the option of running biodiesel in it. A high mileage diesel is not a worry.