2015 F150 Eco vs Chevy 2500 opinions gasser only

C4Ranch · Jun 16, 2015

Plus I never want to do this again. Like to Think I'm gettin smarter as I get older.

toddbailey · Jun 16, 2015

I have a 14 Chevy 2500 with duramax door the last 3000 miles I have averaged 18.4 mpg in mixed city, highway, with a little towing mixed in. In your shoes I'd buy the 2500 gas and cheap used Honda Civic with lots if miles on it for a commuter. It works for me have put over 23000 miles on a 2000 civic in the last 2 years only repair was a distributor ($400) it gets 35 mpg!

C4Ranch · Jun 16, 2015

Sorry guys typo on my payload # above s/b 3.5k+

xtruckerbob · Jun 16, 2015

OK so why not check the yellow sticker on the door of the 2500 and the EB and see if the EB can handle the weight. Remember to add for what ever is in the back of truck, people, dogs, and all the nice options you need. Go by and test drive the EB to a truck stop and use the Cat Scales or a farm store or even an co-op elevator and get the dry axle weight It don't take much trailer to max out the EB or any 1/2 ton. Also consider the EB or any 1/2 ton the tire may "P" tires not "LT" tires will max your heavy load. A 4 ply "P" tire is rated for 1860 lbs. Todd has a good idea.

EverythingAttachments · Jun 17, 2015

toddbailey said:
I have a 14 Chevy 2500 with duramax door the last 3000 miles I have averaged 18.4 mpg in mixed city, highway, with a little towing mixed in. In your shoes I'd buy the 2500 gas and cheap used Honda Civic with lots if miles on it for a commuter. It works for me have put over 23000 miles on a 2000 civic in the last 2 years only repair was a distributor ($400) it gets 35 mpg!

That's great advice. I love my civic. 35 miles to work each way for less than $30 per week.
My tow rig sits in the driveway and looks pretty all week! :thumbsup:
Travis

TheGoose · Jun 17, 2015

This picture to me screams 3/4 ton truck. I like my EB and it's got plenty of power but a 3/4 ton truck has more beef.

C4Ranch said:
Plus I never want to do this again. Like to Think I'm gettin smarter as I get older.

View attachment 430018

dodge man · Jun 17, 2015

If you tow heavy loads, bumper pull or GN, get the 3/4 ton, no question about this in my mind. Its just a matter if you can eat the cost of gas on the daily commute or not.

sld · Jun 17, 2015

I second the econo car idea. I've put 5k miles on my Sable since January going to work and back, errands, and just running around.

That is 5k miles NOT being put on my truck. With 27-28 mpg I'm loving it.

crashz · Jun 18, 2015

I've done this for the past few years. Started with a Saturn and then a Malibu. Consistent 28-30 mpg is nice and having a beater car that you can drive anywhere with no concerns is also REALLY nice. The Malibu was my "Boston" car. It was quick, reliable and looked like ****. Perfect for Boston traffic. Saved my truck from a lot of scratches, dings and probably a break-in or two.

Diamondpilot · Jun 18, 2015

I tried the Econo Car twice. It did not work out for me even though it got twice the MPG.

I keep both for 2 to 3 years but with insurance, plates, both needed a set of tires, andboth needed a set of brakes.

The 1st one was basically trouble free other than that.

The second one was a nickel and dimer. Never anything big but always something. Horn stuck on, battery, window regulator, two neutral safety switches, sunroof rebuild, power steering rack and pump, tie rods, ball joints, wiring issues, dash issues, ect. I know it sounds like a lot but I did all the work so parts were only $750 to maybe a $1000.

Either way they did not pay out money wise. If anything they maybe saved me a grand down the road when I traded my primary vehicle by saving 35,000 or so miles.

To me a second vehicle Econo Car is a false economy.

Chris