Should I get a smaller truck?

Michael Aos · Aug 30, 2017

Friend of mine just bought a nice little RAV4 for $2400.

I've had a few $500 Corolla's and Subaru's. They just run forever.

Was just telling a coworker today how I wish I would have kept my 2001 F250 4x4 7.3L instead of trading it toward a Honda Accord.

Now I've got a 2003 Tundra 4.7L that maxes-out pulling my little 5x10' 7K dump trailer.

I'm a big fan of having both an everyday vehicle (car / wagon / van, etc) and a truck.
--

newbury · Aug 30, 2017

Lady you came to the wrong place to ask about downsizing from that beautiful truck.

Did you post this thread to make us jealous

And if it wasn't for my wife I'd probably be asking for your phone number

We've got a Ford F350 dually 4x4 crew cab about the same size. We get exercise walking from the parking lots because I don't like to try and "squeeze" it in.

I savor the times I pull up to the hardware store, buy a full pallet of mulch or load of stone and just say put it in the back.
But my truck is only good for about 2 tons in the bed.

But it hauls my 12K trailer like a dream. If your hauling a 36' horse trailer monthly that is plenty of usage. Like others have written get an econobox for you and your dogs when you HAVE to go to places with tight parking.

I'd bet those who tell you to get a "smaller" vehicle are jealous or may think "women can't drive big trucks".

Keep us posted.

MJO63 · Aug 30, 2017

Keep it! Make your own parking space at Wal-Mart.

dodge man · Aug 30, 2017

MJO63 said:
Keep it! Make your own parking space at Wal-Mart.

My thoughts exactly, nice truck.

Redlands Okie · Aug 30, 2017

Newbury pretty well covers my thoughts also

as most have said get a small cheap driver if you really really need it. Other wise park a way out and walk a bit. The service side i am having a bit of a problem. A one ton will be same width just probably a bit shorter. Is it the length that causes the service issue ?

newbury · Aug 30, 2017

Redlands Okie said:
Newbury pretty well covers my thoughts also as most have said get a small cheap driver if you really really need it. Other wise park a way out and walk a bit. The service side i am having a bit of a problem. A one ton will be same width just probably a bit shorter. Is it the length that causes the service issue ?

A 1 ton SRW will be narrower.

4570Man · Aug 31, 2017

Length hurts parking a lot. I've got a 8ft bed 3500 that drives pretty good and a 18ft bed f450 that parks like a ship. The long trucks turning radius is nearly double. Not that even being equal length the ford will turn as sharp as the Chevy.

Larry Caldwell · Aug 31, 2017

Another vote for the small SUV to keep the dogs happy. Get something small and cheap for your daily driver, and use the truck for work. With reasonable maintenance it will last you 20 years, and with low mileage you won't be replacing tires often. Carry a spare for emergencies.

Wagtail · Aug 31, 2017

Larry Caldwell said:
Another vote for the small SUV to keep the dogs happy. Get something small and cheap for your daily driver, and use the truck for work. With reasonable maintenance it will last you 20 years, and with low mileage you won't be replacing tires often. Carry a spare for emergencies.

A third vote for keeping your present rig for your property work truck... you'll get longer life/use from it as such.

I myself vote for a used (5 yo) 1/2 ton pick-up - extended cab, 6' box. Enough room for you & the pups inside. Enough room in the back for a pallet or a round bale. Short enough to not be a problem parking.

RyeThomas · Aug 31, 2017

I vote keep what you have and drive it into the ground. The 19.5" tires are true commercial tires so while more expensive unless your hooked to a large trailer every mile you run you will get a longer tire life than a standard pickup tire.
Not sure how Texas works but in Va I have to pay personal property tax every year on what I own (even though I already paid sales tax on it when purchased) anyway add that and insurance and a second vehicle never really makes sense.
I'm a Firefighter but I drive a Ram 3500 DRW crew cab long bed every day in congested Northern Virginia, I only have it for the few times a month I tow. Sure I could downsize but with the truck I have, I never have to worry about pushing its capacity. I load the trailers with whatever and head on down the road. No worries.

Lastly a wise old man once told me "Bigger is always better, unless it's your Cellmate!"

Best of luck.