Thinking about getting a farm pickup

[quicksandfarmer]

I've never owned a pickup, but I'm thinking about getting one. It wouldn't be a daily driver, just for around the farm* and getting things to and from the farm. Going to the lumberyard or Home Depot for building supplies, going to the dump once a week, occasionally transporting goats or sheep. Moving mulch or sand. The ability to pull maybe 3500 pounds in a trailer, for moving hay equipment and boats, and sometimes rented equipment. I'd definitely want to be able to carry a full sheet of plywood in the bed.

So I'm thinking a small pickup with cap and roof racks. Probably 4wd would be good because we do get snow, although I use the tractor to plow. Since I can't imagine putting more than a few thousand miles a year on it I could see getting something older.

So what should I be looking for?



Don't laugh, but I currently have a 2012 Honda Odyssey minivan that I use for all those things.

*(I'm just a pretend farmer but I call my place "the farm.")

 

[deserteagle71]

An old Dodge with the Cummins engine and 8' bed. With the miles you say you will be putting on it, it will outlive you and be the most dependable vehicle you can buy.

 

[dodge man]

I personally am a fan of a full sized half ton trucks. Most of the time I’m hauling air like a lot truck owners but there are times a full size truck bed can seem small. I think if smaller trucks got 30 mpg I’d like them more but they seem to get just a little better than full sized.

 

[scootr]

I was looking for something like that and found a few older diesel pickups for reasonable $.

 

[deserteagle71]

I think if smaller trucks got 30 mpg I’d like them more but they seem to get just a little better than full sized.

Most of the older half ton gas trucks are lucky to break 15 mpg. Older heavy duty gas powered pickups average closer to 10 mpg...I've owned a few! Why I recommended an older Dodge Cummins - guys I know tell me they routinely get over 20 mpg. Yet they can haul or pull most anything you'd hook behind them.

 

[LHF2019]

I just bought this truck for the farm. $3500. Once it can’t pass inspection I can farm exempt it and keep using it. Replaces a Tahoe we use that eventually will die. 3 years out of inspection but our state won’t exempt station wagons. I wouldn’t recommend diesel if you’re not going to run it much.

 

[rScotty]

A standard older 1970-1972 Chevy PU is my favorite. Small V-8 or 6 cylinder. Part time 4wd is a nice addition if you can find one with it.
Or get an older Ford F150. Again, small engine and gasser.
You can buy a good one for about 20% of the cost of a new truck. It will last just fine in part time service and can be fixed as needed by any most anyone.
Fuel economy on all the old gas PU is roughly ave. 15mpg, but for what you say you its use will be....well, the fuel economy is a non-issue compared to purchase price/tax/insurance.

rScotty

 

[Tomtint]

First thing to do is figure out your budget.
If you are looking for something sub 20K.. Id be looking for a 6.0 GM Vortec .. Fairly bullet proof and tons of them out there. Up here rust is what ends trucks lives ..not mileage.
After that Id be looking for a V8 F150 of some sort. They are out there but will usually bring more money than a GM truck for truck.
If you aren't driving or towing everyday.. Id skip the diesel option all together.
A pre 2022 Toyota Tundra with the V8 is also a super reliable power plant. ..The new ones not so much

 

[ericm979]

V8 Tundras hold their value well, because they have a reputation for reliability. Gas mileage is not great though.

Many newer 1/2 ton trucks have short 5.5 foot beds. I prefer a 6.5 (or better, 6.75) foot bed so I can get 8' lumber in diagonally with the tailgate up. Sheet goods can be carried with the tailgate down. Regular cab trucks are rare. Double and crew cabs are the majority. A double or crew plus an 8' bed makes for a very long truck which can be difficult to park, especially in more urban areas with smaller spaces.

At this point '70s trucks are collector items and will be priced as such.

Most modern 1/2 tons are rated to tow 7500 lbs or so. More with the towing option. Newer 5.7l Tundras are 10000 lbs or so.

A 18-20' flat bed trailer is 2000-2500lbs. Tilt versions are around 2800-3400 lbs.

 

[scootr]

For all around ranch work single cab 8 ft bed 3/4 ton. Never mind the fuel mileage, you won't be putting a lot of miles on it.