Which truck would you get?

[handirifle]

I am considering, no major decisions or commitments made as yet, buying a diesel 3/4T to pull my 5th wheel trailer with. It's a light weight model (5200lb dry) meant for 1/2T trucks and that is what I currently tow it with. I use my 2006 Tundra, w 4.7L, rated to tow 7,000. The truck is my regular driver. I didn't say daily, on purpose cause sometime I don't start it for 3-4 days in a row. We are retired and if the wife goes along, we take her car, unless we need to haul something big. While towing this trailer I get an avg of 9 mpg on reg gas. About 17-18 freeway.

This is an old picture of the combo (when I first got it), and I have since had the trailer raised 3" and adjusted the pin to allow the trailer to tow level.

Overall I am pleased with the setup, but the truck has some limitations. The brakes could be better, and aftermarket products are either sky high prices or non existant. Ao I was considering an older (cause no way can I afford new) and would like to basically sell mine and buy one with the same cash, which I estimate to be about $16-17K.

In the Ford line it would have to at least have the 7.3 Powerstroke, and not the older 7.3. I have read too much negative about the older engine. In the GM line, I believe it's the 6.5 Duramax? For Dodge obviously the Cummins I6, but I know there are a lot of versions and not sure if there are any I should avoid.

My needs are not huge, and I am considering the upgrade in power cause a lot of rental companies are requiring 3/4T min. That's not a big reason, but it is one. I would like to have considerably more grunt for pulling long grade with the 5th wheel, and better brakes.

I do not see us ever getting a bigger trailer, smaller if anything.

Are there any years of each brand that I should avoid? Bad trannies, etc? I know the 6.0L Ford were problematic, but also understand there are SUPPOSED to be after market cures. I'd rather not get one I HAD to sink $$ into to make it reliable. I bought my Tundra with 17K on it and it have never needed to go to the shop since i bought it, except for sched maint.

Not wishing ANY "my brand is better" comments, just honest opinions. I suppose I would be looking at trucks with 100,000 + on them as well.

Any well known issues mentioned are greatly appreciated. Opinions of the whole idea appreciated as well.

 

[DT86]

The Cummins are what I know, so I'll mention those.

The only ones that i would consider "bad" were 98-00 models with a "53" engine block, (they like to crack) not all had this casting though. The numbers are cast into the block on the drivers side near the oil pan.

 

[fordmantpw]

Ford is what I know, so I will mention those. I would stay away from the '03-'04 PowerStroke, as those were the most problematic. The '05-'07 had the coil front end with a smoother ride, and much more reliable engine.

The '08-'10 trucks are very reliable, but have the new emissions, and like fuel.

You didn't mention your price range, but you could look at a '09 or newer F150 with the heavy duty payload package, and do very well with that trailer. That weight is not that much, and I think you would be fine with a new F150.

Just to note, I towed a 27' travel trailer (4500 empty) with an F150, and now tow a 32' fifth wheel (8000 empty) with an '08 F250 diesel.

Best of luck to you!

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I've always been a Ford truck guy and currently run an 02 and 06 F-250. The 06 is a diesel. Both trucks have been good and can haul a lot of weight. Their not great by any means but their above average. However, Ford just doesn't seem to be pushing forward with their design as much as in the past. They are jumping hp numbers and tow numbers but the trucks are not really changing much. This isn't a bad thing really but it is something I have noticed.

Something else I have noticed is that Ram is really pushing forward and appear like they want to improve their trucks and name. I don't agree with the huge numbers their pushing (I think they blew past what is safe for payload) but I do like where they are heading with their engine development. I want to try out the new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the new diesel engine and would look at their 3/4 ton truck as well before replacing the 02 F-250. I may find the Ford is still the best option for me but I no longer feel Ford is pushing to stay ahead and now feel they are just resting and waiting till their market share falls some before really pushing forward again. Most of their "new" features are interior luxuries that are not really designed for farm or construction. Their more for the people with disposable income who want to have a big fancy truck to drive to the city and work in an office. I have no problem with that but miss the days when Ford pushed more for the work segment.

I've avoided buying used just because it has become hard to find good deals on trucks you know nothing about the history of. Became too much of a gamble with all the electronics on them.

Good luck with your search and hopefully what ever you choose will work out for you.

 

[fordmantpw]

I've always been a Ford truck guy and currently run an 02 and 06 F-250. The 06 is a diesel. Both trucks have been good and can haul a lot of weight. Their not great by any means but their above average. However, Ford just doesn't seem to be pushing forward with their design as much as in the past. They are jumping hp numbers and tow numbers but the trucks are not really changing much. This isn't a bad thing really but it is something I have noticed.

Something else I have noticed is that Ram is really pushing forward and appear like they want to improve their trucks and name. I don't agree with the huge numbers their pushing (I think they blew past what is safe for payload) but I do like where they are heading with their engine development. I want to try out the new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the new diesel engine and would look at their 3/4 ton truck as well before replacing the 02 F-250. I may find the Ford is still the best option for me but I no longer feel Ford is pushing to stay ahead and now feel they are just resting and waiting till their market share falls some before really pushing forward again. Most of their "new" features are interior luxuries that are not really designed for farm or construction. Their more for the people with disposable income who want to have a big fancy truck to drive to the city and work in an office. I have no problem with that but miss the days when Ford pushed more for the work segment.

I've avoided buying used just because it has become hard to find good deals on trucks you know nothing about the history of. Became too much of a gamble with all the electronics on them.

Good luck with your search and hopefully what ever you choose will work out for you.

I don't want to derail the thread, but what does RAM offer in the way of features for farm/construction that Ford doesn't? Ford has the tailgate step, which I could see being VERY handy for a rancher or construction worker. Ford was first with the integrated trailer brake controller, which, is a MUST by the way if you are towing.

 

[94BULLITT]

You could get a new or newer 1/2 ton. They are pretty much 3/4 tons. You will not have the extra maintenance cost of a diesel.

 

[handirifle]

Thanks for the replies, but I did mention I would like to pay for the truck with what I could sell mine for, which I estimate at $16-17K so that knocks out ANY new truck, most likely anything as new as what I own. I would not get rid of this truck for any brand half ton. This truck has been too reliable and there's not enough to gain for me to just move to another 1/2T.

I'm not sure, the whole thing might be a bad idea, but it's where my mind is right now.

 

[RobertN]

I tow a 7500lb 5th wheel. My truck is a stock '01 Ram2500 diesel. It tows like a dream, but would expect that with any 3/4 ton diesel, since it is a light trailer overall.

Given the price of diesel, and the fuel mileage of newer gas trucks, I might lean that direction in a 1/2 ton. Still wont get the mileage of a diesel, but gas is cheaper... Would certainly look at a bigger engine option that the 4.7l; that thing must shift a lot...

Unless you are heavy hauling, the diesel just isn't as attractive an option now. I do like the diesel for towing(have done local trips and others as far as south Texas). For local trips, a gasser would be just fine. Cheaper to buy, cheaper fuel, cheaper to maintain. and, 1/2 tons generally ride better than 3/4 tons(although latest truck have made big improvements there).

My diesel will pull nicer over Donner Summit, but Calif towing limit is 55mph, so will still be in the slow lane...

 

[RobertN]

Yes, but you can get other 1/2 tons with 5.7's or similar. Would be a nice improvement while towing... And maybe better towing package/HD. Would still look used though.

Thanks for the replies, but I did mention I would like to pay for the truck with what I could sell mine for, which I estimate at $16-17K so that knocks out ANY new truck, most likely anything as new as what I own. I would not get rid of this truck for any brand half ton. This truck has been too reliable and there's not enough to gain for me to just move to another 1/2T.

I'm not sure, the whole thing might be a bad idea, but it's where my mind is right now.

 

[fordmantpw]

handirifle, you can't compare what you have to "another 1/2T". No offense to the Tundra, but that model is on the light duty side compared to what is out there today, especially since you only have the 4.7L. I think, if you put a bit of cash ($5k or so) with that $17k figure, that you could buy a very nice F150 with a 5.4L to tow that fifth wheel. Get at least an '09 with the 6 speed tranny, and I feel you would have a night and day difference in towing with what you have today. You just can't compare your Tundra to a newer F150...they are night and day difference. As BULLITT said, they are practically 3/4 tons from 15 years ago. Go look at the frame, the brakes, the differential on the F150 compared to your Tundra, and you will see what I mean.

 

[Diamondpilot]

If it were me I would stay away from diesel. You simply don't need it. This is coming from a diesel guy who currently has a trouble free 06 F350 and have had 3 others in the past.

A modern 1/2 ton is leaps and bounds more truck then your current 4.7L rig. The Ford F150 Eco Boost is the top dog. If you are set on 3/4 ton go gas.

Chris

 

[RedNeckRacin]

I have to agree with chris on this one (first time for everything right chris?) Well, from what your saying, a v-8 f-150 or 3/4 ton would be fine for what you are pulling. (brand is immaterial until you figure out what suits your needs/price range) If gas mileage is your main concern, the diesel will get much better mileage towing no questions asked. They are just not working as hard to do the same amount of work. The problem with a 3/4 ton gasser and this is my observation, (my dad had a 2005 3/4 gmc and I currently drive a 2012 2500 ram) that they don't get bupkiss for mileage. If I break 15 driving around i'm doing something. 13-14 is the norm but I wouldn't hesitate to pull up to about 10k-12k with a 3/4ton. Now I had a 2005 dodge ram 3500 cummins with 4x4 8' bed and a crew cab (weight was about 7400lbs) and I could get 19 mpg all day long driving around in the 6spd standard.(i broke 21 once (and this is HAND CALCULATED NOT THE OVERHEAD METER!!!!!)) I'm not advocating a diesel for you but everyone likes to mention the "expensive maintenance costs" Well thats b.s. If you need a diesel its part of the plan. Yes an oil change can't be done for $35 , but when you go 10k-12k between changes and not 3k-5k is that really that big of a deal? Nope. Diesel is more expensive per gallon. Well I got 25% better fuel mileage in my 1 ton vs the guys running 3/4 ton gassers. hhmmm something fishy here. If you want diesel advice ask the guys who drive the diesels not the guys who never got one because they couldn't justify the "cost".

Another problem/benefit with diesel trucks is the initial buy in price/higher resale price. Once you figure that out its not so bad to deal with. Yes you pay more money up front, but they sure do not depreciate as fast as the gasser's do with high mileage.

The ford guys know their trucks, the duramax guys know theirs and the cummins fans are just that. They are all positive and negatives to each and every truck and hence why they make so many different models. AS long as you do a little bit of homework into which years/generations had problems and know those going into it, you should be fine. (also, dodges in the 3/4 and up don't eat front ends. The half tons in my experience do though)

 

[DocDiesel]

Get an EcoBoost. Cheaper to buy, better fuel economy than a diesel. You have to regularly pull 10,000+ to warrant the need for diesel besides liking the sound.

 

[aczlan]

Yes an oil change can't be done for $35 , but when you go 10k-12k between changes and not 3k-5k is that really that big of a deal? Nope.

If you run synthetic oil (such as Mobil1) you can get 10k+ per change with a gas engine as well.

Aaron Z

 

[fordmantpw]

Many gassers recommend 7500 now anyway. Ford recommends 7500 in our Flex on semi-synthetic.

I actually change the oil in my diesel at a lower mileage interval than our Flex due to the low miles I put on it. I usually get it changed every 6-7 months and have less than 5k on it.

At any rate, count me on the "gasser" side of things for towing that load. This coming from a diesel driver.

 

[94BULLITT]

Many gassers recommend 7500 now anyway. Ford recommends 7500 in our Flex on semi-synthetic.

I actually change the oil in my diesel at a lower mileage interval than our Flex due to the low miles I put on it. I usually get it changed every 6-7 months and have less than 5k on it.

At any rate, count me on the "gasser" side of things for towing that load. This coming from a diesel driver.

The new f150's and the superduty with diesel you run it til it tells you to change it. It varys on what type of driving you are doing.

 

[fordmantpw]

The new f150's and the superduty with diesel you run it til it tells you to change it. It varys on what type of driving you are doing.

Yep, same with our Flex. Well, our Flex doesn't vary it based on type of driving, it's strictly a mileage counter. My MIL's Escape has the system you are talking about, and it has come on at 2200 miles for her before. She doesn't drive much, and it's all around town driving.

 

[Agent Blue]

You don't need another used truck...... keep what you have. It will serve you well and as in the past not be in the shop for repairs frequently. Your just scratching the surface of this vehicles capability. Don't buy someone else's problems and above all don't get a diesel. For your usage it would only be an ego trip and added expense.

 

[bdeboer]

Considering the limited miles per year and budget, I would look at a 3/4 Ton gas powered truck to give you the larger brakes and stability for towing your RV.

 

[fordmantpw]

There is no way I would buy a F150 with a 5.4. I bought my Ford new; '05, F150 Lariat, 5.4, 3:73 gear. That was the lamest truck I've ever owned and traded it in '07 with 25,000 on the clock; definitely not one of Ford's "better ideas". Oh, I traded for an '07 Tundra, which I still have; towed trailers that I shouldn't have(12'000+) with ease. I really question the OP's need for a diesel considering his towing needs, but some folks just like oil-burners

Interesting that you found the 5.4 lame. I towed my travel trailer with mine (also an '05, 3.73 gears) with no problems. I never had a single issue with the truck and it towed extremely well.