Which truck would you get?

[tcartwri]

It will be very hard to find a good used diesel rig on your budget. Maintenance / repair costs will completely change your mind. On our 7.3 it was $1K to change one injector at the dealer.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

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

Aaron Z

While thats true, the majority of people do not take the liberities of stepping up to mobil one if they are worried about the cost of an oil change. All the little lube places always advertise 3k too btw. (not saying they are right) If you really want to get fancy, in a diesel you can run it alot longer with synthetics than 10k if you do oil sampling! One of the benefits of holding 3-4 times the amount of oil. :thumbsup:

I'm not trying to critize you, but there are exceptions to almost every rule.

 

[aczlan]

While thats true, the majority of people do not take the liberities of stepping up to mobil one if they are worried about the cost of an oil change. All the little lube places always advertise 3k too btw. (not saying they are right) If you really want to get fancy, in a diesel you can run it alot longer with synthetics than 10k if you do oil sampling! One of the benefits of holding 3-4 times the amount of oil. :thumbsup:
I'm not trying to critize you, but there are exceptions to almost every rule.

Interestingly, we had that debate in my college English class and the various people there couldn't seem to grasp that 1 $35 oil change every 10k miles (doing it yourself with M1) is cheaper than 3.3 $15 oil changes in the same 10k miles (doing it yourself with dino oil).
As for the mileage, I have a friend who swears by 25k intervals with M1 and filter changes every 7-10k miles (and he warranties his engine rebuilds to go 500k with those change intervals).

Aaron Z

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Interestingly, we had that debate in my college English class and the various people there couldn't seem to grasp that 1 $35 oil change every 10k miles (doing it yourself with M1) is cheaper than 3.3 $15 oil changes in the same 10k miles (doing it yourself with dino oil).
As for the mileage, I have a friend who swears by 25k intervals with M1 and filter changes every 7-10k miles (and he warranties his engine rebuilds to go 500k with those change intervals).

Aaron Z

I have heard of people super miling their engine oils, but I'm really not that comfortable enough with it to make those claims, let alone suggest them. For as cheap as an oil change is compared to a brand new engine tear out and install, (esp in a diesel ) i'll just change the oil more frequently! If you really want to get fancy, they sell those aftermarket couple micron filters for your oil and fuel. Those are supposed to do wonders but eh, i'm not to interested.

 

[aczlan]

I have heard of people super miling their engine oils, but I'm really not that comfortable enough with it to make those claims, let alone suggest them. For as cheap as an oil change is compared to a brand new engine tear out and install, (esp in a diesel ) i'll just change the oil more frequently! If you really want to get fancy, they sell those aftermarket couple micron filters for your oil and fuel. Those are supposed to do wonders but eh, i'm not to interested.

I agree. 10k works well for me, it ends up being in Nov when I change the oil and throw on snowtires...

Aaron Z

 

[RedNeckRacin]

I agree. 10k works well for me, it ends up being in Nov when I change the oil and throw on snowtires...

Aaron Z

Thats usually my number as well. Nice and simple keeping track of oil changes and its not to long nor to short. Plus, changing my own oil, i look at the overall condition of my vehicles so I can keep an eye on things. Its amazing what you can catch just by rolling underneath them from time to time.

 

[mudcat47537]

I would just keep the vehicle you have and save money. You know what you have now and you did say it does fine. Possibly trade for a different truck that would be minimally better, that you will have to spend more money on to get set up.

 

[Mikeeemo]

You may want to consider the '07 - UP Tundra.

5.7L V8, much larger brakes, 10k tow rating, more room, larger axle on the 'Tow' models.

The best part.... Not a million $$$.

 

[handirifle]

Thanks for the feedback, both ways.

A couple of things I can point out. In 2006 I started off with a GMC 1500 Sierra ext cab, 5.3L 315hp and 4.10 axles. Bought it specifically to tow with, but within the first 2 weeks it had to have a new alternator, and that was the beginning of the end. In the next 3 months I had it back in the shop 10 times. Yes 10 times. EIght of them were for a vibration no one could figure out, and they really tried everything in the book. Long story short, CA lemon law. By the time this all transpired the '06s were gone and it was only '07s. Well I tried and tried, and with only one GM dealer within 50 miles, I ended up being stuck with an Ahole of a sales manager. After a few not so nice words I told him I should just get my money back and buy a Toyota, he said that was what I ought to do.

I had beed working with the Better Business Bureau (thats who you first contact for a lemon law claim) and a rep from GM in Mich. When I called the BBB rep and told her what happened and that I wanted my money back instead of a new truck, she got the GM rep on a 3 way call. He was SHOCKED they said that. These two reps were fantastic to deal with through the whole process, and didn't miss a beat. I got my money back (had paid cash for the truck) and bought the Tundra.

I did drive the '07 Ford, and to me, the 5.4 seemed weak, and the brakes were iffy. I drove and liked a 3/4 ton Ford, but their prices were through the roof, and wern't budging one bit. Sticker price! I paid about 28K for my Sierra and the 3/4 was closer to 36K. I didn't have the extra $$$. In retrospect, I wish I had just financed the difference. I also drove the '07 Dodge with the Hemi, and although power was good, it seemed to come on higher than I liked, and just didn't like the feel of the whole truck.

I did drive the '07 Tundra, but it had a very similar vibration that the GMC had, and I was leary of a repeat. They only had one 4x4 on their whole lot so it was a one shot deal. Not happy with that. Plus the fact that it was a first year model change and I walked away from it.

So here I am.

Now, on the gasser idea, when Iwas camping in Columbia, CA last summer, one of the guys in the group had bought a new Ford 3/4T but ordered the 6.2L gas engine and 6spd auto, instead of diesel. Not sure the axle ration, but most likely 3.73. Anyway he was towing about an 8-9K 5th wheel and said the truck would pull it on grades faster than he wanted to drive. He averaged about 12-13 towing, he said, and usually 18-19 when empty. He claimed he had gotten 21 before cause the engine is loafing along at 65.

SO I have considered that route as well.

I cannot argue with the fact that newer 1/2T are bigger and stronger than mine, even the newer Tundras are also. The jusry is still out for me on the Ford Ecoboost. I am leary of how hard the little engine has to work to tow. Does the ecoboost use reg gas or premium? Every turbo model I know of uses premium.

 

[fordmantpw]

Now, on the gasser idea, when Iwas camping in Columbia, CA last summer, one of the guys in the group had bought a new Ford 3/4T but ordered the 6.2L gas engine and 6spd auto, instead of diesel. Not sure the axle ration, but most likely 3.73. Anyway he was towing about an 8-9K 5th wheel and said the truck would pull it on grades faster than he wanted to drive. He averaged about 12-13 towing, he said, and usually 18-19 when empty. He claimed he had gotten 21 before cause the engine is loafing along at 65.

He is pulling your leg, plain and simple. The 6.2L is a great towing engine (I've heard better than the V10), and certainly better on fuel than the V10, but there's no way he's getting the fuel economy numbers he told you. It just ain't happening!

I cannot argue with the fact that newer 1/2T are bigger and stronger than mine, even the newer Tundras are also. The jusry is still out for me on the Ford Ecoboost. I am leary of how hard the little engine has to work to tow. Does the ecoboost use reg gas or premium? Every turbo model I know of uses premium.

The EcoBoost has been a great engine for Ford. Check out some of the videos of the torture they put that engine through. It runs just fine on regular gas, but Ford recommends premium if towing heavy or towing at high altitudes. It also makes a bit more power on premium too.

 

[ssls6]

I have a 2012 6.2l f150 with max tow package and 15k miles. Very happy, will tow 7k at 75 all day long and get 11 mpg doing it...half my miles are towing. Had a 4.7 tundra before that, it could barely pull itself up long grades....I loved the truck but it was not good at towing. My new f150 tows like my older f250 6.0 liter diesel..maybe 1-2 mpg less. I've heard the new tundras are much better.

 

[94BULLITT]

He is pulling your leg, plain and simple. The 6.2L is a great towing engine (I've heard better than the V10), and certainly better on fuel than the V10, but there's no way he's getting the fuel economy numbers he told you. It just ain't happening!

The 6.2 will eat a V10 3V or any of the previous diesels. I saw some guys on another forum test the different Ford trucks.

 

[fordmantpw]

The 6.2 will eat a V10 3V or any of the previous diesels. I saw some guys on another forum test the different Ford trucks.

Yep, pickuptrucks.com did a good review when the 6.2L came out. The 6.2L held it's own very well with even the diesels. But, I guarantee it's not getting 12-13 MPG towing an 8-9k lb fiver.

 

[sd455dan]

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.

I only have experience with an 03 3500 Ram 4x4 srw it has the 305 Hp 555ft. lbs. torque High output Cummins engine, And i really like it - one in the price range your'e talking should be available.
the 1st 100,000 miles it was used to pull a little larger version of the trailer you pull 3000 miles each way. It is an early year of HPCR but has NO emissions equipment
Hiway mileage with just passengers last tank 22.5 mpg hand calculated, pulling a loaded (12k) equipment trailer 13-15+- . my:2cents:

 

[sd455dan]

The 6.2 will eat a V10 3V or any of the previous diesels. I saw some guys on another forum test the different Ford trucks.

The 6.2 will eat ANY of the previous diesels??
so if you compare the highest 6.2s hp 385 tq =434 @4179 RPM or the over 10k gvwr 316 hp tq 397@4179 RPM to even the say 04.5 cummins @ 325hp tq 600@1600RPM Hmmm towing anything , low end torque is of importance the Cummins will be making 600 ft lbs. at 1600 RPMs the 6.2 ford will be Lucky to make maybe 275 ft lbs. at 1600 rpm??? (no turbo- right? ) I don't see it, or are Cummins not being compared?? the 6.2s torque #s are at rpms not normally seen ?? What gives?? got the 6.2 specs off of Meadowland Fords site.. anyone seen a graph with the torque displayed- from say 1400 rpm and up ??

 

[fordmantpw]

Well, the 6.2 won't "eat any of the previous diesels", but it holds it own against the latest diesels, so I'm sure it will hold it's own even better against the previous diesels.

Check out this link: 2010 HD 7 Percent Hill Climb Test - PickupTrucks.com Special Reports
And this link: 2010 HD Quarter-Mile Acceleration Test (Loaded) - PickupTrucks.com Special Reports

And this one: http://special-reports.pickuptrucks.com/2010/08/2010-hd-16-percent-hill-climb-test-.html

The 6.2L out-tows the RAM diesel in the 16% hill climb test. You can throw the ratings out the window, this truck really performed!

It's not a direct comparison to the earlier diesels, but the 6.2L is pretty strong.

 

[sd455dan]

Any of these 2010 and newer trucks are not being sold in the 15-18k price range.. something from the early 2000s in a diesel or a few years newer in a gas 3/4 ton or one ton pickup might work... Or as has been suggested before -keep the Tundra for now and maybe in the future trade it in on a new(er) Tundra??

 

[tcartwri]

The 6.2 will eat ANY of the previous diesels??
so if you compare the highest 6.2s hp 385 tq =434 @4179 RPM or the over 10k gvwr 316 hp tq 397@4179 RPM to even the say 04.5 cummins @ 325hp tq 600@1600RPM Hmmm towing anything , low end torque is of importance the Cummins will be making 600 ft lbs. at 1600 RPMs the 6.2 ford will be Lucky to make maybe 275 ft lbs. at 1600 rpm??? (no turbo- right? ) I don't see it, or are Cummins not being compared?? the 6.2s torque #s are at rpms not normally seen ?? What gives?? got the 6.2 specs off of Meadowland Fords site.. anyone seen a graph with the torque displayed- from say 1400 rpm and up ??

Peak torque on the gassers happens at a much higher rpm, allowing for deeper gearsets in the diff. That's why they are competitive. Torque numbers are only part of the equation. Gear multiplication has a huge influence on the performance of the truck.

 

[94BULLITT]

Peak torque on the gassers happens at a much higher rpm, allowing for deeper gearsets in the diff. That's why they are competitive. Torque numbers are only part of the equation. Gear multiplication has a huge influence on the performance of the truck.

If you take a new for 6.7 800ftlbs x 3.55 rear axle = 2800
A 6.2 gas 420ftlbs x 4.30 rear axle= 1741

 

[tcartwri]

If you take a new for 6.7 800ftlbs x 3.55 rear axle = 2800
A 6.2 gas 420ftlbs x 4.30 rear axle= 1741

with a 1:1 ratio in the tranny, this is correct. However the wider rpm range of the gasser will be able to hold the lower tranny gears over a greater road speed, and this is why they can stay close in a pulling race. In terms of useable pulling power in an everyday situation, the diesel obviously wins. You would not want to drive a gasser with the throttle on the firewall for hours on end like you can with a diesel.