In the market for a TRUCK.. can you truck guys lend some advice?`

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

Truck guys..


I dont know anything about trucks and such but ive come to a point to where it would be in my interest to buy one.

the basics that are a MUST.

- must have a crew cab for my new baby on the way.

- MUST be able to tow my camaro and trailer.. wont be that much towing but i want that option.

- must be good for my work, hauling paint, small ladders and such.. not the huge construction ladders.. smaller stuff..

- must have somewhat deicent gas mileage.. or i will resort to Mad Max tactics.. so no duallys.

- and finally must be alittle wife friendly.:bananna2:

id like to stay bowtie also.. but i like the dodge trucks also.. lol

so you guys please tell me your opinions on your trucks!

thanks guys!!!

[Ralph LoGrasso]

The biggest thing I'd recommend is getting a diesel. At $3.3X a gallon for gas, you're going to hate the 11-14mpg most full size trucks will net you. I know I do. Is this going to be a new truck purchase, or used?

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

ill prolly pick up a used one.. no real sence in a new one for my way of life..

[Gordz32]

Used duramax is the way to go if you can afford it. It'll haul anything you want, GReat Allison Trans behind it, Best comfy ride outta all of the big three, Great interior, and the list goes on. If you wanna hot rod it you can and get great potential, wife will like it b/c its pretty quiet, and theres room for the kids. Like I said, if you've got the cash for the initial investment by all means go diesel, you'll get better gas mileage, it'll run far longer than any gas engine if taken care of, and they take a longer time to loose value over time. Good Luck

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Used Dmax would be my vote as well.

[WS6]

If that's out of your price range, grab up a used diesel dodge. They had the cummins way back in the 90s and they are a lot cheaper to pick up used versus a duramax or even a superduty because they are older. The cummins is loud though. you can still find them in very good condition even at 10 years old. Any of the diesels are worth the investment. Just make sure it's a duramax super duty or cummings. No GM diesel 6.2 or 6.5 or 7.3 diesel ford.

[shmoov69]

Ok, I had an 05 Chebby 2500, 4x4, crew cab, gas 6.0 that was stolen. It drove nice, had comfy interior, good room. The bad's, not much power (but it did not loose any while pulling????), got about 12-14 mpg, and could not put much bigger tires and wheels on it without a lift.
Now I got a 06 F250 Ford powerstroke, crew cab, 4x4, King Ranch. It drives nice, has great interior, decent room. Bad's, not much power until programmed, not a good engine/trans supposidly, sits and rides like a real truck (instead of a car/truck like a chebby), not as much interior storage space, mileage is only 14-15mpg (which sucks since it is more money to buy and service), Ford service and warranty seems to suck and does not have a cargo light switch (pet peev). The King Ranch is much nicer than the normal trucks, and I don't like the interior of the base model. But I got this used with only 4,000 miles on it and it was $17,000 less than new sticker, so it was hard to pass on.
Dad has a Dodge, so I know some about it.....
So, IMO,
interior comfort-chevy, ford, dodge
interior space-dodge mega cab, ford, chevy, dodge reg crew
interior storage-dodge, chevy, ford
engine (diesel)-dodge, chevy, ford
trans-chevy, chevy, chevy......
ride-chevy, ford, dodge
remainder of drivetrain(strength)-ford, dodge, chevy
warranty dept-chevy, ford, dodge
MPG (diesel)-dodge, chevy, ford
If I was buying a NEW 3/4 ton, it would be a Chevy Duramax though!
Happy shopping!

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

daaaaamn thats some good info!..

i think im staying with a chevy.. if anything dodge last resort. ford out of the ?.

guys wifey mentioned the TAHOE thing.. anyone know if a tahoe can tow?

[bigvegan]

http://www.lovecraftbiofuels.com/

Get one of those kits and mileage will be less of an issue, as you'll be filling up at the local burger / donut shop.

Plus, from what I hear, the exhaust smells like french fries.

[Gordz32]

Depends what ur looking to tow and for how long. I have a 97 yukon with a 5.7 vortec, I towed a car hauler back from wyoming to San Diego, and I also drove out to Phoenix and back to pick up my Nova with it. Its okay, I have exhaust,intake,and programmer for it which helped but it needs a whipple or procharger and I would be happy. In my opinion Diesels get better gas mileage and they hold there value/last longer than a gas vehicle. If you can swing it, bite the bullet and get a dmax. Also I have 3 buddys with Ford Superdutys, 1 has 2001 7.3PSD and those things are loud but god dang to they last a long time. the other 2 have The2003/2004 6.0 PSD. They get a bad rap but those things move and they haven't had any problems that couldn't be fixed under warrenty. Thats another good point with the diesels. I think all of them have a 5yr/100,000mile on the powertrain. Talking about this makes me want to go to a dealer tommorow. But I need a nother year b4 I can swing the price. The tahoes come pretty close in price to a slighty used diesel. Anywho.. Go take some test drives and make ur decsion. Oh yea, on ur test drive Put it to the wood in a dmax and ur sold. I was!:revto9k: :drive1:

[muthstryker]

we have an 03 tahoe and it pulls no problem, we have a leveling kit on the rear for towing heavy loads. we have pulled my gto (when it was all together) in an enclosed trailer with it and it pulled good. no problems at all.

but i would recommend a duramax if you can afford it. 03-04 models are nice.

[jknight16]

I currently drive a 2001 F250 Super Duty with the 7.3L powerstroke and I really enjoy towing with it, anything from a 28ft deckboat to a 34ft enclosed trailer with race car and everything in between. I did a programmer, 5" exhaust and intake on mine and it gets 17 in the city, about the same on the freeway, 13-14 when towing, maybe less if towing heavy.

However, I know from first hand experience that the girlfriend likes driving the chevy's (gmc) with the duramax better. It's quieter and handles more like a car, or less like a truck really. The Allison transmission is worth its weight in gold and the Duramax does make good power. The diesels do cost a bit more to maintain but I think you'll find that the added cost is worth it for the extra power, reliability and tunability.



JK

[NOT A TA]

I've got a 2000 F-350 7.3TD SD dually. Comfy, awesome for long distance towing. Very stable towing. Noisy when cold and around town,much quieter on highway once warm. Biggest surprise was the cost of oil changes. 15 quarts !!!

I'm gonna be rolling through Atlanta next week with my 24' enclosed trailer if ya want to take a spin in it to compare other trucks to. Its a Ford but it'd give ya something to compare used trucks to. Id be happy to stop and show it to ya as long as I get to see that awesome Camaro you've got.

Eventually I'm going to sell one of my trucks and one of the trailers. My old tow rig is a 84 454 Suburban which was stolen this past Sept. (in Atlanta Ironicly) with a 24" enclosed and 66 Mustang in the trailer. They were recovered but I wasn't notified until AFTER I bought the Dually !

John

[scogin918]

When I totalled my '97 1500, I was fired up to get a 2500hd Diesel until I realized that it would be about 100,000 miles until I would break even on the savings on the fuel costs vs the price of the truck. Plus if you get a new one with the new emissions/sulfer laws, the effeciencies are even further reduced. All I wanted was to tow my '69 with at most a 24' enclosed trailer. I too have a newborn so I ended up getting a '05 Chevy 2500 HD Crew Cab with the 6.0L. There is a lot of potential in the 6.0L form a programming standpoint and lucky for me the EFILive license I have for the Camaro allowed me to get an e-mail tune for the truck as well. The mileage didn't change much from the low 13.6MPG but the driveability got a lot better.

[EFI69Cam]

When I totalled my '97 1500, I was fired up to get a 2500hd Diesel until I realized that it would be about 100,000 miles until I would break even on the savings on the fuel costs vs the price of the truck. Plus if you get a new one with the new emissions/sulfer laws, the effeciencies are even further reduced. All I wanted was to tow my '69 with at most a 24' enclosed trailer. I too have a newborn so I ended up getting a '05 Chevy 2500 HD Crew Cab with the 6.0L. There is a lot of potential in the 6.0L form a programming standpoint and lucky for me the EFILive license I have for the Camaro allowed me to get an e-mail tune for the truck as well. The mileage didn't change much from the low 13.6MPG but the driveability got a lot better.

Did you drive a truck with the 8.1? How does the 6L compare?

Just curious.

[Ricoch3T]

You're only getting 13.6 from your dmax? I have an 06 and its getting 18 to 18.5. I have the ext cab which has plenty of room. My vote is with the dmax also. Very nice running truck if you get a good one!

[68sixspeed]

Depends on what you are towing- if it's only an open trailer or a short/light enclosed (22ft), then stay with a 1/2 ton for good gas mileage when empty. (my '05 silverado with the 5.3 gets 15/19 and has done as good as 21.7 highway)

I also have a work truck - 3/4hd with 6.0l and it's gas mileage sucks empty, but it does tow nice. A few friends with the duramax's love them, but they don't get that great of gas mileage, (worse than my 1/2 ton, better than the 3/4 ton 6.0l) especially in the cold weather. (but they can pull a house over!)

[harshman]

I have an '07 classic body style Chevy extra cab work truck with the 4.8. I get 19 mpg all day long and I have a heavy foot. The 4.8 will tow your camaro well enough (not intended for every day towing) and will take care of the whole ladder/paint stuff as well. Paid $18k. Not bad IMO.

[69keith]

I got a 2001 Chev 2500, 8.1 w/Allison Trans. This truck pulls like the devil. I love it, But it is now for sale.
-Crew cab
-Pewter Color
-Loaded
-59,000 miles
-Tow Package w/ gooseneck ball
-$20000
Keith

[slenning]

My last two trucks were suburbans (01 &04) with the 8100 motor. Towed great but the gas mileage was lousy. The 8100 is not available in the sub anymore so I just bought a 07 Dmax 2500 pickup. First diesel I ever owned and I love it so far. Got a little over 1000 miles on it so far and getting about 15mpg highway. Lotsa power and very quiet for a diesel. These dmax motors are great! I wish they would put them in the Suburban.

[parsonsj]

New Duramax owner here.

It does everything you want. Used ones are hard to find ... most guys buy 'em and keep 'em.

jp

[trapin]

I have only this advice to offer you....


Buy American.

[TheRev]

My advice would be a 1500HD because its four door, its got the 6.0L with some where around 10,000 pound towing capacity depending on year and because its still a 1/2 ton.

http://www.trucktrend.com/roadtests/pickup/163_0206_2002_chevrolet_silverado_1500hd

[73z-6sp]

OK...I'll be the first to say it. Toyota Tundra. Its built in America (Indiana and Texas). The new one has got great power and towing capacity for a 1/2 ton and no diesel. If the new one is like my 05 Double Cab, then it is gonna be quiet, smooth (as in luxury car) and very wifey friendly. Plus I get consistent 16+ mpg in town and have gotten close to 21 on road trips. The window sticker on the new 5.7 Tundra says it gets 1mpg more on both sides than my 05 sticker said. I know it isnt technically American but I dont think any of the three mentioned are really American built either.

If you really want to tow without worries then I dont see how you could buy anything other than a diesel. If I towed more, I would be wanting one. But the ones I have driven were definitely TRUCKS and not comfy like my Tundra is.


Good luck deciding. Thats part of the fun!

[68sixspeed]

Most of the reviews on the tundra are possitive (but most car mags tend to bias towards toyota/honda/etc anyway), but the one big complaint on the new tundra is gas mileage. (~12mpg) It seems like a 3/4 ton with 1/2 ton badges.

[73z-6sp]

Most of the reviews on the tundra are possitive (but most car mags tend to bias towards toyota/honda/etc anyway), but the one big complaint on the new tundra is gas mileage. (~12mpg) It seems like a 3/4 ton with 1/2 ton badges.

12 mpg? Ouch. Yea that wouldnt be good for a daily driver. Thats what I get pulling my Camaro on a trailer! Its funny that they are rated so high on the window sticker then. Hmmm...

[68sixspeed]

kind of the price you pay for 400hp and 4:30 gears... but a co-worker who took one for a drive said it did haul tail and moved out great.

[shmoov69]

We got a 8.1 in a 1 ton at work and it gets about 8mpg!! But does have the power! I had a 95 Tahoe and it towed ok, but too short of wheelbase for towing great since it was a 2 door. The chic's 02 Escalade tows much better and has more power since it is a 6.0.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

isnt the 02 escalade a luxury tahoe?.. denali?

[Gordz32]

yea, same platform just nicer stuff and different front end and I thik they have the higher hp LQ9 engine.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

yea ive decided that something like a Tahoe will work best for us..

so.. now to decide what model tahoe..

[parsonsj]

Are you going to tow a trailer? A Tahoe will be limited to smaller trailers (20 feet or so). It's not just hp/tq that determines trailer towing capability. Wheelbase and vehicle mass make a big difference for that as well.

I bought a Hemi Durango 3.5 years ago to be my family vehicle/trailer hauler. I traded it in on the crew cab Duramax this past winter.

jp

[shmoov69]

isnt the 02 escalade a luxury tahoe?.. denali?
Yeah, I got it on the cheap from my pops when he bought new. I think the only differences in it (drivetrain wise) is that it has the 6.0 instead of the 5.3 and has (I think) auto sensing 4 wheel drive. There may be more differences, but basicly the same.

[72NovaSS]

Duramax...enough said.

[PT Goat]

Check out the new Avalanche - should fit the bill nicely: crew cab, comfy and quiet, nice tower, etc. I ordered mine with the 6.0, 367hp which comes with active fuel management (goes between V8 and V4 mode). It got better than 18mpg before I had it re-programmed, and it's doing even better now. And that's on regular gas. Also comes with the HD 4L75E trans and can tow close to 10,000lbs. I also got the autoride (load-leveling) suspension which is great with a trailer. Lots of great toys available too like Nav, DVD, and backup cam (which rocks for trailer hookup). If you're interested, let me know and I'll hook up up with a certificate to buy at supplier pricing.

[harshman]

you'll tow your car easily with a taho. i have an '07 with the 5.3 displacement on demand and love it.

[Nine Ball]

What is your budget? I've considered selling my 1-yr old Dodge diesel. The truck is great, just wanting to upgrade to something more high end (Escalade/Denali) since I don't tow as often.

It averages 18.7 mpg mixed, 20 mpg highway. 400 hp and 800 ft-lbs with the tuner and exhaust. 19K miles. I spent over $3200 on wheels/tires.

http://www.fquick.com/garages/Dodge/Ram_2500_Truck/2006/158/

[streetrod77]

I have a 04 1500 with the 5.3 engine. It is my daily driver & I get about 18 to 19 mgp mixed but I use Royal Purple oil. I think this might make a difference. No intake or exhaust done to it. I have 35,000 miles with no problems. I got the heavy duty rear suspension & extra towing. I have towed (not all at once)a 68 Charger, 71 Chevelle, & a 77 Comet. It had no problem. I was thinking of a power program but I think that will kill my gas. The only thing bad is it sits a little high for the wife but Ford & Dodge sits even higher. I like it & would buy another if needed but I would like to upgrade to a 2500 one day.

[Goatman]

Dodge trucks? Had one. By 40,000 miles it had snapped the driveshaft as I drove down the highway, exploding the c-clips so the axles got to come out.....and it had already been though a cat and a fuel pump...........


Bought a 01 2500HD crew cab and its never let me down. Went with the 8.1L and the Allison (the diesel was just too much $) and its never seen the inside of the dealership. Best truck I ever owned for sure. It will tow anything (36' 5th wheel with my GTO and tools to Ohio twice, plus other stuff), and I plow with it too... Currently 55K on the clock.

[Nine Ball]

Goatman, what year was your Dodge? They have gotten much better since 2004-1/2 with the HO Cummins.

[Goatman]

94-95. It was one of the first years of the "new" design.........


And that's what they said about the year I bought....

[brink_79camaro]

We have a 2005 2500HD Duramax extended cab short bed and absolutely love it. We pull a big steel gooseneck horsetrailer with living quarters and car trailers quite regularly. Super nice ride and interior. Very comfortable and roomy. We get 18 mpg very consistantly and it is all stock. The best I have ever got was 22.3 mpg on the hwy and I was taking it really easy. Great power!! We like it so much that we are trading it in for another brand new Duramax!!

[surlyjoe]

I have an 01 Suburban. Rides great, fully loaded, tows car hauler no problem. Also enough room for full sheet of plywood inside. I looked at tahoes and they just did not have enough room for me and price, mileage are basically the same. If I was towing a lot duramax would be my choice. But for occasional towing the burb is great. My next one will either be yukon denali or escalade.

[Cruiser]

Dura-max but consider this:

I just bought a 1987 Ford F150 with the 300 six fuel injected and granny 4-speed. It's reg cab truck. They made these in extra cab and it's quite roomy in that version.

Mine was purchaced from the orginal owner and has 135,000 miles on it. What it needs is fuel pump for the rear tank (dual tanks) and a paint job. It get a constant 17 MPG will tow anything ( I know, I have put a 22 foot trailer behind it and towed a back hoe with no problems for 400 miles) it did about 14 MPG doing that.

It has A/C, the wife can drive it with no problems. It's very easy to work on but never needs anything to speak of. I bought it 6 months ago for get this $300.00!!!!!! That my friend is a lot of gas..cheap insurance. A very well made truck. It's not as nice as a Chevy but the 300 six and granny are indistructable and I don't think a Chevy of the same year would or could provide the ability to be a work horse like this F150 is and I bleed Chevy orange!!

I would look around at all the used older stuff in your area. Mybe just buy something older for use as truck and buy a new or used smaller SUV type vehicle that gets MPG in the mid 20's for the family, most should also haul your Camaro when needed.

Other things about used trucks that are older and cheap. You can use them as a truck and not worry about the things that happen when trucks are used as trucks.

Just my thoughts on the subject. I have come close to a new or new to me Duramax but I can never pull the trigger. Just too dang much money for a truck. Almost brought home a Saturn Sky the other day though!!!

Joe

[Goatman]

Horrible idea......

If you're going "over the road" and you buy a straight axle anything, you're not going to be comfortable, nor will you enjoy yourself....


Stay away from anything that doesn't have IRS in the front. Which pretty much cancels out the Fords untill recently, and any Chevy made before 1988...

They ride horrible, and if you try merging onto a highway with any weight on those trucks, you'll get killed.....

[kman67rsss]

ive got an 04 2500hd duramax. i love it. its the crewcab 6 foot bed. tows anything, and ride is geat. average around 18mpg on a 55-60 mph rd combined with around town driving.

[Cruiser]

Horrible idea......

If you're going "over the road" and you buy a straight axle anything, you're not going to be comfortable, nor will you enjoy yourself....


Stay away from anything that doesn't have IRS in the front. Which pretty much cancels out the Fords untill recently, and any Chevy made before 1988...

They ride horrible, and if you try merging onto a highway with any weight on those trucks, you'll get killed.....

Ummm postin here and not dead. I have towed with old Chevys and for years and never came close to getting killed. My F150 is not a solid axel and the old Chevys are independant also. If your going 4x4 then they get solid axels in older models. Then in the years you have listed they went independant. His must have did not say anything about 4-wheel drive and MPG was must have also. 4 wheel drive will knock off about 2 miles per in city and Highway.

My major point is this. Don't buy it new. With todays price of gas you can find some great deals on people "wanting out" of gas hogs. It does not matter what year they are. There are plenty of people that have trucks because they are the shizznit and can not afford to drive them. These are the people to seek out and find. Drive around just as you would looking for old cars, looking local parking lots etc. THe deals are out there.

An older truck like my current F150 was a steal and I would drive it anyplace. The interior is almost like brand new. The air blows cold. It has a towing package. Insurance is a wopping $300.00 per year for full coverage and $50.00 deductable and it gets 17 MPG.

If an older truck is something you can consider then I would. Older does not mean a 1987 F150. It could be a 1995 Chevy crew cab or extra cab that grandpa owned. All you have to do is look. They are out there to be had for fair prices and will still accomplish anything you asking of a new truck.

As an example: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-CHEVY-3500-LS-CREW-CAB-4X4-LEATHER-1owner-RUNS-GREAT_W0QQitemZ320113646418QQihZ011QQcategoryZ9097 0QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

That has some miles on it for sure but a crate engine can be bought cheap or rebuilding the one in it done even cheaper when needed.

That Truck can be bought for 15 to 20K cheaper than most anyting else newer and it's loaded. 4K max into an engine and your still money ahead. The big block gets you the power. The cheap price allows you to pay more at the pump and not every month.

Used is the way to go and consider all your options before plunking loads of cash on something new and loosing money on it with every payment. Just My opinion.

Joe

[MrQuick]

my boss has been trying to sell this. it won't fit in his car port so it has to go.

[dcozzi]

I had an F-250 5.4L, sold it for a used, 4 door '04 Duramax with a programmer. Love the Chevy and it will pull anything. Comfortable and gets 15.3MPG city with my foot in it and 17+MPG on the HWY.

I'm finally happy with my truck.

[ACEFOOTER]

I bought a used 2004 2500 4WD Deisel with 28,000 miles on it and have had it for all most 1 year now. It still had part of the 3/36 warr left which covered the transfer fuel pump when it failed. Updated part moves it from the side of the block into the tank to help keep it cool. I bought the extended power train warranty from Dodge for $150 10/100k. My wife and I spent almost a month driving different trucks, Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Toyota, Gas, Deisel, 2WD & 4WD. As a Chevy guy at heart it pains me to say we both like the way the Dodge rides and brakes over the other 3/4 ton trucks. I also like the 40% less moving parts of the Cummings over the Duramax. I was also going to origionally get a 2WD truck, but the deal on this 4WD was too good to pass up. I can't tell you how many times I've just turned the knob from 2-4wd to get additional traction.