JimP
Administrator
My 96 Ford is a 3/4 ton and if you size the slide in camper appropriately it will ride just fine, I have never had a problem with mine even when towing a trailer full of play toys behind it.
New Truck, Talk to me about the newer diesels vs gas 3/4 to 1 ton long bed pickups
- Thread starter Apparition
- Start date
If you aren't big on a nice interior you might want to price ordering a truck rather than buying one off the lot. When I bought my 2012 F350 diesel I ordered it for the same money as 2yr old trucks with a really nice leather interior with 30k miles were bringing. I got exactly what I want for a ranch truck and those features make it great as a hunting truck too. Vinyl seats and floor, locking differential, skid plates, etc. Great for what I do with it every day and same price for new vs used.
Ive turned into a bit of a wuss in old age
, if Im sitting in a truck for more than 2 hours (36 hours to where we hunt in MT) I want to be wrapped in comfort, and so does everyone I travel with. I was thinking of trading my 2014 Chevy Crew, but I think Ill just keep it and use that as my normal transportation and use the new truck for the long haul/towing vehicle.
JimP
Administrator
The problem with trucks now days is that a lot of them are more comfortable than a lot of the cars out there and that is what people want. It doesn't matter if they are working trucks or something to take the girlfriend out to dinner in.
I bought a 2016 Ford Explorer last year and love the comfort that it has not to mention all the electronics. I also use is as a hunting vehicle on day trips where I don't take my 4 wheeler which requires me to take my 20 year old diesel truck. It is funny that after riding around in the Explorer and I get into my truck I actually start to think about a new truck. That is until I remember what the price tags are on the new one and I quickly forget it.
I bought a 2016 Ford Explorer last year and love the comfort that it has not to mention all the electronics. I also use is as a hunting vehicle on day trips where I don't take my 4 wheeler which requires me to take my 20 year old diesel truck. It is funny that after riding around in the Explorer and I get into my truck I actually start to think about a new truck. That is until I remember what the price tags are on the new one and I quickly forget it.
ore hunter
Very Active Member
- Jul 25, 2014
- 699
- 114
all of the big three are decent these days on there diesels,,id go dodge or chevy though over a ford,,have seen issues with the ford aluminum body door latches,,,seems like after making trucks for over 100 years,they cant design a door handle that will stay closed?I would think a recall will be out soon on the ford aluminum body trucks for this door issue.Ive gone dodge,have a 2004 hpcr 5.9 and love it,,,actually think a older truck without the def and other emission crap added in newer trucks is the way to go if you can find one,, dodge ,2004.5 thru the end of the 5.9 era {2007 I think} is what I think one of the best rigs to ever have.
ArkieElk
New Member
When hauling heavy loads over long distances I would rather have too much truck than have one that barely meets my needs. I have heard too many horror stories about having a truck that's too small for the job. Suspensions and break systems make a big difference when hauling heavy loads. Don't bet your life on a truck that is too small for the job even if it's only a few times a year.
xtreme
Very Active Member
I went with Dodge 6.6 in 07. This was a lemon year as the new emission system was a night mare. After spending thousands my son took it all off and bought a tuner. Max hp is 535 and the transmission wants no part of that. Power is set at approx 400 and driving with cruise set at 55 in flat eastern Ar it registers 30.8 mpg. We know that is not true but probably 27 mpg is. Problem is, it will drop in a hurry if driving hard. I like the handling and brakes, I quit GM because of no brakes and windshield wiper that did not quit when turned of, also one light burned out all the time.
To your question, I tested a 2017 f150 with the 302 435 hp and can attest to the power and torque. Fuel mileage is good too. Cab is superb, comfort, what's not to like? I am always cost conscience but discounting that I would go ford 302.
To your question, I tested a 2017 f150 with the 302 435 hp and can attest to the power and torque. Fuel mileage is good too. Cab is superb, comfort, what's not to like? I am always cost conscience but discounting that I would go ford 302.
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I was leaning toward an F350 then found out the darn body in 17 is aluminum, Ive heard nightmares of the cost that comes from a minor fender bender.
JimP
Administrator
They proved a couple of years ago when the F150 came out with the aluminum body that body repairs are no more with aluminum than they are with steel.
Anymore they don't pound out body damage but replace the skin and the cost is close enough to the same with one or the other that it really doesn't make any difference.
Anymore they don't pound out body damage but replace the skin and the cost is close enough to the same with one or the other that it really doesn't make any difference.
buckbull
Veteran member
- Jun 20, 2011
- 2,167
- 1,353
My former bro-in-law works for a body shop, he mostly does dent work, but says the same thing that the cost difference is negligible. Our biggest problem here in the midwest is what all the salt does to vehicles. The trucks (all makes) rust thru the rear wheel wells and cab corners after about 8 to 10 years. If the aluminum stands up better to the elements, sign me up!
Hmmmm looks like it costs roughly 25 percent more to repair an aluminum bodied truck vs steal.
http://www.autonews.com/article/20150730/RETAIL05/150729842/ford-f-150-aluminum-repairs-cost-more-than-steel-iihs-says
http://www.autonews.com/article/20150730/RETAIL05/150729842/ford-f-150-aluminum-repairs-cost-more-than-steel-iihs-says
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
I know the owner of a local body shop and he says as of now, he won't do much with the Alum body trucks. He told me it will take over $75K in new equip to do much. He said...leave it to Ford!
We have a couple Case tractors with the 12 Valve 5.9L Cummins and a 91 Dodge with it also. Those are great old motors. The newer 24 valve version has a lot more power and is darn good too, just a little more complicated than the old ones. If I could buy a one of those trucks new today for a ranch truck I'd do it. I'd put on a flatbed and bumper, use it for 80% of what I do and leave the 2012 Ford for longer trips and pulling the bigger trailers. I'd use the Dodge around the ranch and pulling my horses around with the 14ft trailer. I don't like how full and impossible to work on yourself it is under the hood of the new Ford, but I love how it runs. I try to keep miles down on it and make it last longer for me before it starts having issues.
xtreme
Very Active Member
Some of the older 5.9 Cummings only had one wire to make them run. Rat Rod folks use them because of the ease of instillation. My 3/4 dodge gives me the capassity of a one ton but without the extra bulk of a one ton.
My friend bought a 2017 ford with the 302 gas and 435 hp over 400 lbs of torque. That will be my next truck and I will try not to have body repairs
My friend bought a 2017 ford with the 302 gas and 435 hp over 400 lbs of torque. That will be my next truck and I will try not to have body repairs
I just bought a 2011 6.2 gas F250 with 41K even though my '99 6.8 gas f250 with 253,000 miles still runs fine. IMO diesels are just way too expensive to buy and maintain unless you're someone like an outfitter who need the power to pull 8 place horse trailers for a living. I have a good friend who has a well drilling business and he just phased out his last diesel pickup and has gone to all gas pickups due to the crazy maintenance costs of diesels.
Tip of the day: Purchase your truck in Canada. You'll be amazed at the savings! I saved $7000 on a $27,000 pickup in April. My brother saved the same on his Canadian 2013 F150 he purchased last week. Watch the exchange rate it was as high as 43% last year but is down to 27% today
Tip of the day: Purchase your truck in Canada. You'll be amazed at the savings! I saved $7000 on a $27,000 pickup in April. My brother saved the same on his Canadian 2013 F150 he purchased last week. Watch the exchange rate it was as high as 43% last year but is down to 27% today
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