Thinking about getting a new truck...

[Adam490]

Been thinking about moving to a full size pickup. I've driven Tacoma's for the last 10 years or so and love them primarily because of the size and reliability. I also never had a use for a full size since all I had was a kayak or my Rubicon to haul around. Fast forward a few years and now I've got the P1k5 and my father bought a house with 30 acres so he's got a large JD tractor and commercial lawn equipment. It would be nice to be able to borrow the tractor every now and then without also having to take his truck (Chevy 2500HD), so I'm leaning towards a full size. Definitely don't need/want a 3/4 ton.

Have any of you gone from mid-size to a full size and had any regrets?

Next question...I know this usually turns into a pissing match between the brands, and I'm leaning towards an Ecoboost F150, but pros/cons to each brand? Any issues with the aluminum body Fords? What's real world MPG when cruising the interstate without a trailer?

 

[DDDonkey]

I don't think that you can go wrong with any of the new trucks out there, I would drive them all and see how you like each one. As for mileage empty you should be in the low-mid twenties depending on your right foot. Good luck on your search, and don't forget to look at the tow rating for each truck to haul that tractor.

 

[Trademark]

I have a 2015 F150 with the 2.7 ecoboost. I drive 50 miles of interstate every day round trip for work. I average right at 20 mpg, but that's with 33s. When I ran the stock Wranglers that came on it I believe it was around 21 - 22 mpg. I've loved that truck and it does great pulling the pioneer on a 12 foot trailer. We also have a mid size Kubota tractor that we haul on a 16 foot trailer. It'll pull it but it's not enjoyable.

 

[Adam490]

I don't think that you can go wrong with any of the new trucks out there, I would drive them all and see how you like each one. As for mileage empty you should be in the low-mid twenties depending on your right foot. Good luck on your search, and don't forget to look at the tow rating for each truck to haul that tractor.

Thanks, that's what I am seeing in reviews as well. Tractor and trailer is around 6400, my truck will move it around but it's bottomed out and not happy about it all. I've got the V6 with tow package on my '07 Tacoma 4x4 and it's right at the limit of its rated 6500 cap. so I have never pulled it more than a few miles.

 

[Adam490]

Also, I'm definitely going with a used truck. Probably 2015-2017 range. Any models I should avoid?

 

[trigger]

Cheaper to keep her. If you're not towing it far throw some air bags on or add a leaf and keep what you have.

 

[JimmyA]

If because the load bottoms the suspension for you wanting another truck, i'm with Trigger Air Bags! I have seen a Canuke down here in Texas pulling a 34 foot fith wheel with a F150 at a Walmart getting fuel. I asked him what was he was using to enable him to carry that amount of load, Air Bags. Pretty impressive.

 

[Adam490]

Cheaper to keep her. If you're not towing it far throw some air bags on or add a leaf and keep what you have.

I hear ya. MPG's when towing with the Taco are barely above single digits coupled with a smaller gas tank and it makes for quite a few stops. If I only towed occasionally I would absolutely just keep the Tacoma, but I'm either pulling a couple ATV's, SXS, or a boat almost every weekend now it seems. Luckily the resale value on the Tacoma is absurd, so I'm not out much on the sale. I bought my 2003 Tacoma in 2012 with 210k miles on it for $7k, turned around and sold it with 330k miles for $6400 a few years later when I came across the 2nd gen I'm driving now.

 

[Adam490]

If because the load bottoms the suspension for you wanting another truck, i'm with Trigger Air Bags! I have seen a Canuke down here in Texas pulling a 34 foot fith wheel with a F150 at a Walmart getting fuel. I asked him what was he was using to enable him to carry that amount of load, Air Bags. Pretty impressive.

I've seen people pulling all sorts of ridiculous s*** with trucks that should never tow half of what they've got back there. Fine if you do it every now and then but that starts to take its toll on the rest of the drive train pretty quickly. I'm looking for longevity as well.

 

[JTW]

So I had a 15 with the 3.5 and 6 speed and I really liked it. Got the 19 with 2nd gen 3.5, 10 speed transmission and the max tow package a few months ago. Went to Denver and picked up this trailer a few weeks ago. 18.6 on the way out and 9 on the way home. I’ve got 6k miles on it now. 1/3 of which was that trip. I like the truck not sure if I prefer the 10 or 6 speed transmission but it will f***ing pull. 3.5 eb with the max tow if you’re like me and don’t want to go to a 3/4 or bigger truck.

 

[Adam490]

Any Ford guys thoughts on this one?

2013 Ford F-150 FX4

 

[JTW]

Any Ford guys thoughts on this one?

2013 Ford F-150 FX4

You’ll want the 3.5 eb.. I can’t tell if that is or not. Max tow would also Be a VERY good idea! Lager radiator, trans cooler, 36 gallon fuel tank and brake controller with the lower gears in the rear end.

 

[Adam490]

You’ll want the 3.5 eb.. I can’t tell if that is or not. Max tow would also Be a VERY good idea! Lager radiator, trans cooler, 36 gallon fuel tank and brake controller with the lower gears in the rear end.

Awesome good to know. That one has the 3.5 EB and tow package but not sure on the max tow. Looks like it might have bumped into something though with that gap in the bumper and quarter. It's on my way home so going to stop in and check it out if it stops raining.

 

[Adam490]

Thoughts on the Silverado? My dad has a 2015 HD that is really nice and has always had some sort of GM product, but they seem to fall apart. Still the case on the more recent GM products? I haven't looked at anything other than Toyota for the last 10 years so I'm not up to par on how they've come along.

This one looks promising. Doesn't have all the fancy screens and what not but seems like a good deal

2012 Silverado LTZ 5.3L

 

[JTW]

I had a an 07 5.3 as a work truck. Wife has the 5.3 in a 13 Yukon. They’re not bad. But not as strong as the 3.5. And there are some issues with the 5.3 and the active fuel management. You’ll want to buy a programmer that shuts that off. About $200. And as you’re buying used.. you’ll want to pray the damage hasn’t already been done.

 

[Tigermark]

You’ll want the 3.5 eb.. I can’t tell if that is or not. Max tow would also Be a VERY good idea! Lager radiator, trans cooler, 36 gallon fuel tank and brake controller with the lower gears in the rear end.

Yep! Eccoboost only way to go!

 

[Mudder]

Really like the ride and cab comforts of the RAM Laramie Crew Cab 4x4. The auto 4wd is helpful in the rain when taking off from a start on a hill. Tends to spin easy.

 

[oldfortyfive]

My 2016 F150 with the 3.5EB has been great. 40,000 with no issues. I regularly tow my P500 to South Dakota and Montana from Illinois. At 72mph I get about 12mpg....better as I slow down ;-)

 

[Adam490]

I had a an 07 5.3 as a work truck. Wife has the 5.3 in a 13 Yukon. They’re not bad. But not as strong as the 3.5. And there are some issues with the 5.3 and the active fuel management. You’ll want to buy a programmer that shuts that off. About $200. And as you’re buying used.. you’ll want to pray the damage hasn’t already been done.

Yeah I forgot they had that cylinder deactivation crap. Weather sucked on the way home so I didn't get to stop and take a look. Gonna try again tomorrow

 

[Adam490]

Really like the ride and cab comforts of the RAM Laramie Crew Cab 4x4. The auto 4wd is helpful in the rain when taking off from a start on a hill. Tends to spin easy.

How are they on fuel mileage?