New Pickup Truck Advice

[Arizona_928]

I ordered a ram 2500 single cab long bed with the 6.7... Lol
Going to tell you. It's a little bit more truck then you need, even more of a headache considering she's new.
Price point. You cannot beat a cheb with the 4.8, or 5.3. 99-06 can be had for around 3 grand if you don't mind rwd. Bullet proof power train. Use it like a cheap sob, and sell it for what you paid for it years later.




And that fire pic reminds me of the 928 s4 I bought at auction that had an interior fire. Doors completely melted off .

[jdlowery]

Originally Posted by enzo1

GM Reportedly Moving to Carbon Fiber Beds in the Great Pickup Truck Arms Race - The Drive

That is exactly what the Ford sales guy told me. He was pumping up Ford innovation over others.

[Cajundaddy]

Originally Posted by MMiller

If I was buying new that's what I would do....get exactly what I wanted.

I would also caution you about being too conservative about power. Default to more than you need not less. For me nothing more frustrating than wishing you had more HP and it really was not that much more dollars.

I think this was very true in the past. 10 years ago Ford famously delivered the 4.6L V8 that produces 230 hp, could not get out of it's own way, and was useless for towing. If I remember right their 0-60 was 9.5 seconds so they were slugs. The old 2005 Chevy Silverado 4.3L V6 was equally pathetic with 220 hp. Most modern trucks are a lot lighter now and even the V6 produces over 300 hp with a 0-60 around 6.5 seconds. That is 1977 Carrera territory. 300hp in a full sized truck seems to be a sweet spot where their performance really wakes up.

If you plan to tow over 5000 lbs there is still no substitute for displacement and torque rules the roost. For the rest of us there are no bad choices when it comes to powerplant. Pay attention to torque, 0-60, and choose the right tool for your intended use.

[LakeCleElum]

[QUOTE=Cajundaddy;9844551Most modern trucks are a lot lighter now and even the V6 produces over 300 hp with a 0-60 around 6.5 seconds. That is 1977 Carrera territory. 300hp in a full sized truck seems to be a sweet spot where their performance really wakes up.
[/QUOTE]

Bingo - Every year, trucks get more power and better mileage out of a smaller engine. Like a Porche, buy the newest you can afford.

If fuel mileage is a concern, pay careful attention to gearing. These "Off' Road" packages often means lower gearing and hurts mileage.....I am in the mountains and really need 4x4, but once again a few mpg less due to more weight and sitting higher.

You have defined your needs very well, what works for me might not be right for you. happy shopping.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Jim Bremner

Turn it on it's side or top the steel body will offer more protection .when it slides on blacktop

Actually that's not true, a properly designed aluminum structure can be just as strong as steel. Most of modern crashworthiness is based upon the design of crumple zones more than material choice. It's why a modern city car is safer than a 5,000 lb Cadillac boat from the 1980s.

Originally Posted by enzo1

GM Reportedly Moving to Carbon Fiber Beds in the Great Pickup Truck Arms Race - The Drive

True carbon fiber is actually terrible for impact resistance. It tends to be very inelastic and stiff, but prone to fracture. Impacts that don't fracture the laminate can create voids that represent future failure points. Carbon fiber that fractures looks like a broken piece of plywood, with lots of jagged points in the fracture zone. Hopefully they are looking at something with kevlar or similar materials that are more more impact resistant.

Most importantly, does that mean they'll drop the moronic commercials with people throwing boulders into the back of F150s and being amazed that they dent?

[VincentVega]

A carbon fibre chebby? Compared to the rusty rockers in my silverado that sounds good. I would fixe dents with some epoxy and cloth.

I think its pretty amazing 'we' care about 0-60 times in a pickup. I must be the only one that drives my truck like a, eh, truck.

[ZAMIRZ]

Originally Posted by Jim Bremner

Turn it on it's side or top the steel body will offer more protection .when it slides on blacktop

The aluminum Ford F-150 has received a significantly higher score in the IIHS roof strength test than the Chevy Silverado, which barely gets a "good" rating. The F-150 roof crush also recorded a peak force 6,000 lbs. higher than Silverado.

2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2017 Ford F-150

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by ZAMIRZ

The aluminum Ford F-150 has received a significantly higher score in the IIHS roof strength test than the Chevy Silverado, which barely gets a "good" rating. The F-150 roof crush also recorded a peak force 6,000 lbs. higher than Silverado.

2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2017 Ford F-150

Yup, somebody has been watching too many stupid Chevy commercials......

I work in aerospace, considering that every modern aircraft is either aluminium or composite, I'm not afraid of my pickup being made of either.

[911 Rod]

I know you say you need a basic truck, but if you want to keep it for a long time, splurge a bit for creature comforts (and extra power). You only live once.
All new trucks are nice. If you want to still be happy in 10 years, take a look at the Tundra.

[jdlowery]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

I know you say you need a basic truck, but if you want to keep it for a long time, splurge a bit for creature comforts (and extra power). You only live once.
All new trucks are nice. If you want to still be happy in 10 years, take a look at the Tundra.

I will add some features I think I can't live without but I'll make sure not to overdo it. As for engines, if I go with the Ford the choice is the 2.7L (325hp, 400 torque) or the 3.5L (375hp, 475 torque).

I'm a little sour on Toyota products these days. My Lexus had way too many recalls and some things they refused to accept responsibility.

[ZOO]

I love everything about the 2.7. I'd be interested to see how it pairs with the 10 speed. I could tow my cars with it, though I don't think I ever will.

[Porchdog]

I just bought a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500, 5.3, Extended Cab, 6-1/2' bed, Z-71.

It's the first new vehicle I ever bought for myself, replacing my 98 K1500. I shopped Dodge and Toyota briefly. Between Ford and GM/Chevy the Ford was a lot more money the way I wanted it.

I'm pretty happy with the GM so far - it is very quiet and smooth over rough pavement. I haven't been off road really but up and down fairly steep snow covered grassy hills at camp this weekend there was no problem with traction. I haven't gotten into higher RPMs but it feels plenty powerful. 1/2 tank of fuel and the computer is indicating over 20 MPG.

I think it will be fine for my needs.

[jdlowery]

Here'w an update to my new truck purchase. After test driving both the Ford and Chevy I've decided on the Ford. I think the engine choice was the key for me. I'm going with the 3.5L Ecoboost V6. I'm still deciding on the few extras I need/want. Hopefully I will not have to wait too long after I deliver the build sheet. I'm also looking to cash any on any end of year incentives that are still going on.
Thanks for the input!

[ZOO]

Originally Posted by jdlowery

Here'w an update to my new truck purchase. After test driving both the Ford and Chevy I've decided on the Ford. I think the engine choice was the key for me. I'm going with the 3.5L Ecoboost V6. I'm still deciding on the few extras I need/want. Hopefully I will not have to wait too long after I deliver the build sheet. I'm also looking to cash any on any end of year incentives that are still going on.
Thanks for the input!

My two must have options were the locking rear, and a tailgate step. I love Sync3. I wish I'd bought the 302 package, or a Lariat. The LEDs and heated seats are something I didn't think I needed to afford. I wish I had.

[petrolhead611]

The bodywork should be made of Stealth bomber material so that it can go through red traffic light cameras without being detected.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by ZAMIRZ

The aluminum Ford F-150 has received a significantly higher score in the IIHS roof strength test than the Chevy Silverado, which barely gets a "good" rating. The F-150 roof crush also recorded a peak force 6,000 lbs. higher than Silverado.

2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2017 Ford F-150

There are few things weaker on a modern vehicle than the roof of a GM pickup. It's funny that Jim brought that up as a point in their favor. I'd still own one, (and have), but if you plan on rolling down the side of a mountain, you really could not pick a worse rig.

In roll-over crashes on the street, vehicles rarely rotate even once completely. They usually land on their side. But in the mountains, (even our small local ones in L.A.), it can be a factor.

[Bob Kontak]

How do new trucks fair as to rust after five years In CA? I know you don't have fenders flapping in the breeze like Ohio but how about the brake lines? Do they even start to corrode?

[speeder]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

How do new trucks fair as to rust after five years In CA? I know you don't have fenders flapping in the breeze like Ohio but how about the brake lines? Do they even start to corrode?

Not unless they are parked at the beach forever. And it has to be within about 100yds of the waves. Otherwise, dry as a bone underneath. This is all technically desert.

[jdlowery]

Here's an update to my query about pickup trucks. As I mentioned previously, I decided to go with the Ford F-150. I didn't go too crazy with options but here's the major options:

• 4x2, Supercab, 6.5' bed
• 3.5L Ecoboost V6
• 10 speed transmission
• Max tow package
• 101A Package
• STX Appearance Package

By the way, the truck was custom ordered in late January and I picked it up last Friday, April 20. A long wait but I wasn't in a hurry and I was able to get exactly what I wanted and not just what the dealerships wanted to move off their lot.

Thanks again Rick for your help.

Here's a few pics. Not my horse in the last pic.

[911 Rod]

Nice!