Budget, but brand new, Fullsize expo rig ideas.

[Clutch]

Back before I decided to keep the 'Burb for another 3 years I was obsessively auto-shopping on line. In terms of "stealth" vehicles the full-size truck with a NA V6 was usually thousands less than the same truck with the V8. I don't think the price difference was the engine, I think it was more that the V6 trucks were "strippers" or "work trucks" and didn't have all the bells and whistles, while many of the V8's were "urban cowboy" specials with every option.

AFAIK both GM and Ram offer a NA gasoline V6 in their full size truck (not sure about Ford - they offer so many options and packages that it's dizzying! Obviously Ford has the Eco Boost motors but I don't know what non-boosted V6 motors they have in the F150.) I'm pretty sure the GM engine is the venerable 4.3 which has been around since forever. Not sure what the Ram V6 is, I think it's a 3.8 (maybe the same one that's in the Wrangler?) but not sure.

I've never driven one so I don't know how they compare to the V8 version but my guess is if you don't pull a heavy trailer and you don't need to be the fastest thing on the highway, you can probably get decent MPG in one of them.

Best of both worlds: You get the space and comfort of a full size but the MPG of a compact.

The specs of a 1/2 ton V6 is right around of a mid-size, if you treat it like a midsize, you'll be fine. The bonus is, that you can get an 8' bed and often they can be purchased for less than a midsize. RCLB with a high rise topper makes for a great stealth camper. If you don't lift them, and not too crazy with tire selection. Easily pull low 20's for mpg's.

 

[Wallygator]

I'm voting for a normal 6.4 Tradesman from Dennis Dillon for around $32K. Build from there

https://www.dennisdillonchryslerjeepdodge.com/new-vehicles/ram-2500/

 

[Deleted member 9101]

I'm pretty sure the GM engine is the venerable 4.3 which has been around since forever.

uhhh... I tthnk they nuked the 4.3 and now offer a 2.7 turbocharged four banger that gets worse fuel economy.

 

[aaaslayer]

The only vehicle I bought used, that I felt I got my moneys worth from, was an old 94 Yj. Then again, I used to crash it into things for fun, so it's hard to get an objective opinion.

I don't want someone else's lemon, flood damaged truck, or anything off road, or expo oriented. Raptors, Rubicons, and PW's are worthless to me on the used market. You know every joint on the truck was beat on. And people are asking top dollar.

RV's are even worse. Priced way too high used.

I bought a used 2014 Rubicon last year. Been great to me. Not beat at all. Enthusiasts usually take care of their car and not wreck it and leave it to be.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

Why buy new though? Buy 1 - 2 years old and 15,000 - 25,000 miles. Still under warranty and the other guy takes the depreciation hit.

I was going to do that, but Ford had some killer rebates and interest rates on new trucks and it made them almost equally priced.

 

[Buddha.]

Ha ha thanks! Can grab a Nissan gas Titan (non-HD) for pretty cheap too, last time I looked RCLB for around $25K.

Yep, don't need much to get out there.

Would love to do that trip you mentioned, have been following Tim (Dirt Sunrise) on his and Kelsey's adventure.

I could trade my 2500 for a brand new half ton and have a lower payment... and I like reg cabs too. I might have to check out the Nissan dealer.
Edit: nvm, I can get a Chevy 1500 for that price. I’d rather have the Chevy.

 

[plainjaneFJC]

The only vehicle I bought used, that I felt I got my moneys worth from, was an old 94 Yj. Then again, I used to crash it into things for fun, so it's hard to get an objective opinion.

I don't want someone else's lemon, flood damaged truck, or anything off road, or expo oriented. Raptors, Rubicons, and PW's are worthless to me on the used market. You know every joint on the truck was beat on. And people are asking top dollar.

RV's are even worse. Priced way too high used.

I shop used vs. New when lookibg at work trucks. Seems what cost me half of new is usually 4 to 5 years old with 115k to 140k miles on it, which is half wore thru the life cycle and zero warranty. I prefer new as well. Maybe I am stubborn but once they leave me stranded 1 time, its going for sale.

 

[Christian P.]

I was going to do that, but Ford had some killer rebates and interest rates on new trucks and it made them almost equally priced.

Yes, and also unless you are paying cash, the interest rate on a new loan is usually better than the rate for a used car. With just a few small repairs on the used truck, you end up very close quickly...

 

[Clutch]

I could trade my 2500 for a brand new half ton and have a lower payment... and I like reg cabs too. I might have to check out the Nissan dealer.

Cheapest Nissan I could find is $26K

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/727189104/overview/

Dennis Dillon has 2WD 1500 Rams for under $20K. 4WD is nice to have, but no real need if you stay out of the stupid stuff. Decent set of tires goes a long way, can do poor-man's locker i.e. drag the brakes, tire chains work great in a pinch too.

Brand new truck for under $20K! hard to believe in today's World.

https://www.dennisdillonchryslerjee...c-tradesman-4x2-regular-cab-3c6jr6dg5kg509673

 

[Buddha.]

I struggled with 2wd in the winter for years, I’m done with that lol. At least an s10 is easily to push out, too old now to struggle with a full size.

 

[docwatson]

uhhh... I tthnk they nuked the 4.3 and now offer a 2.7 turbocharged four banger that gets worse fuel economy.

The 4.3 is still available. That 2.7 is an "upgrade." It appears they did kill the regular cab for 2019. Double cab and crew cab only.

 

[Clutch]

I struggled with 2wd in the winter for years, I’m done with that lol. At least an s10 is easily to push out, too old now to struggle with a full size.

My Trooper is RWD, studded snow tires and it goes darn near everywhere my Tacoma does. That said, if it looks a little too dicey I won't take the Trooper down that particular road...where with the Tacoma wouldn't think twice.

 

[SoTxAg06]

Why buy new though? Buy 1 - 2 years old and 15,000 - 25,000 miles. Still under warranty and the other guy takes the depreciation hit.

It depends what you’re looking for. I was better off buying a new Mega Cab with the 6.4 vs. a used model. The cost difference was negligible between the two.


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[Highlander]

3 questions for ford HD guys

1) If one decides to go with an F250 gas, what is best trim? xt. xlt or sxt?
2) Crew Cab or Extended Cab?
3) Sprayed bed vs non-sprayed clean bed?

ok one more, is it worth to wait for the newer gas 7.0(?) mated with the 10 speed?

 

[plainjaneFJC]

3 questions for ford HD guys

1) If one decides to go with an F250 gas, what is best trim? xt. xlt or sxt?
2) Crew Cab or Extended Cab?
3) Sprayed bed vs non-sprayed clean bed?

ok one more, is it worth to wait for the newer gas 7.0(?) mated with the 10 speed?

I have an xl with the basic power package- gets you power windows,locks, cruise, etc. Crew cab or ext cab is different for everyone. I have a family so its a crew cab, personally I would love to have a single cab long bed but it just wouldn't work. I would wait for the new gas motor and 10 speed, I suspect it'll gain 2mpg and be more powerful.