Retired Old Lady Seeks Exploring Truck

[whiskeycutter]

wow

Thanks for all of your great insights. I have been out kicking tires and there is a lot to consider. My horse hauling will be around 6500-7500 lbs fully loaded[dropping down to a small 2 horse trailer]. Add another 2000 for camper and stuff[ i will be getting a pop up]. Too much capacity is always better than not enough when hauling a live load, unexpected things definitely happen when livestock is involved. The towing part is only part of the equation, the getting stopped part is the more difficult part especially in the mountains on steep downgrades. That is when I appreciate a heavy truck. One of the thing I do like on the newer diesels is the engine break that can be a lifesaver. I have been out looking at all of the big three. Other good comments on tires, the best are always worth the money. A blowout with a horse trailer is an experience that I do my best to avoid. So far Ford and Dodge have my attention but have some GMs to consider also. More to come.

Cheers,
Whiskeycutter

 

[bjowett]

Might I suggest you have a look at the Toyota Tundra? It's based on Toyota's HD Land Cruiser, thus chassis component size is much larger than normal 1/2 ton trucks. Much of it is 3/4 ton in size, bearings, brakes, axle, tierods etc. Don't let the low numbers fool you, Toyota is conservative with them, plus they rate with SAE J2807 towing standards.

Find a dealer that will let you hook up your trailer and go for a ride. Hit the tow/haul button and enjoy. The transmission downshifts while decending, awesome brakes, excellent power, and decent mileage for a gasser.

 

[Rovertrader]

while the new trucks down shift electronicly via brake modulation, all you need do is drop the shifter down a gear or two as we have for years. Not trying to be smart, but these electronic aids while making it simple, could fail, and best to know from where they came me thinks...

 

[bjowett]

Sure, anything can fail, and it's always good to be cautious... but it's nice that it does it for you... the programing is great. When one wants full manual control, drop it into the sport gate and choose. It's still all electronics, though.

 

[BillTex]

while the new trucks down shift electronicly via brake modulation, all you need do is drop the shifter down a gear or two as we have for years. Not trying to be smart, but these electronic aids while making it simple, could fail, and best to know from where they came me thinks...

You really have to drive one of the new trucks...with the Allison for example..to appreciate it.
We tow either a 7000# Airstream or haul a 3000# TC.

With proper tires, tow-haul mode, and diesel...it is a dream with heavy loads.

They're fine for exploring, etc...but really are "cars with ground clearance".
If your haulin' heavy......on a regular basis...it is best to step up.

Look at what whiskey is proposing...I have had several 1/2 tons...you don't want to go here with a 1/2 ton.


B

 

[flywgn]

... for camper and stuff[ i will be getting a pop up]. ...

You've been doing your homework, so you probably saw this Alaskan pop-up here on Expo. I'm not affiliated in any way with the seller, but his sale is tempting me to buy a full-size pickup again.

Allen R

 

[jronwood]

FYI, back on tires. Many, many 24,000 GVW trailers use four 17.5 trailer tires instead of eight 16" on dually rims. These are also appearing on single axles trailers good to 12,000 WOW. They are rated for 6000lbs each. They are the cats meow. I am building a single trailer with 8000 GVW using the pair of 17.5's. That gives me a good margin of error. IF you ever spec out a custom trailer check them out. Below is a 4 tire trailer good to 24000.

Jronwood

 

[Rovertrader]

You really have to drive one of the new trucks...with the Allison for example..to appreciate it.
We tow either a 7000# Airstream or haul a 3000# TC.

With proper tires, tow-haul mode, and diesel...it is a dream with heavy loads.

They're fine for exploring, etc...but really are "cars with ground clearance".
If your haulin' heavy......on a regular basis...it is best to step up.

Look at what whiskey is proposing...I have had several 1/2 tons...you don't want to go here with a 1/2 ton.


B

Thanks, I am well aware as my '11 Ford does such as well. Point is the OP is looking for max truck for a given budget. I would suggest, for example, a '07 Dodge 5.7 Cummins, and fix the deficiet steering issue, and avoid the DEF issue. This precludes the integrated down shift, but as stated, simply tug the lever. I think we are saying the same thing in the end, but IMHO she is far ahead skipping more technology when it can be obtained so easily manually, ultimately gaining her more truck for her monies...

 

[Rovertrader]

jronwood- great info, thanks!! PM me any specific sites for more info if you don't mind.

 

[BillTex]

Thanks, I am well aware as my '11 Ford does such as well. Point is the OP is looking for max truck for a given budget. I would suggest, for example, a '07 Dodge 5.7 Cummins, and fix the deficiet steering issue, and avoid the DEF issue. This precludes the integrated down shift, but as stated, simply tug the lever. I think we are saying the same thing in the end, but IMHO she is far ahead skipping more technology when it can be obtained so easily manually, ultimately gaining her more truck for her monies...

Our truck (Chevy) is an 06...IIRC Dodge has been offering engine brake on their diesel even earlier than this.
I suspect whiskey could find a proper truck with all the bells/whistles within her budget...so yes, to agree...I believe whiskey has many option to find a safe TV...

And the 06/07 vintage of all 3 will run on just about anything...

B

 

[Fireman78]

Move to Utah. Problem solved! (kinda)

 

[whiskeycutter]

I bought one

Well after several months of talking, listening and driving the potentials, I bought a new truck, F250 diesel 4 wheel long bed. The Ford money off and some negotiating made it hard not to buy a new one for my budget. I am a little concerned about the electronics since it is like driving a large computer. But I was also nervous with a used that I can't fix myself. If I was as talented as many of you, I would have jumped on an older, simpler truck. Time will tell if I made a good choice.
I also spent month in Kenya, my favorite spot of all bouncing around in an industrial strength Land Cruiser! Major fun and several years in the planning stage.
I am know in the 'find the camper' stage and planning next years adventure in Utah.
I like the pop ups but the off road trailers and teardrops are pretty cool and offer a much more user friendly kitchen. Cooking outdoors is a big part of my camping enjoyment. Lurking out there and watching all the great stuff you guys build.
I have moments of build my own since I am a fair carpenter but sadly don't know how to weld. Thank you all for your insight and willingness to share experiences.
Any camper thoughts are also welcome. Cheers and many happy trails

 

[ExpoMike]

Congrats on the new truck. Sounds like you made a smart choice (even if I am anti Ford) in getting a new truck versus dealing with problems that older, used trucks would have... and they all do have some problems.

 

[BillTex]

Congrats on the truck (and trip!). We have both a TT and TC...I'll vote for the TC anyday.
So much easier to deal with and so flexible to use.
Unless you are rock crawlin'...you can get pretty far back with a TC on...

Hard? Soft?
You will have to decide that...look around, sit in them, lie down, picture how you will use it and the amenities you want...then look, look, look before you buy, buy, buy!

Good luck, Bill

 

[Rovertrader]

I was just thinking of this thread the other day actually, and glad to see it pop up. Congrats on the truck- love mine!! In fact, we are in Florida as we just traded the Ute bed from the PW(now gone). Best of luck, and a point to consider- a small pull behind camper for base camp, and a topper for the bed for single nights out, and gobs of storage room... Lastly- would love to see some pics of the Africa trip- did you start a thread??
Cheers