Truck shopping help!

[Wodathunkit]

I've started shopping for a new full size truck, but all the options have me perplexed. I'm looking for advice here.

Requirements; no Dodge.

Be able to haul a 8,500 lbs RV while carrying a family of 5 and a Bassett hound.
Gas only, no diesel $$$ for me
4x4 is a must on my deer lease
I'd prefer an automatic

I'm not brand loyal, I'm typically a Chevy truck guy. The new Tundras look sharp, but I can't figure out what the hauling capacity is due to their squirmy website

The platinum F150 is a pretty truck, and pretty pricy

Thoughts?

[jocat54]

Good luck!!

I've also been internet shopping for a new full size............man they really like these trucks $$$$$$.

I have always been a chevy guy...but am looking at all of them. The Dodge Ram has my attention right now.

[Pete92FS]

The Tundra's towing capacity is 10.000 lbs. If I was getting a full size truck that's what I would get.

[Wodathunkit]

The Tundra's towing capacity is 10.000 lbs. If I was getting a full size truck that's what I would get.

Pete, I saw them bragging about that on the site (along with towing a 150k space shuttle ) but I couldn't figure out which package/length/engine it was referring to, do you have any idea?

[strider67]

...while carrying a family of 5 and a Bassett hound...
Thoughts?

Check out some conversation on the CrewMax Tundra here: viewtopic.php?f=83&t=64436" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You cannot beat the room and comfort.

[UpTheIrons]

I just bought a 2013 Tundra CrewMax in 4x4 with the 5.7l engine. Absolutely LOVE it so far. I've been looking for a while, and this was the choice for me - none of the others brands had what I wanted for the money. Oddly enough, when I looked at comparably equipped trucks listed on Chevy's website, the Silverado came out as the most expensive! If you go with the Tundra, the back-up camera is a MUST. That thing is awesome! Grid lines and everything on the rearview mirror when you drop it into R.

Mine is a 5-seater automatic, but you can get it with 6 seats, too. No center console and the shifter on the steering column.

Anywho...I just looked in my manual at the towing schedule and here are the numbers. Based on your criteria, I'm giving you the 4x4 5.7l engine numbers WITH the towing package. The numbers are the same for the Flex-Fuel and non-Flex-Fuel V8s. With 3 kids, I'd strongly suggest the CrewMax. My 2 are 10 and 12, and in the Double Cab their knees were already touching the back of the front seats. The CrewMax has an OBSCENE amount of legroom in the back - at the expense of a foot of bed length, though:

Double Cab Standard Bed: GCWR 16,000 lb, TWR 9700 lb.
Double Cab Long Bed: GCWR 16,000 lb; TWR 9800 lb.

CrewMax Short Bed: GCWR 15,300 lb; TWR 9000 lb.

[puma guy]

Can't go wrong with a Tundra except, unless something has changed, no 5th wheel capability. I have 2009 Double Cab SB big V-8. I pulled a 30 ft and never knew it was there.

[TexasGal]

Well if any of you are looking for a half ton 2x4 gas truck, my dad is selling his 2012 GMC SLT loaded. I can attest it is a nice truck and has had nothing happen to it. Has less than 2000 miles on it. My dad is in his 80's and wanted this truck but now is realizing he needs to cut back on some things. PM me if you want to know any more.

[anygunanywhere]

Even though diesel is higher than unleaded, you might find that it is more economical than gas especially while towing.

My 1999 F250 Powerstroke 7.3 maintains 18.5-20 mpg highway unloaded terrain dependent. Pulling our 11,500 lb fifth wheel is around 12 mpg. Beat that with a gas.

My alternate drive is a 2003 suburban with the 5.3 liter. It is actually cheaper for me to drive the diesel than the suburban. I have to fill the suburban up every week - 30 gallons of regular vs the diesel 25 gallons every 2 weeks same miles driven.

The diesel cost is higher, but I have 176,000 miles on the diesel and it is almost broke in.

Anygunanywhere

[C-dub]

The last time I shopped for a truck I had the same problem. I'm a spreadsheet guy, so I put the pertinent information into one for all the models and brands and looked at what met my needs and then looked at each of those to see which ones I liked the best aesthetically. Although the diesel does cost more per gallon consider what Anygun has put out there. I know the gas models are getting better mileage now, but they are still worth considering. And I hear, no pun intended, that the GM diesel is the quietest one out there. Couple that with the overall capability of the 2500HD it is supposed to be an awesome truck.

I used to have a GMC, but switched to Nissan about 10 years ago. My Titan is now 8 years old and every now and then someone will ask me how I like my new truck or think it is just 1-2 years old. I'm not big on washing my truck, but I do take care of the interior and mechanics. Almost 140k miles and still going strong.

I like the look of the Tundra, but have only seen it from the outside. I actually like the looks of most of the trucks, at least from the outside, except for the Dodge. Sorry Ram folks, but it's just not appealing to me.

[cheezit]

really its simple go drive an ecoboost f150 xlt package or higher. it will pull an 11000 lb trailer and get aprox 20mpg empty. runs as good as any v8 out there.

[gigag04]

Tundra would be my first choice, followed by an EcoBoost Ford in close second. I'm done with Dodge and Chevy for life.

[Wodathunkit]

Anygun & Cdub,

No doubt the diesel will pull my trailer better, my Chevy 4X4 gets 8mpg hauling mine, but I tow it around 6 times a year and typically it's less than a 300 mile round trip. We go to som RV parks in Galveston, Jellystone in Waller, deer lease in Moscow, and relatives in Buffalo (TX) for hurricane evacuations.

I can't justify a diesel. My commute to an evil oil refinery is 55 miles round trip, that extra .30 cents a gallon adds up. If money grew on trees, that be my preference. I used to have a 2500HD 4X4 that could tow 16,000 LBS. when everyone was waiting in long gas lines during Rita I was able to pull right up and get diesel. It was a nice ride.

However, you have me thinking while I'm typing. When we had the big drought a couple of years ago (and maybe another one coming) diesels were the ony vehicles allowed on the deer lease, no catalytic converter.

[C-dub]

However, you have me thinking while I'm typing. When we had the big drought a couple of years ago (and maybe another one coming) diesels were the ony vehicles allowed on the deer lease, no catalytic converter.

That is an interesting point for all you hunters.

Three other things I like about my Titan are:

1. Utilitrak system in the bed.
2. 12v outlet in the bed.
3. Large center rear power window that goes down instead of sideways.

I've even heard that Nissan will be offering a diesel version soon. Don't know how soon or if it is still true or not.

[tomtexan]

Anygun & Cdub,

No doubt the diesel will pull my trailer better, my Chevy 4X4 gets 8mpg hauling mine, but I tow it around 6 times a year and typically it's less than a 300 mile round trip. We go to som RV parks in Galveston, Jellystone in Waller, deer lease in Moscow, and relatives in Buffalo (TX) for hurricane evacuations.

I can't justify a diesel. My commute to an evil oil refinery is 55 miles round trip, that extra .30 cents a gallon adds up. If money grew on trees, that be my preference. I used to have a 2500HD 4X4 that could tow 16,000 LBS. when everyone was waiting in long gas lines during Rita I was able to pull right up and get diesel. It was a nice ride.

However, you have me thinking while I'm typing. When we had the big drought a couple of years ago (and maybe another one coming) diesels were the ony vehicles allowed on the deer lease, no catalytic converter.

Modern day diesels have cats, if you are thinking of buying new.