Let’s Talk Full Size/Half Ton Pickups

[Mac11wildcat]

Ive served my time in a cheaper vehicle making ends meet and its time to get back in a big boy car. I’m a homeowner so a pickup is a must.

All the recent half tons are possibilities, barring the newest 2019 model of each (not going brand new). Most likely 2016+ depending on when the style changed for each.

If you’ve got one, chime in:
Sierra
Silverado
Ram (v8 or ecodiesel)
F150 (ecoboost or v8)
Tundra
Titan

Heavily favoring the Silverado or Sierra Z71, but open to hearing thoughts on others. Has to be crew cab (not double), short box, leather, etc.

 

[Evom1]

Ram will always be my go to. I see the newer gmc/chevys that belong to guys at the gym constantly ending up in the shop for random issues.

Id never touch Ford

The tundra is actually pretty badass

 

[Mac11wildcat]

I’ve seen quite a few Rams with early trans problems and it’s part of the reason I’m not fully sold on them. If I was buying new it wouldn’t be an issue with that ridiculous warranty they offer.

Fords a turnoff because of that dumb aluminum box

 

[LeoTC]

I've always been a fan of Dodge's style, but they cheap on their paint and shit rusts out bad. I'd keep with them personally, but butshoot another 3-4 coats or at least Line X the rockers, fenders, and wheel Wells.

Loved my '02 F150 and hated my '05. Wouldn't touch one newer than '03 with the 3 valve set-up again. Straight fucking garbage.

GM is solid but way fucking overpriced.

Tundra was, arguably, the most solid truck on the road at one point a few years ago. Not much personal experience though.

 

[rubisean]

Titan diesel

 

[johntt44]

I've got a 2014 Nissan Titan Pro-4x. Never had a problem with it and it sees 3-4hrs of off road driving a week, sand, mud holes, clay, you name it(work). Its got like 58000 miles on it. I gave my son my 2008 and it has 160000 miles on it and still runs like new. After this rainy season(summer) I'll be getting a new one.

 

[Evom1]

I've always been a fan of Dodge's style, but they cheap on their paint and shit rusts out bad. I'd keep with them personally, but butshoot another 3-4 coats or at least Line X the rockers, fenders, and wheel Wells.

Did this with my old one. Well, I wasn't rich enough for line x, I used that roll on stuff from autozone lol

 

[Mac11wildcat]

GMs overpriced off the lot but plenty of options in the $30k range for a lightly used truck. They all roughly even out in the used market. Titans and Tundras seem to stay more expensive though.

 

[LeoTC]

I actually used Pore-13. It's a bit more spendy actually, but when we did the frame off on my buddies '82 Scottsdale we did the frame with the same stuff. It's good shit.

Just tthinned it down for body application and shot it like paint. Six coats for about $200 and the Line-X shop would have charged around $1200.

Learning to use a paint gun is a huge money saver, Bubba. Give it a go.

 

[TideGear]

2015 F150 FX4 5L V8

Love it

 

[balco]

I've driven the 2018 f150 Ecoboost and it is fast as fuck for a truck.

 

[Perrin Aybara]

2009 Silverado Z71

I love it. I regret not getting leather and have been watching for a compatible interior for sale locally to swap in if I find one.

 

[LeoTC]

2009 Silverado Z71

I love it. I regret not getting leather and have been watching for a compatible interior for sale locally to swap in if I find one.

Just buy a kit and re-do the interior you've got. It's super super easy and way cheaper.

 

[ickyrica]

I've had a 98 f150, 2001 Sierra 2500hd, 2003 s10 and a 2004 Tahoe. Not a lemon in the bunch.

 

[Mac11wildcat]

2009 Silverado Z71

I love it. I regret not getting leather and have been watching for a compatible interior for sale locally to swap in if I find one.

Check EBay. I picked up a full BMW interior in mint condition for $700.

 

[Mac11wildcat]

I've had a 98 f150, 2001 Sierra 2500hd, 2003 s10 and a 2004 Tahoe. Not a lemon in the bunch.

Have always been a Chevy guy. Just looking for things I hadn’t considered. Comfortable with chevy’s v8s so that’s a plus as well. But the option of a ttv6 in the ford and diesel in the ram and imports is enough of a change up that I have to consider them.

 

[ickyrica]

Have always been a Chevy guy. Just looking for things I hadn’t considered. Comfortable with chevy’s v8s so that’s a plus as well. But the option of a ttv6 in the ford and diesel in the ram and imports is enough of a change up that I have to consider them.

Turbo for the win.

 

[Btcowboy]

I have always been a Ram guy. I would recommend them anytime. However I am now in a 2018 Silverado. I hate admit I like it. So I recommend either of the 2 mentioned lol

 

[CrispyRockClimber]

GMs overpriced off the lot but plenty of options in the $30k range for a lightly used truck. They all roughly even out in the used market. Titans and Tundras seem to stay more expensive though.

You hit the nail on the head right here. I love my tundra but the GMC Sierra is gonna be my pick.

 

[Senorman]

In all honesty, you’re going to be psyched on whatever you choose. I think it comes down to personal preference as to exterior/interior styling. All of the newer trucks are fully capable for most needs you will encounter in this class of 1/2 ton pickups. Are you planning on significant towing? If so, I'd strongly consider one of the diesel options you've pointed out?

We had a 2006 double cab Tundra for 5 years, from about 50k miles to 120k mikes. Drove that rig all over the west plus several Baja trips with slide in truck camper, which exceeded payload by 500 lbs when fully loaded. Slightly mitigated issue with airbags, and 10 ply tires. Still a bad idea, and I would never exceed payload again, especially with two young daughters added to the mix. Never had a single issue.

Next, 2014 crew cab Tundra, with the 5.7L. Bought new and currently has 70k miles. Only issue: hard start caused by computer adjusting alcohol density too high, even though I've never used flex fuel. Had in dealer three times for this, no explanation as to cause. Towed a 16’ travel trailer all around the west and Canada as well. Half the miles were dragging travel trailer. Pulls strong, no problem flogging it up steep grades at 70mph. The engine does rev like a mofo at these speeds and steeps. Fuel economy is horrendous towing though...8-9 mpg at 70mph, and maybe 10 at best between 55-60 mph. About to sell the Tundra because we just picked up a:


2017 GMC Sierra 2500HD 6.6L Duramax Diesel. I hope to have the same reliability with the switch to a 3/4 ton diesel. Time will tell. Maintenance will be more expensive obviously. We recently sold the above travel trailer and will pick a new 23' Outdoors RV next week. At 6,300lbs dry, and likely 8,00lbs or more fully loaded, it will be too much for the Tundra. Although still within the 9,000lb tow rating, I'm not comfortable pushing it that close to the capacity. Planning on a month in new trailer starting mid April, then all summer beginning early June. (Work as CPAs is about to get slow until October, so we just need to check in once a week.)