Which truck would you pick if........

[TravisandMarla]

OK, lets say you could do it all over again, purchase a new truck. Would you go with the same decision you made or do you wish you had purchased something else? We have been looking for a hawk for our 1500 dodge, small
V8, quad cab, regular bed but lately we have been thinking of a new truck. Our dodge has over 100,000 and even though it runs great, timing is right for us to purchase something new, something we will keep for a long time. We want to be able to tow our 16' Casita in addition to having the fourwheel on as a daily driver. Also someday we may upgrade to a slightly larger pull trailer say a 20-24 ft. All of this and get the best mpg as we can AND yes, money is a consideration. What would you choose and Why?

 

[DirtyDog]

I really liked my F150/Hawk combo. The FX4 package on the 150 provided adequately stiff suspension for the weight of the camper and it did great as a stock setup - even on some occasional off-roading.

In 2009 the F150 is supposed to be offered with a diesel which should improve the mileage a fair amount. I'm not sure if that is the ultimate truck for the price, but I sure am interested in checking it out.

 

[craig333]

I've been very happy with the Dodge. The CTD has been problem free. I would go with the long bed if I had it to over again.

 

[Marc]

I was in the same situation about a year ago. I knew I was going to be getting either a new ATC, Alaskan or 4 Wheel camper in the near future and was also contemplating a new 4X4 truck. Even though the present one was in good shape and running fine the thought of dumping $$$ into a ten year old truck down the line didn't make sense. During the decision making process I determined what my immediate needs/use's were as well as what I wanted out of my Rig in the future. I like to camp off the beaten path, so wheel base was a concern. I also wanted a 500 mile range on a tank of fuel, as well as good low end Torque so a Diesle was a must have. I also concluded that the Camper would stay on at least six plus months out of the year, so having a beefy suspension was also a must. I started to shop around and soon found out that what I was looking for was a rear breed, and the big three, Ford, Dodge and GMC told me I would have to order one to get it just the way I wanted. So in Oct. of 2006 I was able to get in on the last of the orders for a 2007 year model since Ford was already gearing up for production of their 2008 model. In the end this is what I ended up with. "2007" F350 Diesle 4x4 Std. Cab. Torqueshift 5-spd. Trans, 3.73 Limited Slip Axle, 11100# GVWR Pkg., Full Pwr. and Air less electric windows and locks, Tow Command system, Carpet delete, Split Bench Seat, Engine Block Heater, Manual Transfer Case, Skid Plates and a few other minor options. When I took delivery in Jan. of 2007 the truck was just the way I ordered it with one exception. Ford had built it with their ESOF instead of the manual transfer case. Well needless to say I wasn't going to take it unless they were going to give me a sweet heart of a deal. At this point I knew I had the dealer by the B...s since this was not the type of truck they would ever order for their dealership. In the end I was able to get it for $7000.00 less than the build order which put the cost of the truck at dealer cost. Shortly after taking delivery I also added a dr leveling kit which consisted of a new set of progressive springs, shocks to match and a camber alignment kit. I took ownership of my new ATC Cougar Camper in April and thus far I could't be happier with this combination. To date the camper has not come off once due to the fact that the truck doesn't even know it is there. What really helped me out in choosing this combination was taking the time to realisticly determine what my true uses's would be. Up and coming mods include a Buckstop Bumper and 12000 lb. Warn Winch and a ARB front Air Locker. Have fun in making your choices.

Marc

 

[TravisandMarla]

That sounds like something we might do because we don't need or really want some of the extra's they put on trucks you see at the dealership. They looked on the computer (at toyota dealership) and found a truck that was close to what we wanted and only in white. We don't have to have power windows, locks or carpet but what we do need is a truck that will work for us and our changing need for many years to come. Thanks for the info

 

[EdoHart]

Be sure to get more than enough truck.

I had my Hawk on a '99 Dodge 4x4 with the big V-8 engine. It worked well, but the Dodge definitely knew the camper was on it, especially going up hill at highway speeds (well actually less than highway speeds by the time I got to the top of a long grade). Although the small V-8 produces about the same horse power as the big one, it produces less torque, and for off road driving (to get to the kinds of places I like to camp) I don't think the small V-8 would have been confortable. Also, the Dodge was near it's weight limit, so it didn't have any reserve for towing.

I would probably still have the Hawk on the Dodge except that I got a great deal on a used Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4x4 diesel (it helps to have a friend who bought 6 new trucks from the dealer in the last 18 months for his business). Like Marc's Ford, the Silverado doesn't even know the camper is back there. It rarely down shifts going up hill and it handles very well - it feels so much safer than the Dodge did. I haven't towed with it yet, but I think it will pull just about any trailer I would want.

My advice is to buy a truck that has some reserve capacity over what you think it will need. I would rather have the power and payload capacity and not use it, then to need it, but not have it.

 

[craig333]

Yeah, my truck doesnt know the camper is back there either. Driving my Jeep as I do, I thought a short wheel base truck would fit my off roads needs better. Now that I see what I actually do with truck I realize the extra wheelbase of a long bed wouldn't but very rarely, interfere with where I take it offroad.

 

[Kilroy]

Electric locks and windows

When I bought my present truck, an 04 Tundra double cab, a diesel was my other choice. Wife didn't like the noise. I think I would have been happy with the diesel, but I love the Tundra.

A couple of you guys made the comment that you don't want electric door locks or windows. Well..... I love'em! On a nice day I can sit in my seat and drop 5 windows (the 04-06 Tundra has a full size electric rear window. 07's don't) and let the climate in. Then close them when I get to where I'm going. AC is a last resort! Dog need some sniffing time? No problem, drop her window. Done? Put it up. On my Tundra, I only install the Hawk for trips, the rest of the time I run with a cap. I had electric locks installed on the tailgate and on the door of the cap. Click everything is open. click, everything locked. I keep the ignition key in my pocket and the lock remote hanging from my belt. If keeping your vehicle locked up isn't an issue, then electric locks wouldn't be that useful. Electric windows and locks are really reliable these days. At least as much as other stuff on your truck which will get you parked if it doesn't work.

Enjoy the new trucks.

 

[camelracer]

I love the setup I have now - the best part being the Cummins engine. It's gotten me spoiled and I would never go back to a gas powered truck.

 

[Mark W. Ingalls]

A really important thread

This is an important thread for me. Thanks Travis and Marla for starting it, and thanks to all for your inputs.

I drive a 1998 F-150 4x4 with the small V-8. It gets 11-1/2 mpg and doesn't have much power.

I am now in the process of building a mobile cabinet shop, which will overtax the truck's capabilities even further.

Diesel is about 15% more expensive than gasoline currently in Houston, and a premium is charged for diesel engines, but it still appears the way to go.

BTW, I would probably be looking for a used, not a new, truck.

 

[simimike]

TravisandMarla,

I just love discussions on trucks. Everyone has great reasons on why they picked that particular truck. I will give you the rational on why I picked my truck.

I chose the Dodge 4X4 CTD long bed club cab for much the same reasons that you stated. I wanted the best milage, multi use truck I could afford. I did not want to change trucks if my camping needs changed. The wife and I decided that if we wanted to go with a hard side camper or a TT in the future then a 3/4 ton diesel truck was our best choice.

If I was going to buy a truck just for a FWC, then a F150 or a Tundra would be an excellent choice. If you are going to tow, then a diesel is the way to go. Nothing beats that torque!

The one "extra" I would recommend is electric mirrors. Being able to adjust the right side mirror from the drivers seat is really nice. That being said I do miss asking the wife to roll down her window at 70 MPH to make unnecessary adjustments. It helped to break up a long boring drive.

Keep in mind nobody has ever said, I bought to much truck.

Cheers,

Mike

 

[Chukar Hunter]

My 03 2500 HD diesel has been the most inexpensive to own vehicle I have ever owned. It is my daily driver and that consist of 90 miles a day most of which is mountain road between Reno and Lake Tahoe. 108,000 miles on it now and original brake pads still look new. Life time fuel aveage is at 17 mpg and I also do alot of towing. I have a 26 ft fifth wheel and a 10 ft flat bed with Yamaha Rhino on it that I tow in tandom and has plenty of power. I have pulled the combo over Donner Summit I-80 at 60 mph with no problem. With the Hawk this truck does not even know it is there. If i had any issue with it is ground clearance but I went to a taller tire that solved most of that and I would consider a small lift and larger tire in the future.

 

[craig333]

One thing about the diesels. If you only think of how noisy they used to be you really need to go see the new ones. They're many magnitudes quieter than they used to be.

 

[Chukar Hunter]

Great point Craig, I had a person riding in my truck most all day and at the end of the day is when he realized it was a diesel and could not believe how quiet it is.

 

[EdoHart]

*snip*Diesel is about 15% more expensive than gasoline currently in Houston, and a premium is charged for diesel engines, but it still appears the way to go.

BTW, I would probably be looking for a used, not a new, truck.

I heard on the radio today that gas went up again (go figure), but I've been tracking my mileage very closely in both my Dodge gasser and Chevy Diesel. Last time I refueled diesel cost about %10 more than regular unleaded gas, but the improved mileage of the diesel more than offsets the cost (that is if you stay off the throttle - once the turbo boost kicks in it starts to drink the stuff pretty quickly). Also, in the summer time, diesel usually costs less than regular unleaded because #2 diesel is almost the same as #2 heating oil and the refining capacity goes to making heating oil during the winter months.

There is a huge premium for the diesel engine. I calculated that at todays fuel prices I would have to drive about 100,000 miles for the pay back, but I figure this truck will last at least that long.

Finally, nice, used diesel trucks don't come on the market around here very often. I searched for about a year before I found mine, but it was worth the wait because new is sooo expensive.

 

[TravisandMarla]

OK everybody, we have been looking at and lusting over a 2008 5.7 tundra, DBL cab, regular bed. What do you think? Will it meet our needs? We would like to be able to tow our casita with the camper on occasionally or maybe a boat. I'm confused on the camper, does it have to be special made for the tundra,
(a kestrel?) or will a hawk fit? How about a grandby if we want more room?

 

[Marc]

Talk to Ben at ATC. They have built campers for your truck and have photos of the same on their website. Also ATC is willing to do semi custom work.

All Terrain Campers
1-800-446-1003
916-565-1600

 

[John D]

Go back nearly 60 years when the average pickup had 6 cylinders, 2WD, and a three speed manual. Lots of off road running was done in such trucks.

 

[KngBee]

TravisandMarla,

I have your exact Tundra in a (end-of-year; thus nearly same as '08) 2007, and am extremely pleased with it. We went with the Grandby, because we wanted the extra floor space. I put RideRites on to lift the rear end back up where it was pre-FWC (Grandby center of gravity is further back), but can't tell it's there in terms of ride or power. I haven't towed anything, but the 5.7 has LOTS to spare, so I can't imagine that would be an issue. With the Grandby you need to keep the tailgate down (it comes about 3 inches from the end/'top' of the gate), so be sure your trailer will work with that.

If somebody else was paying, I might have liked to try out a 3/4 ton diesel, but this combination is really sweet. The Grandby (and assume same for other models) is great. We plan to leave ours on most of the time, including Montana winters.

Best wishes in your decision.

Cheers,
--Jon

 

[TravisandMarla]

tundra

thanks, it's good to hear from someone that is satisfied with that truck. We have not decided if we want a regular or long bed. They told us they did not make as many long bed's this year because last year they didn't sell as well so they are hard to find. It must be true because we have not got to see even one long bed so we would have to order one. The grandby on the regular bed would not work if we tow our casita or a boat so we have to decide, long or regular.......tough decision!!! Yes, a diesel would be our first choice but we don't have that much to spend on a truck, got to have some money left to hit the road. What kind of MPG are you getting?