Truck Suggestions ...

[Mako Koiwai]

Karen is thinking about buying a truck. (The Suby Lebacy seems to have suffered another major engine breakdown?!)

Suggestions for a truck ... that potentially would be used as a tow vehicle.

New or Used ? Economics Vs Power ...

[George Schilling]

The Titan is a good hauler. Gas mileage is so-so, but it will haul or tow just about anything.

http://www.roadsideattractions.ca/titan.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Mark DeShon]

The Titan is a good hauler. Gas mileage is so-so, but it will haul or tow just about anything.

http://www.roadsideattractions.ca/titan.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Second! My parents have a Titan and it has pretty amazing power and torque, and equally as important, transmission control (5 speed automatic with a manual shift and tow modes). They tow a 27 foot, 8000 lb trailer with it, no problem. It's a little long, and doesn't turn very short, which makes it a bit tough to maneuver in tight spots and/or with a short trailer. And it's not likely to get any better since they only sell one wheelbase: A 'King (extra) Cab version with a normal bed, and a full Crew Cab with a short bed. My parents have the crew and it comfortably seats six. They say just driving it around (not towing) they get about 14 MPG.
In contrast, I inherited my brother's 2001 F150 heavy duty (heavy rear end and springs). It's got the 4.6 with a 4 speed automatic and no fancy control crap. It works for what I'm towing (1925lb car on an open trailer + tools), but the real weak spot is the tranny, which I have never cared for on any Ford I've ever driven. The 5.4 versions may be better with a little more torque on the bottom to make up for it, and perhaps the later models integrated some better transmission control. I'm getting 18.5 MPG, but I have a 45 mile highway commute. Around town I doubt I would do much better than 14. Pros are that it turns EXTREMELY short (literally tighter than my Mitsubishi Eclipse) which makes backing a car trailer a breeze. Also visibility is good, mostly due to the fact that it's a regular cab. Crew cabs impede your vision somewhat.
One more thing to consider in that lopsided 'side-by-side' comparison is that Fords come in a zillion different trim packages. You may be able to get exactly what you want, whereas Nissan pretty much sells what they sell. However, I think the Titan is more bang for your buck truck. Hope that helps.
Mark D.

[Max Likhterman]

If you will be looking for Fords this is my 0.2...
5.4 Fords do not much better geared than transmissions than 4.6's. However, they last forever, unlike smaller units on 4.6's which last only about 100K miles. Also later, (2004+ IIRC) 5.4 vans (E-350) ( don't know about F-150's) came with different, smaller and much weaker transmissions, these have with some kind of traction control. They do not last long.

Max

[Theo O.]

The Titan is a good hauler. Gas mileage is so-so, but it will haul or tow just about anything.

http://www.roadsideattractions.ca/titan.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Funny stuff

Even funnier that Mark didn't click the link

[George Schilling]

The Titan is a good hauler. Gas mileage is so-so, but it will haul or tow just about anything.

http://www.roadsideattractions.ca/titan.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Funny stuff

Even funnier that Mark didn't click the link

I'm glad somebody finally clicked. Didn't want that joke to go to waste. Thanks Theo!

[Mark DeShon]

The Titan is a good hauler. Gas mileage is so-so, but it will haul or tow just about anything.

http://www.roadsideattractions.ca/titan.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Funny stuff

Even funnier that Mark didn't click the link

What's so funny? Everything I said was correct. Horsepower and torque is amazing. Visibility is bad. Turning circle is bad. Tows a 27' trailer no problem... it's a bitch to get in the garage! ... Oh, and tires are REALLY expensive. ect...
Mark D.

[Eric Clements]

Second! My parents have a Titan and it has pretty amazing power and torque, They say just driving it around (not towing) they get about 14 MPG.

Cummins Turbo Diesel -FTW! You'll get better fuel mileage towing than the little Titan gets just driving around.

Seriously, for towing a Z06/Miata on an open trailer pretty much any V8 full size will do fine.

[Arthur Grant]

With all respect it is really hard to beat Ford or Chevy for real work trucks. I personally like the current generation Fords, but the warranty Chevy offers is hard to beat.

[Mako Koiwai]

Why does Chevy have to give such a good warranty?

[George Schilling]

Why does Chevy have to give such a good warranty?

Because the taxpayers' are paying for it.

[Bob Beamesderfer]

Early Titans reportedly had issues with the diff, but that could always be due to user error.

Both Ford and Chevy sell so many trim levels it gets ridiculous. And there's always the Tundra. If the front end is setup like the Sequoia the turning radius is excellent. That's 2009 and later models.

[Lisa Severy]

You didn't mention if she was going to go "pre-owned" or new.

The best truck I ever owned was my 2002 GMC Duramax diesel w/Allison automatic transmission. the truck even had "engine braking" which really was a blessing in emergency stops. The "tow/haul" mode was terrific. I would still own the truck if it were not for that incident on the 5 freeway a few years back...(which, by the way, is testament to the structural integrity). The Allison transmission is SO incredibly smooth on these trucks - I swear I can even hear the "blip" when my 2007 Chevy down-shifts - there is no jerking whatsoever. Since I haul horses too, this is a must for me. Plenty of power. I used to have to use the "cruise control" to keep w/in the speed limit - even going over the Grapevine towing. The 2002 GMC got great fuel economy: 17 -19 mpg towing (open/flatbed car hauler and V-nose 3-horse trailer)and 22-24 mpg straight highway mileage. Also, from a "female" standpoint - it had all kinds of lockable storage and other nice features (lighted mirrors, etc) - including an easily accessible compartment in the ceiling for sunglasses and other small stuff. Very comfortable for the long haul. Very reliable. I had it for four years and it always ran great. Nothing above normal maintenance except there were a couple of recalls (fuel injectors and rear gate cable).
My 2007 has no lockable storage and lacks the great ceiling compartment. My 2007 Chevy is way more powerful (horsepower and torque). The 2007 also has "tow/haul" mode. It is only in this mode that you get the engine braking. I don't use tow/haul currently. The fuel economy is not as good as the 2002. I get 11-12 mpg towing the enclosed car trailer. It otherwise gets about 19 mpg.Having owned it since December 2006 - no recalls and the truck has run flawlessly. Only basic maintenance. The 2007 is really quiet for a diesel (a trait for which my neighbors are thankful when I leave at 4:30 or 5:00 AM to head out for an event). Also - the emissions control are surprisingly good. You can stand behind this one with the engine running and not get smoked out.
I use my trucks extensively for hauling hay and building materials. Both trucks were four-wheel drive - which I have had to use to get a horse trailer out of a muddy lot and was happy to have it. Probably not worth the extra expense for gettin' 'round town. Both trucks were crew cab/long bed. Neither had leather interior. Both trucks handled extremely well.
I have also owned Ford diesel trucks and would never go back. The transmissions shift "hard" and jerky (based on the 2007 I test drove). I have no experience w/the more recent Dodge trucks. A friend of my had an older one and it wasn't reliable. Plus things in the interior kept breaking off. Last time I spoke to Pat McBride, he was very happy w/his Cummins Dodge and he reports way better fuel economy.
I know a couple of people w/new Chevy Duramax Diesels and they love them.
For me, getting a truck and trailer was one of the best things I have done for myself. Less "wear and tear" on me - as well as my Corvettes. The enclosed trailer has been worth its weight in gold in that it provides a cool place to get out of the sun. If had a a "do-over" on the trailer. I would have gone w/a V-nose for better fuel economy. Otherwise, I love my Haulmark.
Go for it Karen!!!!

[Mako Koiwai]

New or Used was one of our original questions ...

Thanks for the long & thoughtful message!

[Bob Beamesderfer]

I would go Chevy if used. Previous generations Ford automatics don't have a great rep. The Duramax is a stout engine. Gale Banks is running one in a diesel dragster and setting records.

[Arthur Grant]

The market is competitive, my Hyundai's come with 100K warranties, have been largely trouble free but when I have needed the warranty they come through. I have four of them, two of which replaced Mercedes. Warranties are Risk issue. If your car is so good why don't you offer a 100K warranty. If your quality is that good, it won't cost you anything. Hyundai did it because they had too, GM did it to distinguish themseleves from Toyota, Nissan and Ford who didn't. Of course Toyota would have you believe they don't need to. Ford in which I own stock, I believe gives 70K miles of power train.

[Michael Wood]

Diesel. Powerstroke, Cummins, Duramax...whatever. Diesel.

Unless you really aren't towing much, don't care about mileage, don't care about durability...in which case gas is just fine...

OK, I'm exaggerating...but, just a little bit. If I get another dedicated hauler, it will be a diesel, no question about it.

[John Coffey]

I've done the math on gas vs. diesel on three different large truck purchases. For my situation (even when I was towing a couple times a month to tracks on the west coast) the diesel didn't start paying itself back until after 100K miles. If you keep your truck that long then it works out on the plus side.

[Michael Wood]

I've done the math on gas vs. diesel on three different large truck purchases. For my situation (even when I was towing a couple times a month to tracks on the west coast) the diesel didn't start paying itself back until after 100K miles. If you keep your truck that long then it works out on the plus side.

John, did you also throw resale value into that calculation?

But, I would agree, based on operating costs, it takes a very long time to pay down the premium, for sure. Still, money well spent, imho!

[Sebastian Rios]

My only experience with tow vehicles is my 08 Titan. I've put 40K on it in 3 years, practically all towing either a 3000lb suby and 2000lb trailer, or a 2000lb civic and 2000lb trailer. It's been dead reliable except for when I forget to turn off the radio.
The brakes were a weak spot, and were supposedly improved for later models, but mine don't have the best feel or stopping power. Never had any real issues, just not great braking. The rear diff is small and I'm told it's a Dana 44 or something Never failed, just not a very big pumpkin, I get diff envy looking at the back of other full size pickups.

It has had a few recalls which I've taken care of: HVAC controls, Fuel Level Sender, Brake Pedal Assembly (mine did not need this). None of these caused an issue for me.

Comfortable ride, rated to tow 9K, Japanese build quality, can't really complain except that I expect my resale value may not be that great.
When I was shopping, new base model no option Titans were going for 17,777!

[John Coffey]

John, did you also throw resale value into that calculation?

Yes. If I remember right the Excel spread also has insurance, maintenance, repair, fuel, depreciation, purchase price, taxes, DMV fees, time value of money, etc. I assumed a cash purchase. Financing the deal makes the diesel purchase even worse. This was for a new purchase. The last time I ran it was in 2008.

[Jason Rhoades]

For an open trailer, any of the V8 half-ton pickups will be fine. Can also look at their SUV variants. A truck is nicer when carrying fuel and oils as you don't have to smell your cargo.

If you are thinking you might want an enclosed trailer, and pulling it more than 1-2k miles per year, then I would suggest a 3/4 or 1-ton diesel.

My Tundra can pull a ~10k lb. 24' enclosed trailer, but it is marginal IMO for going long distances like to Nats. The gas tank (and hence range) is too small, stability is less than ideal. Plenty of power and brakes, but hearing your gas-motor'd truck working hard at high revs up big long hills, tends to wear on the driver, as do white-knuckle stints through heavy crosswinds. My previous diesel Ram never felt like it was working hard, was always smooth and stable as a freight train, some of that maybe due it being DRW. It is hard to quantify in $ terms in a comparison, but there is definitely value in having a more enjoyable towing experience and arriving at your destination more refreshed than worn out.

[Jeff Wong]

but hearing your gas-motor'd truck working hard at high revs up big long hills, tends to wear on the driver, as do white-knuckle stints through heavy crosswinds.

The danger ranger wore me down fast! Heavy crosswinds were always hair ball, especially Fontana winds with the Protege. Then again, the danger ranger wasn't meant to tow 5000lbs.

[Bob Beamesderfer]

but hearing your gas-motor'd truck working hard at high revs up big long hills, tends to wear on the driver, as do white-knuckle stints through heavy crosswinds.

The danger ranger wore me down fast! Heavy crosswinds were always hair ball, especially Fontana winds with the Protege. Then again, the danger ranger wasn't meant to tow 5000lbs.

What's that Ranger towing capacity? 7,000 pounds? My pre-Taco Toyota is rated at 5k, but I wouldn't want to tow more than about half that.

I reviewed the 2008 F-250 a couple of years ago. You could drag race people up the Grapevine towing 6,000 pounds.

[John Coffey]

Buncha truck drivin' wimps...

Back in Ought 3, Lampe and I were taking a shortcut from Willow Springs to 58 on the way to Thunderhill in my F350, with a big Lance camper in the bed, and Bryan's 26' enclosed trailer out back. 19,800 lbs. going down the road. Well, that shortcut put us on a two lane road right at the base of the wind turbines on the south side of 58. We quickly understood why the wind turbines were placed there. At 35 mph the truck and trailer were pushed so hard to the right that the only thing that saved us was the truck and trailer tires rubbing against the curb. We slowed to 20 mph and ahd to work hard to keep it on the pavement. When we stopped we were worried the whole thing was going to blow over. Bryan put his hand on the friction sway control on the hitch and burned it.