The Half Ton Truck - Opinion Thread

[cofooter]

Should be a button on the center of dash. You just have to push it everytime you start the truck.

Yep but I forget, that's the problem, haha

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Didn’t you just get a 3.0 diesel SUV? What’s holding you back from getting another baby duramax?

Yeah, we did. It is great but there aren't many pre owned ones around or I am not looking hard enough. Found a lowered one up north but they want too much money.

 

[Cole Trickle]

Dodge is the best deal and a safe bet on reliability

Love our 6.2 trail boss but they are going to be spendy today and not sure i could afford to buy the same truck since the price is higher and the discounts suck.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/new/searchresults.action?zip=92882&inventorySearchWidgetType=NEW_CAR&sortDir=ASC&sourceContext=cargurus&distance=50&sortType=PRICE&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d630#listing=360722971/NONE/DEFAULT

crazy I think I paid 47k for my almost loaded leather 6.2 TB in march of 2020 with a 3% interest rate. Same truck would cost me $300++ more a month.

I'm a fan of the 5.0 f150 but they are spendy in the decently nice trims. (I still want to build a rc 4x4)

Tundra looks great but going to cost you being so hot.


Like mentioned i would go gas engine for long term reliability.

 

[Neverbowdown]

I would say if you had no complaints with your 2019 F150 then stick with what works, that should be more valuable than anybody's opinion. I absolutely love my 2018 3.5 Ecoboosted F150 FX4 with 3.73's, hasn't cried one time in 74K. All I've done outside of maintenance, brakes and tires was replace the POS plastic pan on the 10 speed trans with an aluminum aftermarket with an added 2 quart capacity. My next one will definitely be the 5.0 though, I simply can't wrap my head around a full-size pickup with a V-6 lasting as long or ever sounding as good as a V-8.

 

[cofooter]

I would say if you had no complaints with your 2019 F150 then stick with what works, that should be more valuable than anybody's opinion. I absolutely love my 2018 3.5 Ecoboosted F150 FX4 with 3.73's, hasn't cried one time in 74K. All I've done outside of maintenance, brakes and tires was replace the POS plastic pan on the 10 speed trans with an aluminum aftermarket with an added 2 quart capacity. My next one will definitely be the 5.0 though, I simply can't wrap my head around a full-size pickup with a V-6 lasting as long or ever sounding as good as a V-8.

My waste gate pipe on my 3.5 came off one time and that little V6 couldn't get out of its own way with just the weight of the truck. I had the same concern and traded mine in at 70k.

 

[Neverbowdown]

My waste gate pipe on my 3.5 came off one time and that little V6 couldn't get out of its own way with just the weight of the truck. I had the same concern and traded mine in at 70k.

That's always in the back of my mind, that and overall longevity. Thanks for the tip though!

 

[Done-it-again]

You can only bonus depreciate 80% this year and it lowers again next year.

 

[pronstar]

Yeah, we did. It is great but there aren't many pre owned ones around or I am not looking hard enough. Found a lowered one up north but they want too much money.

i’m with you, i don’t buy new vehicles…i prefer CPO

 

[Dan Lorenze]

I'd be totally happy with a new F150..

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Found a few contenders once I had a chance to look today. Prices aren't horrible.

White, 2WD, 2019 Silverado High Country with 20k miles for $48k. 5.3 v8

Silver, 4WD, 2021 F150 XLT with sport appearance, 16k miles for $49k (5.0)

Silver, 4WD, 2021 F150 Lariat, with hybrid motor. 33k miles for $54k

Silver, 4WD, 2021 F150 with chrome appearance. 33k miles with 2.7 motor for $44k

 

[MR HARLEY]

Ford F150 5.0 or 3.5 Ecoboost.

 

[77charger]

I’d avoid half tons personally. They are are doing something to save fuel all relying on turbos to make power which in towing with small gasser turbo may be hard on the engine itself with higher temps under boost.

The v8s with afm well that alone has proven to be a flop and kill lifters.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

I’d avoid half tons personally. They are are doing something to save fuel all relying on turbos to make power which in towing with small gasser turbo may be hard on the engine itself with higher temps under boost.

The v8s with afm well that alone has proven to be a flop and kill lifters.

So you are saying keep the 250 then??

Wife is begging me to keep it. Even offered to do Only Fans to pay it off.....

 

[Ace in the Hole]

Found a few contenders once I had a chance to look today. Prices aren't horrible.

White, 2WD, 2019 Silverado High Country with 20k miles for $48k. 5.3 v8

Silver, 4WD, 2021 F150 XLT with sport appearance, 16k miles for $49k (5.0)

Silver, 4WD, 2021 F150 Lariat, with hybrid motor. 33k miles for $54k

Silver, 4WD, 2021 F150 with chrome appearance. 33k miles with 2.7 motor for $44k

I would stick my nuts in a press before ever buying a 2wd truck. Worthless on resale, and on the off chance you actually need 4wd (some of us use it all the time especially winter sledding like me lol) you won't have it. Skip that overpriced Government Motors 2wd.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

I would stick my nuts in a press before ever buying a 2wd truck. Worthless on resale, and on the off chance you actually need 4wd (some of us use it all the time especially winter sledding like me lol) you won't have it. Skip that overpriced Government Motors 2wd.

Would be a good candidate to drop!!

 

[boatnam2]

My 1 ton sits 90% of the time over this... I love my truck, its great for our long road trips, sleds on the deck, pulling trailers and the havasu runs....but beyond that Ill drive my BMW or van. I keep looking for a pawpaw condition s10 5spd or something similar to daily..just haven't found one that I want.

@OldSchoolBoats Derp derp buy an f150 you can pull a 42' fifth wheel no problem!!!

Tbh I'd look at the Ram's...they are freaking nice.. FWIW I drove my 6.2L F150 for nearly 180k miles doing nothing but basic maintenance. It kept me safe through being ran into 4x, and hauled everything I essentially do today just fine.

My favorite car to drive, 2000 volvo wagon, 300k on it, drives real nice and good mpg, I get bored I pull out the 05 Sequoia( dog car), sometimes my 05 mustang, 2000 miles on that, but good for a couple burn outs and an occasional race, seems the dodge boys always like to run at a light. My truck is 2.5 years old and just turned 10k probably 8k river trips. I think if I were to get a new truck it would be a Chevy, had a few of all 3 mfg's over the years, liked all of them.

 

[Cole Trickle]

Found a few contenders once I had a chance to look today. Prices aren't horrible.

White, 2WD, 2019 Silverado High Country with 20k miles for $48k. 5.3 v8

Silver, 4WD, 2021 F150 XLT with sport appearance, 16k miles for $49k (5.0)

Silver, 4WD, 2021 F150 Lariat, with hybrid motor. 33k miles for $54k

Silver, 4WD, 2021 F150 with chrome appearance. 33k miles with 2.7 motor for $44k

I don’t think the Chevy will have the 10 speed. I personally wouldn’t own a 8 speed truck.

Chevy was weird when they installed the 10 speed it’s more trim level and engine combo and hard to guess by year. Almost guarantee a 19 is the 8 speed and a lot of 2020’s are the same.

I think the fords will have the 10 speed after 2020

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Found a few contenders once I had a chance to look today. Prices aren't horrible.

White, 2WD, 2019 Silverado High Country with 20k miles for $48k. 5.3 v8

Silver, 4WD, 2021 F150 XLT with sport appearance, 16k miles for $49k (5.0)

Silver, 4WD, 2021 F150 Lariat, with hybrid motor. 33k miles for $54k

Silver, 4WD, 2021 F150 with chrome appearance. 33k miles with 2.7 motor for $44k

New 2023 Ram 5.7 Hemi, Laramie 2wd

$51.7k

https://www.markdodge.net/searchnew.aspx?ModelAndTrim=1500:Laramie

If you don’t want leather you can get a 4WD Big Horn in the same spec with cloth, console, big screen and regular headlights for about the same price.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I don’t think the Chevy will have the 10 speed. I personally wouldn’t own a 8 speed truck.

Chevy was weird when they installed the 10 speed it’s more trim level and engine combo and hard to guess by year. Almost guarantee a 19 is the 8 speed and a lot of 2020’s are the same.

I think the fords will have the 10 speed after 2020

The 19 GM 5.3s were 8 speeds.. that is why I didn’t buy one then.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

New 2023 Ram 5.7 Hemi, Laramie 2wd

$52k

https://www.markdodge.net/searchnew.aspx?ModelAndTrim=1500:Laramie

View attachment 1251546

Solid deal but Dodge hasn't changed anything in years, interior and exterior wise. It is lowest on my list. Wife is pissed though, I might be forced to abort this whole deal. Found a 5.0 Ford that I like, just wish it was white.

Autotrader - page unavailable

I will say, to respond to comments on the transmissions, I dig the 10 speed in the Yukon. I don't even feel it shift most of the time. It's nice.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Solid deal but Dodge hasn't changed anything in years, interior and exterior wise. It is lowest on my list. Wife is pissed though, I might be forced to abort this whole deal. Found a 5.0 Ford that I like, just wish it was white.

Autotrader - page unavailable

I will say, to respond to comments on the transmissions, I dig the 10 speed in the Yukon. I don't even feel it shift most of the time. It's nice.

Yea I think they (Ram) are on year 4 of this interior and body style. They do have coil spring rear suspensions and ride really well.

Everyone that I know that has one is pretty happy with it. And they look bad ass on 35”s.

I do like that grey color personally

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Yea I think they (Ram) are on year 4 of this interior and body style. They do have coil spring rear suspensions and ride really well.

Everyone that I know that has one is pretty happy with it. And they look bad ass on 35”s.

I do like that grey color personally

Need 4x4 for sure. This is a good deal.

2023 RAM 1500 Laramie Lake Charles LA | Beauregard Parish Calcasieu Parish Sulphur Louisiana 1C6SRFJTXPN653448

Research the 2023 RAM 1500 Laramie in Lake Charles, LA at Mark Dodge Chrysler Jeep. View pictures, specs, and pricing on our huge selection of vehicles. 1C6SRFJTXPN653448

www.markdodge.net

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Need 4x4 for sure. This is a good deal.

2023 RAM 1500 Laramie Lake Charles LA | Beauregard Parish Calcasieu Parish Sulphur Louisiana 1C6SRFJTXPN653448

Research the 2023 RAM 1500 Laramie in Lake Charles, LA at Mark Dodge Chrysler Jeep. View pictures, specs, and pricing on our huge selection of vehicles. 1C6SRFJTXPN653448

www.markdodge.net

You can’t argue with the discounts. The flight last time I looked was around $200 out of Vegas.

 

[hallett21]

I would stick my nuts in a press before ever buying a 2wd truck. Worthless on resale, and on the off chance you actually need 4wd (some of us use it all the time especially winter sledding like me lol) you won't have it. Skip that overpriced Government Motors 2wd.

X2 it’s not a truck without 4x4

 

[Cole Trickle]

The 19 GM 5.3s were 8 speeds.. that is why I didn’t buy one then.

I think even the 6.2’s were as well. I know in 2020 most were 8 speed but some were 10 speed. I think in 2021 a lot we’re 10.

10 speed in both gm and ford was the game changer.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I think even the 6.2’s were as well. I know in 2020 most were 8 speed but some were 10 speed. I think in 2021 a lot we’re 10.

10 speed in both gm and ford was the game changer.

When I was looking I think I needed to get a High Country to get the 6.2 with a 10 speed.

Ford got the 10 speed in an XL work truck with a turbo or a 5.0.

 

[Cole Trickle]

When I was looking I think I needed to get a High Country to get the 6.2 with a 10 speed.

Ford got the 10 speed in an XL work truck with a turbo or a 5.0.

That sounds right because I think they ended the ltz for that bodystyle? I know I looked in 2019 and to get the 6.2/high country the truck was a fortune so I passed.

 

[riverroyal]

My 2019 and my 2021. Same 3.5, same level kit. Same trim.
100% 6.5 bed, will never go back.
The 5.0 is great.
Neither truck in pics have had problems. Towing is great except milage.
Stay away from the powerboost 150, some issues are popping up

 

[Nordie]

When I was looking I think I needed to get a High Country to get the 6.2 with a 10 speed.

Ford got the 10 speed in an XL work truck with a turbo or a 5.0.

My 18 F150 5.0 work truck had the 10 speed. My current 5.3 22 (the broken one) came with the 10 speed.

The 2.7 GM trucks I believe are still 8 speed.

 

[LazyLavey]

This may spark some interest...

Chevy Silverado 2.7L Four-Cylinder Engine Now Comes With 100,000-Mile Warranty

The 2024 Chevy Silverado may get a four-cylinder base engine, but it's still one mean little motor that punches way above its weight.

www.thedrive.com

Maybe GM is pushing the 2.7

 

[Cole Trickle]

This may spark some interest...

Chevy Silverado 2.7L Four-Cylinder Engine Now Comes With 100,000-Mile Warranty

The 2024 Chevy Silverado may get a four-cylinder base engine, but it's still one mean little motor that punches way above its weight.

www.thedrive.com

Maybe GM is pushing the 2.7

People don' trust 4cyl turbo engines in trucks long term. GM must think they are reliable and are giving people a reason to try new things.

Standard i think is 5/60

 

[Boatymcboatface]

People don' trust 4cyl turbo engines in trucks long term. GM must think they are reliable and are giving people a reason to try new things.

Standard i think is 5/60

It’s been a solid work truck and from what I’ve seen and heard from my friend that’s a service writer at a Chevy dealership the transmission is the only thing that has had issues. But the transmission is in ton of other Chevy vehicles besides the trucks.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

People don' trust 4cyl turbo engines in trucks long term. GM must think they are reliable and are giving people a reason to try new things.

Standard i think is 5/60

I put this in an earlier comment since I talked to my GMC guy about it. He said they absolutely 100% believe in the motor and are standing behind it with the 100k mile warranty. It's tempting for me to jump on a new one since the Elevation model comes with the new screen and a lot of nice creature comforts for low $40k's.

 

[EmpirE231]

I think even the 6.2’s were as well. I know in 2020 most were 8 speed but some were 10 speed. I think in 2021 a lot we’re 10.

10 speed in both gm and ford was the game changer.

I keep hearing everyone is having problems w/ the 10 speeds.... is this not true?

crazy that your truck was 47K.... my 23 GMC AT4 (similar trim I think) was 72k

 

[lbhsbz]

X2 it’s not a truck without 4x4

Odd statement. My 2WD truck has the paint worn off the bed floor from doing "not truck" stuff for the last 20 years. Hauled 4000lbs of brake rotors this morning. I've had 2WD trucks for years...mostly because they were what was available for the right price when I needed one. Never been stuck....never had a problem hauling the boat up a ramp. 2WD trucks can haul more since they don't have the weight of a mostly unused transfer case and front diff/axles.

I use 4WD in my tacoma to haul the boat up the ramp and when I need to go slow....because it has 3 pedals and I'd like to save the clutch with 4LOW. If it had 2LOW....it would probably never have the front axle engaged.

 

[Nosocks]

Based on the recent 2024 Tacoma and Lexus GX launches, it looks like the 2024 Tundras (not yet released) are going to have some good features that were absent on the 2022-2023.

There is a short supply of Tundras, so it's tough to find what you want. You'll have more options with the domestic brands.

Toyota makes their own lift kit that a dealer can install. It's pretty good looking, keeps the Toyota warranty intact, and is a bit overkill for what it is. It's also a tad taller than the other supposedly 3 inch lifts. Pricey though - about $5k including install seems to be the norm.

I'm going to buy a 2024 Tundra most likely. Platinum, non-hybrid, non-air ride, 4x4, with power running boards. Will be purchasing the Toyota lift and adding 35s.

Currently driving a 2013 Tundra which has served me well.

Had a Chevy before that, Dodge prior to that - those didn't go very well for me.

 

[hallett21]

Odd statement. My 2WD truck has the paint worn off the bed floor from doing "not truck" stuff for the last 20 years. Hauled 4000lbs of brake rotors this morning. I've had 2WD trucks for years...mostly because they were what was available for the right price when I needed one. Never been stuck....never had a problem hauling the boat up a ramp. 2WD trucks can haul more since they don't have the weight of a mostly unused transfer case and front diff/axles.

I use 4WD in my tacoma to haul the boat up the ramp and when I need to go slow....because it has 3 pedals and I'd like to save the clutch with 4LOW. If it had 2LOW....it would probably never have the front axle engaged.

I see guys stuck at the dump, ramp and in the snow all the time. It helps pushing a heavy load up a driveway in reverse as well

 

[17 10 Flat]

If in doubt buy the best selling truck in the US without turbos.

 

[Englewood]

So you are saying keep the 250 then??

Wife is begging me to keep it. Even offered to do Only Fans to pay it off.....

I agree with her...Each time I go back to a 1/2 ton, I end up wishing I had a bigger truck again.

 

[HBCraig]

My 2019 and my 2021. Same 3.5, same level kit. Same trim.
100% 6.5 bed, will never go back.
The 5.0 is great.
Neither truck in pics have had problems. Towing is great except milage.
Stay away from the powerboost 150, some issues are popping up View attachment 1251577 View attachment 1251578

What have you heard about the Powerboost. I have one. I have two buddies with the Powerboost with I er 50k miles.
I gave my 2014 5.0 to my son. Still runs great at 140k miles (knock wood)
This is mine. 2022 Powerboost with leveling kit. 20" KMC on 35s

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

I agree with her...Each time I go back to a 1/2 ton, I end up wishing I had a bigger truck again.

I am definitely having 2nd thoughts, mostly due to the fact that I have such a good loan on it. My rate is sub 4% and that was on a used loan that I did in 2020.

 

[hallett21]

I am definitely having 2nd thoughts, mostly due to the fact that I have such a good loan on it. My rate is sub 4% and that was on a used loan that I did in 2020.

I’d keep it. Not sure what @shintoooo figured for you. But you’re gonna have to pay sales tax on the new truck.

Plus having a 3/4 ton truck is helpful when you really need it.

Unless you gotta get a mean write off. In that case get another van!

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

I’d keep it. Not sure what @shintoooo figured for you. But you’re gonna have to pay sales tax on the new truck.

Plus having a 3/4 ton truck is helpful when you really need it.

Unless you gotta get a mean write off. In that case get another van!

I was thinking about trying to find a private party deal in Arizona and register out there, to avoid sales tax but what you said makes sense. Don't think I can ever replace it and it's nice having the big truck. Plus sense I drive my Fusion almost everyday it really keeps the miles down on it.

 

[ChrisV]

Keep the f250 imo. Ain’t bother wrong with a big truck. More comfy

 

[Bowtiepower00]

I’d keep it. The truck is worth what you paid because new ones are 100k. I personally don’t see the point in “downsizing” if you’re going to end up in a half ton on 35s with a 6’ bed. You’re not going to get better mileage, and the truck isn’t going to be any smaller.

If you’re looking for a more comfortable ride, call CJC and throw some Carli parts at it.

If you need/ want a different DD, get something cheap and small for around town and park the truck.

If you end up buying a half ton, it’s probably easier to list what I would avoid:

GM trucks with AFM (most V8s) or 8 speed transmissions.

Rams with etorque or V6 engines

Otherwise, I think they are all about the same- great trucks or complete lemons. But I don’t think any of them will be as reliable as your current Super Duty.

As a whole, the covid era vehicles seem to be more problematic than ones built early 2020 and before, IMO.

 

[Nordie]

I keep hearing everyone is having problems w/ the 10 speeds.... is this not true?

crazy that your truck was 47K.... my 23 GMC AT4 (similar trim I think) was 72k

From my understanding is the 10 speed is rock solid, seems like they might shift a little goofy when it's cold, but I've daily driven 3 trucks now with the 10 speed and I really like them.

 

[EmpirE231]

From my understanding is the 10 speed is rock solid, seems like they might shift a little goofy when it's cold, but I've daily driven 3 trucks now with the 10 speed and I really like them.

That’s what I thought, and then you read some places that they’re junk

 

[attitude]

From my understanding is the 10 speed is rock solid, seems like they might shift a little goofy when it's cold, but I've daily driven 3 trucks now with the 10 speed and I really like them.

I believe it’s the HDs having trouble with them.

 

[Neverbowdown]

As much as I am surprised/impressed with our 2018 F150 and its capabilities over the last 4 years, the bottom line truth is I cannot part with my '96 Crew Cab SB 4X4 with the 460. Not just because it's been my baby for 20 years (114K original miles), but honestly it's because in the back of my mind I know without hesitation she will tow the house down.......it'll get 6 miles to the gallon doing it but it doesn't grunt pulling my Nordic. At the end of the day, I'm not sure if I can ever trust a V-6 TT 100%.
For what it's worth
Keep the Big Dog, you won't regret it in the long run.

 

[cofooter]

As much as I am surprised/impressed with our 2018 F150 and its capabilities over the last 4 years, the bottom line truth is I cannot part with my '96 Crew Cab SB 4X4 with the 460. Not just because it's been my baby for 20 years (114K original miles), but honestly it's because in the back of my mind I know without hesitation she will tow the house down.......it'll get 6 miles to the gallon doing it but it doesn't grunt pulling my Nordic. At the end of the day, I'm not sure if I can ever trust a V-6 TT 100%.
For what it's worth
Keep the Big Dog, you won't regret it in the long run.

And you can work on that '96 460 as well if you ever need to! Wouldn't touch one of these modern engines. Actually looking for something like that for occasional towing and hauling and ditch the newer truck and just get a little DD for everyday,!!!