The Half Ton Truck - Opinion Thread

[attitude]

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.

You should trade your F150 in for a 6.2 Chevy. My Dad used mine to tow his boat when his F150 broke down and he said it had way more power than his 5.0. That is coming from someone who’s only owned Ford trucks his whole life.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

You should trade your F150 in for a 6.2 Chevy. My Dad used mine to tow his boat when his F150 broke down and he said it had way more power than his 5.0. That is coming from someone who’s only owned Ford trucks his whole life.

The 3.5 has way more power in the midrange than the 5.0.

More than the 6.2

 

[CLdrinker]

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

Not really, most of it is old farts complaining they shift to much. 10speed shift more than 4 speeds they are used to.

Mine will act funny if you do a California stop as it tries to take of in 3rd or 2nd and gets confused if it should down shift or not. It is controlled easily enough with throttle position.

 

[attitude]

The 3.5 has way more power in the midrange than the 5.0.

More than the 6.2

Not when the 6.2 is on e85 like his 5.0 also is.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Not when the 6.2 is on e85 like his 5.0 also is.

Oh yes you’ll need more than e85.

 

[attitude]

Not really, most of it is old farts complaining they shift to much. 10speed shift more than 4 speeds they are used to.

Mine will act funny if you do a California stop as it tries to take of in 3rd or 2nd and gets confused if it should down shift or not. It is controlled easily enough with throttle position.

I think they are a bad ass trans but that is what all more Ford buddies are saying.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I think they are a bad ass trans but that is what all more Ford buddies are saying.

What are they saying is failing?

 

[attitude]

Oh yes you’ll need more than e85.

I know from experience I don’t lol.

 

[Neverbowdown]

You should trade your F150 in for a 6.2 Chevy. My Dad used mine to tow his boat when his F150 broke down and he said it had way more power than his 5.0. That is coming from someone who’s only owned Ford trucks his whole life.

If one of our Fords ever did break down or let me down in any way shape or form.......I still wouldn't change brands. Like you and I have conversed about in the past, I am loyal based on my personal experience. From the day I was brought home after I was born in the same '72 F100 that I own to this day, in 49 years that truck has never been on the side of the road due to mechanical failure of any kind. It sucks that other people have had bad experiences with any American brand of vehicle over the course of history, I wish we could all stand as proud Americans and say the Big 3 are flawless but how boring would that be?

 

[attitude]

What are they saying is failing?

They didn’t get into specifics, they are both 6 speed owners so their might be a bias but I have seen people complained of 10 speeds failing when tuned and deleted.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I know from experience I don’t lol.

I’d love to live in that fantasy world.

The 3.5 turbo trucks make another 100HP with just a tune. That’s without e85…

 

[attitude]

I’d love to live in that fantasy world.

The 3.5 turbo trucks make another 100HP with just a tune. That’s without e85…

Obviously if a tune is involved, however the 6.2s don’t need a tune per se to run e85. The fuel mapping is already in the computer as they were planned and advertised to be flex fuel from the factory but it was canceled because they would have made more power than the C7 vette which wouldn’t have looked good in the catalogs.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Obviously if a tune is involved, however the 6.2s don’t need a tune per se to run e85. The fuel mapping is already in the computer as they were planned and advertised to be flex fuel from the factory but it was canceled because they would have made more power than the C7 vette which wouldn’t have looked good in the catalogs.

A tune is a tune it’s not going to pick up a ton more from a tune after unlocking e85 fueling anyway. At least not when it’s otherwise stock.

Why they didn’t just make every vehicle flex fuel from the factory is beyond me.

 

[Neverbowdown]

Not really, most of it is old farts complaining they shift to much. 10speed shift more than 4 speeds they are used to.

Mine will act funny if you do a California stop as it tries to take of in 3rd or 2nd and gets confused if it should down shift or not. It is controlled easily enough with throttle position.

I agree, ours took some getting used to, my wife really didn't like it the first 10K or so.
She is the primary pilot of our F150 so it took me even longer to get used to it.
My only complaint was we smacked a rock or something solid enough to put a hairline fracture in the pan when we were wheeling for a couple days.
I knew I screwed-up when it came down hard enough to dent the shit out of the scrawny skid-plate (FX4, not a Raptor obviously) and when we put it back in the garage she began to weep a bit. I was very disappointed to find the pan was a carbon plastic so I swung for an aluminum upgrade with an extra capacity and installed a real skid plate. It's been flawless since though I have had to check myself when I start wheeling it like my Bronco.

 

[attitude]

A tune is a tune it’s not going to pick up a ton more from a tune after unlocking e85 fueling anyway. At least not when it’s otherwise stock.

Why they didn’t just make every vehicle flex fuel from the factory is beyond me.

Shhh, the more people that run it the higher the price will go.

 

[attitude]

If one of our Fords ever did break down or let me down in any way shape or form.......I still wouldn't change brands. Like you and I have conversed about in the past, I am loyal based on my personal experience. From the day I was brought home after I was born in the same '72 F100 that I own to this day, in 49 years that truck has never been on the side of the road due to mechanical failure of any kind. It sucks that other people have had bad experiences with any American brand of vehicle over the course of history, I wish we could all stand as proud Americans and say the Big 3 are flawless but how boring would that be?

I believe all the big 3 are very competitive right now, it’s the COVID quality that’s hurting them.

 

[riverroyal]

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

View attachment 1251747 View attachment 1251748 View attachment 1251749

They are going into a 'deep sleep" and the batteries die. This is creating some electrical gremlins.
Co workers truck is in shop now going on 3 weeks. 2nd time for this issue.
As of today it's not fixed and no solution.

 

[riverroyal]

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

View attachment 1251747 View attachment 1251748 View attachment 1251749

How are those tires, coopers,?

 

[HBCraig]

How are those tires, coopers,?

Awesome. And quiet.
Yes, Cooper

 

[BRONCOBOY]

I'm looking at the 2023 F150 Tremor, really like the options on this and they ride very nice. Can't pick between a 3.5 or 5.0 coyote but leaning towards the 3.5. I would level it with 35" tires and a tune then drive the shit out if it.

 

[attitude]

F150 with a Whipple and a warranty would be my choice.

FP700 Package Unlocks Raptor R Power, Extra Style From Regular F-150

New Ford Performance package gives 5.0-liter V-8 F-150 the gift of 700 stylish horsepower.

www.motortrend.com

 

[Cole Trickle]

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

I'm a fan of the 10 speeds and haven't had a single issue.

I think the only thing we didn't get was the sunroof and some of the driver assistance stuff.

I think it was one of the first 6.2 TB in so cal. I found it down in san Diego close to the border/sdsu. I had been looking and this truck in transit was a couple grand more than all there other leather 5.3 LT trucks. I called the fleet manager and he confirmed it just hit the LA port and it was the 6.2. It was president's weekend like 3 weeks before covid shut down the world and they were having a big sale and there were a bunch of incentives. Whats funny is when i was signing they had to re do the paper work because they had lowered the internet price on all trucks by $500 on the way down and i also got the conquest 22 because i was a ford owner.....We basically laughed that they were trying to make it cheap

They called me 9 months later and offered me 10k over what i paid to buy it back.

I think it was just the perfect storm. before you could get 10K off easy and before they raised the price on everything 15%.

 

[Uncle Dave]

The 3.5 has way more power in the midrange than the 5.0.

More than the 6.2

No half ton is a better tower than the max tow 3.5 ecoboost. Especially when you add in altitude and heat.
It pulls harder, and will tow in lower gear than any naturally aspirated half ton.

The chevy 6.2 is a great engine, and makes for a great truck.
I'd rate it the best N.A. towing engine available in a half ton today.

 

[Orange Juice]

If

So it looks like I have a buyer for my 2019 F250 and since I am selling it for what I paid for it, 3 years ago, it seems like a no brainer. We already took our section 179 deduction on it back in 2020 so I am going to get into another truck to take it again this year. I don't need a heavy duty truck, so want to go half ton. I was thinking of lowering it but will probably just do a 4" - 6" lift on 35's. I don't really tow with it and it will be mostly used to haul my boys and their gear to baseball.

There are obviously a few options so want to hear from the RDP Brain Trust.

2020 - 2023 GMC Sierra or Chevy Silverado - any opinions on the 2.7 Turbo?? Probably will end up with a 5.3 but seeing some decent deals that are outfitted with the 2.7

2021 - 2023 Ford F150 - 2.7, 3.3 or 3.5 ECOBOOST or 5.0 Coyote (I like the 5.0)

2021 - 2023 Dodge 1500 with HEMI

2022 - 2023 Toyota Tundra (haven't really done much research on these, but they look pretty good lifted so its an option)

Dodge Hemi SUXS gas. If you’re not towing, look at the V6. Then when you’re through with it, you can give it to your boys, and not worry they will bleed you dry in fuel costs.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

If

Dodge Hemi SUXS gas. If you’re not towing, look at the V6. Then when you’re through with it, you can give it to your boys, and not worry they will bleed you dry in fuel costs.

The owners of v6 RAMs Jeeps and Dodge Durangos pretty much say the opposite. Not towing the V8 gets better mileage.

 

[attitude]

The owners of v6 RAMs Jeeps and Dodge Durangos pretty much say the opposite. Not towing the V8 gets better mileage.

Yup, 5.7 Ram leveled on 33s. This was from Eliminator to Havasu in typical Friday traffic. Keeping it in 4 cylinder mode is the trick.

 

[Uncle Dave]

Yup, 5.7 Ram leveled on 33s. This was from Eliminator to Havasu in typical Friday traffic. Keeping it in 4 cylinder mode is the trick.

View attachment 1252105

Pretty good. Looks like an average of about 56.5 mph?

 

[attitude]

Pretty good. Looks like an average of about 56.5 mph?

On the freeway when moving it was between 70-75 mph. That time includes traffic and idling when unloading at the river, the MPG was closer to 29 but I forgot to take a pic until I went to shut it off.

 

[Tackleberry]

I’d love to live in that fantasy world.

The 3.5 turbo trucks make another 100HP with just a tune. That’s without e85…

The 3.5 ecoboost does pretty well on e50 as well, they can't run on e85 because of fuel pump limitations. Guys have spent the money to upgrade the fuel pump and made 700+HP and 800+TQ

 

[Tackleberry]

My ride. 2021 F-150 4x4, 3.5 Ecoboost , max tow package 4.11 gears, tuned. It'll pull the underwear off of Superman, but it won't pass a gas station.

 

[Tackleberry]

No half ton is a better tower than the max tow 3.5 ecoboost. Especially when you add in altitude and heat.
It pulls harder, and will tow in lower gear than any naturally aspirated half ton.

The chevy 6.2 is a great engine, and makes for a great truck.
I'd rate it the best N.A. towing engine available in a half ton today.

What he said...

 

[Tackleberry]

Shhh, the more people that run it the higher the price will go.

Cheap ass race fuel, and runs cooler too, so it loves forced induction.

 

[attitude]

Cheap ass race fuel, and runs cooler too, so it loves forced induction.

Plus I love the smell.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

They didn’t get into specifics, they are both 6 speed owners so their might be a bias but I have seen people complained of 10 speeds failing when tuned and deleted.

6 speeds fail too when tuned and deleted. A lot of issues with Proven tunes and trans failures. Doesn't help that most guys run these things on the full +HP mode.

 

[boatnam2]

I got a question for the guys with a F-250, was the underside of your engine compartment painted?

 

[SHOCKtheMONKEY]

I got a question for the guys with a F-250, was the underside of your engine compartment painted?

Nope!
That's why we get great MPG's.

 

[HALLETT BOY]

You guys are talking about concerns on the GM / Ford 10 speed , shifting too much and dependability issues . Food for thought , the 8 speed in the Ram is a ZF transmission , standard in Range Rovers , MB’s , BMW’s etc , it is considered a world class transmission and a lot of people love it .

 

[boatnam2]

Nope!
That's why we get great MPG's.

Maybe that's how they keep it under 80k lol

 

[Flying_Lavey]

I always like to go to TFL Truck reviews for truck reviews. Their Ike Gauntlet tests are really good and about as consistent and demanding as you can get in the real world.

This is a comparison between the big 3 from 2019, but they all have the current drive train packages.

 

[Cray Paper]

I have a 2019 F150 2.7 Xtra cab 4x4 FX4 work truck. I got it with about 9K miles and stock tires. I have put about 60K on it and averaged about 21 MPG, hand calculated. I towed a work trailer a couple of times with it it and got around 13 MPG. Trailer weight was around 8K. I put Les Schaub tires on it earlier this year and mileage dropped 2MPG, same size as the stock Hankook tires.

Side complaint, LS tires suck and the only reason I went with them was my companies policy on buying tires. I have had them re-balanced a couple of times but they still ride like crap and hurt fuel economy. I should have insisted on the stock Hankooks or my personal favorite Michelins.

I was a life long GM truck buyer until I got my work truck, Ford trucks are now an option for me. I would also put Dodge as a viable option also. I loved my scat back wide body challenger and current Durango RT, they are fun to drive and have really nice options.

 

[riverroyal]

I'm looking at the 2023 F150 Tremor, really like the options on this and they ride very nice. Can't pick between a 3.5 or 5.0 coyote but leaning towards the 3.5. I would level it with 35" tires and a tune then drive the shit out if it.

I might be wrong but I think the tremor is taller in the front already. You should be able to remove the rear axle spacers to drop the rear and get it level. I think
My current truck is my LAST lifted, leveled blah blah ever.
It's not worth it. Mpg drops, tires are 400-500 each.
I was just telling my wife we are getting a tremor next

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I might be wrong but I think the tremor is taller in the front already. You should be able to remove the rear axle spacers to drop the rear and get it level. I think
My current truck is my LAST lifted, leveled blah blah ever.
It's not worth it. Mpg drops, tires are 400-500 each.
I was just telling my wife we are getting a tremor next

It’s the 35s that kill you. Get metric, non LT 33s and level the front.

I was getting a real 19MPG at 85 on the way to Havasu with them.

 

[Mandelon]

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 1251578

Let me know when you are getting rid of this one...

 

[beaverretriever]

We had the newest gen of the 1500 Chevy and it was great overall but started having the dreaded trans/rearend issues they are noted for. I did like the stock ride a lot. After doing all the suspension work on it, I would probably buy something that comes standard with good suspension. This had the 5.3 which I loved. The 2.7 was not available yet but I wouldn't have considered it anyways. Surprisingly, I didn't even do any exhaust becuase I liked it quiet when we would do highway driving.

If I bought a new 1/2 ton today I'd consider a Raptor but I don't tow much, so the soft setup would be fine. As I get older, I'd rather have a really good stock truck/car. We have a Gladiator Mojave right now to fill our truck gap and the suspension on that is more than I'd ever need. We do a ton of off-road but mostly rougher dirt roads and it works great. A Raptor would cover us in that dept as well.

If I were to get a new truck I'd probably get on the list for the new Tacoma or buy a Raptor. Unfortunately the new Tundras are probably great but I just don't like the looks.
Good luck on your search!

Did a King remote setup with Baja Kits mid travel arms and custom rear leafs. First set of leafs added an 1" to rear but hates it, so went back to stock ride height in back with another custom set of leafs. I believe photos below show both heights 1st no rear lift, second 1" rear. Front I ran about 2.5in. Completely adjustable ride height for the front. 35s are represented on the truck.

 

[hman442]

It’s the 35s that kill you. Get metric, non LT 33s and level the front.

I was getting a real 19MPG at 85 on the way to Havasu with them.

What do you mean "non LT 33" ? I get the 33, but it's there one that is not a "light truck" tire ?

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

What do you mean "non LT 33" ? I get the 33, but it's there one that is not a "light truck" tire ?

Yes you can get P rated 33” tires. They are notably lighter than their LT counterparts. P rated tires are what come on the truck in most cases.

The first set of 33” Nitto Terra Grapplers I put on my truck were P rated.

 

[joecfd1]

We had the newest gen of the 1500 Chevy and it was great overall but started having the dreaded trans/rearend issues they are noted for. I did like the stock ride a lot. After doing all the suspension work on it, I would probably buy something that comes standard with good suspension. This had the 5.3 which I loved. The 2.7 was not available yet but I wouldn't have considered it anyways. Surprisingly, I didn't even do any exhaust becuase I liked it quiet when we would do highway driving.

If I bought a new 1/2 ton today I'd consider a Raptor but I don't tow much so the soft setup would be fine. As I get older, I'd rather have a really good stock truxk/car. We have a Gladiator Mojave right now to fill our truck gap and the suspension on that is more than I'd ever need. We do a ton of off-road but mostly rougher dirt roads and it works great. A Raptor would cover us in that dept as well.

If I were to get a new truck I'd probably get on the list for the new Tacoma or buy a Raptor. Unfortunately the new Tundras are probably great but I just don't like the looks.
Good luck on your search!

Did a King remote setup with Baja Kits mid travel arms and custom rear leafs. First set of leafs added an 1" to rear but hates it, so went back to stock ride height in back with another custom set of leafs. I believe photos below show both heights 1st no rear lift, second 1" rear. Front I ran about 2.5in. Completely adjustable ride height for the front. 35s are represented on the truck.

View attachment 1252665 View attachment 1252666 View attachment 1252667
View attachment 1252668 View attachment 1252669 View attachment 1252670

What size tires are these? 295/65?

 

[pronstar]

What do you mean "non LT 33" ? I get the 33, but it's there one that is not a "light truck" tire ?

Depends on the width you want.

You can go down to a 275/65-18 (just under 33”) or 275/70-18 (just over 33”) for something a bit closer to stock width.

295 is a wide tire.

 

[beaverretriever]

What size tires are these? 295/65?

Not sure off the top of my head of the metric conversion but I purchased them in old standard offroad sizing of 17" diameter 12.5x35. Hope that helps you out.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Not sure off the top of my head of the metric conversion but I purchased them in old standard offroad sizing of 17" diameter 12.5x35. Hope that helps you out.

I believe those would have been a 315/75-17