Recommend a truck...

[TheCougar]

I'll throw this out there for your diverse consideration. My current truck, 2014 Ram 1500, is getting long in the teeth and is probably going to be sold/given to my son when he graduates and moves on. I've got about 18 months to figure out what I'm going to do... which is probably to buy a 23-25 model year truck sometime around fall of 2027. I'm starting to poke around now. Currently, I use my truck around town, hauling, etc. I don't tow that much - currently just a tandem trailer, which my 1/2 ton can handle, but that's pretty much it, and TBH I've rarely if ever needed more performance. I live in VA and most of my off-roading/hunting takes place out west (for example, I'm driving my truck out to Wyoming next fall). I would like this next truck to be a big step up in capability and comfort and performance from my Ram, which is bare-bones. I have convinced myself that I want a truck that I can grow into, not grow out of - meaning it should have the performance to do whatever I need it to for the next 15-20 years, which ideally is how long I would keep it. I would like to move out to CO at some point, probably a decade from now, and having towing and off-road capability is something I desire. So I'm not just looking at what I would use it for now, but what I might want to do with the truck in the future (like a camper, etc). As such, I am leaning towards a 3/4 ton like the 2500HD with some form of off-road package. I'm currently looking at the ZR2, which gives the 3/4 ton some serious off-road chops and makes the daily ride much more enjoyable because of the unique suspension - basically it doesn't seem like there is much I can't do with that truck. Feel free to throw your thoughts my way and see if there's some consensus advice - 1/2 or 3/4 ton? Don't waste money on capability now that I might need (or not) in the future, or buy more than I need now so I never have to worry about it in the future?, gas or diesel, brands, models, trims... TIA

 

[SouthernCharm]

Same position. I’m gravitating toward the F150 tremor tow haul 402a package that has 2h,4a,4h and 4l. I like 4 wheel all wheel drive for driving all day in the back country rutted roads driving up mountains without jumping up and down. Capable of towing 12k pounds. Currently have a 250 diesel and it sinks in the snow.

 

[johnw3474]

The new tundras seem to get a lot of hate on here, but I have a 2024 model and it is a major improvement over my 2014 Sierra. To be fair though I have also not had to deal with any of the recall issues that people are not happy about. Tows a side by side well, much more responsive on the interstate when you need to pass. I have the TRD package with the rear locker - that has come in handy more than in should have. Im happy with it.

 

[Machingeaneer]

How much commuting are you going to be doing? If you drive a lot, a modern half ton will keep a lot more of your money in your pocket. Especially if you don't have anything heavy enough to warrant a 3/4 ton.

 

[EastHumboldt]

Rokslide special…. Extended cab Taco with a gun rack. Engine tranny and all that silly stuff are unimportant becuz your truck is really just a transporter for your rifle system. In the gun rack is a Tikka T3x in .223 with a magazine full of 77gr TMK’s. The rifle is mounted in a rokstok and has a SWFA scope and a UM O.G. Suppressor.

You can now go anywhere in the solar system and kill any big game that may reside there.

I obviously have nothing helpful to contribute.

 

[BRTreedogs]

If it’s not a 14-21 tundra 5.7 with a 38 gal tank, get out.

Not sure if it’s the same now.
But in 2012 if you got over a certain gvrw say a 3500 or a f350 you didn’t get the tire pressure monitors. Which I personally hate. There always broken.

That being said, from the video clips I get online, all the newer trucks are absolute garbage, especially diesel.
And very expensive to own maintain.

I wouldn’t buy an HD truck until you absolutely actually need it.

 

[Schmo]

@TheCougar,
I’d be hesitant to buy that new of a GM product, unless you have a warranty on it for the time you have it. I used to be a hardcore GM guy for trucks. Now, not so much. They are plagued with issues. Electrical, engine, etc. While I’m not a Ford fanboy, their Super Duty trucks have proven to be in general, better overall. This does not include problem years. With the year model range you’re looking at, the Super Duty with the 7.3L gas engine and 10 sp tranny should be pretty decent. They had issues early on with both engine and tranny, but seem to have ironed most of that out.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

They all have critical flaws because of the efficiency and emissions pursuit. I won't own anything that doesn't have a warranty at this point.

 

[Jimbee]

I recently got rid of a 2020 Ram 2500(pos) and bought a 2020 F250. Things I like about the F250: differential lock, longer (short) bed, 7.3 gas motor and 10spd transmission, aluminum body. Just feels like a much better truck. Everything on and about the Ram felt cheap. I vote Super Duty. Edit to add: free Ford pass app is pretty handy for remote start and unlocking doors.

 

[TheCougar]

Same position. I’m gravitating toward the F150 tremor tow haul 402a package that has 2h,4a,4h and 4l. I like 4 wheel all wheel drive for driving all day in the back country rutted roads driving up mountains without jumping up and down. Capable of towing 12k pounds. Currently have a 250 diesel and it sinks in the snow.

4Auto is a must, but most decent trucks these days come with that. I have to drive in some patchy snow and ice out here and I'm constantly in and out of 4H in my truck, since that is my only recourse.

 

[TheCougar]

How much commuting are you going to be doing? If you drive a lot, a modern half ton will keep a lot more of your money in your pocket. Especially if you don't have anything heavy enough to warrant a 3/4 ton.

I have a 3rd car - a little Toyota for commuting. Since I got that car, I don't use my truck for driving to work. It pays for itself in gas savings.

 

[TheCougar]

Same position. I’m gravitating toward the F150 tremor tow haul 402a package that has 2h,4a,4h and 4l. I like 4 wheel all wheel drive for driving all day in the back country rutted roads driving up mountains without jumping up and down. Capable of towing 12k pounds. Currently have a 250 diesel and it sinks in the snow.

Yeah, but to be fair, I would not want to tow 12000 in a 1/2 ton. I've seen plenty of half-tons that have been overpowered by what they are towing, particularly in winds.

 

[TheCougar]

I recently got rid of a 2020 Ram 2500(pos) and bought a 2020 F250. Things I like about the F250: differential lock, longer (short) bed, 7.3 gas motor and 10spd transmission, aluminum body. Just feels like a much better truck. Everything on and about the Ram felt cheap. I vote Super Duty. Edit to add: free Ford pass app is pretty handy for remote start and unlocking doors.

Yeah, everything about my Ram feels cheap. It has been reliable however, with the exception of throwing on new headers at 50k due to the Hemi tick and replacing a torque converter at 110k. Otherwise, I haven't had so much as a peep from that truck.

 

[TheCougar]

They all have critical flaws because of the efficiency and emissions pursuit. I won't own anything that doesn't have a warranty at this point.

I'm assuming you're talking diesel here. I've heard the 6.6 gasser is reliable.

 

[257_roberts]

You're describing a half ton, probably with a tow/haul type package. Stellanis products are shiny with lots of tech when new, but tend to come with problems later.

Other than the drama (that will get sorted after a year or so) on the Tundra it will be solid and the tech will be basic compared to other choices. Ford and GM have good products. The 3.5 on the Ford has been updated many times and will probably serve you well.

Keep in mind with Toyota many times the overall cost will be lower when buying new as opposed to a year or two old if financing (something to check on any vehicle purchase).
Ford or Toyota would be the two I would compare. And knowing I'd be putting a small 2" lift might push me to the ease of doing so on Toyota.

 

[TheCougar]

Well that's disappointing to hear.

 

[CorbLand]

I don’t know that I would buy something now, that you may or may not need 10 years down the road. If you only plan to keep the new pickup 15-20 years, your talking 50-75% of the life is gone by the time you might need its capabilities.

I would get a half ton that does what you need now and worry about getting something you need later, if that time comes.

 

[Tahoe1305]

4 auto cuts down a lot of options (at least when I was shopping).

I have some minor Chevy loyalty rocking a 27 year old Tahoe with nearly 300k. I snagged a ZR2 last year new and haven’t had a single issue.

It is a beast off road. Fuel economy is actually better than I expected. It’s a smaller variant though. I’ll say the ZR2 package and the “value” it provides compared to competitors is impressive.

I could get a ZR2 for same price as basic Toyota model. Why I went that way. Actually worked out great because it’s American made got to write off all the interest too!

 

[ResearchinStuff]

I'm assuming you're talking diesel here. I've heard the 6.6 gasser is reliable.

No, gas. Ford's have timing belt issues, and transmission problems with the 10 speed. Gms have variable displacement issues with the 5.3 and can't even figure out what's wrong with the 6.2L. they also occasionally have transmission problems. Toyota has had lots of issues with the latest tundra. Stellantis can't engineer their way out of a paper bag.

 

[Tilzbow]

Having owned several new trucks and a newer Bronco with offroad packages then upgrading the last two after the fact I don’t personally think those OEM upgraded stock off road packages are worth much. I’d much rather buy a rig with standard suspension and add an after market suspension package such as Fox, King, Icon or Camburg to get the desired capability.