New Truck Advice

[Macs]

It seems everytime i am looking to buy a new vehicle i post here somewhere along the way. So this time i figured i would start here.

I no longer like the Altima i bought in 2008 and i am sick of borrowing the wifes expedition and towing a trailer everytime i want to ride. I am still driving 100 miles through downtown Houston everyday so gas mileage plays a part. I would also want something that could tow an RV ( which is the top of my wishlist) and seat the family ( kids are 4,5 and 1). Also i need to add that price is a huge factor. I know, i know, i am asking for the undoable but i have not bought a truck since 99 and i am not sure what is out there, the best trims, the best prices, etc. I am willing to give on some things just would like to know your input.

By the way, i will sale the Altima at trade in value if anyone is interested?

[skypilot]

Hey Mac, nice to see someone else in east texas, i live in lufkin texas! I know some of the new GM trucks have a V8 that runs on just 4cyl at cruuising speeds, so mpg is better. If your towing or passing, its picks up all 8cyl. Pretty cool, i don't have one but have seen them. One of these in a crew cab would fit the family, it all depends on how big the rv is! BTW what trikes do you own?

[Macs]

That is the info I need. Now that you mention it I think I have heard something about that. Trikes I own? Cagivas, mugens, tigers etc. If you want to see pics do a search, I am sure there all here. What part of tx are you from?

[skypilot]

I'm from Lufkin texas, which is about 1hr 45mins north of Houston on hwy 59

[tecat-z]

If you do plan on towing, a V8 is mandatory. Big enough for a family of 4-5 you say, a crew cab is again necessity, and i hope you consider buying a domestic too. Dodge, ford and GM make sweet crew cab 1/2 ton trucks , but will all cost alot considering your description. If you don't need 4WD don't get it. It adds alot of initial cost, and long term fuel consumption will always be higher. Dodges 5.7 is a very strong engine with cylinder deactivation, but still has a big thurst for fuel. Ford has recently given up on the 5.4 and 4.6 engines in favor of all new engine lineups. So, none of the new engines have any sort of track record. "5.0 and 6.2 for 1/2 tons." 4.6's were good and reliable, but always lacked truck torque for towing, and the 5.4 had chronic problems with spitting plugs, and the later 3valve engines were very bad on gas, as were the earlier version. We have many of them at my work. Gm's 5.3 engine is a proven engine that dates back to 99 and has a much better than average reputation for reliability, and is a leader in fuel effieiency. Plus a great powertrain warranty. High horsepower and torque always look great on paper, but will always end up costing you more money when it's not necessary. Any of the new trucks will do a great job of what you are asking. GMC has $4500 cash back on new trucks which is a heck of a lot, so be sure to stay on top of incentives. They make a huge diff. New trucks are so much more capable than trucks from just 15 years ago it's amazing. Brakes, handling, and overall performance is great stuff. The only real problem with a crew cab 1/2 ton is the bed really gets small, and impractical for hauling anything substantial. But you have suburban like seating. I'm afraid you have some difficult choices to make.

[Macs]

I figured an ext cab would be enough. The kids are small and will probably spend minium time in them.

Also ford has 5500 off so i will check them out and dodge also. Never owned a chevy.

Skypilot, do you have any good riding areas near you? Since Cherokee closed in Milan I have been stuck except for Crosby which is far from Trike friendly.

[Lord Letto 20]

if i had the cash, i would get the new Chevy silverado HD and get a 5th wheel to tow trailers like in the TV Ads, i don't think a big rig Licence would be needed for that right?

[skypilot]

yes, Shiloh ridge in alto texas, about 20 min from my house, gets pretty wild on the weekend though! Family friendly but sometimes no friendly families, if you know what i mean! you can look this one up online by googling shiloh ridge atv park. It seems to be mostly for muddin and trail ridding. Jacksonville, tx is home to Mud creek, home of the mud nationals, ditto about this one, would love to support these more, if they weren't so wild. Go durin the week, its quiet!

[RoscoW]

If your lucky this won't turn into a dodge vs ford vs chevy debate.

I will only tell you from my experience that my 06 Ram 1500 Mega Cab has been an excellent vehicle for our family. It runs the 5.7 and I will pull 20 mpg highway, around 12 in the city and about the same towing anything. I believe that later years added the MDS motor and fuel economy was better. You won't find a cab with a bigger interior, rear seat legroom is about a foot bigger than the quad cab and then there is another 8" behind the rear seats which also recline. My kids hate sitting in the back of any regular quad cab now, they have been spoiled. Reliability has been awesome, only warranty issues were sway bar end links, and a power distribution module short on the trailer lights (fuse box). It was only available with a short box (6'6") but was on the quad cab long box frame, so Wheel base is around 160", good for towing just about any length( std hitch) RV without sway issues cropping up.
Lots of really clean ones around the south as well.

Ross..

[86trizinger]

We have had a 2004 Durango since new.. Not a ram but for everyone saying how much dodges usually suck I haven't seen it with ours. We have 170,000 hard miles on it. Never one check engine light. Only thing it has ever needed is a thermostat when the weather got real cold last year.

The cutting the cylinders off for more gas mileage has been around for over 10 years. It started back on the Mercedes to save gas and then moved over to the new Hemi's. From there everyone has started to make them. Its great technology. You can barely notice the difference while cruising down the road.

[skypilot]

You might also check out the Nissan Titan(I know I know, not one on the big 3) Parents owned one, it was great, quad cab with v8, it would run, about 300hp I think. Sister had one in a extended cab, liked it really well, both their kids rode in the extended part, they were about 6 or 7 yrs old. My family has owned 4 Nissans, great reliable vehicles!

[4cfed]

what about a diesel truck?? new ram is pullin around 20mpg, can put a tuner on it and get that mpg a little higher, but pretty much any of the new trucks tha kil 4 cyl at cruise speed would be a good option, personally diesel is the way to go

[newrider3]

You want good mileage and good towing? Go diesel.

[Woodsrider]

The cutting the cylinders off for more gas mileage has been around for over 10 years. It started back on the Mercedes to save gas and then moved over to the new Hemi's. From there everyone has started to make them. Its great technology. You can barely notice the difference while cruising down the road.

Actually 30 years at least...1981 Cadillac V8-6-4 6.0 liter big block. That's the earliest one I know of off the top of my head....someone else might know of something earlier.

If you're going with a gas engine, I believe that the Chev/GMC trucks are noted for being the most economical of the big three. In 2008 they introduced the cylinder deactivation technology with the 5.3 liter, but I think in the new trucks (GM), the 6.2 liter does slightly better in fuel economy than the 5.3.... with lots more horses. My buddy has a 2011 F-150 5.4 6 speed auto and he tows an RV and he loves it . I personally can't believe how much better I like driving it than his 2008 F-150. He says it tows much better...it has some kind of towing stabilization system. Good luck with your search...it's a tough decision between the big three...all good trucks in my opinion. Each one has good points that are unique to them.

[andrew j hyman]

You want good mileage and good towing? Go diesel.

Yes Diesel is the only way to Go. I am Big Ford guy . The New 2011 F350 Power Stroke is getting 20-22 mpg . Also they did not get any Goverment $$$$ Go King Ranch