Ugh. Another truck thread. I’m clueless

[SugarCubes]

Sorry for another truck thread, but could use advice on any and all makes and models to go check out. Don’t even know where to begin. I’ve been towing my old Kingston 2H with my 2010 Nissan armada platinum for the past 10 years. Armada is about to die and it’s time to bite the bullet and buy a truck.

Suggestions? I love GMCs but don’t exactly love their price tag… probably looking to buy something between two and four years old.

When I do haul out, I am hauling two,1300 pound horses.

Thanks in advance!

[clanter]

@SugarCubes

probably looking to buy something between two and four years old.

just be prepared for price shock

[Calvincrowe]

I’d go with whatever 3/4 ton size truck you could afford. I chose a diesel Chevy long bed for both its towing capabilities and the bed size for other uses. Don’t be afraid to ‘vet’ a used truck— there are mechanics who do mobile service for this.

[SugarCubes]

@Calvincrowe

I’d go with whatever 3/4 ton size truck you could afford. I chose a diesel Chevy long bed for both its towing capabilities and the bed size for other uses. Don’t be afraid to ‘vet’ a used truck— there are mechanics who do mobile service for this.

3/4 ton would mean like a 2500 or F250, right? I know nothing about trucks! Isn’t there a COTH cheat sheet with years, makes, and models that would be suitable? If not, we should make one! Joking…but only kind of

@clanter Oh I know. Not looking forward to having to get something else, but knew the time was coming! The Armada served me well for a long time.

[clanter]

@SugarCubes

@clanter Oh I know. Not looking forward to having to get something else, but knew the time was coming! The Armada served me well for a long time.

my son just bought a snow plow truck (after looking for a month) for his drive (and to help neighbors)…while looking around he was finding the pre 2000 7.3L F250 with a few hundred thousand miles on them were being sold for what we paid for them new. He found one in pretty good shape for $5k with plow.

One was 1997 F250 7.3L with 28,000 documented miles…it Sold for …$52,000… the truck’s sticker price when new was just under $31,000

28k-Mile 1997 Ford F-250 HD SuperCab XLT Power Stroke 4x4

[Weezer]

Around here, trucks really hold their value. When I bought mine, I had to buy a10 year old truck to get below the $20k price range (for an F150 Lariat). I’ve had two old Ford trucks and they’ve lasted long and been great. For me an F150 has been fine for occasionally hauling two big horses. I hauled two across Canada with an F150 a couple of times, no problem. But if you’re hauling two horses frequently or are hauling in really hilly areas, a 250 may be better. My Dad has had 2 Chevy trucks and they’ve both been great.

[Calvincrowe]

Yes, 250 or 2500. Be prepared to pay $$$ for a new truck, as you must know. I couldn’t find anything used that wasn’t used up, so I went new. Oof! 3500, duramax diesel, crew cab. I can pull or load damn near anything I want, with 6 passengers. Or 4 dogs and two humans.

[four2farm]

If you do know what you are doing, the truck market can be a snake pit. Truck prices are astronomical. New trucks are sky high, used are so hard to find, ridiculously priced or are reasonably priced for a reason. High miles, rust, age, mechanical problems, etc. I will be posting my “cheap” truck odyssey upon completion, lol

If I knew nothing about trucks I would either buy new/ barely used and still under warranty or find a consultant. Who do you know that is a gearhead, ie your trusted mechanic, a friend, a business owner? Offer to pay them a bounty on a truck that will do the job you need. Think about who you trust, that speaks “truck” and can either guide you or who can present you with finalists. My main advice, get an independent FULL mechanical and frame inspection by an independent mechanic before you buy. Tell them what this truck is going to do, your expectations and expect a few little issues. Sending wishes for a happy purchase!

[clanter]

if Ram is your used truck of choice you should at least look at Fastenal as they sell their fleet trucks to the public

https://vehicles.fastenal.com/

most are 1/2 ton two wheel drive but some are 3/4 ton 4 wheel drive. they will (or least would) transfer a truck from point to point in North America

2017 RAM 2500 4X4 HEMI REG CAB TRADSMAN

Asking Price:$28,500.00
Mileage:14,140
Location: LONGVIEW, Texas 75601

[SLW]

When we replaced our nearly 20 year old truck in 2019 we looked at CarMax. They get newer full sized trucks off fleets that are in great condition.

Ultimately we purchased a “fleet” truck- '18, F250 crew cab, long bed with 25K miles- from a dealer. It was comparable to what CarMax had on its lot for the price, mileage and features we wanted.

I will offer this, we went from an extended cab (the extended part became a dumping ground) to a crew cab and I only regret we didn’t do this sooner! Crew cabs are the way to go if you can.

[gallop_jump]

Buying old fleet trucks has been my go-to. We’re in gas country and while they’re always white and have no bells and whistles (my current truck’s driver seat only moves forward and back, not up and down, so I am 30 and using a fekking booster seat to see over the dash). I digress, but it’s a great way to get a truck at a decent price and lower mileage.

[clanter]

the Fastenal fleet trucks all have

• SLT package with power windows, power locks, cruise, a/c, tilt, rear sliding window, and bed liners

[Weezer]

This is too funny! What an image!!

[asterix]

Well, I don’t know what this does for you in terms of pricing, but you don’t necessarily need a 250 (3/4 ton). The newer 1/2 tons (150/1500) can easily be configured to tow over 10,000 lbs. I have a 17 f150 that can tow 12,000 lbs. Crewcab, long bed, etc. The ratings at 150 can really vary so you need to know exactly what you are getting.
First question is how much does your trailer weigh empty and loaded?

[SugarCubes]

Thank you! I was talking to my brother-in-law who has a new Silverado. His tow capacity is 12,500 so I actually started looking into those as well…much better price point than the 2500s

[TKR]

I’ve had them all - Ford, Chevy, GMC and now a Ram 3/4 T - NO COMPARISON! The Dodge Ram is a different animal in the way it pulls, the power and just the all over quality and well put together truck. They are usually the cheaper of all the trucks - figure that out! I will not buy anything else - JMHO!

[SugarCubes]

Good to know! I have a few Rams saved in my search as well I will check them out!

[B-burg_Dressage]

FIL has one of these. Less than 50,000 miles. She purrs like a kitten and pulls beautifully. Perfect condition.

Too bad he’ll never part with it. Lol

[B-burg_Dressage]

We recently went through this nightmare. I was originally only considering 250s or higher, but found a 16 F150 that is rated to haul 12,000 lbs. Which handles my two horses easily.

Be patient. The right truck is out there. Make sure the sales person knows you’re not interested in flash (unless you are). Our dealership let us take the truck home for a weekend. Had it checked out. I was able to check out prices on comparables and do even more research.

We also ended up going with an extended cab versus crew and saved money there. The newer extended cabs still have a lot of space compared to the old ones. And it’s usually just me and hubs anyway.

Also, even with having the truck looked over we purchased an extra warranty. Peace of mind is worth the extra $15 a month to me. Bumper to bumper.

Good luck!

[endlessclimb]

If you’re just pulling a 2 horse trailer, I’d stick with a gas 1/2 ton. No need to get crazy, unless you plan on upsizing your trailer. The gas will allow you flexibility as to what pump you can pull up to, and some of the new-ish 1/2 tons have plenty of towing capacity to pull with. You will have to install a brake controller, if you didn’t poach it from your old whip.