Truck Shopping

[Dasfinc]

I haven't made one of these threads in a while .

Been shopping for a tow rig/winter vehicle for the past few weeks, and have test driven a number of different ones.

Pre-requisites:

2007+
Under $14K
V-8 (7000+ towing capacity)
LSD rear end or 4wd.
NOT WHITE (no service trucks)



So far I've driven:
07 Durango (AWD 4.7)
06 Jeep Commander (4WD V6)
05 Jeep Grand Cherokee (4WD 4.7 V8)
07 Ram super cab (2WD 4.7)
03 Explorer (Just to see how it rode etc).

The Durango driving position was pretty horrid IMO, felt like I was driving a mini-van, so I will not look at any more of those.

The Jeep Commanders styling was too funky/boxy for Miss Esa to tolerate being seen in (as she will be driving it too, and I gave her Veto rights).

The Grand Cherokee I liked quite a bit (Comfy, lots of luxury features, V-8 power in a smaller package), but it is rather small on the inside, (and again, Miss Esa didn't really like the size of it). Also I feel like a 5 seater SUV tow-rig doesn't make complete sense (I think I want a Bed, or 7 seats).

The Explorer is my friends, and I like it quite a bit, but again, hard to find a V-8 07+ Explorer for reasonable $.

The Ram I drove (Despite being 2wd, and the smaller V8) we both liked the most, and I may make an offer on it (Clean example, felt perfect, good price, etc).

Anything else I'm missing that meets the criteria?

4X4 Rams, and 5.7 powered rams seem to have a pretty serious premium, and I'd only really be towing the Bimmer or the Miata anyways (which the 4.7 could handle just fine).

Anything to look for or avoid on this generation of Rams/4.7/Trans?

Click to read more...

 

[EmersonHart13]

Have you considered a Ranger?

It had to be said, I am just getting it out of the way.

I like the GC the best. I have the burb and have never had more than 3 people in it (including driver). I like covered storage. Anything that doesn't fit goes on the trailer. I wish I had the mpgs of a smaller SUV so I could drive it more. If I was to switch up I would be looking long and hard at GCs. Preferably with the I6, but I would take a V8 for the extra towing capacity.

 

[Dasfinc]

Have you considered a Ranger?

It had to be said, I am just getting it out of the way.

I like the GC the best.

Zing!

We want something that can transport people in the rear seats, not just small parcels.

 

[EmersonHart13]

I just updated my post.

 

[Dasfinc]

Probably could/should move this to the Truck section... Just realized that, my bad.

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

Must be v8? Or just needs some balls?

 

[Dasfinc]

Must be v8? Or just needs some balls?

Something that is rated to tow 7000+

Don't think any V-6's have that minus an Ecoboost F-150 which is out of the question.

I figure Car+trailer is about 5,000lbs give or take, plus 2-4 passengers and gear is how it would be used.

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

Ok. You should add that to the first post!

 

[Yaj Yak]

Why 07+

 

[Dasfinc]

Why 07+

the 2 banks I prefer to finance with both want 07+.

 

[ktraver97ss]

5.3L Silverado crew cab

 

[EmersonHart13]

Yeah that tow rating definitely changes the discussion.

 

[Dasfinc]

5.3L Silverado crew cab

Find me one that meets the criteria within 50 miles of here and I'll buy you a sandwich.

I LOVE the 07 Silverados, but they have quite a premium on them still.

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

Yeah that tow rating definitely changes the discussion.

Yup. I was thinking xterra but only 5k tow rating.

 

[Dasfinc]

Yup. I was thinking xterra but only 5k tow rating.

Miss Esa traded in her Tacoma for the Miata because of the limited rating of the Tacoma (and shit MPG despite being a V-6).

The Taco was 'technically' rated for 6,500, but because it is still a 'compact' truck, towing a car can become very hairy, and hard on the clutch.

We decided if we are going to have a truck, we MPG's can be a sacrifice so long as it is capable. There may be times where there is a motorcycle or two in the bed as well WHILE towing, which is completely outside of the Tacomas capacity anyways.

 

[EmersonHart13]

2007 Ford F150

FORD F-150 2007

2007 Silverado Crew Cab New Style(4 door) 1 owner

 

[Dasfinc]

The Silverado is on a flat spare with a company logo on the door, no way would I touch that.

One of those F-150's is a V-6 standard cab, and the ext. cab V-8 has 120,000 on it.

 

[EmersonHart13]

2007 gmc sierra 1500 ls

2007 DODGE DURANGO 4X4 SXT

2007 Silverado Crew Cab

 

[EmersonHart13]

Your universe is a bit small... Not too many options.

 

[Yaj Yak]

the 2 banks I prefer to finance with both want 07+.

I'd look elsewhere to broaden your horizons... It may be a slightly higher interest rate but at this price it would be a different of a few hundred bucks. Cuz in that case you can look at navigators, Silverado, F150s, Tahoe, suburban, expeditions, etc etc.

 

[Dasfinc]

2007 gmc sierra 1500 ls

2007 DODGE DURANGO 4X4 SXT

2007 Silverado Crew Cab

Top one is a standard cab

Don't want a Durango.

Over 100K on the clock on the last one

Your universe is a bit small... Not too many options.

I know it is, that's why I'm asking if I missed any thing model/make wise in my range/criteria.

 

[EmersonHart13]

Chevrolet Silverado 2007 (1500 Classic WT) (56,000 miles)!!

2008 Ford F-150

You need to go older or up your budget. There is nothing.

 

[The Beast]

I will keep an eye out for u

 

[Yaj Yak]

Get over the white thing you have and get this http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=261085697721

 

[EmersonHart13]

White would be a huge help.