which one?

[Ryan_V]

Alright, here goes. I'm going to be in the market for a truck. I will have 12-15k to spend. Looking at a 2005ish half ton. Hoping to keep it around 100k miles. What I need it to do is pull my camper a few times in the summer. (About 6500#s) so not too heavy. Other than that, I'll pull a boat, wheeler, etc and use it for hunting. I do also want to put a plow on it, only to do my own yard. I've never been brand specific, just want something that will do what I need it to and be reliable, but like to hear others thoughts/experiences/preferences. If it were you, would you lean twards Chevy, dodge, or ford for what I want to do with it. I'm looking for honest opinions, not an argument about what's better! And.......... GO. Thanks guys!

[smalliehunter]

Find yourself a Toyota tundra.

[Ryan_V]

I like the tundra, but they are a bit pricey

[smalliehunter]

Yes, they sure don't give them away. I'm also looking at trucks and when I can find the right one that's what I'm getting. Test drove a few Chevy's and the tundra felt much better, for same year and miles..

[Ufatz]

If you think the price of a Toyota Tundra is high.....wait until you have to buy a Toyota part!!

Bumped into my import mechanic pal yesterday and he told me a horror story about a guy bringing in a nice Lexus with a blown headlight etc. Instead of a bulb or minor assembly repair Toyota wanted $1300 for new light assembly.

Hard to believe I know, but I don't know why he would talk me about it.

[bobberineyes]

Looking at something in the mid 2000 range might not be a bad idea, seems like anything made in the last few years is pretty much impossible to work on ourselves. Might have do some searching to find one with descent miles and clean but there should be a few around.

[Ufatz]

Since you state you want a half-ton truck and also tell us what you plan to do with it, be very particular and precise about the specs for any truck you buy to make sure it can do things like handle a plow and pull a trailer of over 6000lbs. and similar duty.

To my mind, depending on the plow and the trailer that is putting a half-ton right at it's limits-sure, it can do it, but for how long? I'd look for a 3/4 ton by Chevy or Ford, each of which I have owned or used in past ten years, and they WILL do the job. Both good trucks...they Chevy a bit more civilized.

Go slow.Be inquisitive.

[delcecchi]

Since you state you want a half-ton truck and also tell us what you plan to do with it, be very particular and precise about the specs for any truck you buy to make sure it can do things like handle a plow and pull a trailer of over 6000lbs. and similar duty.

To my mind, depending on the plow and the trailer that is putting a half-ton right at it's limits-sure, it can do it, but for how long? I'd look for a 3/4 ton by Chevy or Ford, each of which I have owned or used in past ten years, and they WILL do the job. Both good trucks...they Chevy a bit more civilized.

Go slow.Be inquisitive.

I was thinking the plow and trailer would be at different times. Like plow in winter, pull boat in summer?

[Ryan_V]

Del is correct. The plow won't even be driven down the road. Just used at home and taken off. Ufatz, I currently have a diesel 3/4 ton, but am having problems with it, because I don't use it enough. A half ton is enough, that's why I want to sell my diesel, and get a half ton.

[fasterthanyou]

well hands down a dodge with a 5.7.. My friend has a half ton with a 5.7 pulls a 17' rv edition and stays right next to my cummins pulling a 21' rv.. dodge handles great and if something goes wrong they don't break the bank to buy... I currently have 2 of them in my drive way but they are 3/4 and are 012 and 014 I owned a 06 3/4 with a 5.9 cummins and was still my favorite truck next to my 012 long horn. I pull and also have a plow on my 012 and I had same on my 06 loved everyone of them... I did have a 08 ford half ton it did the job but not sure how the plow thing would go. but as far as the 5.4 they don't get great gas milage but they run for every.

[Ufatz]

Okay, first of all, I was NOT implying anybody would tow their camper and have a plow on the front at the same time! Let's not be silly.

I understand your attachment to the Dodge Cummins package...have several pals who have them. I no longer needed my diesel truck but I will tell anybody who listens that that 7.3 3/4 Powestroke Ford was one of the best trucks I have ever owned....and I don't even REMEMBER who many that has been. Yes, the half ton will do what you want plan to do but I would always be worried I was working the truck too hard. I would look to either Ford or Chevy from the years you discussed and not be too worried about getting a truly BAD truck unless somebody abused it and you did not discover it during inspections. I'm betting you're gonna find some nice trucks out there because there are so many of them and keep in mind, some of them have probably never been OFF the pavement! Ha Ha......sissy suburban trucks.

[Scott K]

I am just going to put this out there, Fords 5.4L 3 valve engine, hasnt been one of their best engines. I personally would avoid it as much as Fords 6.0L, and 6.4L engine. But some people love them, I just am not one of them.

[Down2Earth]

I'd get a Chevy. Those years will be before the AFM motors and were rock solid. Either way get a crew cab.

[not_nuf_time]

Chev use-to make a 1500hd. It will do whatever you need, only prob was they came in the 6.0 ltr engine (which is strong as an ox). Now the 6 liter gets better fuel milage but back in the early mid 2000's they only got about 12-13 mpg's. But a great mid half ton three quarter ton truck.