I want a new truck - recommendations?

[Blktail]

I am in the market for a new truck.
It needs to pull my boat, go hunting and not be covered in pretty plastic. Any recommendations?
Silverado/Sierra are getting fancy.
FJ Cruiser doesnt have room to sleep in the back.
Diesels are heavy and expensive.
Mileage is a big consideration given the price of fuel.

My present truck is a Sierra extra cab. 4.3 litre 4x4

[Dom]

Blktail, I'd recommend you go to those car research places on the net where you can plug in and compare vehicles you'd be interested in, which then lists out all the specs. You should also get some replies here from those who are actually driving trucks, which is also good. I'd also plug in the Tundra to compare against the Big 3 (I read that Toyota actually outsold GM the first 3 months this year, first time ever). I'm driving a 4Runner now, robably not what you're after, but it is a pretty decent rig. Always nice to get a new truck, good luck, Waidmannsheil, Dom.

[toxic111]

How big of boat? if not too large you could look at the small pick-up family, to at least get 25mpg on Hi-way... My ranger pulls my boat no problem.

The FJ does have room to sleep in the back, if you drop the seats, and make up something to make it comfortable (I haven't done that yet, I have a tent)

If you are looking for a full size, Ford & Chev will work.. though they are all getting 'plastic', I would say Dodge too.. but the trucks have not impressed me that much.. not after I saw what my bro-in-law went through with his.

The toyota or nissan trucks might do the trick for you as well.

Search for reviews online, and test drive a few, that should narrow the search.

[Baylian]

I really like my Tundra but the Tacoma gets better gas mileage.

Good Hunting, TJ

[Blktail]

Toxic

The new FJ cruiser seats only fold down to 30 degrees. You would need to be less than 2 1/2' to be comfortable.

[toxic111]

You must be talking the front seats.. as the rear seats fold down most of the way... I should know... we picked up our 2007 FJ 2 weeks ago.

I have seen a post on a FJ forum that tells of a way to make the rear area sleepable...

[jmarriott]

Diesels are heavy and expensive.

True but the diesels will get the same gas mileage pulling the boat as it does in normal driving.

[Dan Morris]

Kid's got a Dodge 05 3/4 ton Turbo Cummings.......I've never been a Chrysler fan but this thing has been super for 45k. Absolutely no problems...has a M/T. Torque... it will go straight up with proper glue on tires! If you are gonna tow, look at one. Gets about 22 on highway.We trashed the factory rubber and put BFG Trans rubber on it.
Dan

[Rimshot]

Get what you want but, I will keep my Silverado 2500HD with the Duramax / Allison.
I pull trailers and have a 35 foot 5th wheel. I get 9 - 11 pulling the RV but 20 normal driving and highway.

[Blktail]

Rimshot

Moose hunting is 1200km (750 miles) from home plus hunting miles. One trip is easily 2000 miles. At 10 miles per gallon it works out to 200 gallons+. At $5/gal it works out to $1000 for fuel.

I need something I can sleep in the box of, can pull 3000 lbs a few miles, 1500 lbs a long way, and gets good mileage.

Local hunting trips cost $50 for the ferry + $50 fuel, or no ferry and $100 for fuel.

I like to hunt, but I need to eat too. Beef sucks, so mileage is important.

[Blktail]

Toxic

You tried sleeping in the back of that FJ Criser yet? I hope you are not taller than 2' 6".

[toxic111]

Haven't tried sleeping yet, but have hauled some stuff around.. with the seats down we get around 5'... since I sleep curled up anyway.,. it would not be a big deal..

My suggestion.. bring a tent.. lol..

Oh, you prob don't want it anyway.. getting only around 22mpg combined.. At least gas went down here again today.. down to $1.149 litre now..

[skeeter@ccia.com]

I have spent some time in the Dodge megacab. If you want backseat room there it is. Average mpg last June was 19 on the road. Tow anything I need to tow so far including 35' 5th wheel rv. Mind you I don't tow that for hundreds of miles yet but so far it has worked for me......check it out....sit in the back seat ....good luck....post on what ya end up with.....