I did a number of searches to see how many topics I could find, and there are quite a few I found, and some I posted on too.
here's the situation - 2 of our survey trucks are getting up there in mileage (120k + 130k), and even tho running fine at the moment, we're looking for when to get new trucks. If anyone has looked lately, there are not a lot of 2010-2011 used trucks in the market to choose from, so we're looking new. I prefer Ford F-150's, extended cab, 4x4, w/silver shield covers and boxes. I'm getting some "encouragement" to look at similar Chevy's; we'll probably be buying 2 trucks, either 2012 or 2013 models.
any negative experiences with either of these new trucks? spending this much money, and being responsible for them, I need to know I have researched this fully.
thanks.
> I did a number of searches to see how many topics I could find, and there are quite a few I found, and some I posted on too.
> here's the situation - 2 of our survey trucks are getting up there in mileage (120k + 130k), and even tho running fine at the moment, we're looking for when to get new trucks. If anyone has looked lately, there are not a lot of 2010-2011 used trucks in the market to choose from, so we're looking new. I prefer Ford F-150's, extended cab, 4x4, w/silver shield covers and boxes. I'm getting some "encouragement" to look at similar Chevy's; we'll probably be buying 2 trucks, either 2012 or 2013 models.
> any negative experiences with either of these new trucks? spending this much money, and being responsible for them, I need to know I have researched this fully.
> thanks.
We ran Fords for years. My dad loves them. In 2000 we bought Dodges because the price was so much cheaper, and they were tough as a boot. In 2007, dad got a chevy, and in 2008 I got a chevy that replaced my 05 hemi.
Reviews, I hate fords, period. My chevy is the most comfortable truck, I've ever driven. My 05 Hemi was the toughest truck I'd ever driven, and a second on comfort and 5k less than the comparable chevy.
My 05 hemi is still on the road today as a crew truck with 185k on it and still going well. We have had some maintenance on it, but not that you wouldn't expect it out of a crew truck that is 7 years old.
Last December we replaced a crew truck, which was my dad's 02 Ford F150 with a Dodge Hemi. Both 4 door, both 4 wheel drive, both have bells and whistles. The ford had 191k on it. The hemi is stronger, period and gets 2 mpg better with the MDS and is equal to my chevy with the 4 vs. 8 cy thingy but my chevy ain't got the ass the hemi does.
This december, I'm replacing my old 05 hemi with a new 13 hemi for the chief driving it now. It should have 192k on it or so.
Over the years I have worked out of quite a few trucks. F-150's, Suburbans, F-250's, Isuzu Troopers, and a Nissan Titan, to name a few. When I went on my own about a year and a half ago, I bought a used Dodge Ram, 4 door, 4x4, and I'm sold. More thought obviously went into the design of this truck than any other one I have worked from. It's got a hemi, so it's plenty strong and tough. It's got over 200,00 miles now and running strong. I know the person who purchased it new, so I know it has needed very little repair work. If I were buying new, I would be looking for another Dodge.
In my opinion, the others would rate in this order:
Chevy
Nissan Titan
Isuzu
Ford (I'm not a Ford fan)
thank you both - I'm surprised to see Dodge hemi 2x - and 2 ford haters. interesting, maybe I need to check out the Dodges.
I like Chevy's.
If you get a Chevy, do not get the AFM (Active Fuel Management) if you have a choice. Make sure it has a transmission cooler. If you get the 1/2 ton, consider adding one leaf to the rear springs or adding air bags to help support any load.
James
FWIW, my 2001 dodge passed the 1/4 million mile mark yesterday, no hemi, BUT a Cummins diesel. I am the only driver since new, that will make any brand last longer, especially if the driver is the owner and has to pay for the repairs, still I wouldn't hesitate to say the Dodge has been good to me. For major repairs, I had new bearings put in the rear axle, new ball joints, etc. on the front axle, replaced the synchronizers in the transmission (manual) along with the clutch and that is about it in 12 years (about 7K total cost). For minor repairs, one water pump, one alternator, one AC compressor and one set of brakes, for 12 years, I consider that acceptable.
Not sure the diesel is worth the cost differential unless you keep it forever OR run heavy, I seem to do both, plus I like the torque on the low end, but that is just a personal preference.
SHG
Definitely check out the Dodges. I've owned a couple Ford trucks and my current '99 Dodge and they have all treated me well. The last Ford had a 302 that ran great, but seemed a bit weak. Outside of that though, it was a tough truck and took a beating without ever complaining. The current Dodge has a 360 and is a pleasure to drive. However, it has had some non-typical issues that needed to be fixed; they were small ticket items (e.g. loose speedometer cable), but still had me wondering about overall build quality.
If I were to buy a new truck today, I would look seriously at both Ford and Dodge. I would probably lean a little more toward the Dodge, much of that based on the fact that the Dodge motors are the only motors still built here in the States (based on hearsay from what I consider to be reliable sources, but I haven't researched this myself).
I just got a new dodge and it's working well.
I like the GMC's but they aren't for off-road so they don't work.
They ride nice and have nice interior but they have no clearance (the frame drops down) so you have to raise them and that costs and then it changes how they work.
I haven't had a Ford for a while but they were OK.
Got rid of a diesel and I'm glad. They are expensive to buy and to operate. Plus it got the same mileage as the gas. They are nice on the highway and have low torque but it's hardly worth the extra money flying out of pocket.
If you don't want full-size then I think Toyota is all that's left. Can't speak for them but people swear by them. I just can't fit boxes and a 4-wheeler in them so they are out for me.
I am working out of a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 Quad cab with the Hemi and 223,000 mi. Its comfortable and does everything I want it to. Towed my 21' Pro-line Cuddy to St. Lawrence River from VA this past summer, no issues at all. Its not a fuel miser, but the MDS on the '06 and up models make up for that.
My father has a 2010 Ram 4x4 Crew Cab with the 5.7L and MDS. I have been able to average 20mpg on the interstate using the cruise and not putting the hammer down.
In the past, I worked out of a 98 F150 XL V6 2wd, it was a solid work truck, and several Econoline 150s with 4.6l V8s. I wouldn't work out of a van again, just a pain to turn around in the woods and wallowing suspensions.
Shelby - better change out the lift pump and quick, if you haven't yet. That little small piece will start a chain reaction and injection pump is next (2,000+). It is less than 2 bills and should be replaced every 75 or 100 thousand. I also have a cummins (1992) and haven't started it in over 10 months. Put a hot battery on and primed fuel and it hit on first turn. I don't care for dodge but I love that engine.
I vote for 2011 and up F-150 Screw 4x4 3.5 ecoboost. Will hands down beat chevy/dodge.
ditto on the lift pump. I had to replace the lift pump and injector pump on my 1999 Dodge Cummins this spring at 120,000 miles... just a week after I put new tires on the dang thing.... was a bill I could have done without. Dodge has a lift pump kit that moves the pump from the side of the motor to inside the tank which is supposed to fix the dead lift pump = you need a new injector pump problem, or so I hear.
One of my early mods was a FP gauge, several OEM lift pumps (LP) later (one replacement lasted less than 12K miles when I still had it mounted to the block), to include moving it to the frame rail in front of the tank, larger lines with removal of the restrictive banjo fittings, etc., I replaced the OEM Carter pump with an after market pump and am happy.
If you own a 1998-2002 Cummins powered Dodge and don't keep an eye on fuel pressure, you will end up buying an injector pump (IP) much sooner than not, mine is still original at 250K and counting, I am sure it will eventually need replaced, but at about 1/3 the frequency of some horror stories I have heard.
Every vehicle has a weak link it seems and the inadequate lift pump on the 24V Cummins is it for this vehicle.
SHG
There is a world of difference between a Ford F150 and an F250 Super Duty in terms of durability.
Toyota Tundra is lighter duty than the F250 Super Duty, but superior to an F150 or a Chevy, IMO.
Good to know, looks like a Tundra may be my next survey chariot (fingers crossed, first job interview in 6 weeks).
My experiences with Fords have been dismal, somehow they manage to be both underpowered while at the same time getting abysmal gas mileage.
My 2007 Chevy with 180k required a new water pump and alternator, other than that is OEM including all the brake components. I am a bit phobic about servicing so I think that plays into it as well. Not bad for a 6 banger with full complement of survey equipment, last compression check showed I'm running about 102 per cent of spec.
I'm seriously considering a used Tahoe or Yukon 4wd as a backup vehicle as the market is just flooded with them right now, have found several under 3k that with a crate tranny and long block would be good as new for under 12k investment.
Got this a year ago basic model FORD work truck . 6 cyl good on gas plenty of power . nice truck. Got in the low 20's .
thanks for all the replies - seems the favorites are varied all over the place.
I grew up a chevy guy, probably because my Dad was. My first truck as a crew chief was a ford back in 1986, and other than that short stint with a dodge mini van in early 1989, it's been all F-150's since, with only the last 5 trucks being my choice for our field crews. We have had great luck with these, and usually replace at about 150-160k miles. It'll probably come down to dealer support and the best deal/availability once we get ready to pull the trigger on a pair of trucks.
for those who bought new trucks - did you come in with a "build sheet" with the items/options you wanted? I know I want tow package, and that usually comes with heavy duty cooling and suspension, but other than that, simple as possible.
Natural Gas
Natural gas filling stations are springing up in Oklahoma. The fuel is $1.70 a gallon and all-american. I understand that there are tax credits to perform the conversion. Our company has determined that the conversion pays back in about 2 years if you are driving 2000 miles a month or more.
I drove a propane fueled work vehicle back in 1994 and there was really no difference - except the range was a little less than with gasoline.
What ever you choose I would look at a 3/4 ton version. They are tougher and can handle a bigger load and have more ground clearance.
I am currently running a Dodge 3/4 4WD with 113k and I am about to do my first major repair. I am finally putting on a new set of brakes. The ones currently on it are factory originals.
How's about the theory of just"new to you"?
For you to zip around in to job site,meet clients and whatnot...
And for the crew...
Paint them company colors and your good to go...I mean it's not really like you need A/C in Phoenix,but there are aftermarket units available for both...
And the good news...they are both in Phoenix...
Another good point would be that they will increase in value over time...
And they can haul 🙂
Vertically Challenged -
first of all, I'd rather be sailing too.
second, the entire idea of replacing survey trucks even tho currently running just fine - is to be sure we avoid mechanical trouble and breakdowns, as much as possible. I do monthly inspections, we schedule and get routine maintenance done, and do our best to keep trucks as 100% as possible.
I like the old 55 Chevy's, but seriously, not a dependable survey vehicle for as much off-road as we do.
and yes, we need A/C.
