Truck recommendations
Posted by Tonic760@reddit | overlanding | View on Reddit | 24 comments
Short version:
Want truck recommendations
-20k price range
-mid or full size
-6 or 8 cylinder
-4x4
-Rear lockers preferably
-Tacoma, Tundra, Colorado, Silverado are top options
Long version: I’m looking to buy my next truck. I have a 2012 Silverado but being RWD, it limits my trails. I was thinking of getting a Z71 trail boss but I don’t want to deal with Chevy’s AFM issue. My dream truck is a Tacoma but they’re above my budget. I’m planning on putting a hardshell pop up camper, 35s, front and rear bumpers and bypass shocks. All those makes me want a full size because I feel like a mid size’s motor will work harder than it should. I do like the mid size’s fuel economy and smaller size for trails. So I’m just looking for opinions and first hand experiences.
TIA
Hairy-Man-Lady@reddit
2011-2016 Ford super duty fx4 with rear locker. Diesel or gas whichever you prefer. It’s going to be the same size as a Silverado, but with solid axles and all the towing and payload capacity you could ever want.
Mickey_Malory@reddit
1st gen Tundra.
clauderbaugh@reddit
Go full size. Save yourself the frustration 2-3 years down the road after you've been in a smaller truck and realizing you really would like more space. You may think now - "ahh, it's not that much of a difference and a smaller truck will do better on trails!" I'm here to tell you nearly every person I know that has built a rig and spends a good deal of time in it - be it weekend warrior or full timer - has traded their Tacoma to move to a full size truck. It's not just space to move around, it's gear storage, fuel tank capacity, payload, etc. Trail navigation differences are very minimal, so long as you're patient. So it may take me a three (or 5) point turn whereas a Tacoma can just clear it, so what? Bottom line, no one ever says man, I wish I didn't have all this extra space, range and payload.
basi52@reddit
Take this from someone who lives part time out of a 2 door jeep.
You can make anything work, but you will always be sacrificing comfort for capability. Sure I can turn on a dime and make it up most things in stock form that a full sized would hesitate to do lifted, but I also only have 2 seats and can only carry 300lbs (legally) after me and my gf are in it
SignificantOption349@reddit
Honestly, save up for a Tacoma…. If it’s what you want then find a way to get it. The money you’ll spend on another truck won’t find its way back to you, so whatever you’ve got now, just keep stacking on top of that.
You could also find a well kept Tacoma with higher mileage and maybe negotiate the price down a bit. I’ve seen a few listed on marketplace that I’d have bought if I had money for a second truck. Just keep searching for the right balance of age/ mileage and condition for you to feel comfortable with buying. You’ll likely still be paying more but it’ll be worth it in the end.
basi52@reddit
Tacomas are decent trucks, but kinda gutless once you put any sort of weight on them, and the weak axles and frame are super unattractive considering the price tags people are asking for them
Absolute bomber though as far as reliability goes, not sure about the new ones but my bros old 2008 Tacoma had almost 500k km on it when he sold it
Jimmy_the_Heater@reddit
I hear ya on the AFM issues but let me give you a counterpoint. ALL of the vehicles in the class have an issue that someone could consider a deal breaker. Chevy-AFM, Ford-wet belt or cam phasers, Dodge-Hemi Tick, Gladiator-Camshaft, Tacoma-weak 2 piece frame and small axles....the list goes on and on
I really think we are to the point where you just buy one, try to prevent the major gotcha's like disabling the AFM, then if it still blows, you fix it and make it better.
In my opinion the 2 vehicles with the fewest BIG issues are the F150 with the 5.0 Coyote engine and the Nissan Frontier. But I'll say it again, we are past the days of a truly bulletproof vehicle.
I don't mention the Tacoma because if you are carrying heavy loads like a camper their frame and axle really wouldn't inspire confidence. https://youtu.be/ThC_BJSfUC4?si=0vGstLjiNuaWld5o This video shows the differences between a Taco and a Gladiator.
Tonic760@reddit (OP)
You’re the second person to recommend the F150. I’ll look into it.
Thanks for the video. I was actually interested in a gladiator but heard they had a bunch of issues.
basi52@reddit
Jeeps are really weird as far as reliability goes
If you get a good one, they end up being bulletproof, but the problem is it’s literally a roll of the dice since stellantis cut QC with the new ones
as far as capability and actual toughness goes, they are pretty much the best option out there, especially if you go with a rubicon
Autoimmunity@reddit
I have an F150 with the 5.0. If you're not getting super technical with your trails, it's pretty fantastic. Parts are relatively inexpensive and if you can do your own work on stuff it's relatively easy to work on.
SendTitsPleease@reddit
I think his best bet would be a 2500, or even 1500 4x4 Suburban.
LintsKing@reddit
You are really looking for a Frontier
Tonic760@reddit (OP)
I had a 2003 frontier that was fun but I had an oxygen sensor issue that I could never get fixed. What year would you recommend?
LintsKing@reddit
I have a 2019 and I absolutely love it. Would like it even more with a rear locker. But that's something you can get in the pro 4X.
Tonic760@reddit (OP)
Nice truck! Is there a good amount of aftermarket parts for it? It was a pain to find bumpers and lifts for my 03.
LintsKing@reddit
I have been able to find a lot of aftermarket parts pretty easily for it. I have a suspension lift on it and a hidden wench Mount and full skid plates. And a bunch of other little things. I wanted a midsize living in the desert and exploring mountain mining trails that are pretty tight. I was going to build a pop-up wedge camper for it. But we get by just fine. Sleeping in the shell. The truck bed has grooves for a platform. You can order custom bumpers for it and also weld together ones. I opted for a hidden winch mount. And will probably trim my bumper if I get into any more rock crawling, but I haven't had an issue yet.
ninjawinch@reddit
That generation has a decent amount of stuff available. They're extremely reliable; one might even argue they compete well vs. many similar year Tacomas because of Tacoma rust issues.
Mechanically they're each very reliable; the Taco has a better aftermarket and should be lighter, but the Nissan has a better frame and bed.
Do be aware that a built out Frontier crew cab will weigh almost as much as an F-150, though. And the F-150 probably gets better gas mileage.
Don't forget the impact of brakes and transmission in this, as they contribute a lot to the payload and tow ratings of the half-ton pickups. The main reason to get a midsize over a half ton is to fit on tighter trails; if that's not a concern then the integrated brake controllers, bigger brakes, and stouter running gear can benefit you. People make the midsize trucks all kind of overloaded and it's more work to get the suspension dialed in, even if you're throwing the OEM GVWR out the window.
Own-Razzmatazz-849@reddit
Brother I would just like to tell you now that you should put thebtecoma dream to rest. They look amazing and they are amazing trucks but when you start putting any weight in the bed you'll quickly find yourself wanting. I had a 22 tundra and loved it but I wanted to try the Tacoma. I leased a trd off-road Tacoma for a year and constantly wished I had gone with the tundra again. The twcoma is more agile and versatile but with a bed rack, big tires, rtt, recovery bumpers, it felt like it had no balls. The tundra handles everything and you never notice the extra weight. Although it is less versatile and less aeatheticly pleasing, it functions better. There are a ton of tundras on FB marketolace in my area under 20k so I'd consider that.
JollyGreenGigantor@reddit
This man speaks the truth. Plus look at payload on the Tacoma, not towing capacity, payload. It's less than a Subaru Forester.
You know what payload weight includes? Driver, passenger, bumpers, winch, friends, dogs, beer, extra water and fuel, tools, weed, tent, kitchen, etc
Ya_Boi_Newton@reddit
The advantage of the full size is payload and gas tank size. Modern midsize truck drivetrains can handle everything you listed pretty much no problem. You just end up running out of space and use up your payload pretty quickly with a pop up camper. Something like the GFC would be a good lightweight option, though expensive as shit.
5th Gen rangers can be had with 4x4 and lockers and really good payload around that price range. You're not really gaining anything with a 6 cylinder if the trucks are approximately equally rated.
joshuaherman@reddit
I’m going to be doing a video on vehicle choices soon.
I settled on a 2015+ single cab ford f150 2.7l with a 6.5 ft bed. Many factors go into vehicle choice. Wheelbase on trails, gvwr load capacity, fuel economy, factory locking differential, parts availability etc.
MercedesAutoX@reddit
Pre 10 speed FX4 F150 with a 5.0 would be my pick for that list. I’m taking delivery on a 3/4 ton to replace mine tomorrow, legitimately the best truck I’ve ever owned and I’ve had half a dozen GMT800s. I’ve put oil and gas in that thing for 232k miles and barely had to do so much as regular maintenance to keep it going.
Shmokesshweed@reddit
Very, very important unless your budget allows you to buy a 2023 and above (not in this case).
Tonic760@reddit (OP)
Awesome i’ll look into one of those.