Ok guys....SUV or Crew Cab?

[Gator]

Yeah, my 2006 2500hd was great. It had the push button 4x4.... it was the vortec v8.

I hate to say it, but it may be a time in my life a short bed just "works"....it will drive me nuts, bit rhe kids might not be kicking me in the back when I'm driving. Getting lumber in a shortbed sucks, especially if it's a mix of ply and 2x.

I'm also a big proponent of why get a smaller engine...the rest of the truck is built to house the larger engine too....so you end up with a smaller engine working harder to push the same vehicle...

To further complicate things, not all short beds are created equal. The Sierra short bed is something like 5'9 or 10, the Tundra is 5'5" or so. 5" doesn't sound like a lot but there's a noticeable difference. The Sierra standard bed is 6'8" and then you can get the long 8' bed. Good luck in your decision!

 

[Ontariofarmer]

If you get a truck the extended cabs have a ton of room now. The seats fold up with lots of cargo area to secure hunting gear.
If you ever think you might want a fifth wheel you want at least a 6.5 box.
A longer wheel base vehicle tows a trailer better. Less sway.
What you get will be highly dependant on what you need now and later.
If you are inclined to trade trucks frequently hold they hold value well if you buy a slightly used one.
I have had trucks all my driving life, small and large and all makes.

I have had a newer Ford F-150 for two years. Had three rams and Chevy Silverado s before that and a Datsun and another F150.

The F150 3.5 l eco boost has a load a of power which surprised me. I towed a 6000 pound RV over the Rockies and hardly noticed it. Going down steep grades the 10 speed tranny did most of the braking.
Gas mileage is about 12 to 14 l/100 km
Gas mileage is really over rated unless you are driving over 25000 km per year.

I sound like a commercial. I guess I am a F150 fanboy now
Oh the newest F150 can be ordered with a 7.5 KW on board generator for boon docking
Never wanted or had a Ford since 1990 but I like this one.


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[Vtbow]

If you get a truck the extended cabs have a ton of room now. The seats fold up with lots of cargo area to secure hunting gear.
If you ever think you might want a fifth wheel you want at least a 6.5 box.
A longer wheel base vehicle tows a trailer better. Less sway.
What you get will be highly dependant on what you need now and later.
If you are inclined to trade trucks frequently hold they hold value well if you buy a slightly used one.
I have had trucks all my driving life, small and large and all makes.

I have had a newer Ford F-150 for two years. Had three rams and Chevy Silverado s before that and a Datsun and another F150.

The F150 3.5 l eco boost has a load a of power which surprised me. I towed a 6000 pound RV over the Rockies and hardly noticed it. Going down steep grades the 10 speed tranny did most of the braking.
Gas mileage is about 12 to 14 l/100 km
Gas mileage is really over rated unless you are driving over 25000 km per year.

I sound like a commercial. I guess I am a F150 fanboy now
Oh the newest F150 can be ordered with a 7.5 KW on board generator for boon docking
Never wanted or had a Ford since 1990 but I like this one.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

My truck before my 2500 was a bare bones F150XLT 8ft bed, standard cab. I absolutely loved that truck. My sister currently has a f150 and loves it as well. I have always been a fan of them.

 

[Vtbow]

I hear ya. I struggle with some of these cab distinctions. I think mine is the biggest/roomiest model, so I suppose that is crew max. The few times I've ridden in the back I can't believe how much space there is back there. You can haul a lot of gear (that you want secured) back there. I even tried sleeping there for one out of state hunt, but it wasn't an awesome night's sleep.

My first vehicle was an 88 Ford Ranger extra cab. Makes me laugh to think about my buddies riding around in those sideways rear jump seats!

when we are finalyl able ot get together for a beer, I'll tell you the story of getting pulled over in college in my ranger with 4 good buddies in the truck, two in the jump seats..one of whihc is like 6'5" 220, and the other had a huge burly beard. We had been climbing and camping for a long weekend...the truck smelled ripe....

I actually loved my ranger, it was stick, manual locking hubs, had some little oversized tires on it and a nice fiberglass cap. Handled really great, and was amazing in the snow.

 

[mattsteg]

Yes, need to be able to tow a boat/boats.

How big of boats?

 

[mattsteg]

My first vehicle was an 88 Ford Ranger extra cab. Makes me laugh to think about my buddies riding around in those sideways rear jump seats!

Oh man those seats. That was more or less my first vehicle as well (my dad's but it was the main vehicle I used through most of high school). Crazy memories of cramming folks in the back (including me and I ran up to 240ish at the time), or driving around with 5 people crammed in it, barely able to work the shifter.

 

[Vtbow]

How big of boats?

currently, Anywhere from a sunfish to an 16' antique fiberglass jetboat with a V8 interceptor in it...

 

[Exhumis]

Hey @Vtbow i was in the same predicament last December. I had a single cab truck and the kids were wanting to get in the woods. Also, I had a truck topper on it to hide my hunting gear but nothing screams I've got stealable stuff in the bed like a truck topper. I don't haul much stuff. I went back and forth and ended up with a 1st Gen sequoia for several reasons. Reasonable mpg, stupid easy to work on and super reliability. They are very roomy inside, I'm 6'2"ish and have tons of head and leg room. Plenty of room for two car seats, my daughter is in a booster and she can't even kick the back of the front seat. The third row comes out and the second row tumbles so I can sleep inside it with the kids if I wanted too. I can leave my hunting gear in the back and can tow a trailer if I wanted too. Sequoias are like mountain goats. They are larger than 4runners but smaller than big suvs which I need for going down trails.
The only issue I see your vehicle mileage requirement. But anyway those are my thoughts.

 

[parkersdad]

I say truck. You can sleep in them and it’s nice when you are successful to just throw it in the back. I hunt from a 2020 Ram Rebel 1500 and a 1994 Toyota truck.

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[tailgunner]

short beds arnt trucks they are cars missing the trunk lid.in an suv all your stuff is inside wont get wet or stolen even malled by bears.plus you stay warmer in all weather .can fit 10 foot 4x4 in it dont have to pack up anything just wake up and drive i used to hate them but after using one .realised its a moble camp thats even quieter in the wind.when its freezing out you just start it and have heat and radio.with a short bed it takes two trips to town to get beer

 

[mattsteg]

currently, Anywhere from a sunfish to an 16' antique fiberglass jetboat with a V8 interceptor in it...

So lots of fun, but nothing that's a pain to tow. I've got a 22 footer for fishing that's certainly more convenient to tow with an F150 than a small SUV (although plenty doable with either). We're normally about the longest combo with the shortest tow vehicle at the local launch (technically for boats 19ft and under...)

 

[Vtbow]

Hey @Vtbow i was in the same predicament last December. I had a single cab truck and the kids were wanting to get in the woods. Also, I had a truck topper on it to hide my hunting gear but nothing screams I've got stealable stuff in the bed like a truck topper. I don't haul much stuff. I went back and forth and ended up with a 1st Gen sequoia for several reasons. Reasonable mpg, stupid easy to work on and super reliability. They are very roomy inside, I'm 6'2"ish and have tons of head and leg room. Plenty of room for two car seats, my daughter is in a booster and she can't even kick the back of the front seat. The third row comes out and the second row tumbles so I can sleep inside it with the kids if I wanted too. I can leave my hunting gear in the back and can tow a trailer if I wanted too. Sequoias are like mountain goats. They are larger than 4runners but smaller than big suvs which I need for going down trails.
The only issue I see your vehicle mileage requirement. But anyway those are my thoughts.

Hadn't even considered the Sequoa, thanks or bringing it up!

 

[Vtbow]

So lots of fun, but nothing that's a pain to tow. I've got a 22 footer for fishing that's certainly more convenient to tow with an F150 than a small SUV (although plenty doable with either). We're normally about the longest combo with the shortest tow vehicle at the local launch (technically for boats 19ft and under...)View attachment 45426

that a jeep?
I havent had great experiences with Jeeps, and they have been less than great in the snow.....hard coming from a Subaru, I know. But the capabilities of a mid sized SUV are good to understand, thanks.

My normal boat is pretty much the same as yours with an 85hp merc. Fish n ski style, but I yanked out the front seats when I redid the interior and put a platforom in...

 

[tailgunner]

some people think f150s are trucks.the transmission in my toyota camry will last longer pulling a trailor.just cuzz it has ahitch dont mean its for pulling those are for bycicle racks.turbo diesels are for pulling.even f250s overheat the tranny pulling up hill on wineding roads.burned rubber right past one in a cummins at 2500 rpms pulling a 20 footer .f250 had a 16 footer.he had to crawl up the hill

 

[TNSTAAFL]

when we are finalyl able ot get together for a beer, I'll tell you the story of getting pulled over in college in my ranger with 4 good buddies in the truck, two in the jump seats..one of whihc is like 6'5" 220, and the other had a huge burly beard. We had been climbing and camping for a long weekend...the truck smelled ripe....

I actually loved my ranger, it was stick, manual locking hubs, had some little oversized tires on it and a nice fiberglass cap. Handled really great, and was amazing in the snow.

I get my first dose this afternoon! So ready to be done with this... though I know it will still be a while to get to "normal".

Mine was stick also, but I don't think it was manual hubs. My dad had an older Silverado that had that, but my Ranger I think just had a 4wd stick. Maybe I'm remembering it wrong.

 

[TNSTAAFL]

Oh man those seats. That was more or less my first vehicle as well (my dad's but it was the main vehicle I used through most of high school). Crazy memories of cramming folks in the back (including me and I ran up to 240ish at the time), or driving around with 5 people crammed in it, barely able to work the shifter.

My dad had a Ranger when I was in HS too. I borrowed it every chance I had.

I think you & I have lived the same life.

 

[elk yinzer]

I don't see much need for the 2500 or 3500 truck unless you need the extra towing capacity for RV or heavy machinery or the whole compensating deal. My boat is only about 2000 pounds and my old man's around 4000, as long as I can tow those I'm good.

With kids I think the SUV route is easier. I was debating between a 4Runner and Tacoma and ultimately went with the Taco mostly because I wanted to stick with a manual tranny. This will probably be my last of those unfortunately people are lazy and suck the fun out of everything these days.

The car seats fit fine as long as I can continue to convince my better half that two of those is enough. I plan to own it about 8-9 years at which point my kiddos should start needing a little more leg space and I can upgrade to something roomier. Unless something more appealing comes along or they soccer mom-atize the 4 Runner, I believe that will probably be my next vehicle.

I suffered with a tonneau for a year while I searched far and wide for a cheap color matched cap and finally sprung for a new one from the Leer factory right down the road. That was a good call, so much more space. Even sprung for the roof rack that I have no plans to use but feel like it makes it look a little less old manish. Guess I am feelzing the tacticool/overlanding vibes, yuck.

 

[tailgunner]

i do love those little 2 seat toyotas .just dont like my gear flying around in the back on logroads shakes up the beer

 

[IslandStorm62]

Well...after my 2500 Hd had a run in with the mice of death whom ate all 3 main wiring harnesses in the box and my insurance company declared it totalled(with only like 80k on it!!!!!!). And now my suby has met its death with rust.....

I'm looking for a vehicle... needs to fit 2 front facing cars eats and have leg room for me at 6'4". Would prefer at least a standard bed if a truck...and a v8.

Thinking either crew cab truck with cap, or Toyota 4runner....
Thoughts? Go.....

This is too easy. 2021 Colorado Z71 EXT Cab, 6' Bed get the Red one...they're faster and last longer... Wife and I have a 96' Silverado and '06 Jeep Grand Cherokee...Both new off the lot, still running. However, we have always run into space limitations with the Jeep. So get the truck for when...
As a hunter, you can do a lot with the bed. Almost forgot, forget the Crew Cab. Kids will grow up and you don't want to be driving your crew out on all the hunts, you will become the den mother.

 

[Vtbow]

I don't see much need for the 2500 or 3500 truck unless you need the extra towing capacity for RV or heavy machinery or the whole compensating deal. My boat is only about 2000 pounds and my old man's around 4000, as long as I can tow those I'm good.

With kids I think the SUV route is easier. I was debating between a 4Runner and Tacoma and ultimately went with the Taco mostly because I wanted to stick with a manual tranny. This will probably be my last of those unfortunately people are lazy and suck the fun out of everything these days.

The car seats fit fine as long as I can continue to convince my better half that two of those is enough. I plan to own it about 8-9 years at which point my kiddos should start needing a little more leg space and I can upgrade to something roomier. Unless something more appealing comes along or they soccer mom-atize the 4 Runner, I believe that will probably be my next vehicle.

I suffered with a tonneau for a year while I searched far and wide for a cheap color matched cap and finally sprung for a new one from the Leer factory right down the road. That was a good call, so much more space. Even sprung for the roof rack that I have no plans to use but feel like it makes it look a little less old manish. Guess I am feelzing the tacticool/overlanding vibes, yuck.

yeah, I only had the 2500 because I had a 9' Boss v-plow on the front and it originally had a sander in the bed....

I hate to say it, but I think I'm leaning towards a crew cab with a short bed....at least then I can put a load of compost or load an engine or 3pt impliment in the back if needed, and hell, can bring the bottles back in trash cans.... I just know I"m goin got miss a truck--I already do and I only havnt had one for 2 months....

Also, I'm probably going to make up on the gas cost by not having to put Super/High test in it like I do my subaru...thats like $0.75/gallon in savings...