Suppose you HAVE to buy a 3/4 ton...

Ok, but why?

 

The biggest problem. Later year Duramax would be OK if it wasn't for the diesel fuel we have in the US. It doesn't provide enough lubrication for the Bosch IP. Basically the IP fails from metal contamination. Maybe the fuel is better in Canada?
Broken cranks, cracked pistons and bent rods complete the list.
I'm otherwise a GM fan.

 

I am eventually going to need a 3/4 ton and unless Toyota does the unthinkable and builds me one I’m going to be getting a Ford F-250/350.
That is based on me working in the wilderness, being offroad all the time and not trusting a Ram to bring me back every time after all the issues my forest service friends have had with them. The electronics in the new Rams are absolutely pathetic and fail frequently. The Rangers I know in the fords never have that issue, they just break the normal parts every truck can offroad.

Chevy isn’t an option on any platform for me.

 

Remember that Toyota did make a one ton pickup from 85 to 92. There wasn't much room for that load and couldn't tow much.

 

My brother works in forestry and everyone he knows swears by GM for both work and personal trucks.

 

An older one that doesn't require DEF. Dodges are annoyingly loud AF. The Chevies are whisper quiet but dated style. Fords are .... well Fords. GMC's are just a Gay Man's Chevy (not that there's anything wrong with that).

 

GMC=Gots More Chrome

 

I was looking through the local government auctions before I bought my Tundra. The Washingron forestry service (DNR) always had several. They were mostly under 120K miles on the odometers but they very well used. The state of Oregon for some reason liked Fords. None had diesels. I think the only Dodges were from city and county districts with relatively low miles. They were getting rid of them as soon as they could.

 

I still think one of those could be made into a cool camper/road trip vehicle. Make the wife drive while I sit back and enjoy the game on TV, a sandwich, and some beer until we arrive at the destination!

 

All my wifes coworkers comment on the van. They actually have said "It's a cool azz creeper van!"
I have had a pallet with 50 12 bottle cases of XXX in it. And I can tell you, you couldn't even tell! On the interstate is where it really since. It will run 70-80 mph on day long, loaded with stuff and you can't feel it.
Since I don't travel as much, it has slowly starting to turn into a Sportmobile Rig but without 4 wheel drive. I don't really care as I have four other 4wd rigs. I do have a 2 seater in the rear, invertor prewired, a inflatable bed which is real nice when I get tired (or whatever ) and small shelfing over the rear left wheel.
People really trip when they hear the diesel motor in it, as it's not very common.



O.S.T.

 

I knew someone years ago that had a fairly new at the time Ford 4X4 van with a 7.3L PSD. It was a really awesome rig. It was decked out with all kinds of creature comforts for traveling and off-roading.

 

I agree, these thanks are great for outdoors whether your in the Mud, Sand, Surfing, fishing, MX, camping, etc. Some of these things can sell for $80k-$110k.

Especially these SportsMobile 4x4 with the penthouse tops, full camping go anywhere.


SportsMobile 4x4





Even Quigley 4x4 or other aftermarket 4x4 conversions aren't cheap. I have seen these from $30k-$60k.



Quigley 4x4





Mine is nothing like these above. But then I again I only paid $3500.00 for mine!



O.S.T.

 

I think the guy had a SportsMobile but without the ladders. It looked a lot like it but it's been nearly 20 years so my memory is a little hazy.