Yes, the block heater might just be worth it. Who knows where I'll end up! Does the 5th wheel prep take up any space in the bed? I may want to add that option just in case. I know I'd love a camper or RV somewhere down the road. This truck will probably be the last vehicle we buy for a long while.

I'm not set on a color yet. I don't have anywhere to accurately compare them. I'm kind of partial to the black over tan or the triple coat platinum white. The wife doesn't really like the black, but says it's my truck. And she is hating the idea of having a car payment again. She's urging me to look at some used trucks.

 

The fifth wheel prep goes below the bed and adds a plug on the bed wall. The plug gets in the way of the factory bed extender if you wanted that.

I looked at the white but really like the bronze over tan.

 

Then don't buy it, lease it, that's what I do. The lease payment is about 2/3 or less than a buy payment and you only pay sales tax on the monthly payment not the entire amount. I've been leasing for 15 years and it's the only way to go even if you can pay cash for the new truck. The payment for a lease will be less than the payment for a newer used truck. Only way to go.

Pap

 

there's so many out there... look at the classifieds and see if one has the options you want. heck... you might even end up buying it used for 10K less than new! AFTERMARKET PARTS!

 

So, after reading a bit more I have to ask if a new diesel is right for me?

The reasons I was looking into diesel were because of better fuel economy and more durability. The ability to tow something in the future is a definite bonus. Right now I just have 2 Harleys and don't even have a trailer for them yet. I don't have anything to pull em.

It won't be my "daily driver" per say, since I usually ride my Harley to work. But, it will be a kid taxi, grocery getter and road tripper. I'd drive it to work maybe 25% of the time.

Should I just look at the F-150 with the Eco Boost greenie weenie engine?

 

You don't need a diesel for the daily drive, but a truck with a gas engine (esp. a 6 cylinder) is just a car with an open air trunk when it comes to towing. Might as well buy a Taurus . You gotta decide if the possibility of towing is worth the $7K cost of the diesel for you.

 

Pulling one or two motorcycles? The diesel is way overboard. You'll never save money due to higher maintenance costs and services. Get the F150. It is more than enough truck for what you're wanting to do.

 

The new twin turbo V-6 Ecoboost in the F-150 has become the go-to rig from what I hear. The F-150 is THE most popular vehicle sold and has been for decades. There is a reason for this. It hauls more than any other 1/2 ton and is rock solid. You can't go wrong for what you want in an F-150 setup for your needs.

Pap

 

I would go with a gasser F250. It may be more truck than what you need now, but you have plans for a camper or toy hauler in the future.

 

Yeah, choices choices!

I am expecting the truck to last me a long while. I'd hate to get an RV in 10 years or so and not have the capability to pull it. /sigh

 

That's why I ordered a diesel. Right now I have a towable camper (7500 lbs) which I could pull with a gas engine. In a few years we plan on upgrading to a fifth wheel and that will take a diesel to pull.

It's what they call in business school "the cost of money." Do you spend the dollars today for a future benefit (losing access to the dollars now) or wait and potentially pay more later. Real head scratcher.

 

It doesn't take a diesel to pull a 5th wheel. Most any 3/4-1 ton pickup with a gas engine will pull a 5th wheel. Will a gas rig pull a 5th wheel 80 mph up a steep hill? Maybe not, but who needs to go that fast in the first place pulling a trailer.

 

I guess the wifes biggest concerns are fuel economy and having a car payment again. We will be trading in a 2006 Honda Civic. It's just too small for the family now.

And I NEED something to pull my motorcycles.

 

The new Eco-boost twin turbo V-6 has 365 hp and 420 tq while getting 22.8 mpg on a 3.15 rear. Go look up the Jan-Feb issue of Truck Trend as there was a huge article on the new Eco-boost. If I was towing, I would go with the Eco-boost and the 3.73 rear end; the 6-speed Torqueshift tranny is standard. The tow rating on the Eco-boost is the same as the HD 411 hp V-8 at 11,300 lbs. I think this new twin turbo V-6 is a real winner and deserves some real thought for a new tow rig.

Pap

 

And I want a big diesel man machine! I think a big truck would go well with my metal head attitude and my Harleys.

I had a 1999 Civic hatchback and a 2006 Civic sedan. I've waited 34 years to flex my car muscle.

I know this is a huge bad idea on why I want a truck. But damn it, when can I get something "I" want for a change. I'm here looking at my options for something I know very little about: trucks. I need to gather as much data as I can in the next 3 months.

I want to haul *** down the 8, blaring Cradle of Filth or Opeth, laughing like a maniac!