I am looking to get my first truck 04-05 range. I have been doing a lot of research but still having difficulty trying to figure out what I need, what I don't need. What I want and what I can live without. Ford or chevy. It is going to be a every day driver so I want fuel economy but I still want to be able to tow. I am thinking f150 fx4 or chevy 1500 z71. My family lives out on the back dirt roads and I am a avid hunter so I think I want the off road package.

My problem I am facing is I read a thread about the 5.3 vs 5. 4 that the 5.4 reaches peak at 2500 rpm which is fine considering I don't hammer my ride but does that mean that at peak its going to be less fuel efficient than the 5.3 which reaches peak at 4000 rpm.

What if I tow a 3000lb camper is it not going to be hard on hills. I like that the fords you can get 3.55 or 3.73 and I hate that chevy's mostly come with 3.42 ( or at least that is what I read) I would rather have 3.73 or 4.10's instead of 3.42.
Chevy also has A4WD along with 4 hi and 4 low. which is nice for younger guys like me who live in snowy areas that you don't need 4 hi but your not comfortable with just 2 wd yet. I like that fords got the bigger mirrors so you can see more but homelink that some chevys have.

each has its pro's and con's and I am having a lot of trouble sorting thou them and want some advise.

I also want to accessories it with headache rack, toolbox and either a brushguard and 2 in hitch or a reinforced bumper. Which will handle the weight better.(ranchhand summit)

 

test drive both. for me i dont do V8's dont matter what brand. so i cant be of any help sorry