I hate buying vehicles

[wtr100]

need to buy a new truck (new to me)

We'll be hauling water , currently we borrow a truck for this - 400 gal tank or 3,200 lbs .

Why the !@#$ is it so hard to find a full size but not hunmonoulous  regular cab, 4 wd  truck.


Truth or BS - V6 and V8 are pretty much the same gas mileage until you load them down ... 

 

[TAB]

truth,  but often v6 get worse gas milage then thier v8 counterparts.


Its very hard to find a used truck thats worth a damn, I know I looked for years.

[fightingquaker13]

Get the V8. It runs at lower RPMs and will last longer. It will also get out of its own way when you load it down. My advice is a Ford F-150 short bed (if it will fit your tank). If you are towing it, consider getting one with the towing package. It comes a bigger battery (nice for winter) and an oil cooler (good for longevity). It can't be too hard to find one used.
OTH, they make a Dodge Dakota with their big hemi V-8. It will tow as well or better than a full size. Plus it will go like a bat out of hell.
FQ13

[Pathfinder]

Get the V8. It runs at lower RPMs and will last longer. It will also get out of its own way when you load it down. My advice is a Ford F-150 short bed (if it will fit your tank). If you are towing it, consider getting one with the towing package. It comes a bigger battery (nice for winter) and an oil cooler (good for longevity). It can't be too hard to find one used.
OTH, they make a Dodge Dakota with their big hemi V-8. It will tow as well or better than a full size. Plus it will go like a bat out of hell.
FQ13

But it won't carry 2 tons of water, FQ. My F350 will - and often has. Had a 375gal pickup tank that I used to run water for the stock tank.

It's also for sale - 7.3l diesel and quad cab a well.

[Timothy]

If you don't need it, 4WD will actually reduce your towing capacity due to the additional weight of the trans-axle and front differential.

As to mileage, I have a V6 in my Ranger feather hauler and I've never seen anything better than 22 mpg in it's lifetime.  Mostly, it's closer to 16-18.

[Sponsor]

[fightingquaker13]

But it won't carry 2 tons of water, FQ. My F350 will - and often has. Had a 375gal pickup tank that I used to run water for the stock tank.

It's also for sale - 7.3l diesel and quad cab a well.

I wasn't sure from the OP if he was talking about hauling a trailer tank or having a bed mounted one. You are right, that makes a world of difference in what you can get away with. Ditto with the terrain. With the mud and slush you must deal with on the ranch in Dakota, the dually 350 would be a huge plus with a bed mounted tank.
FQ13

[ellis4538]

I have a big V6 in my S10 Xcab and gas milage sucks...usually less than 20 even over the road and a small gas tank!  They have is set from the factory to top out at 99 MPH also.

Richard

[wtr100]

If you don't need it, 4WD will actually reduce your towing capacity due to the additional weight of the trans-axle and front differential.

As to mileage, I have a V6 in my Ranger feather hauler and I've never seen anything better than 22 mpg in it's lifetime.  Mostly, it's closer to 16-18.

rural IL + winter = 4wd very nice to have

[fightingquaker13]

rural IL + winter = 4wd very nice to have

4WD gas mileage will suck, but you can go any where. I average about 15 with F-150 off road model. BUT, I have AT tires, can go anywhere, have the towing package, and with the big V-8 I don't break 2,000 RPMs at 75mph. The thing is a '98 and still runs like a top. The only repair problems I'm facing are stupid stuff like the power windows breaking. Mechanically, I've had to fix the breaks and I broke a torsion bar early on while it was still in warranty. Bryond that, its been a sweetheart. Way I figure it, I can buy a whole lot of gas for the price of a new truck. I loved it more when gas was a $1.25 a gallon, but I still love it now. The darn thing just goes wherever I want it to and only costs me money at the pump, not the mechanic.
FQ13

[JC5123]

4WD gas mileage will suck, but you can go any where. I average about 15 with F-150 off road model. BUT, I have AT tires, can go anywhere, have the towing package, and with the big V-8 I don't break 2,000 RPMs at 75mph. The thing is a '98 and still runs like a top. The only repair problems I'm facing are stupid stuff like the power windows breaking. Mechanically, I've had to fix the breaks and I broke a torsion bar early on while it was still in warranty. Bryond that, its been a sweetheart. Way I figure it, I can buy a whole lot of gas for the price of a new truck. I loved it more when gas was a $1.25 a gallon, but I still love it now. The darn thing just goes wherever I want it to and only costs me money at the pump, not the mechanic.
FQ13

I know that when I buy a vehicle 4WD is never even considered an option. If it's not 4WD, it's not even considered. I live in the middle of Wyo, and if you don't have 4WD, you don't move in the winter. You can get away with it in the cities and on MOST of the highways. However I have been on I-80 when 4WD was the only way I got home.