Hello,

As the title states I'm going to be in the market for a new truck. I'm here to listen to your opinions and hopefully get some guidance and directions.

Currently I have a 13 Toyota Tundra with 41k on it that I really like, and while it's fine now it's quickly going to be outgrown in the near future. I just got started in real estate investment properties and will be needing a truck that will be better suited for plowing and towing. Down the road I will also be purchasing an travel trailer and most of the floor plans that I like are in the 9-10k pound range with a hitch weight that would require at least a 3/4t truck.

I've done a lot of research on this topic but it seems like the more I look the more questions I have. I plan on either buying new or something used with very low miles; there are several 2015 and 2016 diesel ticks in my area with 10-30k miles on them. Is there any reason to steer clear of these newer low mileage trucks? I know buying used is always a risk but I won't even buy a new diesel without an extended warranty.

I'm not brand loyal, to be honest if Toyota offered an HD truck I probably wouldn't even be writing this. I know everyone's experiences and preferences are different but I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts. Only must have is 4x4 and a Crew Cab. Fairly basic interior, something like an XLT Ford or SLT Ram. I'm open to 3/4 or 1ton but if I go new I'll probably just buy the 1ton because of the minimal price difference. I'm not interested in DRW. Unless there's a good reason for owning the 8ft bed when it comes to towing a 5th wheel/gooseneck trailer I will be sticking with the 6ft box.

Originally I was dead set on the Ram with the Cummins, however the new Super Duties have caught my eye and I know that Ram is next at bat for a revamp; I don't really want to buy a new truck for it to be outdated a year later; but I also understand that there's a risk associated with first year models as well. My draw to the Cummins was simply that I've had great luck with all of our Cummins powered trucks at work. I'm not a huge GM fan but as I said before I am open to anything.

I was originally looking at the diesel because every HD gas truck I have ever driven has been such a dog and I like the power possibilities that a diesel offers. I like that I can put a leveling kit and 35s and not kill my gas mileage like it did to my Tundra. I like that I can tow more than I'll ever need to.

Now my concerns about owning the diesel is really that I don't drive much. I know that diesels like to work and run hard. I have a 2.9mi downtown commute to work where it'll sit every day for 8-10hrs unplugged and then get started and driven the short drive back home and parked again. I've heard that by getting out on the highway it'll help clear the emissions, but how long/often does that need to happen? I take the highway to the gym but even that is only a 3.3 mile drive a few times a week. Taking it 10-15miles one way on the weekend wouldn't really be that hard to do especially during the summer. I'm aware of the higher maintenance costs and that fuel is more expensive in my area. Do diesels have any problems sitting for extended periods of time? In the 3.5 years that I've owned my Tundra it has sat parked in storage for over 7 months total without any issues. I don't expect the next truck to sit that long but it will definitely spend most of its time not driving.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and I look forward to hearing your advice.

 

I have my own business,and haul for a living,about 60,000 miles per year,i have always been a believer that unless you are towing or hauling heavy at least 50% of the time stay with a gas truck,but you will need to work the truck a little with your above habits if diesel,cause you could potentially have some emissions issues if not,if there is the possibility of getting a 5th wheel camper,definetly get the 8'bed,depending on the camper it can cause turning and clearance issues on the shorter beds,there are slide hitches that can help on the shorter beds though.I had a 13' f250 crew cab xlt diesel 4x4,great truck,now I have a 16' Silverado 3500HD dually,and I am currently looking at either a new 2017 350 or 450,I need a second truck,hope this helps a little,hit me back if you have any other questions.

 

You will rarely see that thing hit operating temp, which could potentially cause issues with the emissions equipment on those newer trucks. Have you driven a V10 before? My sister had one back in 2000 that I thought was pretty impressive. I hauled a few loads with it and couldn't even feel the extra weight. I can only image they have gotten more powerful since then.