Truck Recomendations

[Mr_Fixit]

Greetings all you super knowledgeable experts,

I am DONE loading my Outback on my Prius. I want to get a truck. At some point I also want to get a small fishing boat. I know stating "Small fishing boat" is a hugely general term, and I have started looking to see what is out there and price ranges, but have not settled on anything. But, I want a boat small enough to carry on a trailer.

I know I want the truck to be a 4x4 specifically so I can easily deal with LJ launches and attend some of these fishing trips in Mexico. What do you guys recommend for a decent truck? I have been looking at the F150's, but Toyota also makes some that might work. If I were simply concerned about transporting my yak, this would be simple. But, I want to be able to tow around a boat at some point.

Thanks for your tips.

[Mahigeer]

As an old Toyota mechanic, I am bias toward Toyota.

With exception of a Dodge cargo van (Toyota does not make/sell that size in US), all my vehicles are Toyotas.


Nothing but problem with my previous Chevy and now Dodge van.

[Dannowar]

I like my Tacoma. Get 4wd and never look back.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[monstahfish]

Are you buying new or used? I've had a handful of Fords and they are making a great product right now. As an industrial designer I can say that I'm very impressed by the engineering and design features on the new f150 and would buy one but I'm holding off for the smaller ranger that will be coming out late next year. My 2011 escape has close to 100k miles on it, and done probably more offroad, towing and car topping than any other out there and has only one minor issue with a computer glitch where it gives a hard shift once a month. Totally different vehicle but gives you an idea of how well their vehicles run. Toyotas are good too can't knock em.

[alanw]

Support our workers, buy American. I'm partial to Ford, 15 years now in my 4x4 F150 and still going strong with only minor work done. Had a F150 before this one that I traded to get the 4x4.

[chris138]

Originally Posted by alanw

Support our workers, buy American. I'm partial to Ford, 15 years now in my 4x4 F150 and still going strong with only minor work done. Had a F150 before this one that I traded to get the 4x4.

Toyota Tacoma: made in San Antonio, Texas

Ford 150: made in Mexico

[ful-rac]

[alanw]

Originally Posted by chris138

Toyota Tacoma: made in San Antonio, Texas - profits shipped overseas

Ford 150: made in Michigan and Missouri

Fixed it for you

[2-Stix]

Originally Posted by chris138

Toyota Tacoma: made in San Antonio, Texas

Ford 150: made in Mexico

Yup! Most toyotas are made in america.

[Mr_Fixit]

Originally Posted by monstahfish

Are you buying new or used? I've had a handful of Fords and they are making a great product right now. As an industrial designer I can say that I'm very impressed by the engineering and design features on the new f150 and would buy one but I'm holding off for the smaller ranger that will be coming out late next year. My 2011 escape has close to 100k miles on it, and done probably more offroad, towing and car topping than any other out there and has only one minor issue with a computer glitch where it gives a hard shift once a month. Totally different vehicle but gives you an idea of how well their vehicles run. Toyotas are good too can't knock em.

I am looking for used. Assuming its reliable. I am an engineer, but a software engineer. I can t STAND dealing with... {{Disgust}} mechanics... {{cringe}}.. Nuts... bolts... washers.... gaskets!!!! what horrid things! Hell, I dont even change my own oil. car diarrhea... gads get a diaper folks!

I also have a preference for American Made. Ford or Dodge.. MakoBob recommended (A GLOWING recommendation) Ram 2500. F150 is what I was thinking, but that is why I ask. Now I am expanding my scope.

[YakDout]

If you dont go full size diesel, at least consider an eco-diesel. Such as the ram 1500. If you HAVE to go f150 I would go eco-boost. The advantage of the diesels are fuel economy and power. Definitely get the 4 wheel drive. The new titan xd's with the optional cummins look good on paper and I believe toyota will be coming into the diesel world very soon also.

[tacmik]

The way I look at it is that most vehicles in the same price range are pretty much equal. Look for what you can afford that fits your needs and who really cares if it is a ford or Toyota or dodge or chevy. In the same price range they are pretty much equal. Buying used look at what comes with it and the maintenance that was done on it.

[cris]

Man that picture is one of my dreams

[taggermike]

You don't need a full sized truck to pull a small boat. But a full sized bed is nice for carry yaks n small boats.

I'll drop a thought that others have not mentioned. Baja can be brutal on trucks. Auto accidents, crappy roads, hitting live stock, possibly losing a truck to Mexican law enforcement, and the strangely common fate of getting stuck in the sand with a rising tide.

A buddy of mine had an amazing Sports Mobile custom 4x4 camper van. It didn't break his bank but he found he was feeling anxious about the value of the vehicle. He sold it and got a older dodge 4x4 diesel truck. Thing runs like a top but is ugly as shit with dents, Bondo, and mismatch body panels. It can go any where, tow any thing, parts are available in Baja, and we never attract unwanted attention from law enforcement.

His logic of getting this truck was that if some thing bad happened he could grab his ID, a few valuables, and walk away from it w/o being our a bunch for and broken hearted.

This might not apply to you if you're mostly in the US. But when I see guys in Baja with epic trucks that they still owe 50k on I wonder how they'd handle abandoning it. Mike

[Mr_Fixit]

Originally Posted by taggermike

You don't need a full sized truck to pull a small boat. But a full sized bed is nice for carry yaks n small boats.

I'll drop a thought that others have not mentioned. Baja can be brutal on trucks. Auto accidents, crappy roads, hitting live stock, possibly losing a truck to Mexican law enforcement, and the strangely common fate of getting stuck in the sand with a rising tide.

A buddy of mine had an amazing Sports Mobile custom 4x4 camper van. It didn't break his bank but he found he was feeling anxious about the value of the vehicle. He sold it and got a older dodge 4x4 diesel truck. Thing runs like a top but is ugly as shit with dents, Bondo, and mismatch body panels. It can go any where, tow any thing, parts are available in Baja, and we never attract unwanted attention from law enforcement.

His logic of getting this truck was that if some thing bad happened he could grab his ID, a few valuables, and walk away from it w/o being our a bunch for and broken hearted.

This might not apply to you if you're mostly in the US. But when I see guys in Baja with epic trucks that they still owe 50k on I wonder how they'd handle abandoning it. Mike

You noted precisely why I HATE going to Mexico.

[makobob]

Looking at the boat you want to pull, you might just need a full sized truck. Not really to tow it but to STOP it safely in a tight spot. As far as Mexico goes, YOUR attitude is EVERYTHING. If you need SAFE traveling hints for Baja pm me, I'll be glad to help you in the right direction. Tight Lines and good hunting for your truck.

Originally Posted by Mr_Fixit

You noted precisely why I HATE going to Mexico.

[YakDout]

Originally Posted by taggermike

You don't need a full sized truck to pull a small boat. But a full sized bed is nice for carry yaks n small boats.



I'll drop a thought that others have not mentioned. Baja can be brutal on trucks. Auto accidents, crappy roads, hitting live stock, possibly losing a truck to Mexican law enforcement, and the strangely common fate of getting stuck in the sand with a rising tide.



A buddy of mine had an amazing Sports Mobile custom 4x4 camper van. It didn't break his bank but he found he was feeling anxious about the value of the vehicle. He sold it and got a older dodge 4x4 diesel truck. Thing runs like a top but is ugly as shit with dents, Bondo, and mismatch body panels. It can go any where, tow any thing, parts are available in Baja, and we never attract unwanted attention from law enforcement.



His logic of getting this truck was that if some thing bad happened he could grab his ID, a few valuables, and walk away from it w/o being our a bunch for and broken hearted.



This might not apply to you if you're mostly in the US. But when I see guys in Baja with epic trucks that they still owe 50k on I wonder how they'd handle abandoning it. Mike

I insure my truck every time I go to mexico. I pay roughly $100 for full coverage and insures my truck up to 25k. At minimum you need liability down there. You dont want to get caught up in a accident down there without that, so you have to get some type of insurance anyway.

Here is a frequently asked question straight from baja bound website where I get my policy. Read the first sentence of number 9.

[Mr. NiceGuy]

MB Sprinter

The short wheel base of the two options is long enough to slide my Outback kayak inside with ease. I think it's about 20' bumper to bumper. The extended chassis is a few feet longer if you want more cargo area for something bigger. Get a tow package if you want to pull a trailer. I wouldn't be without one. Available with windows as a crew cab or passenger van.

The 4x4 sits higher than the 2WD, so I may or may not choose the low roof configuration for myself. I'm adding a small shower and toilet, then re-registering from commercial van to a personal motorhome for lower yearly fees, lower insurance, and camping convenience. The toilet and shower I use in my Chevy Express van now are modular and portable, so there's no need for installation, tanks, etc.

I've driven trucks all my life prior to my current Chevy Express 3500 passenger van. I like the additional cargo space of a van. I like the convenience of locking everything inside rather than the more limited space available under a shell for a truck. I like the lower loading point through the back doors, compared to a truck.

This particular photo looks like it has dulies in the rear. That's overkill unless you plan on carrying a very heavy payload. I would choose single wheels with good all terrain tires.

[Mahigeer]

When you go to this link, you will see that the Toyota Tacoma is assembled in San Antonio Texas.
Which the last time I checked, it is still in the United States.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o..._United_States

If you are old enough to remember Ford had a commercial which said something to the effect that
“Quality is job one and Ford has improved 50%”. 50%?? It had that much room for improvement?

Be sure to listen to any diesel that you buy. Your neighbors may not like it every time you start it.
Toyota parts and service are not cheap, but the factory part is what makes them reliable.

Establishing a relation with an independent auto shop is a good way to get good service at a less than dealer price.

Consumer Report magazine and website is a less bias place to look for ratings. They are done by actual owners of the vehicles.

Good luck anyway you choose.

[kayakfisherman]

My 4x4 toyota saved my life in a recent roll over on the ortega. I just surpassed the 300K mark.