We have a 2003 F150 SuperCab with the 5.4 V8. It currently has a little over 218,000 miles on it. I've put a tonneau cover on the bed, so I can put stuff in there without it being exposed to weather or prying eyes.
I use it as a daily driver, and also for pulling our 25' travel trailer. On our last trip, we were in the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina, and it did beautifully. Granted, it doesn't get the greatest mileage in the world, but it is just about as reliable as your average brick!
I don't know if you're looking for new or used, but for all around utility it's hard to beat a pickup. The newer ones have all kinds of high-tech stuff, but basically, I would recommend a nice, big V8 (at least 300 cubic inches, or 5 liters) with automatic transmission and factory towing package. Yes, I know Ford has the new Ecoboost V6 with really impressive power and torque figures, but to get those numbers, the engine is pretty highly stressed. I am just a little bit concerned about the long-term reliability of an engine that small pulling a load on "potentially" long trips. Time will tell...
You just described about any half ton truck on the market and a whole bunch of mid sized SUVs and SUV Look alikes and most mid sized trucks. Do some test driving and check towing specifications with particular attention given to payload on the tow vehicle. I'd check carefully for the cargo space you need with anything but trucks though.
Good luck / Skip
2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR - 2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles) 2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
US Govt survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population
I just bought a used 2010 Dodge Mega cab with the 6.7 diesel. This truck would be way more truck than you need but it sure would be comfortable for 4 people and the fuel mileage is not too bad either.
2008 Forest River Wildwood Le 27BHBS - 2010 Dodge 2500 Laramie Mega cab 6.7L Cummins diesel, Flo-Pro exhaust, XRT Pro tuner, Mygig Lock Pick, Access tonneau cover, Ranch Hand grill guard, KC daylighters.
I agree 1/2 ton crew cab (4 door) pickup w/ 6' bed. You could even put a cap on it. You won't be as limited in your TT search that way. Many midsized SUV's and some full sized SUV's will be tight on cargo space for that recumbant bike. I think you are better off w/ the pick up option. We have a crew cab with our F250 and there is plenty of room for adults to sit comfortably in the rear seats. An extended cab tends to suffer on leg room.
3/4 ton Big Three pickup. You never know if you get the urge to get a larger camping trailer, or a toy hauler for your 'bent, so might as well have something that can pull the majority of what is out there, as well as be able to haul a truck camper or a fifth wheel.
The fuel economy on a 3/4 ton isn't much worse than a half-ton, used prices can be similar, but if/when you decide to get a bigger rig to tow, you won't have to trade in your tow vehicle.
1/2 ton crew cab trucks are the most versatile and some offer real world fuel economy similar to the mid-sized trucks (Tacoma, Frontier, Dakota). Pick your favorite.
A & A parents of DD 2005, DS1 2007, DS2 2009 2011 Suburban 2500 6.0L 3.73 pulling 2011 Heartland North Trail 28BRS 2012 VW Passat TDI
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