I know that these posts tend to draw pro-Ford replys from Ford owners and pro-Chevy responses from the Chevy owners, but rather than talk about what the "better" truck is, I want to know what you think is the best 1/2 TOWING choice right now or in 2008.
I currently own a V6 4runner, but I want to get into a 1/2 ton that will split duty as a future tow vehicle and my daily driver. Ford's and Chevy's look like good choices, due in large part to their attractive discounts and 0% finance rates. I love the Tundra's, but I've heard way too many sketchy things about their V8 and the 6-sp transmission.
Drive them both and see what you like the best. Both are capable trucks. I drive a Ford and it tows well. The Chevy just seemed a little weak in the rear suspension. The Chevy definitely has more speed. The torque curve on the Ford is in a lower RPM range while the Chevy is slightly higher.
04 Lariat Supercrew 4x4,5.4,3.73, Edge tuner, flowmaster duals
06 Trail Bay 31BH, nicely optioned
Equal-i-zer
Prodigy
Follow vehicle, 05 KIA Sorento EX for the golden retrievers.
Consider the MPG difference if you're driving very far. The Ford is more rigid with a sturdier frame while the Chevy tends to have a smoother, quieter ride and get better gas mileage (22 MPG hwy with the extended cab). Both will tow well, although I believe 4.10 gears are only an option in the Chevy.
2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab SB LS 6.0L 4x4 4.10
DW, DD (born in May, 2007), and me
guy next door tows with a 1/2 ton 4x4 dodge truck with a hemi in it , he tows a 30 fter with slide and has no problems and has plenty of power where ever he goes and does a lot of mountain back road boondocking .
1985 Class A Holiday Rambler Imperial 33 +1979 Class C Holiday Rambler Statesman 1000 = 24 ft
These "which brand is better" questions don't have a right answer; they are all so close in true abilities and specs that there's no real 'stand-out.' Ford guys will say F150, Chevy guys will say Silverado, Dodge guys will say Ram, Toyota fans will say Tundra, etc. etc.
The key: drive them all! Don't get talked into the first one you test drive by a salesman (like moi)-- take your time, make notes right after your test drive, rate things on a 1-5 scale (power, ride, interior comfort, etc.) and choose the truck that you liked the best. The capacities and abilities are all so close, so just pick the one that gave you the biggest smile.
BManning
2002 F250SD,7.3L,4R100,4x4,crew cab/short bed,toreador red, Lariat, FX4,4" turbo-back exhaust,Edge Evolution,AutoMeters on the pillar,Michelin LTX M/S E-rated,3.73LS rear,camper pkg.,Garmin GPS,XM radio,CrimeStopper remote start/turbo timer/alarm
Are you ignoring Nissan for any particular reason?? I realize that their payload may not be the best in class, but I love everything else about mine. At least give them a test drive.....Equal opportunity and all!
2007 Nissan Titan CC SE 4x4 w/ Tow and Off-Road Pkg
2007 Jayco Jay Feather 213
I'd try to find an '07 Chevy or GMC 1500HD. I don't care for the new body style and from what I've heard they dropped the 1500HDs for '08. If properly equipped an HD can tow 9900 lbs. That's a pretty fair amount for a 1/2 ton truck. Besides, GM is looking to get rid of the '07s to make room for the '08's.
John (USN Ret) and Debbie
The Paw Pack (Freckles, Stinky & Ranger)
'96 Monaco Windsor 36' DP 8.3L Cummins
Ready Brake w/ Demco Excali-bar
'03 Ford Explorer (Toad)
'04 Honda Insight
'04 Volvo S80 AWD
'74 Dart Swinger Drag Car
14' Boat 9.9 Mercury
I think Chevrolet hit the "Holy Grail" with 300 or more horsepower, 10K towing and 20mpg-unloaded 2wd with the 5.3 litre engine. I am not sure what the Ford is but I would look at Chevrolet first. There is really a lot of competition in that "heavy half-ton market". I dont think you can go wrong with Chev, Nissan, Ford, or Toyota. I would like to say something nice about Dodge but they still have a reputation as gas guzzlers.