Both would do the job well if properly equipped (like with the right axle ratio). I don't think one (GM/Chevy or Ford) is significantly better than the other.
Keith M wrote: 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.
Ford has had 300HP since 03 out of their 5.4 3V. I get 19-20 unloaded on the highway with a 4x4 supercrew with 3.73 gears. The 07 Fords have an 11,000 # tow rating on properly equipped trucks like the HD version. You can also get a 4.10 ratio and 7 lug wheels. They are only available in certain cab configurations and trim levels though. Like said above, they are all close. Drive all and pick the one you like the best. The only problem I can see with Nissan and Toyota is the payload capacity. They got a stout drive train but what good is it if you drop your TT on the hitch and you are grossly overweight with nobody in the truck? If you hook up the max trailer weight to any of them you will be over weight. I am right at all my limits and I haven't maxed out my tow capacity.
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.
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.
Thoughts?
Guess it depends on what you plan to tow. Granted...Toyota and Nissan have a low payload capacity...and it stinks...I have a Tundra. Not sure why either....but my current trailer hitch weight dry is 500 lbs....no propane, etc....yet when it is maxed out (water tank is in the front of the trailer) and dropped on the hitch, the truck doesn't squat like one would think, even without WD bars. Anyway...the 6-speed is nice. Chevy and Dodge have them in the diesels. 5th and 6th are basically OD in the Tundra....you can lock them out using sequential shift anyway. I tow in 5th, and it is hilly here...it holds that fine, and will hold 6th too...if the terrain was pool table flat.
If you need four doors and good payload I would go with 1500HD. If you can get by without the four doors I would look at the F150 with HD payload package.
If payload is not a huge concern Toyota and Nissan make some good trucks.
Go build and price them all on the web. Then go back and check payload, GVWR, tow rating, horsepower etc on the actual model you build. The devil is in the details with lots of loopholes and exceptions. Definately get the biggest motor and lowest gears available.
If you are thinking to ever get a fifth wheel, get a 350/3500 srw.
2001 F150 SuperCrew 5.4 Lariat Offroad 4x4 Tow Package 4.10 Truetrac
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
12K SuperGlide, KGE3000Ti 2.3kw rated 2.6kw max
Frank's voltage booster, Prosine 1800 powered by 4 GC2 batteries
There have been more and more confirmations that the big three will be coming out with diesel options in the half-tons in the next few years. If that is of interest you may want to hold off until 2009.
My guess would be the Chevy SHOULD be the better choice since it just underwent a complete re-designed and Ford last did this in 2004. If it ISN'T better there's a problem somewhere. Based on my own experiences I believe that the Ford will probably hold up better however. Good luck / Skip
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.
Thoughts?
I frequent Tundrasolutions and am not aware of any widespread tranny problems but there has been a small number reported. As to the engine, I’ve seen no real problems reported other than the 20 or so motors with the bad camshafts, most of which were not yet sold. A few did make it to the public. Toyota put new engines in these. So far I’ve got 8,000 miles with zero problems (much of those towing) and have not had the truck back to the dealer once.
So far I’ve been extremely satisfied with the truck. But time will tell. If the tranny does turn out to be troublesome, I’ll buy the 100,000 mi extended warranty for about $900.
I also agree with Skip, the new Chevy looks very nice.
Keith M wrote: I would like to say something nice about Dodge but they still have a reputation as gas guzzlers.
A myth perpetuated from old info spread by those who don't know any better.
My bro in law must have gotten a lemon 5.3L Chevy. The best he can get is about 14 to 16 hwy. Of course his is a 4x4 crewcab. I don't think it is that bad, he thinks it should be better.
My mom's 4x4 4.7L Dodge can get 20mpg on the flatland, 18mpg in hilly country. Of course it is a lighter Dakota QuadCab.
In a recent test of tow vehicles by pickuptruck.com, the 5.7L Hemi got better fuel mileage than the 6.0L Chevy, but the Chevy had more power.
The new 2008 4.7L Dodge in Dakotas and Rams has 302 hp and 335 lb/ft of torque. I am curious to see what kind of mileage they bring with the bump in power.
Now my truck with the old 5.9L 360, is indeed a gas guzzler. I can get 14 highway if I tiptoe the gas pedal. But the new Dodge gas engines (4.7L, 5.7L v8s) get similar fuel mileage as competitors in test after test after test.
2005 Surveyor SV-291 Tows smooth as silk!
1995 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie SLT 4x4 5.9L V8 low miles, It ain't pretty, but it's paid for!
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