Help Shopping: Half ton

tragusa3 wrote:
Everyone is correct on their calculations of payload for my family, and it does obviously put us in 3/4 ton territory...

I just can't shake my mind of the wastefulness of driving one of those monsters as a commuter for the next 10 years. If my math is correct, over a 100,000 mile life, the 3/4ton will use approximately an extra $12k in fuel (not to mention more expensive everything). That's a very real number for a humble school teacher raising a family!

You are obviously torn and trying to save money, and who isn't? Ultimately the decision comes down to what I quoted from you. You need the payload, but you don't like the extra cost of fuel for a bigger heavier vehicle.

I do not have a F-150, but it sounds like the HD payload max tow F-150 Ecoboost could be a potential answer for you. You can get 2000 lbs of payload, have a strong enough motor to help pull up hills and still get "decent" mileage when not towing.

Another suggestion is to try to find a used 3/4 ton where you can save that $12,000 up front and have a heavier and more stable tow platform with increased payload for those growing families.

I can tell you that if you are spending significant time away from home with a family, you don't want to skimp on interior space in your camper. Inevitably you will have rainy days and the family won't be able to stretch their legs outside the camper. Tight quarters for an extended time can make it unbearable. I can also tell you that you want to make sure that you have enough engine AND transmission for tackling the mountains out west. Again... from personal experience as a child, it SUCKS to be stuck with your family in a too small camper for a week at a time while you wait for the transmission to get fixed.

I know you are working on a budget but you either want to do this right, or not do it at all. With the right truck and an adequete RV you will have a great time and your kids will remember the trips forever.