New Truck Buyer Needs Help

Diamond c wrote:
Go to a dealership and buy a used truck. They should be able to tell you everything about it, and you might get a little warranty to boot.

HA!
Every dealership i've ever been to, had no one that knew what was important for a good towing truck. All they know is towing capacity. They know nothing about payload capacity, rear end ratio, tow packages and so on. I must have looked at over 100 trucks when i was last shopping and every salesperson was clueless.

You could go buy a 2019 Chevrolet Express Van with the 6.0 engine that would easily tow the trailer. It would have around 15k miles, and 2 years of warranty. You would need to install the trailer plug and brake controller. These are usually priced in the low $20s.

As others have said, look at the payload sticker. The TT you are looking at has a low hitch weight (530lbs), so you will likely be good here and that's often not the case. Remember, your payload includes your passengers, gear and hitch. Check that it has the factory tow package and hopefully an integrated trailer brake. Most new trucks with tow package will likely have the brake controller, but not the case just a few years ago. For quick check on the tow package, most will have a second radiator in the grill for the transmission. Be sure to get a weight distributing hitch, may get the dealer to throw it in and hopefully set it up.
Best of luck.

Salesmen at dealerships often know little about new trucks. They often know nothing about their used trucks.

Diamond c wrote:
Go to a dealership and buy a used truck. They should be able to tell you everything about it, and you might get a little warranty to boot.

That’s funny! But you might be able to recommend the best service in Tennetucky in that other thread since you live nearby...

OP, $20k, And 6000lb ish camper, look for the newest low mile pickup with the amenities you want or need from any of the big 3, honestly.
GM, make sure it’s a 5.3/6 speed. Bonus if you get a 6.2.
Ford, 2011 or newer 5.0/6 speed. Bonus if you find a 2013? or newer eco boost.
Ram, Hemi is a must but I wouldn’t consider anything older than 2014 or whenever they got the 8hp trans. Also 2 demerit point for the coil spring rear suspension, but that’s an easy fix if you find the right truck.
Since the used truck market is tight and high priced, don’t overlook HD pickups of an acceptable wheelbase and configuration. With your budget it’s about checking as many of the boxes as you can, not all the boxes. And as a bonus you’d have a truck that is more than capable.
Integrated brake controller, nice, but for under $200 you can put a great brake controller on it. It’s a 2 beer job, 3 if you’re a heavy drinker.
Want to cut cost? Finding a 2wd if that suits your needs is the greatest cost cutting measure. Next is opting for an extended cab over a crew cab if you don’t need a big back seat.
Otherwise condition, miles and repair/service history is generally more important than the badge on the grille when buying a very used vehicle in the age range you’re looking at.

^Fwiw, above recommendation based on driving, being responsible for or just being around hundreds of pickups used in fleet service in construction, mostly gassers and mostly half tons.
I’ve seen what has and hasn’t broke on these trucks and generally understand the issues and conditions surrounding them.
Example, my 2016 Chevy work truck coughed up it’s transmission at 60k miles. Would think I wouldn’t recommend it? Nope not the case, it had a discernible issue from day 1 that the dealer “couldn’t diagnose”. It was TQ converter shutter. Combined with driving it like a rented mule, I accelerated that issue to failure in 60k miles. But it’s the only truck in that fleet of about 40-50 trucks from 2015-2017 that has had a transmission issue. And the others didn’t behave like mine did.
BTW the dealer still took 3 passes at the repair,lol. Then finally gave up and dropped a new trans in it.
Bad truck? Absolutely not.
Stupid dealer? Absolutely yes.

ppine wrote:
Salesmen at dealerships often know little about new trucks. They often know nothing about their used trucks.

It’s sad, these salespeople have nothing better to do ALL DAY, than to study their products and their competitors and most NEVER do.

Thanks for all of the comments/suggestions.