I wasn't procrastinating. It's complex, but I was out of the country until this sunday. I hit the ground running, and had to get my money situation figured out. There was nothing I could do until I got here (trust me, I tried to get money to have friends buy a truck while I was out of the country, but it sold from under my feet before I could get it settled).
Getting a cheap apartment is also not a good option for me. I could explain, but I'm not going to justify my choice, and the travel trailer is already purchased. And I'd rather put some time and money into the trailer than lose the money into an apartment and be stuck in a lease. A used vehicle can be reliable and not need constant attention, they're all I've ever owned, everything from early 80's bikes, and other than one 2008 motorcycle, the newest car I've ever owned is my 2003 infiniti g35, which has been extremely reliable even as it is now at 185k.
I'm not seriously considering a ranger anymore, no real benefits over the f150 other than maneuverability, which isn't a priority for me. And the reliability of the 2011 f150 generation is much lower than the 2004-2008 era, while being much more expensive. I wouldn't be interested. There's a lot more to reliability than a few years and a few thousand miles.
I was planning on 2wd. Agreed on less things to break, cheaper, also better mpg.
The three tow options I'm considering right now are:
f150 4.2l V6, 1999 -> 2003/4, and 2006-2008.
Toyota 4runner, probably early 2000's, if I can find one with low enough miles.
there's also a Nissan Xterra, 2008.
The ecoboost has poor reliability ratings, otherwise it would be an interesting option. And while I like the idea of pulling it with a vintage truck in an aesthetic sense, I don't want a project vehicle. I have too many hobbies already! Maybe in a couple decades. ;)
