Towing mileage/capability
First, I did see a 'what are you towing with?' post. Be darned if I can find it. I'm happy to read suggested posts if you point me to them. We have a 2021 Wolfpup 16fq, 3200 lbs, nearly 12' hig...
Forum Discussion
Bluedeacon wrote:
If a full size ends up making more sense, which powertrains are good, what problems are known to avoid? Another question, I sometimes see older 3/4 and 1 tons in apparently good shape - if mileage is not hugely different would one be more robust/reliable and so worth the money or just overkill?
Couple thoughts, you're on point to recognize that towing in Iowa is different than towing in the mountains. But, IMO, that part is about how often you're going to be maxxing out the truck and how patient you are, when in that situation. (IE are you fine with pulling the passes at well below the speed limit when on vacation in CO, compared to the rest of your use of the vehicle?)
Full size, I've owned, been assigned to, or driven many, or maybe most, of the full size truck configurations from all of the big 3 over the last 25-30 year models.
The only trucks I wouldn't touch are Dodge V10s and 6.0/6.4 Powerstrokes. Aside from that, every vehicle has it's quirks, some worse than others. But if talking $10k-25k price range, you're looking at older and or high miles. With that, history, maintenance, care and condition are arguable more important than a particular model.
You're not going to inherently gain "reliability" by going to a HD pickup. In fact many of the components and systems are the same as a light duty model. All things equal, you will realize longer life out of certain components that are designed heavier than a light duty, provided you're using it as a light duty.
With your budget and locale, finding something in the over 10 years old range that is not rusting out or on it's way to rusting out is fairly limited, IMO.
Once you figure out what you want, unless the "right one" falls in your lap near home, I would seriously consider finding a vehicle that hasn't been kickin around the salt belt for a decade or 2. Which means traveling to get one. That alone will boost reliability in itself, as you won't have to contend with the rust related problems for some time to come.
If I was on a $10k ish budget and needed a truck, the top of my list would still be your old truck. 90s GMT400 something or other.
