Which truck would be better for my TT

rbpru wrote:
Sorry folks but facts are facts. I just made a trip from South Bend to Kokomo and back. Flat as a table straight as an arrow. I own a 2011 F-150 4x4 E-boost. I got 22 to 23 mpg with the curse set at 60 mph and I get 15 to 18 in town. Towing I average 10 mpg.

My P tires are cheaper than LTs and I only need 5 quarts of oil instead of the 6 or more.

Shocks and other consumable are generally more expensive on larger vehicles.

The initial cost is much less and yes my wife thinks my F-150 rides like a buck board wagon when not towing.

The disadvantages of the F-150 are simple, about 900 lbs less of cargo capacity and a usable tongue weight of only about 700 lbs. Max cargo gets eaten up very quickly.

Everyone would like a bigger truck but they do come at an increased cost, particularly when used for day to day driving rather than towing.

For some, the difference in cost is well worth it. It always comes down to individual choice.

I did a round trip this spring from Boise to north Idaho and back (so, lots of mountains) and averaged 23.5. 22-23 is easily attainable at highway speeds under 65. I get a little over 17 in my typical city/suburban (nearly no freeway/highway) commute. Towing I average 11 (with a heavier fiver vs your lighter TT).

My truck was $39k and that's a diesel so I don't agree that the up front cost is much higher. Tires and oil changes are going to cost a little more but it's hardly material in the scheme of what these things cost to own and operate. Resale is better on heavy duty trucks too so don't forget to factor that in.

Bottom line is a half ton is a great option for light hauling and towing while primarily being a people hauler. SRW heavy duty widens up what the truck is capable of doing with very little compromise in comfort or cost. DRW heavy duty starts to narrow back the capability range toward the higher end of the towing/hauling scale at the expense of daily comfort/use - harder to park, poor off-road and on snow/ice, etc.