Trailblazer Successor

[ice2fire]

We're looking for a used (Or maybe new ?) truck to replace our getting older Chevy Trailblazer which currently pulls the 3815lb GVWR TT Trail-Lite. (The TB is OK on the flat with no opposing wind !). We need more power for the mountains we climb, MUCH MUCH better transmission cooling, and more payload capability (we carry a lot on the trip from Ontario to Arizona and back).

We're thinking of a truck in the 5.0 litre range. Probably a V8. Our concern with trucks is their length due to parking constraints at our permanent site in Arizona. We want more than a regular cab, but it's mostly just us two driving, maybe grand-kids occasionally. So maybe an extended cab would be sufficient ? We think a very short box would be fine ? We'd put a cap on it.

Other considerations are: A smooth a ride as possible due to a health problem, self dimming interior and exterior mirrors (choosable on or off), radio controls on steering wheel, room in the front two seats (the TB always seems a bit cramped), seat belts that are easy to put on, RELIABILITY of vehicle (fed-up with fixing small problems on the TB), a gas tank that is LARGE (fed up with having to be concerned with where the next gas station is - especially in New Mexico), a full spare wheel, and good instrumentation (including transmission temps). XM radio with earphone capability.

The truck will also be used to carry sailing stuff (which can be smelly - paints, etc) in the summer from home to boat slip - a 2 hour drive.

Any suggestions ? I have no favourites or "no zones". Just something that will fit our requirements.

[ice2fire]

mbopp wrote:
I went from an I-6 Envoy to the F150 in my sig. Since it's mostly DW & me it works out OK, a much more stable and capable TV with the new TT than the Envoy was with our smaller HTT. And it rides smoother than DW's Toyota Venza. With a 36 gallon tank it almost doubles the range of the Envoy.

Sounds good - we'll have to go shopping ! Thanks to all.

[ice2fire]

gmcsmoke wrote:
why not get a traverse or acadia?

In the summer I carry nasty chemicals to clean, fix, fuel, etc. the boat. DW and Grand-kids don't like the leave behind smells. Also, we carry a gas can with us on migrations back and forth Ontario/Arizona. And Propane operators tell us we shouldn't be carrying propane tanks inside a passenger vehicle.

[mbopp]

I went from an I-6 Envoy to the F150 in my sig. Since it's mostly DW & me it works out OK, a much more stable and capable TV with the new TT than the Envoy was with our smaller HTT. And it rides smoother than DW's Toyota Venza. With a 36 gallon tank it almost doubles the range of the Envoy.

[Lessmore]

donn0128 wrote:
If you like the SUV then get a Tahoe. Much better towing platform.

X 2

[GLaidlaw]

We tow a Terry 21 ft with a gross weight of 4400 lbs with a Sierra 1500 extended cab and a 5.3 l v8. You don't notice the trailer at all when traveling- hills are no problem. Lots of storage, transmission temp standard- temps never go near the danger zone. The ride is great and lots of interior passenger room. We have the 6.5 ft box and have no difficulties with the length. I would imagine any of the big 3 truck manufacturers would provide about the same performance so you will have lots of choice. We have the 3.42 rear differential so gas mileage is not bad at all. There is no sway at all with this setup. We have the slip on mirrors which go on fast and remove just as fast. Hope this helps.

[donn0128]

If you like the SUV then get a Tahoe. Much better towing platform. If you want a pickup, go searching dealers lots. Ram right now is advertising best in class fuel economy. But I'm sure that is for the smallest motor, not for a motor suitable for towing. But the Hemi is a fantastic pulling motor for small to medium trailers, good gas mileage and tons of great features for 2013. Also check out the Ford Ecoboost. Although I see there is now a class action suit over claimed problems with the ecoboost across the product spectrum. Until that gets resolved I think I would hold off on them. GM products in the 1/2 tons has some of the lowest ratings of any 1/2 ton. So again I would be cautious of them.

[Tystevens]

If a short bed pickup will fit in your parking spot, that is the route I'd go. For what it is worth, our 1/2 ton Suburban gets only a couple mpg worse that the sister-in-law's Acadia. Obviously, the 1/2 ton has far superior towing and hauling capabilities.

If you haven't been in newer pickup, you'll be surprised how nice and "civilized" they are. A 1/2 ton ex cab short bed would probably work nicely with your parameters.

[p220sigman]

Drive all the brand trucks (ext cab, short bed) and decide which works best for you and is the most comfortable. You can get the trucks pretty well loaded out if that is your desire. You could also look at something like the Avalanche from Chevy.

[bgum]

Toyota Tundra also has conventional rear doors. Gas mileage on the Tundra 5.3 is terrible. Chevy 1/2 ton fills the need at 23 mpg unloaded.

[Grit_dog]

Well you just described a 1/2 ton truck that would be perfect for your needs.
Choose your flavor and go get it. Al of the big 3 and Toyota make fine 1500 series trucks that will do everything you've described. None of them IMO have nagging issues like the Trailblazer you have.
One consideration for interior space sine you're leaning towards an ex cab is the Ram is the only one of the bunch with conventional rear doors and the most back seat room without going to a full crew cab.
Everyone has their favorite brand and I won't get into that as they are all good trucks in their right.

[Campfire_Time]

I have a Trailblazer and have had no issues towing in the mountains. However, given that the OP is asking for recommendations on something beefier, I would think that the Lambda platform would fall short. Spec-wise they aren't much different than a Trailblazer.

I think any 1/2 ton quad cab would fit the bill. If I was looking right now I'd be looking at Ford F150s.

[gmcsmoke]

why not get a traverse or acadia?