what kind of pickup should i buy?

[Allure]

I really want to buy a Toyota Tundra but i wanted to see what everyone thought. I want the best quality truck (hence toyota) but i want to make sure i have enough payload & towing capacity (tundra payload 1700lbs/towing 6900 lbs). I am a one man landscaping co. I do plantings, mulch (wood & stone) garden walls, tear outs. I hope to offer pavers next year. right now i am working out of the back of my toyota Highlander or my dads 4cyl chevy s10.
Thanks in advance for the advice.
glenn
Allure Landscapes

[jmurphy]

If I were you and were looking for the best quality truck, I would be looking at Chevy or GMC. Those are the best work trucks in my opinion. Others may agree with me and others may not but if you want quality and a dependable work truck, I would look at a Chevy or GMC. The Toyota may be fine for light hauling but a GMC is your best bet, especially if you are going to be hauling large amounts of mulch or stone on a trailer.

[Randy J]

First, one you can afford - you don't want to be so truck poor you can't enjoy life. 2nd, if you're already worried about payload, I'd get a bigger truck - a 3/4 ton or 1 ton would be even better. After that it's all up to you. All makes have some problems, I really think all have some good points. I'm partial to Dodge myself for trucks - especially diesel, but others prefer other trucks.

[Tom c.]

Hey Allure I would go for a larger pick-up. You will never know what youll be hauling dirt, stones, pavers, larger trailer etc. I have a 1/2 ton Dodge and I had to put spring helpers on it for plowing. If you can swing it try for a 3/4 or 1 ton truck. You could never have too much truck!!:weightlifter:

[WJW Lawn]

Gotta be a Ford F1 ,2, or 350 Or a Ranger...but a Ford.

[Allure]

thanks so much for the advice.
since a ton is 2000lbs wouldn't a 3/4 ton pickup haul 1500lbs or is the term 'ton' used differently when referring to pickups.

[Randy J]

thanks so much for the advice.
since a ton is 2000lbs wouldn't a 3/4 ton pickup haul 1500lbs or is the term 'ton' used differently when referring to pickups.

Used differently. The payload will vary by manufacturer. Toyota used to have a 1 ton dually many years ago, but I doubt it's payload matched that of one of the big 3.

[Allure]

thanks for clearing that up Randy. the new Tundra (due in january) will have much greater capacity but i dont think i can wait. i don't have a hitch on my suv & probably wouldn't want to tow with it anyway. I've had bad luck with ford vehicles in general & my brother has has trans problems with at least 2 of his ford pickups. If people don't have to many problems with their chevy's or gmc's then maybe i'll go that way.

[tcls83]

I have a new F-350, I like it a lot, but for some reason I tend to recommend other people the GM trucks (unless if they plan on plowing with it, not that the GMs are awful plow trucks, just that the Ford has the solid front axle). I feel that for those who are getting their first fullsize pickup, a GM would be a great truck to start with.

But really, you can't go wrong with any of the trucks nowadays, as long as the truck is rated for what you intend to use it for.

And don't believe the media's hype on how Toyota trucks are better. Yes, Toyota does make good trucks, especially compact trucks, but for a fullsize work truck, you will not go wrong with any of the trucks that "Detroit" builds.

I am assuming you are going with brand new. A GMC Sierra 2500 (3/4 ton) gas model 4x4 would be a nice truck that should treat you well. Or really whatever 3/4 ton you can get the best deal on.

[lawnboy dan]

well i own a tundra and can tell you its hands down a better truck than any of the big 3 . however the bed size is a problem if you are going to fill it with losts os stuff. it very shallow and dosnt hold much and this is a flaw that toyota has addressed on the new model comming out. the tundra tows great . better than my v8 chevy. 3 yrs and not a single problem w/my tundra. 16 mpg in town isnt bad for a full size truck either. while it isnt the best work truck cause of the bed-reliability hands down its the best truck overall

[jsf343]

well i own a tundra and can tell you its hands down a better truck than any of the big 3 . however the bed size is a problem if you are going to fill it with losts os stuff. it very shallow and dosnt hold much and this is a flaw that toyota has addressed on the new model comming out. the tundra tows great . better than my v8 chevy. 3 yrs and not a single problem w/my tundra. 16 mpg in town isnt bad for a full size truck either. while it isnt the best work truck cause of the bed-reliability hands down its the best truck overall

I agree with the above poster on this one. You will not see many of the nickle and dime issues you see with other trucks. Toyota will be a bit more $$ (I guess) but a whole lot less issues. I also have a Ford and I can tell you the Toyota is the better truck.

[TPLawnPro]

Toyota and towing??? You might want to steer clear of the Toyota Tundra. I have owned two Tundras in the past, a 2001 w/V8 and a 2003 w/ V8. I was absolutely shocked at what crappy trucks they both turned out to be. I won't go into specific details, because I could write a book about it. My service records are with Lakeside Toyota in Metairie, Louisiana. I also owned a Tacoma back in 1996, which was an awesome truck!

How are the Tundra trucks today? I have no idea. I am just speaking from past experience.

Allure, I am sure that you are a hard worker. You need a work truck, especially if you are hauling a trailer that may be loaded down with equipment. Regardless of whethere you tow or not, in the lawn and landscape industry there's no time for downtime. Stick with what's tried and true. I thought that I would never own a Ford product in my life. I always based my opinions of Ford by how people always bashed the brand. Strange thing is that I bought a 2005 Ford F-250 (FX4) w/ Diesel back in November of 2004; it just so happens to be the best truck, - besides my Dodge Ram, - that I have ever owned. So far, the Ford has 26,000 trouble-free miles, and I mean trouble-free. I am not used to having a vehicle that gives such good service. The 1998 Dodge that I used to own had a Cummins Diesel engine, and that bad boy never let me down.

Of all the vehicles that I have owned, I can honestly and proudly say that the American trucks have been the best for me.

I know that some folks here might be exclusively loyal to particular brand of American truck; however, I have not had any experience with GM products, but from what I understand from GM owners, you can't go wrong there either.

Again, if you are looking for a truck that serves the many facets of your lifestyle, but is especially utlized for work, then buy a proven work truck. Buy American. It took some time and battle scars along the way for me to figure this out. I learned the hard way, so now you can spare yourself the heartache. Now you don't have to experience what I did.

We're not dealing with the same Toyota of years past. :usflag:

[Allure]

the last 3 vehicles we owned including the 2 we currently have (2001 & 2003) have all been toyotas. we have racked up over 300,000 miles with only 2 repairs. one of them was under waranty the other cost around $200. I don't know a single person who buys american cars or trucks who can say that. consumer reports also rates the new tundra as the best along with honda (i think) for reliability, ride, noise etc. those ratings are based on driver experience so that means a lot to me as well.

I appreciate all of the input & want to hear more stories so keep em coming.
Thanks guys!

[murray83]

The truck make doesn't matter to myself

the dealer who provides good service is the first thing on my list.GMC,Ford,Toyota...whatever.If the local dealer doesn't service you he should not deserve your business.

[TPLawnPro]

[QUOTE=Allure]the last 3 vehicles we owned including the 2 we currently have (2001 & 2003) have all been toyotas. we have racked up over 300,000 miles with only 2 repairs. one of them was under waranty the other cost around $200. I don't know a single person who buys american cars or trucks who can say that. consumer reports also rates the new tundra as the best along with honda (i think) for reliability, ride, noise etc. those ratings are based on driver experience so that means a lot to me as well.


Well then; it sounds like the Toyota Tundra is the truck for you.

I say, "Go For It".

Glad to hear that you have had such great service out of your (post-year 2000) Toyota trucks.

[Allure]

i am most interested in hearing weather the tundra is enough truck for the job. i already believe it is the most reliable.
thanks all

[freddyc]

allure


If you already have the toys, then you probably know how they are. I can only speak from Tacoma experience as I have one currently.

To be fair, its a 2.7 liter with a 5 speed, regular cab.

The rated load capacity is 1100 lbs. I cansay straight out that 1/2 cubic yard of aything in the back is at or beyond the limit for it. The bed is sitting on the frame.

So for instance if 1 yard is about 1 1/2 tons, then I should have about 3/4 ton in the bed. At that, its about half --three quarter full physically. But if all else is true, then I should have about 1500 lbs in a bed rated for 1100. I wouldn't travel far or fast with that load and any pot holes are a complete no-no. Its definetely on the bumpers.

That said, hauling the weight doesn't seem to be an issue.


Towing is something else. With a 36" toro walkbehind and some misc tools on a 5 x 10 trailer, I can say that the truck really struggles going up any decent incline. My guess is the weight on the trailer might be totaling 800-1000lbs. Not sure what the trailer weighs, but its rated at 3000 gvw. If its not connected to the truck, I can easily move it around the yard by hand.


No idea what the Tundras might be like, but from my Tacoma experience, I think Toyotas rating for load are close, but towing seems to be way off on the bad side. Just don't go up a hill and its OK. The brakes are adequate but you should also consider that if you're hauling a lot. Stopping is always the hardest.

Before you get anything, please seriously consider how much you will be using it for hauling and how much for towing.


Good luck.

[lawnboy dan]

i will state again . weight carrying cap isnt an issue w/tundra -bed depth is lacking. my tundra carrys weight better and out tows my v8 93 chevy eaisly. dosnt sag at all when i hook up the trailer fully loaded. there is a big diff between the tacoma and the tundra.

[totalturfga]

Ok Allure,
I've towed a lot in my years of driving. I will have to admit that it's mostly hauling horse trailers but @ 1200# per horse they add up after a couple. I would strongly recommend against the Tundra. The problem may not be in hauling but in stopping your payload. That is unless you have electric breaks on your trailer. If that's the case then you can sacrifice a little on the size of the truck. What you've got tor remember is that saftey should be the biggest facter in your new truck purchase.

TRUST ME! You want the truck to be heavy duty enough to stop you. What you're going to be hauling is very heavy and you need to be respectful of that. You may not need a 1 ton but I would say 3/4 ton would be a truck you will not "outgrow". The recommendation for the diesel is awesome. I had 250000 miles on my dodge diesel 3/4 ton before I turned it in. Now that I've said that I don't think I'd recommend the Dodge because I had TONS of problems with the transmission. Now if you find a GMC/Chevie product the Allison tranie supposedly has a lifetime guarantee on their transmissions.

Hope this was helpful

[fiveoboy01]

I just don't think that Toyota makes a good truck for WORK. All one needs to do is look at any landscape company's truck. Or any farmer's truck. Or any other truck used specifically for hard work. You won't see a Toyota in the bunch.

They make a quality truck, but if it's going to be worked hard, look at an f-250/350 or a GMC 2500/3500.

[QualityLawnCare4u]

I really like my Tundra. It tows all my equipment fine and gets decent gas mileage. The early models though (00-01) like mine will warp rotors real easy is my only complaint. However, I would not recommend it for towing of heavy equipment. If I remember correct mine is rated at around 6850 or 7000 with the tow package.

[Brian B]

i have a 2500 Chevy HD 4x4 and it hauls 2 yards of mulch and it doesnt even feel like theres anything in the bed.

[flux_capacitor]

My Chevie 2500 hauled my horse trailer great as well. I never even new it was there. At the most I probably hauled close to 9000 lbs with my horse trailer fully loaded, I was going ~75mph down the highway and it was great even up and down the mountains!

[Brian B]

yeah. power has never been a problem with my chevy. but the company i worked for this summer had a F-250 power stroke and that hauled @$$

[J&R Landscaping]

I really want to buy a Toyota Tundra but i wanted to see what everyone thought. I want the best quality truck (hence toyota) but i want to make sure i have enough payload & towing capacity (tundra payload 1700lbs/towing 6900 lbs). I am a one man landscaping co. I do plantings, mulch (wood & stone) garden walls, tear outs. I hope to offer pavers next year. right now i am working out of the back of my toyota Highlander or my dads 4cyl chevy s10.
Thanks in advance for the advice.
glenn
Allure Landscapes


If you have hopes of doing larger work (like hardscaping), it will mean either renting or possibly purchasing heavy duty equipment (like a skid steer or compact tractor) I would recomend at least a 3/4 ton truck but a 1 ton would probably be better for growing. I would also recomend going with either a ford, dodge or GM truck. JMO

[Pro-Scapes]

we bought a silverado ls earlier this year. I bought it with like 15k miles on it for the same price as a brand new WT model. 5.3 engine auto trans.

It pulls great for the day to day hauling of our small company. If I was going to start offering paver and other services like walls and such I would opt for a larger ride prefferably with a diesel. Yes its going to cost you more but you wont be over stressing your half ton ride.

Another option would be get the half ton of your choice (maybe a year old to save some money) then either contract someone with a larger truck to haul for you or finding a well used 1 ton possibly with a flat bed. We have a f350 powerstroke flatbed to use from a friend if needed as well as large gooseneck trailers ect.

Pavers... sod... wall block all weigh a heck of alot. Just rememeber your saftey and the saftey of others on the road is not worth saving a few bucks. I would opt for a stripped out no option but ac 3/4 ot 1 ton from the big 3 over your cushy tundra.

[TJLANDS]

Toyota and Nissan do make nice trucks, but in this business in the northeast nice doesn't cut it. You need a tough truck that will haul,carry, push and plow. Still haven't seen a Toyota truck plowing with a pallet of ice melt or pulling a trailer with a ton of stone in the bed. Allure your from Jackson so you have seen my trucks, all GMC's and two Fords, :usflag: buy American.

[Allure]

Toyota and Nissan do make nice trucks, but in this business in the northeast nice doesn't cut it. You need a tough truck that will haul,carry, push and plow. Still haven't seen a Toyota truck plowing with a pallet of ice melt or pulling a trailer with a ton of stone in the bed. Allure your from Jackson so you have seen my trucks, all GMC's and two Fords, :usflag: buy American.
not sure i want to plow anyway.
I'm not sure what your trucks look like. I would love to buy American, but reliability is a big factor for me. Forget ford. the company has to do a lot to improve quality before i will buy another one of their vehicles. My second choice is GMC. what's your repair history been like with the GMC's?
what GMC models do you have?

The new Tundra, which is due out in jan is supposed to be comparable to an F150. 10,000+ towing cap/much larger payload than prev. etc. i think it will be worth looking at.

TJ - what type of work do you do? maintenance or install or both?

[A.D Services]

you should get the new silverado they look pretty cool. i know i couldnt buy one because i would baby it too much thats why i buy used trucks. if any thing get a GM. it will save you a lot of time out of the shop having to get things fixed all the time like fords do

[Rizzo]

Don't the new GM trucks have a 100,000 mile warranty? I think that would sell me if I were buying new. The 2004 and up fords are completely new trucks from the frame up also. I was impressed with the full boxed frame on my f150. I have owned GM and Ford and unless you have experience with the newest models you can't compare them to the older GMs or Fords. Here in farm country you never see a Toyota or Nissan used for hauling or towing work. Have fun shopping...

[Brian B]

whatever you do end up getting dont regret it and dont be driving it and say "wish i would've gotten that ford" or chevy, or toyota, or dodge, or nissan, or whatever. me personally i would only buy american

[LindblomRJ]

The more I look at the newer pickups, the more I like my 11 year old 3/4 Chevrolet and 28 year old Ford. I think the ford was built on this day.

Happy birthday "Sherman."

[Cutman007]

whatever you do end up getting dont regret it and dont be driving it and say "wish i would've gotten that ford" or chevy, or toyota, or dodge, or nissan, or whatever. me personally i would only buy american
I bought a new F-250 reg cab to save $$ and regret not buying a used crew cab for about the same price. IMO, The crew cab is the only way to go.
Buy American!
Stay Safe!

[Rizzo]

Oops, I guess the silverados don't have the 100,000 mile warranty...

[Prestige-Lawncare]

F-O-R-D Powerstroke
:weightlifter:

[dago man]

The reason Toyota has a shallow bed is because the truck isn't capable of hauling heavy payloads so instead of telling you that they just make it impossible to do, while on the subject of Toyota's so-called superior quality do any of you here who are praising Toyota's quality know that Toyota was recently forced to recall 1.2 million vehicles of various models from the tundra to their car line as well? It was so widespread that the leader of Japan filed official charges against the company, of course Toyota didn't advertise that little tidbit though, did they?

[Allure]

The reason Toyota has a shallow bed is because the truck isn't capable of hauling heavy payloads so instead of telling you that they just make it impossible to do, while on the subject of Toyota's so-called superior quality do any of you here who are praising Toyota's quality know that Toyota was recently forced to recall 1.2 million vehicles of various models from the tundra to their car line as well? It was so widespread that the leader of Japan filed official charges against the company, of course Toyota didn't advertise that little tidbit though, did they?
First, the new tundra's bed will be 22.5 inches deep. Forget what you know about previous tundra's. this has been redesigned from the ground up.
2nd , recalls -yes the had a major recall but you often have to look beyond the headline & read the fine print. What is the recall? are they major isues or minor issues.
this point would be better directed at all of the people pushing 'buy ford'
I don't think any company has had more recalls this decade than ford. many of them were major concerns. never mind the fact that every one i know who owns fords understands why the call them Fix Or Repair Daily
3rd - name one company that would 'advertise' about a recall or lawsuit.
i don't remember ford running around saying 'hey look at us we put faulty tires on our vehicles'
I realize everyone is going to have their own personal preferences. All i want to know is can i run a business with a truck that can tow over 10,000 pounds has a large payload capacity (similar to an f150, i believe) an 8' bed. heavy duty breaking sys. 5.7 liter engine.
i would think so, since i see many guys on here who list chevy s10's as their vehicle. I owned one & it is no match for the new tundra ( or the old one0

[Total.Lawn.Care]

First, the new tundra's bed will be 22.5 inches deep. Forget what you know about previous tundra's. this has been redesigned from the ground up.
2nd , recalls -yes the had a major recall but you often have to look beyond the headline & read the fine print. What is the recall? are they major isues or minor issues.
this point would be better directed at all of the people pushing 'buy ford'
I don't think any company has had more recalls this decade than ford. many of them were major concerns. never mind the fact that every one i know who owns fords understands why the call them Fix Or Repair Daily
3rd - name one company that would 'advertise' about a recall or lawsuit.
i don't remember ford running around saying 'hey look at us we put faulty tires on our vehicles'
I realize everyone is going to have their own personal preferences. All i want to know is can i run a business with a truck that can tow over 10,000 pounds has a large payload capacity (similar to an f150, i believe) an 8' bed. heavy duty breaking sys. 5.7 liter engine.
i would think so, since i see many guys on here who list chevy s10's as their vehicle. I owned one & it is no match for the new tundra ( or the old one0
All I am going to say is that if you plan on having the ability to tow up to or over 10,000, then the Tunrda is not for you, nor is a F150, GM1500 or Dodge 1500. You need at the minimum a 3.4 Ton truck, and today the only way to get that is to get a F-250, GM2500, or Dodge2500. No-one else makes a 3/4 Ton Truck. That said, I think all of the Big three have their own faults, and all have their good points. As far as reliability, all will do you well if properly maintained.

[Allure]

thanks Total Lawn Care
that is the kind of useful response i have been looking for.

[dago man]

Ford has more trucks still on the road with over 250,000 miles on them than any other company, maybe that's why there are so many people suggesting Ford trucks, how long ago did Toyota get into the full size truck market? You can come up with all the cute, catchy little slogans you want for the fact that maybe you just didn't take care of your truck or abused it until it had problems but there are too many new and really old Fords on the road today to try to suggest they're no good

[TJLANDS]

not sure i want to plow anyway.
I'm not sure what your trucks look like. I would love to buy American, but reliability is a big factor for me. Forget ford. the company has to do a lot to improve quality before i will buy another one of their vehicles. My second choice is GM. what's your repair history been like with the GM C's?
what GM models do you have?

The new Tundra, which is due out in Jan is supposed to be comparable to an F. 10,000+ towing cap/much larger payload than prev. etc. i think it will be worth looking at.

TJ - what type of work do you do? maintenance or install or both?

I do everything, maintenance, installation, fert, snow.
I have 8 GMC's
6 2500hd Very Good Heavy Duty trucks
2 3500 Rack Body Dumps.
I had no major problems with any of my trucks until Aug 2005.(over 15 years)
At that time A motor and tranny went and I had to pull teeth at the GM Dealer( Should have been a warranty issue, it ended up a warranty issue)
So I bought a Ford F350 2005(Sept 2005). That truck has been perfect thus far with plowing last year.

I would buy a 2500 minimum, GMC Ford Dodge, they are all good

[Allure]

Dago Man

From Consumer Reports (based on customer satisfaction)

PICKUPS

The Toyota Tundra V6 and the Subaru Baja are the only pickups with much-better-than-average predicted reliability. The Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier rate better than average. Honda's Ridgeline, after an impressive start, has only average reliability in its first full year on the road. The 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT (prior to its 2007 redesign), turbodiesel versions of the Ford F-250, and the Nissan Titan were far below average in reliability.

Least reliable

PICKUP TRUCKS: Nissan Titan, Ford F-250 (TurboDiesel), Dodge Dakota (4WD), Cadillac Escalade EXT (2006).

Most reliable
PICKUP TRUCKS: Subaru Baja, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier (V6).

Only one ford on the most reliable list & that (fusion) is only a year old.
lots on the least reliable list, but not one Honda or Toyota so apparently the rest of the country disagrees with you.

Not one GMC on the least reliable so they are still worth looking at.

I will base my decision about quality & reliablity on the tens of thousands surveyed by CR not by ford marketing people "Ford has more trucks still on the road with over 250,000 miles on them than any other company"
this says nothing of the quality of the vehicles they make today! there is a reason the stock hit a 20 year low in july. Earnings Per Share -$3.723

[TJLANDS]

Your not comparing apples to apples.
The Nissan Titan would lose every "truck test" not some consumer reports of bored housewives and out of work people with the time to take that survey.
Cmon think about it, put a ton of stone in any truck on your list and see how reliable it becomes. Tow a trailer for a year. Pallet of pavers.etc.
The Toyota Tundra is the closest to a work truck. It is a good solid 1/2 ton at best

[LindblomRJ]

TJLANDs hit on a very good point. The people they surveyed are those who drive their pickups as a cars. Half tons and compact pickups are great for that. They are okay for the weekend trip to lowes.

There is not enough information on the commercial use. That is tool box full of tools, supplies, and pulling trailers everyday of the week. Not totally certain how a v6 tundra would hold up to that.

[MJK]

You have to buy American. Especially in the service industry. If you aren't helping others keep there job, why should they hire you to give you work? Seriously there are people out there that will look down on you because you drive a Toyota, no joke.

[Allure]

You have to buy American. Especially in the service industry. If you aren't helping others keep there job, why should they hire you to give you work? Seriously there are people out there that will look down on you because you drive a Toyota, no joke.

Give me a break. if someone looks down on me for that just shows their ignorance. my chevy s10 was made in canada & mexico.
Furthermore, the Tundra is made right here in the good ol' US of A
:usflag:

As for the housewife analogy, it does not make sense. Using that rationale, the people who drive the fords & dodges as cars that fill out the surveys are still giving them crappy scores. You're making assumptions about the people who respond to the survey.

I have filled out the survey many times. CR has saved me a ton of money over the years. It's the least i can do. Sort of like the people who come on here & share their experiences with the equipment they use.

Look i appreciate all of the comments but we all need to agree that many of the things being discussed are subjective, not facts. Tow capacity, cargo, bed length etc. are facts to compare. buy american is an opinion.
If i buy american, regardless of quality issues, i am telling detroit they don't need to make better cars because i will buy them anyway. I would absolutely love to buy an american car - made in america, but i will not do it out of some misguided patriotism. We are in a global economy, it's time to acknowledge that

Its GMC or the new Tundra for me. you should really check the specs on it instead of making assumptions based on the old tundra

[Rizzo]

I have been following this thread and maybe I missed it but did you ever actually say what you would be using this truck for? It may help to get the info you need. The people on this thread using the s10s are pulling small open trailers of equipment that those trucks are suited for and not a pallet of sod or load of rock. If you have the need for a full sized truck for hauling and towing take all the advise given and buy one of the actual full sized american trucks. The tundra is close to a full size but just not the same. More of a high end home owner mower compared to a commercial ztr... Just my thoughts.

[Allure]

I have been following this thread and maybe I missed it but did you ever actually say what you would be using this truck for? It may help to get the info you need. The people on this thread using the s10s are pulling small open trailers of equipment that those trucks are suited for and not a pallet of sod or load of rock. If you have the need for a full sized truck for hauling and towing take all the advise given and buy one of the actual full sized american trucks. The tundra is close to a full size but just not the same. More of a high end home owner mower compared to a commercial ztr... Just my thoughts.

thanks Rizzo
From what i have read so far though. the new tundra coming out will be comparable with your f150 in most every way. I'll give toyota another month or so to release even more info. From what i've been told winter is a good time to buy a truck because sales typically drop off a bit.

[hosejockey2002]

thanks Rizzo
From what i have read so far though. the new tundra coming out will be comparable with your f150 in most every way. I'll give toyota another month or so to release even more info. From what i've been told winter is a good time to buy a truck because sales typically drop off a bit.

The new Tundra I'm sure is equal to the F150 in most every way. That's the problem with it. It's still a light duty pickup, engineered as a passenger vehicle with a powerful engine for towing more than a cargo carrying vehicle. For most truck users in this industry I would submit that at a minimum a pickup should be able to carry a ton in it's bed and have enough reserve capacity for installed equipment and tongue weight to pull a trailer. None of the 150/1500 series trucks, including the Nissan and Toyota, can meet those specs. They all have the power to tow a large trailer, but the tongue weight of such a large trailer by itself uses up most of the truck's payload capacity. Ford, GM and Dodge still have the only offerings that can haul and tow significant weight at the same time. FWIW, Chevrolet and GMC are virtually identical.

[TJLANDS]

Unless it is a 4X4, they go up in winter.
To be objective Allure an F150 would not be practical for my business. It would sit more than it would work. Your situation could be different, if an F150 class truck would work for you then you would need to look at the Tundra and maybe other imports. However just remember that if you were to decide to plow I think you would have to trade up to a 250 class truck.
One more point you can never ever have to much truck for a job but you can have a truck that is to small for a job.

[Allure]

Thanks Guys
I only mentioned thr f150 because people told me to forget the tundra and go ford, then i see that they have an f150 or a chevy/gmc 1500
So it looks like it may have to be the gmc 2500 or comparable. thanks to all the posters who provided useful info instead of just being argumentative.

[Brian B]

Unless it is a 4X4, they go up in winter.
To be objective Allure an F150 would not be practical for my business. It would sit more than it would work. Your situation could be different, if an F150 class truck would work for you then you would need to look at the Tundra and maybe other imports. However just remember that if you were to decide to plow I think you would have to trade up to a 250 class truck.
One more point you can never ever have to much truck for a job but you can have a truck that is to small for a job.


i totally agree TJLANDS, you can never have to much truck. i do believe that the new toyota will be comparable to the F-150/1500. but if you have any hopes of growing in your business or plowing i would seriously look into the 3/4ton at least. if you dont grow or you dont plow, you would still have enough truck so that you wouldnt have to worry about how much you're hauling because it will almost always haul anything you throw in it. thats just what i think. i got a 3/4ton but i hope to grow into plowing in a year or two. thats just my .02. :usflag:

[Rizzo]

Allure, I still have not heard what you will be using this truck for...? I am in no way pushing ford over any other brand. I have owned many trucks and ford is just my current flavor and I don't have a use for anything larger for my biz. I just looked at the tundra 07' specs and it still has less power, smaller wheelbase and much less towing/hauling capacities than the other full sized 1/2 ton trucks. It is a very nice truck and has been proven dependable but it is not the same and is certainly not closer to a 3/4 ton than the other brands 1/2 tons. Buy what you will need. I think you've already made up your mind though... Have fun with your new truck!

[Rizzo]

Disregard my last post... When I looked at toyotas site they still have the specs for the 06 trucks up... I now see the site for the new one... Looks much bigger! I'll quit posting until I see the new specs...

[Rizzo]

Oops, I guess the silverados don't have the 100,000 mile warranty...

Ok, now I found the 07' silverado website. They do have 100,000 mile powertrain warranty! Is toyota gonna up thiers also? And, have you found specs for the new tundra? I may ask the wife for a new silverado for xmas... ya, right!:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[Allure]

Disregard my last post... When I looked at toyotas site they still have the specs for the 06 trucks up... I now see the site for the new one... Looks much bigger! I'll quit posting until I see the new specs...
Rizzo. they keep changing the web site in general & it's a pain to look through it all again & again to find the new specs so i did a search. one of the auto mags had a review & the specs have changed dramatically. they must be in production by now if they are due jan/feb. so i don't think they will change the #'s

i may end up divorced if i go for the 3/4 ton but what the hell!:clapping:

As far as what i need the truck for i already posted that i think but i am doing installs. mostly softscape but will continue to grow the hardscape side. honestly, i'd rather pay $70 to have pallets of stone delivered in most cases but will be hauling mulch & equip. etc.
it will have to be a crew cab since i am trading in my suv so that will reduce capacity a bit.

i'll try to track down the specs again. the specs in my original post are for a 2006 tundra not '07 incase that confused anyone. It was so long ago i forgot.

[gandk06]

It sounds like you have already made up your mind in terms of what truck you want to buy and are just looking for someone to tell you it is o.k. I know why you feel that way. You have had great luck with all of your other Toyota vehicles in the past, just like everyone else that has ever owned one. Toyato builds great vehicles. Period. I would agree with most that say you don't see a lot of them used in this industry but that doesn't mean that they won't work for you. I also think that you know that it has its limitations when compared to a 2500 or 3500 from an american company. You are the only one that knows what you are going to use this truck for. If you are not going to haul hugh loads or plow with it then why not great a toyota. You know that it is not going to break down for you.
I think that there are very few people that ended up going to american vehicles after driving toyotas, honda, and the others. Once you have owned one you know the way a vehicle should be built and I feel it is hard to find that in an american vehicle.
It's your money. If you want to buy something you know will not break down, stick with what you know.

Just my .02

[Allure]

Thanks GandK
I know what i want, but didn't know what i needed to get the job done. I agree with the notion it's better to have to much than not enough.
as for towing, i don't see myself doing that. just not comfortable with the whole idea -hours/liability etc. I will probably try to do some trim carpentry in the winter mos. instead.
If the final tundra specs don't exceed that of a 150/1500 i will probably end up with a gmc 2500. It may not be as reliable but at least they have the new 100,000 mile warranty.

[meathead1134]

My turn, listen to these people that state getting a 3/4 ton truck they know what they are talking about. I also run a gmc 3/4 ton 4x4. I hauled 3 yards of pine bark mulch. I had mulch almost up to the roof of the cab while towing my open trailer. I had plenty of power and it only sagged a few inches. Lets see a toytota do that????? These people know what they are talking about. Forget about what consumer reports say, a subaru baja is a pickup truck come on. I may buy a F350 for my next truck. I'd rather be over powered or have a beefer suspension than under powered or not having a tough enough suspension.

[paul vroom]

Look for a deal. I picked up a F350 with 40,000 miles that was garaged for the winters for $4000. What ever you buy I would suggest running it through Carfax online. Its worth the $20 in peace of mind. Good Luck!

[Allure]

Look for a deal. I picked up a F350 with 40,000 miles that was garaged for the winters for $4000. What ever you buy I would suggest running it through Carfax online. Its worth the $20 in peace of mind. Good Luck!
is that a typo. you bought a full size pickup with 40,000 miles for $4000.
what year is it.
this is from a local dealer
2005 FORD F-350 2DR TRUCK XLT
$28,995 *
VIN: 1FTWF31P85EA21436
Mileage: 40037

[Brian B]

im guessing its not a diesel.... 4x4?? crew cab or regular

[TJLANDS]

is that a typo. you bought a full size pickup with 40,000 miles for $4000.
what year is it.
this is from a local dealer
2005 FORD F-350 2DR TRUCK XLT
$28,995 *
VIN: 1FTWF31P85EA21436
Mileage: 40037
You have to shop around, I paid 28K at Oasis Ford for a 2005 F350 brand new

[SimonCX]

I almost bought a toyota tundra 2 years ago also, when I looked at them it looked like a nice truck. But when they priced it it was almost the same as a F-250. I wanted it as a work and personal truck thats why I looked at the toyota first because I thought it would be better on gas. But when I looked at it compared to ford or chevy's 250 or 350's the toyota is a toy. I ended up getting a f-350 diesel and it's the best thing I did, if I got the toyota I would of traded it in, in a couple months. If you plan on hauling stone, soil or pavers save yourself the time and get a chevy, ford or dodge pickup. The toyota isn't even comparable to a f-250 or 350 when it comes to load or hauling a trailer. Toyota'a are nice cars and I like them but when it comes to work trucks they still have a long way to go.

[Rizzo]

I was initially thinking the same but then I found the new site for the 2007 Tundra. It sounds like most of you responding were like me in thinking of the 2006 and older Tundras. When you see the 2007 it is huge compared to the old one and initial specs are 10,000 tow rating and a v8 with 350-400 hp. I think the payload will be much better also. No other specs released yet except the dimensions and they are now the same as the other full sized trucks.

[Allure]

thanks Simon.
It's definitely not the strongest on the market but the new one due out will surprise a lot of people.

I find it interesting that people have recommended f150's/rangers/s-10s/1500's etc. & nobody criticizes but say you're buying a foreign truck that is at least as capable (2007 model) & some can't look past their prejudices. I'm not saying this to start another debate just making an observation.

I'll be looking into the 3/4 tons more, especially the GMC. For those happy with their Fords, more power to ya but i can't look past the personal experiences of myself & friends & family. Lot's & lots of trans. problems etc. none under warranty of course.

[SimonCX]

I was initially thinking the same but then I found the new site for the 2007 Tundra. It sounds like most of you responding were like me in thinking of the 2006 and older Tundras. When you see the 2007 it is huge compared to the old one and initial specs are 10,000 tow rating and a v8 with 350-400 hp. I think the payload will be much better also. No other specs released yet except the dimensions and they are now the same as the other full sized trucks.

I don't know about the 2007 but I would never buy there earlier one's. The 2006 gvw is 5500 - 6300 lbs, try stopping that truck with a loaded 10000lbs gvw trailer and you'll know why some of use wouldn't buy a toyota. My fords gvw is double the toyota's. And payload is a joke about 1500lbs for the toyota and the ford is around 3000lbs for a 250 and 4400lbs for a 350. Personally I doubt the new toyota will be that much better then the old one, they can make a little more hp then the old ones but there torque is not even close to ford dodge or chevy's. For a real work truck I wouldn't buy a toyota, maybe as a truck for just estiamates but not much more.

[Allure]

maybe as a truck for just estiamates but not much more.
you're certainly entitled to that opinion but it has no basis in fact. As i said earlier, the Tundra was redesigned from the ground up.
so based on that logic, everyone should get rid of their f150's & 1500's not to mention s10's & rangers etc.

[SimonCX]

thanks Simon.
It's definitely not the strongest on the market but the new one due out will surprise a lot of people.

I find it interesting that people have recommended f150's/rangers/s-10s/1500's etc. & nobody criticizes but say you're buying a foreign truck that is at least as capable (2007 model) & some can't look past their prejudices. I'm not saying this to start another debate just making an observation.

I'll be looking into the 3/4 tons more, especially the GMC. For those happy with their Fords, more power to ya but i can't look past the personal experiences of myself & friends & family. Lot's & lots of trans. problems etc. none under warranty of course.

I would'nt recommended a f-150 if you plan on more then cutting grass and some mulch, if thats what you want then it would probably be a very good truck for that. I don't have any problems with foreign cars, I love my subaru's. But if your doing installs and are planning on down walls and pavers down the line I would look into a 3/4 ton or 1 ton truck because the toyota will be too little truck very quick. I was in the same situation as you 2-3 years ago and I can tell you that if I picked the toyota it would have been a costly mistake about 6 months in. Personally I need a bigger truck, I down tree removes along with landscaping and when you have 3-4 tons of logs in a trailer braking can become a problem with a smaller truck.

[JRS Landscaping]

if you got the $$ go for a diesel

[paul vroom]

Thats not a typo, $4000 is what I paid for it, it is a 1995. I ran a carfax on it and it averaged just over 3000 miles a year. It now has almost 40,600 miles on it. It was on a farm and was garaged for the winters. It was a great deal!

[paul vroom]

Here are some pics

[Allure]

that's not a great deal, it's an incredible deal. Never find a deal like that in NJ.

[PMLAWN]

One heck of a "my trucks better than yours" pi$$ing match here.
They all work and they all breakdown too!
I speak from the view that my trucks are for work only, I have personal cars also, so it might be out of line with what you are planning but the GM and Ford dealers will have better pricing on work trucks as they produce Millions of them. My local Ford and Chevy each have well over 500 white base model work trucks that can be had for very good pricing. There is no doubt that Toyota makes a fine truck, (but they are now having their problems as they are producing so many).
You already stated that you can not wait till the 07 model which I feel is good any way as I do not like to buy the 1st year of any total redesign.
Picking a brand is about the same as picking a color-- do what makes you happy,
But the issue that needs to be decided is size. If you feel that you can get by with a 1/2 ton truck. I feel that you can get any one you want.
If you need the power and suspension and breaking and towing of a 3/4 or 1 ton truck I do not feel that Japan makes that. I feel that you need something from the big 3 that says 250/2500 or more on the door.
When it comes to a truck for work, that truck will be loaded ALL the time, With the trailer behind ALL the time, stopping the full load ALL the time. This is what the large trucks from the big 3 can do ALL the time and do it for many years, If you climb under a 3/4 or 1 ton truck you will see why these trucks get less than 10 MPG, They are massive. they are very heavy duty. But they will do the work that they are designed for.

Decide what your true needs WILL be and match those needs.
Not sure if Japan will ever build BIG trucks as they will have a great fight here and there is little demand in the rest of the world, but if they did I am sure it would be a very good truck. Yet I will still look at them from my seat in my GM or Ford:laugh:

And as far as driving up in a Jap truck, That depends on where you are, In areas where unions are still big it is still looked at as being anti USA. But most of those guys are cutting there own grass anyway

[paul vroom]

I really did get lucky. The funny thing is he was asking 4,500. I told him I wanted my mechanic to check it out, which he did and told me it was fine but could use new plugs so he took $500 off. Unreal!!

[J&R Landscaping]

Damn Paul,

Let me know if this guy is selling any other trucks!!!!!

[Cutman007]

I have a 1995 F-350 rack dump truck in good cond. 60+k mi. It came with a Company I bought recently. It's not as clean as Paul's truck..lol.. Any idea what I should ask for it?
Thanks!

[Allure]

I have a 1995 F-350 rack dump truck in good cond. 60+k mi. It came with a Company I bought recently. It's not as clean as Paul's truck..lol.. Any idea what I should ask for it?
Thanks!
I'll give you $4000. :laugh:

[pcarlson1911]

Allure -
This has turned into quite a pride issue.

I have experiences with 3 different work trucks.

1 1996 Dodge 1500
2 1995 Ford f250
3 2000 Ford 1/2 ton (Expedition)

All have served well, all have needed repair. The biggest issue that has been brought up is finding the right size truck to do the work you need to do. Bsed on your discussion of doing paver work, I would suggest at least a 3/4 ton truck. Yes, you could haul those pavers with a 1/2 ton truck. No there probably wouldn't be an issue with getting a load above capacity moving. I always worry when it comes to stopping. Also there are some of the opinion that a 10% overload on your vehicle will lead to a 25% or more increase in wear. MOre wear = more repair.

If a truck isn't rated to haul it, it isn't prepared to stop it. From a liability standpoint, If I was sitting on a jury trying to determine your liability for an accident and you are driving an overloaded truck, that is gross negligence in my opinion.

My next truck will be a Dodge 1 ton cummins.

Good luck!
pc

[Allure]

THanks PC. I'll be checking out the GMC 2500 soon. What kind of deal i can get might influence brand as well (all things being equal)

[pcarlson1911]

service is also an issue. Any of the big 3 could provide you with a great 3/4 to 1 ton. I would prefer my fleet to be of the same make and model. This way I can keep parts on hand for after truck goes out of warranty or in emergency. Starter, alternator, brake parts etc. This way at 2:30 am in the middle of a snow storm we can get a truck back up and running. Each truck reperesents $1000's of dollars in a storm. If I don't plow it, someone else will and that income is lost and quite possibly the account could be lost too. The grass will wait till tomorrow, but snow must be handled 90 minutes ago. Sorry to get off topic. Keep in mind "my fleet" mentioned above is a figment of my imagination......Someday!
pc

[rb_in_va]

THanks PC. I'll be checking out the GMC 2500 soon. What kind of deal i can get might influence brand as well (all things being equal)

You're not open to a used truck? Look at the deal that Paul Vroom got! I recently sold my 2000 Nissan ex-cab and got a 1995 F-150 Supercab for $4500 in excellent condition. Granted I just drive my truck to my office job but I am very happy with the quality of the Ford as compared to the Nissan. In all actuality, the Nissan would haul everything I needed, but lacked the cab space for my family. I too like Toyotas, but if I were towing or hauling anything on a regular basis I would go with an F-250. My folks like Toyotas as well and have 2 of them (the Celica has 250k+ miles). But for Hauling the Bobcat around my dad has an F-350 PSD.

Another thing I have always thought about is that I will never buy a brand new truck to go 4X4ing or for heavy work with. I just couldn't stand to tear up a new truck. I guess if you are in the business though you have a different perspective.

[Rizzo]

Allure, I was talking trucks with a guy at work today who wants an 07' Chevy. He tried to order one and GM said they can't guaranty delivery on any 07' trucks because they have such an overstock of 06' that they shut down the GM truck plants til they are sold down... doh!

[Allure]

Allure, I was talking trucks with a guy at work today who wants an 07' Chevy. He tried to order one and GM said they can't guaranty delivery on any 07' trucks because they have such an overstock of 06' that they shut down the GM truck plants til they are sold down... doh!
So i could probably get a good deal on an '06. then again, why such a big surplus. thanks for the heads up Rizzo

[Rizzo]

When I bought my current truck I also found a 2004 chevy 2500 crew cab 4x4 for $21950 with about 40k miles and black. Everyday now while on patrol I drive past that one and drool. It was more truck than I needed and with the crew it will not fit in the garage where as my f150 supercab has about 10" to spare. I gave $19950 for my 04' f150 with 22k miles and still under warranty. I bet if you look you could find a nice new 2500 for a good price... Just let us know what you get!

[Prestige-Lawncare]

F-O-R-D

:weightlifter:

[VisionLandscape]

Ive got a F-250, During Hurrican Ivan a Pine tree fell on it and crushed the cab. it still cranked right up, now thats tough!

[hosejockey2002]

Ive got a F-250, During Hurrican Ivan a Pine tree fell on it and crushed the cab. it still cranked right up, now thats tough!

Ya think that's maybe because the motor's under the hood and not in the cab?:laugh:

[Grits]

Ive got a F-250, During Hurrican Ivan a Pine tree fell on it and crushed the cab. it still cranked right up, now thats tough!
Hey Vision....I'm in Gulf Breeze....just wanted to say hey to a fellow NW Floridian.

[Prestige-Lawncare]

I just noticed something! You asked what kind of a "pickup" should I buy?

If you want a "pickup" ... buy whatever you like.

:nono: BUT

If you want a TRUCK ... buy a FORD!

:weightlifter:

[Allure]

semantics :sleeping:

[fiveoboy01]

I think PM said it best.

You want a truck for real work, get something from Ford, GM or Dodge. All 3 make trucks that have shown themselves to hold up reasonably well when subjected to the abuse that comes with hauling/towing/plowing, etc.

Nothing out of Japan has proven itself yet for a real work application.

[J&R Landscaping]

I think PM said it best.

You want a truck for real work, get something from Ford, GM or Dodge. All 3 make trucks that have shown themselves to hold up reasonably well when subjected to the abuse that comes with hauling/towing/plowing, etc.

Nothing out of Japan has proven itself yet for a real work application.

Nicley put!

Every now and then I will see a Mitisubishi Fuso or an Isuzu cab over truck with a plow. I dont see them often but there owners seem to make em get the job done. I'm not sure if I am convinced enough to buy one though.

[Prestige-Lawncare]

I really want to buy a Toyota Tundra but i wanted to see what everyone thought. I want the best quality truck (hence toyota) but i want to make sure i have enough payload & towing capacity (tundra payload 1700lbs/towing 6900 lbs). I am a one man landscaping co. I do plantings, mulch (wood & stone) garden walls, tear outs. I hope to offer pavers next year. right now i am working out of the back of my toyota Highlander or my dads 4cyl chevy s10.
Thanks in advance for the advice.
glenn
Allure Landscapes

Okay ... it's been 2½ months now since you posted. Have you bought your truck yet .. and if so ...

What did you get?

:waving:

[rb_in_va]

Okay ... it's been 2½ months now since you posted. Have you bought your truck yet .. and if so ...

What did you get?

:waving:

An Isuzu Pup.:laugh:

[tcalb2]

I'm own a small one man show landscape company out of my tacoma and I ran a crew doing hardscapes mostly pavers before. I'll tell you that any truck lower then a one ton is a waste of time if your doing pavers. you'll also need a diesel. The only other thing is this, Even a f350 with its payload capcities can only do one full pallet depending on what type of stone your getting. honestly most of the time my jobs were over a pallet and we just got then delivered its so much easier that way you don't have to work the stones off the back of the truck and when the truck comes for the delivery you just tell him were u want each pallet so to make your life alot easier. I'm pressed with the same problem but most hardscape jobs I've done its easier to get the material delivered. The only other thing that I found in working there was that If you do alot of hardscapes, it probably worth it to look into a cab over design. They had a great deal of payload and if you get the mason body with the fold down sides it makes it easy to load and unload pallets.

[SHADESOFGREENLAWNCARE]

Allure - Did you buy a truck yet? I was looking at the new Tundra also. It actually looks like a scaled down Ford F250. The F250 has a payload of about 3000 lbs the Tundra's maximum rating is 2050. The payload on the crew cab is even less. They both tow about 10,000 lbs. It looks to me like you might be carrying stone & if this is the case I would go with the larger american vehicle(did you say chevy?). The Toyota looks like it is going to be much more fun to drive however it may limit what you can do in the not too distant future. If I buy I will be purchasing the Tundra because I don't plan to do heavy duty landscaping in the future. The 2000 pound payload for the Tundra would prevent you from installing a dump insert(800 lbs) in the future. I currently have an under powered low mileage Ford F150. :walking:

[TXNSLighting]

You know the f-150 has a 3000 pound payload. and the 250 has a 4000ish pound payload.

[tcalb2]

Yea but a pallet of unilock pavers ways in at around 3500lbs

[tcalb2]

a full pallet would lift the rear tires right off the ground in the cat skid steer I used to run. Its nuts. It was a 262, pretty big machine for a skid steer.

[hosejockey2002]

You know the f-150 has a 3000 pound payload. and the 250 has a 4000ish pound payload.

The F150 can be ordered with an 8200 GVWR package that gives it a gross payload of close to 3000 pounds. It has 7 lug wheels and a full floating rear end. It's more like a light 3/4 ton truck.

According to this web site (http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/2007superduty/features/specs/) the F250 has a payload range from 2800 to 3300 lbs. Diesels, crew cabs and 4x4s have a higher GVWR to keep the payload range fairly consistent across the board.

On the other hand, GMs 2500HD has a GVWR of 9200 across the board. This gives the base truck (2WD, 6.0 gas) a payload of around 4000 pounds, but when you get up to a crew cab diesel your payload by the numbers is down to closer to 2K.

All three brands of 3/4 ton pickups are overbuilt for their given ratings, and share many of the same components as the 350/3500 series trucks. With some simple tire and suspension mods they (imo) can carry well over their ratings safely. I've had my 2500HD loaded to over 10,000 a few times and it handles it well.

[dekalb lawn man]

What ever you do, DO DONT BUY A FORD. Their trucks have been getting worse and worse over the years. In my opinion by what you can afford in the GMC/Chevy line up. Stay away from Nissan and Toyota. They will last forever if you drive em with out a pay load but once you put some strain on those engines well..........By the way I know I will catch heat for saying that about Ford but I am only saying this out of experience( 3 Fords, not one of them made it past 50,000 miles) and to trying and help.

[Tim Wright]

By the time this thread is completelt exhausted, all 06's will be sold off of the market.

I pull a New Holland TC35DA with Harley rake. It is about as close to 10k pounds as you can get, all together. My gas 1 ton dully dump has not liked to pull it at all. I will be putting a dump insert in the back with lift of 6000lbs, and hopefully will be pulling pavestone on my trailer from time to time also.

So I bought a brand spank'n new 07 GMC 3500 crew cab dually week before last. It's the Duramax/Allison Package. The warranty is overall 36k miles, engine and power train 100k miles. You cannot beat that.

This truck will carry the mail, and much better than any power stroke that I have driven in, but I think that has in part to do with the year, and who was doing the maintenance.

Either way, If you are looking at doing similar things to what I am doing with mine, I would shoot for at least a 2500-3500 diesel, and NOT Gas.

Here is the way I see it, and some may disagree.

1. duramax 6.6 w/ Allison - Good
2. Powerstroke is good, need another tranny
3. commins is a good engine, but dodge is known for tranny and brake issues.

Again what ever you do, stick with a diesel and just don't abuse the truck. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

The GMC is sweet.

Tim

[RICHIE K]

Ford or Dodge that all we have