Best stock truck

[Bigjay73]

What's the best bang for your buck stock 1/2 ton truck as far as driving in snow, mud, typical crappy conditions we see in the mountains? Not looks or electronics, just get you from point a to b most reliably with no aftermarket upgrades other than maybe tires.

 

[mtmuley]

What's the best bang for your buck stock 1/2 ton truck as far as driving in snow, mud, typical crappy conditions we see in the mountains? Not looks or electronics, just get you from point a to b most reliably with no aftermarket upgrades other than maybe tires.

Ford and GM both make low optioned trucks. Pick one. mtmuley

 

[WildWill]

What's the best bang for your buck stock 1/2 ton truck as far as driving in snow, mud, typical crappy conditions we see in the mountains? Not looks or electronics, just get you from point a to b most reliably with no aftermarket upgrades other than maybe tires.

If you hadn't said 1/2 ton you'd have perfectly described what a tacoma is good for.

 

[Bigjay73]

Ford and GM both make low optioned trucks. Pick one. mtmuley

Which one? Seems like every brand has 10 different packages. Z71, Laramie, tremor, bighorn, LT......

 

[SD_Prairie_Goat]

Which one? Seems like every brand has 10 different packages. Z71, Laramie, tremor, bighorn, LT......

Too much going on and unanswered from your part. Big one, what age vehicle are you looking for?

Here are key things that I look for:

Locking differential, or limited slip
Skid plate, even though it feels like it just puts your mind at ease and doesn't really protect much
4x4 of course
Extended range gas tank




Now theres a bunch of other options a guy can look at for other things, towing, bed size, etc., but you didn't ask for anything else. Even that small list will eliminate ram imo. You can get those features sometimes but when I've looked for trucks ram is the hardest to find those basic things.

 

[Laszlo Cravensworth]

SR5 Tundra with the TRD offroad package.

Get the limited with ventilated seats though. You'll thank me later.

 

[Jbotto]

F150 FX4 has always been a decent option, I think some of the newer packages like the SXT might be a bit better but not sure.

 

[jimh406]

If used with higher miles, Toyota Tundra.

Old Chevys ride pretty well and can be had pretty cheap.

 

[mtmuley]

Which one? Seems like every brand has 10 different packages. Z71, Laramie, tremor, bighorn, LT......

Easy to find on the manufacturers site. mtmuley

 

[Bigjay73]

Too much going on and unanswered from your part. Big one, what age vehicle are you looking for?

Here are key things that I look for:

Locking differential, or limited slip
Skid plate, even though it feels like it just puts your mind at ease and doesn't really protect much
4x4 of course
Extended range gas tank




Now theres a bunch of other options a guy can look at for other things, towing, bed size, etc., but you didn't ask for anything else. Even that small list will eliminate ram imo. You can get those features sometimes but when I've looked for trucks ram is the hardest to find those basic things.

So which one has all those key things?

 

[dan.kirkpatrick]

older toyota tacoma if you can find one with lower miles,,good luck on that..3.4 v-6,,4.0 v6,,and the older 4 bangers are good moters

 

[MTLabrador]

I don’t know if you’re looking new or used, but I’ve used a bunch of different 1/2 and 3/4 ton pickups off road for various jobs. My favorite 1/2 ton for off road use is the 2nd gen Tundra (07-21) followed closely by the Chevy 1500s, especially the older 2000-2010ish Chevys.

I like my trucks pretty basic as far as tech and fancy trim packages. The next truck I buy will likely be a new stripped down base model gas 3/4 ton. I don’t need or want a King Ranch.

 

[Chingon]

Ford F150 Raptor
Ford Ranger Raptor
Ford F150 Tremor

I'd look hard into all of those. Only reason I'd go Tremor is fuel efficiency (range). My wife's 2.7L Ecoboost with 34 gallon tank has over 700 miles of range on a full tank. 75k trouble-free miles so far.

 

[rjthehunter]

What's the best bang for your buck stock 1/2 ton truck as far as driving in snow, mud, typical crappy conditions we see in the mountains? Not looks or electronics, just get you from point a to b most reliably with no aftermarket upgrades other than maybe tires.

Is price an issue? If not, look at the Chevy ZR2 or ZR2 Bison, or Ford Raptor.

If you don't want to spend that much, look at a Chevy Trail Boss. This is a good level for most hunters IMO. Or buy a normal 1500, put some better tires on it and slap a 2 inch leveling kit on it. The Trail Boss has a lot of features meant for off road driving such as a 2 inch lift, better wheels & tires, skid plates, Z71 package, upgraded suspension, locking differentials, Rancho shocks, Hill Descent Control, 2 speed transfer case, etc.

 

[TOGIE]

snow? mud? crappy colorado conditions?

all that screams something like subaru, volvo, or some other top tier all wheel drive brand. zero need for a truck.

you didn't mention anything about offroad 4x4 capability. changes the equation dramatically.

but if that's what you meant, i will always maintain pre 2016 Titan Pro4Xs are the best bang for you buck around as far as off road capability in a full size truck.

 

[SD_Prairie_Goat]

So which one has all those key things?

Of that list, looking at driving only in the snow and mountains: limited slip differential or locking. That would be first on my list.

Don't get fooled with an electronic limited slip, that's just trying to use the wheel brakes to mimic a mechanical limited slip

 

[hank4elk]

I just hit 380k on my Tacoma 4x4. 1998. Rebuilt the suspension and drive last year. Modified,fun.
I just hit 200k on my 2001 F-150 offroad Lariat. Went thru that one too. My ranch work and road truck.

They have I wish stuff, but not much.
I will never buy a new one.

 

[Pagosa]

Does anyone have any experience with the newer Ford Rangers? Appears they get around 22 mpg. Looking for second vehicle for next year to be used for work along utility right-of-ways in NW Colorado. Looking for something that can put 200k plus miles on it

 

[Khunter]

My 2nd gen tundra 2010 double cab TRD hs been great. plan to drive another 10 years. In great shape with just 130k miles, mostly hunting, mountain and desert trips for those miles. Was “only” $32k bought new back then.

 

[Dave N]

Does anyone have any experience with the newer Ford Rangers? Appears they get around 22 mpg. Looking for second vehicle for next year to be used for work along utility right-of-ways in NW Colorado. Looking for something that can put 200k plus miles on it

I bought a 2022 Ranger last July. Highway travel keeping it around 60 or so I get low 20s. Haven't done much interstate driving yet. Lariat package is really comfy, 2.3 turbo has plenty of get up and go. I like it.