I concur with the other responders on the 3/4 over 1/2. If you will be hauling a lot of stuff, then 3/4 is the right choice. IMO the Dodge advantage is with their diesel engines. I favor Ford over GM, I think their trucks generally are better engineered and built. My trucks have mostly been diesels so I can't really say about modern gasoline engines. By all means do get the towing package.
As far as lifting things into the bed, how about a hydraulic crane designed for that purpose? Or a winch mounted in the front of the bed along with ramps? Lifting heavy objects by hand is an invitation to injury or damage. HF sells such a crane for less than $200 that has good reviews: http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-ton-capacity-pickup-truck-crane-with-c able-winch-37555.html Greg -----Original Message----- From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of OK Don Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2013 8:57 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: [MBZ] OT - pickem-up trucks We are considering replacing the van with a pickup, as we're mostly using it with the seats out to haul stuff, not people these days. My car wrenchs are now airplane wrenchs, so I want a new one with warranty, etc. I'm also cheap, so don't want to spring the extra $7000+ for a Diesel engine. We occasionally haul concrete blocks, sacks of cement, 4X8 sheets of plywood, etc. I once WAY over loaded the SIL's 1/2 ton RAM to the scary point, just by filling the bed to the top with 8X16 concrete blocks. We're thinking of a tow packaged 1/2 ton, or a 3/4 ton, basic work truck, small cab, 8' bed. It looks like Dodge is hungry and under pricing the others in the 1/2 ton market, but the payload specs are lower. Any opinions (or even facts?) that would over ride price in choosing between Ford, GM, and Chrysler trucks? 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton? New effecient V6, or old thirsty V8 engine? -- OK Don 2001 ML320 2012 Passat TDI DSG 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager 1957 C182A _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
