Hunting trucks ford 150, dodge ram or???

[canthitathing]

I'm reading this thread with some interest as I'll be in a position to acquire a replacement vehicle within the next year or three. I'm considering an SUV-type or else a pickup capable of carrying a slide-in camper but don't really need a full size pick-up. I'm not really looking to pay new prices as I don't want to cringe when branches squeal down the sides on bush trails, but discussions of todays products will be tomorrows used products. The wife is also looking at perhaps a Journey, but that's a different topic.

[rev500ss]

I have a 2010 Chevy crew cab LT with the 4.8L had to have the rack and pinion replaced but under warranty, other then that no major issues. Have replaced the front brakes once (147k) and tires. I feel fuel milage is good for everyday driving but pulling my enclosed sled trailer the milage goes out the window.
When looking for a truck interior cab space was a big concern. I had a 8 month old at the time and with a rear facing car seat it was hard to find a truck the car seat actually fit on.
The Ford had the biggest back seat but was over priced when looking Chevy was second for interior room and Dodge was last. The car seat wouldn't even come close to fitting on the rear seat.
If I was shopping now for a new truck now that my little one is growing I think I would check out Ford again then Chevy. Dodge just isn't up to par imo but I do like the sounds of the eco diesel.

[TurkeyRookie]

The wife is also looking at perhaps a Journey, but that's a different topic.

I wouldn't touch a Journey with my own money...

I have one now, 109,000km and the one I had before went back at 126,000 (had them each for a year and a bit)

Now I know I'm not the easiest on vehicles, and the miles rack up quick, but those things were in the shop a lot, and for long periods of time.

I would think it was just me, but my 2 co workers who had them as well, were also always in the shop.

Great vehicle comfort wise (I had the AWD R/T's) tons of power (289) lots of ground clearance on the 19's, super comftorable, leather interior, buckets, heated seats, remote start, keyless entry (just touch the handle) keyless start, huge screen, nav, sat radio etc etc...

But....

Tranny problems on both at 60k, seems like breaks everytime I got the oil changed/tires rotated, a rad in each at about 80-90k, tie rods and bearings replaced regularly, in the winters, 3 power steering issues last winter 1 pump, 2 hoses, and 2 punps the preivious winter (last journey)

Dodges fix... let it warm up before driving... they blew as soon as vehicle was started lol.

Great to look at, great for comfort and features, horrible on repairs.

[dutchhunter]

my buddys wife had a journey brand new and it made 60K and had to have a new motor ,it was the allwheel drive model .Dutch

[Mdiddi]

I'm reading this thread with some interest as I'll be in a position to acquire a replacement vehicle within the next year or three. I'm considering an SUV-type or else a pickup capable of carrying a slide-in camper but don't really need a full size pick-up. I'm not really looking to pay new prices as I don't want to cringe when branches squeal down the sides on bush trails, but discussions of todays products will be tomorrows used products. The wife is also looking at perhaps a Journey, but that's a different topic.

I did cringe with the narrow Tacoma. Scratches are now all over so it doesn't bother me anymore. I wax before winter just to make me feel better.

One thing I don't like about Toyota is there warranty. They don't tell you something Needs replacing unless it's life safety issue whereas with my ford they would call about a radio knob. I prefer the Ford method. If anyone goes Toyota learn about TSB aka Toyota service bulletins. You research them for your vehicle and take it in and mention to the service tech that you think you need BLANK fixed. Tech will find the bulletin and fix it under warranty. Problem is if you don't mention the small stuff they leave it.

[MikePal]

else a pickup capable of carrying a slide-in camper but don't really need a full size pick-up. I'm not really looking to pay new prices as I don't want to cringe when branches squeal down the sides on bush trails,

heads up; I was looking at a slid in last summer and the problem was the weight was to much for a 1/2 ton P/U....

My buddy owns a prima donna truck..Ram...he won't come up my lane unless I trim back all the Willow branches...It wasn't happening so now he carries a pair of loppers and trims the offenders himself

[terrym]

I think I would prefer an RV trailer that you tow instead of a slide in. Then you dont need as heavy of a vehicle guzzling gas all year when you arent camping. In reality how many days will you need the camper vs how many days you use the vehicle? Also a standard trailer should be much roomier. Kind of thinking sbout getting one myself for weekend grouse hunts.

[Hawkman]

... I am a BIG Toyota fan(owned 2 Tercels) one can get by without a truck for hunting...had none for 16 years of hunting ......Tercels are quite nice hunting vehicles........see attached pic as proof.
Yep,took home several deer similar ways as attached......cheers

LOL. I took four deer home (on separate occasions) in the trunk of some older Toyota Camrys that I owned in the past.

I fit my black bear this fall in the wife's '12 fiesta hatch back hahahaah

From 1985 to 1988 I drove a VW Golf and then switched to an older Mazda GLC. Those hatchback vehicles are simply awesome for hunting and the only thing missing is ground clearance. I'd seriously look at Subaru Outback or a Toyota Venza AWD if I were shopping for a new vehicle these days...

[terrym]

Yup. Most people dont need a pickup. I would say 50% of trucks on the road haul nothing but groceries and people. When we were in College I drove a beater impala. During the controlled hunt we removed the back seat and put 2 deer back there and one in the trunk. In those days we had to take them to a check station. We sure made people laugh that year when we pulled in with the impala full of deer. A small wagon or hatchback will haul deer and bear sized game no problem. I used to moose hunt with my Ford escape and got into places my buddies with full sized pickups wouldn't dare because they would have to back out.

[CaseyMcIntyre]

My work depends on my truck. Since I went to a ford, my fuel budget was cut in half. It would take a tank of gas to drive my dodge ram to Winnipeg. Took a little less than half tank with my F 150, smaller tank on ford F 150.

The only reason Dodge Ram was number one selling truck last year, is because they make financing way too easy!!!

I have 3 company trucks, a F150 1997 which still runs, F150 2013 and a F150 2014!!

That's impossible that your f150 uses half the amount of gas of a dodge. I have a dodge ram 1500 and my truck gets 600km/$80, if you do better than that than everyone should sell their trucks now and buy the exact truck you have.