Dear full-size pickup truck owners,

[FasterTraffic]

How do you tolerate driving a land barge every day? If you have a pickup truck and, for example, it's a tow vehicle that only gets driven when you're pulling a trailer/motorhome/whatever, the question isn't really meant for you. I'm curious about folks who have a full-size pickup truck as a daily driver.

In your reply, please indicate the following:

- Why you chose it as your daily driver.
- Whether you actually need the pickup truck for work. Clearly, if you work in construction and you're driving in the dirt and mud and transporting building materials, that basically dictates that you drive a pickup truck versus choosing to drive a pickup truck.
- What it is and, if possible, include a picture.
- Where do you park it?

If I need a pickup truck, I just rent one. The F150 is nice, but it wouldn't make sense for me to buy one just for the few weekends I really need a pickup truck. Plus, I don't like driving them.

I was going to ask this question anyway and didn't want to completely hijack the other thread.

[mike100]

Interesting topic. I have not had a truck or SUV for 5 years now. Presently I'm looking for a V6 reg cab manual transmission model that might get in the 17-20 mpg range as a daily beater. Just need enough capacity to tow a utility trailer, but prefer the full size chassis and brakes over a minitruck.

I've had a couple of the bigger trucks in the past and I always ended up hating them.

[Stangkiller]

I drive a Chevy Silverado 2500hd crew cab long bed diesel as my daily driver. I commute 50+ miles a day in bumper to bumper Houston traffic.

It fits in my parking garage at work (barely, I have to park in the end spots in the garage). It does not fit in my garage at my house. When around town I park a bit farther away from the stores, which means I walk a bit farther (no biggie).
If I have to take it downtown to Houston, I usually go places I can valet, at which point it's their problem not mine. I love driving it in traffic since I can see over most cars in front of me, I feel safer around the other big trucks here, and being as large as I am, I'm able to force my way into lane changes I need/want.


This diesel replaces my 97 4x4 Tahoe, between my wife and I well always have at least one truck or SUV.

I don't have a trailer to tow but having the truck is great for going up to the ranch, and gets decent (22mpg) mileage on the highway. The longer wheel base makes it a dream to drive long distances on the highway. Overall I'm seeing between 15-16mpg mixed use. My Tahoe was lucky to get 14.

[6spdC6]

Originally Posted by FasterTraffic

How do you tolerate driving a land barge every day? If you have a pickup truck and, for example, it's a tow vehicle that only gets driven when you're pulling a trailer/motorhome/whatever, the question isn't really meant for you. I'm curious about folks who have a full-size pickup truck as a daily driver.

In your reply, please indicate the following:

- Why you chose it as your daily driver.
- Whether you actually need the pickup truck for work. Clearly, if you work in construction and you're driving in the dirt and mud and transporting building materials, that basically dictates that you drive a pickup truck versus choosing to drive a pickup truck.
- What it is and, if possible, include a picture.
- Where do you park it?

If I need a pickup truck, I just rent one. The F150 is nice, but it wouldn't make sense for me to buy one just for the few weekends I really need a pickup truck. Plus, I don't like driving them.

I was going to ask this question anyway and didn't want to completely hijack the other thread.

Most of my answer is in the other thread so I will not repeat. In addition to what was said I haul firewood and many other things, tow my boats to the water; have a 7'6'' Fisher snow plow for maintaining my 1/4 mile long hilly curvy driveway

I did work construction! (now retired) I do not do pictures! My truck right now is a 4 door 2010 4x4 Toyota pickup with the almost 400HP V8, It has plenty of power to do what I want it to do. Mileage is much better than most of the many Chevies PUs I have had in the past (Most of my trucks are ordered and I always get a big engine) Mileage on the T is around 10-11 city and 16 on the highway. IF I can find non ethanol gas I can improve both power and bring my mileage up a to 17-18 on open road.

Like I said I have the family car and my Z06 (see avatar) and basically enjoy having power under my right foot, but as a daily driver give me a nice big safe PU.

[C5SilverBullet]

I drove an F150 CrewCab FX2 for about 6 months, and I miss it like crazy.

The backseat was HUGE, but I didn't like the 5½' bed, it was a little too short. I parked in any open spot, it was easy to park.

[Dan Dlabay]

I drive a 2008 Silverado Z/71 4X4 Crew cab everyday. The main reason is that I like full size pick ups. Comes in handy when I go to places like Lowes, Menards, or Home Depot or when I have yard waste or junk to get rid of.

[RED-85-Z51]

My DD Is a 94 GMC Sierra Z71, Reg cab, stepsiude short bed. I Chose it because the 88-98 Chevy pickups are known to be among the most reliable trucks ever made, and they are relatively simple to work on when they need it...few special tools required to do MOST repairs.

Doing small engine repair, Im always having to pickup and deliver equipment, so i use the bed for push equipment, and handheld stuff, and I can easily pull my 4X8 trailer for common small riders. I have a 16 foot bumper pull if the equipment has a larger deck.

i park it whereever you normally would park a vehicle, its just a truck.

OTher "Driver" is a 97 GMC C3500. 454. Dually, Ext cab, long bed. Its about 22 feet long and weighs over 3 tons. I got it for the sheer pulling ability, I do trailer repairs and the biggest money is in Gooseneck stuff...and those are among the heaviest trailers around..so you need the power and capacity to even move them around the yard to work on them. A 1/2 ton truck doesnt do well when you drop 3000lbs in the bed...

I park it..well, pretty much wherever the hell I want to...its longer than most parking spaces, and the rear fenders make it as wide, or wider than most parking spaces...but it hasnt been a problem, I just park where there is room.

Recently I got a 95 K3500 Silverado, its much shorter than the dually, and 2 feet narrower, but still maintains the towing and hauling abilities, when I get it 100% right...Ill sell the dually.

Why 4X4? Well honestly..i like the way they sit...higher, beefier drivetrain, they hold their value ALOT better than a 2WD..and 4X4.while used on rare occasions, is a lifesaver when you need it.

[American Made]

Not a truck technically but I drive an escalade because it's hated by people. It's very comfortable and has great power for being a tank. People don't cut me off like they used to when I had a sports car. Vision is better being a little higher up to see ahead easier. It's nice not looking at someones rear bumper all the time in traffic. Thomas drives one too. Those are my reasons for now.

[Bucwheat]

I drive an F350 crew cab long bed dully diesel because I choose to,it gets about 21mpg and I can pull any dayum thing I want.

[Fasglas]

F150 4X4

Because I choose to.

No apologies, explanations or excuses.

[mrvette]

about a month and half ago we bought a Silverado 1500 extended cab and put a topper on it, 14 mpg sux, but that's mainly around town, and cruising typical Florida Hwy. speeds at 80 mph.....no chance to get 20 not with a 5.7 Vortec engine....

it's a work truck, '96 model, wish it was a van, but hard to find a GOOD smaller van for less than 5 grand, and that's USED, 24 mpg is a dream machine.....around town?? and 3/4 ton 6 door van??

today's GAS???


FAT chance.....

[Kerrmudgeon]

Another short box Chebby 4x4 lover here. It pulls my 21ft boat no sweat, and I can launch it on the steepest ramps as well. It also tows a fully loaded car trailer long distances. Park it any spot you like, and if I need 8ft cargo I just leave the gate down. If I could find another one in good shape I'd buy it tomorrow!

[Mirroredshades]

Most of the women I know drive those big ass whale land barges so there is no reason for me to. Let them do the grocery shopping, garbage hauling and kid rearing.

I am sports car man.

[Mike Mercury]

here's mine:





V8, 4wd, never off-roaded, never tow anything.

Why?

Since it was purchased using my own money, it's not necessary to get someone elses approval or justification.

[ConstantChange]

Originally Posted by FasterTraffic

Why you chose it as your daily driver.

I've driven a truck since I was 16. They are comfortable to drive, safe and useful. If I need to haul a mower, lumber, furniture, etc... I don't have to rely on anyone else. I do a lot of DIY projects around the house, so I use the bed quite often.

Whether you actually need the pickup truck for work.

No. I'm a computer programmer.

What it is and, if possible, include a picture.

I have a 1994 extended cab Silverado and a 2006 extended cab Silverado. Both half ton's.

Where do you park it?

The 94 is parked in the drive way and the 06 stays in the garage. Around town I usually park near the back of the lot where I can pull through so I don't have to back out of a spot.

I imagine I'll always own a truck.

[Torqaholic]

I DD mine in the Winter because of the 4WD. I've used it to do a little towing (boat & camper), but not often. Worked great for hauling manure Wouldn't want to do that with the Vette.

Not sure what you mean by barge? Power steering and brakes make it handle the same as any other vehicle to my knowledge. Granted, the turning radius is a tad large but that's about the only reason I can see to call it a barge. It's definately the most comfortable riding vehicle I've owned since the Caddy -

[78SA]

1988, 5.7, 107,000 miles, 2wd only used to haul stuff. Paid $900 for it.

[_Nomad_]

Extremely comfortable ride. Whether towing or long distance drives, the Denali is my go to vehicle. Between the roomy comfort, 6.2L tuned L9H engine and speakers that blow women's cloths off, I can't imagine wanting a different mode of transport.

Utah quality pics.

[MrPeabody]

I think I may be the only person here who has never owned a pick up truck.

[Will]

2005 F-150 5.4L

1. I have a kid and needed a back-seat
2. I ****ing hate minivans
3. A truck is handy to have because I occassionally need to haul large things in the bed.
4. I can only afford ONE vehicle for myself, so my purchase had to be based on #s 1-3.
5. My brother (New Car Sales Manager for an Audi dealership) was keeping an eye out for me for a good deal when the baby was in the oven. I actually would have preferred a Chevy Tahoe, but the F-150 was by far the best deal that came up based on what the dealer offered for it when it was traded into them, and I got it for the amount the dealership had in it and not a cent more.

In addition, it's nice having a V8 and I HATE driving 6 cylinders or smaller vehicles.

It's nice actually having legroom. Not only are the Jap cars and SUVs terrible, but for some reason Ford and Dodge have gone the same way with their cars, even large sedans, having very little leg room. This ain't a problem with a full-size American pickup.

Visibility is FANTASTIC. Long road trips to see Grandma #1 and Grandma #2 are very comfortable.

Body/paint maintenance is a piece of cake. No need to worry about scratches/imperfections - it's a TRUCK. It should have scars.

Great all weather tires plus 4 wheel drive plus V8 = no problems in the winter snow getting up our long, steep, gravel driveway.

This truck is a great all-in-one vehicle that takes care of everything I need and prevents me from needing another vehicle.

My wife still drive the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire she had in college and it's her DD to and from the Hospital. Cheap, goofy little POS, but a RELIABLE little POS. Engine/trans/rear run like a champ. I'm amazed. My experience with little 4 cylinders was limited to Honda and Toyota in my youth when I couldn't financially afford to demand American, and those things turn into money pits when they get this many years and miles on them.