One of the Jeeps might suit your needs better.

 

You have many decent full size trucks to choose from. Contrary to public opinion Chevy, Ford, even Dodge can do what you need done.

I'm looking for one of them in the 3/4 ton/full ton range, about 10 years of age, big gas or diesel, 150K -180K miles, and priced to make me happy. Specifically for higher towing weight limits.

ADDITIONAL WANTS: Two wheel drive and NOT jacked up (previous jacking has eliminated many otherwise fine choices for me). Your going off road would be completely opposite mine on these two items.

It won't be my daily driver but a workhorse.

 

Test - Drive a new 2013-14 SILVERADO .

 

That would be nice, but I'm going to be buying used to stay within my budget. Maybe I'll have to test an older silverado.

 

I just check the Consumer Reports ratings. There is quite a contrast between the New ratings and Used ratings. Many new models (pretty much every manufacturer except GM is represented) get the Recommended mark. However, among used ones, there are only two make/models that get the "Good Bet" checkmark: The Ridgeline and the Tundra.

 

If it were me, I'd go with the EcoBoost F150. Great power, decent MPG's (comparable to your Ridgeline), WAY more capability in terms of towing, hauling, and off-roading. Do a search on youtube, there's a video on there where 2 guys compare a 2013 EcoBoost to a 2013 Ridgeline. It's pretty interesting.

 

Just watched, I feel that they compared them quite fair.

 

I'll sell you my Jeep now that i put a skid plate on the RL--it's in Az tho!!

 

Get a Tundra.

 

Wait one month for the new 2014 Tundra

 

All good suggestions... The video was interesting as well, but really only addressed one aspect of the trucks.

I would love to be looking at new 2014 F150s or Tundras, but that isn't in the cards at this time. I'll be looking at their equivalents in a 5-7 year old truck. The F150 is definitely cheaper as a used option than a tundra or Titan. I just don't know if the Ford would be as reliable of durable.

 

Ford stands for Found Off Road Dead!!

 

FIX OR REPAIR DAILY! On a serious note though, my brother had three F-150's ranging from 1998-2010 and they all had tranny issues of some sort and the 2004 had engine problems.

 

Backwards... It's Driver Returns On Foot!

 

Hogwash, I drove a 98 F150 for 15 dependable years. In that time it needed two new windshields, several sets of tires, one battery, multiple hub cap centers, one complete brake w/rotors and one partial, one blend door (my most expensive repair), four shocks and one alternator rebuild. Oil and filter every 3-5K, total miles about 180K.

I also had an extended 06 Ford E350 for 7 years/ 78K miles, other than oil, windshield wiper blades, 1 battery and 4 tires I spent nothing on it.

Granted they were not as refined as my numerous imports - but these Fords were just as reliable and I never regretted either buggy.

 

If I was going with a FS truck it would be a Silverado 5.3 liter V8 1500 crew cab.
Watch my mechanic fixing both the Chevy and Ford and the Chevy is just plain better.


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If you're doing a trailer anyway, might you go with an SUV instead? The problem with all the trucks is their wheelbase, especially on unimproved trails designed for bikes. Wheelbase hurts you almost as much as clearance.

Toyota put all of their quality LandCruiser hardware into the FJ, would that work for you?

KeS

 

I have thought of an SUV, and have been looking at 4Runners and Landcruisers as well. I'm still very hesitant to go to a full size truck, as it may be overkill for what my needs are, and I have a feeling I will miss the handling and nimbleness of the Ridgeline too much.

I just completed a 10 day trip with my son from Vancouver through the interior of BC to Golden. We pulled our trailer (1990 15' Wilderness, 1475kg GVRW) and although the RL struggled a bit on the bigger mountain passes, it did alright. I saw lots of BIG trucks pulling huge trailers and 5th wheels stopped on the side of the highway with their hoods up. I have no intention of going that route! Our little trailer serves us just fine for our needs.

But on some of the forestry roads we drove shuttling up to ride the trails down was where I was wishing for a little more power, and perhaps a more robust suspension. I'm starting to consider a 2005+ Toyota Tacoma as well, as far as trucks go. Not as big as a Tundra of FS truck, but more off road capable, and has a higher towing capacity.

 

An FJ will go more places than a Tacoma can, and you can get them with superchargers for better towing. A Tacoma isn't going to tow any better than a Ridgeline, or only marginally. I mentioned the SUV not only because of the wheelbase thing, but because it opens up more options: Xterras on the cheap side, and Grand Cherokees or that extended Wrangler model on the high end. I would encourage you to take a full-size truck on some of your downhill approach routes - I suspect you will find it really sucks.

Truthfully, I'd have to see the issues you're having with the RL. Adding a 2" lift solves a LOT of the approach and breakover problems, and should be enough until you run into actual "I NEED a low range" issues. I've spent hours in 100+ heat idling through trails out in the desert, and never had a twinge from the transmission or cooling issues at all - even when the hood was too hot to touch.

KeS

 

Truthfully, I'd have to see the issues you're having with the RL. Adding a 2" lift solves a LOT of the approach and breakover problems, and should be enough until you run into actual "I NEED a low range" issues. I've spent hours in 100+ heat idling through trails out in the desert, and never had a twinge from the transmission or cooling issues at all - even when the hood was too hot to touch.

KeS

I have started looking into a 2" lift, as well as some more aggresive tires (A/T 2s ?) as a way to keep my truck and improve its offroading capabilities. It has 145000 miles on it, and the original struts are starting to feel a little wallowy, so perhaps the combination of new struts, 2" lift and tires will inject some new life into it!

As I originally said, I really would rather not sell it, as I love the truck. Perhaps I am worrying needlessly about the transmission...it hasn't given me any grief, and I change at least 3 L of fluid with every oil change to try and keep it fresh. It doesn't get anywhere near that hot here!

 

I just picked up a 13 ram 1500l longhorn.

Wheelbase is 11" longer .

Perfect for my growing family.

 

Did you get the V6?

 

I had to look closely at that Ram, what I saw the first two times was an F150. Eventually I could see some differences. That's a nice looking buggy.

Did you keep the RL or trade it away?

 

I traded my 06 rtl navi with 78,000 miles and got 12,500 plus $1,000 bonus cash. The dealer was asking $16,995 and sold it today.

I was happy with the trade value.