Pickup Philosophy Question

[dodge man]

To the OP, thats a tough question and it sure got a lot of answers. Its not like a tool, say a sawzall, because they only cost a couple of hundred dollars, where a truck can cost as much a 50k. I actually stopped and tried to think of the last time I NEEDED a truck. I actually can't think of the last time. Maybe the last time was when I hauled my tractor to the dealer to get it worked on, maybe six months ago. On the other hand, there have been several times I hauled stuff in my truck that I wouldn't want to haul in a car, such as used oil, a propane tank, mulch, 5 gallon diesel and gas cans etc. I also use my truck for my job on ocassion, but I don't HAVE to. Like so many other things in life, its more a matter of wants then needs sometimes. Thinking back to before I had a truck, I can remember several times buying something that just won't fit in a car, but isn't that big, such as a TV.

 

[CBW1999]

When my wife first saw it she said, "Oh, it's kind of cute."

I like your wife........can she talk to mine?

You could tell her you're buying her a Mercedes.

Hmmm...never thought about that. She always has said she'll own a Mercedes some day. She wasn't specific about just the drive train or the whole thing- I guess I'll work that angle in MY favor!

 

[Larry Caldwell]

I think we have a winner here and that is the answer we all should be looking for.
Plus, my wife feels way safer in a pickup and now prefers it over a car. Who would have thunk it?

Your wife is living a fantasy. She is much safer in a car than she is in a pickup. Highway death statistics don't lie.

 

[LD1]

Your wife is living a fantasy. She is much safer in a car than she is in a pickup. Highway death statistics don't lie.

Any links to prove that?

I am NOT trying to start an argument. But Am just wondering if it is on of those "statistics" that you can make say whatever you want.

IE: could it be because their are more cars on the road? and that people who drive cars (IMO) are a little more cautious than those in a 4x4 that think they are invincible in the winter?

I too feel safer in my truck. And wouldnt it depend on WHAT car is being driven too?

 

[Larry Caldwell]

I drive a Mazda B3000 4x2 as my daily commuter vehicle. It's a Ford Ranger with slightly different bed tin and name plates. It's a pretty good truck. I would rate it at an honest half ton. Several times I have had 1000 lbs in the bed and it drives like a car with that load. I welded up a lumber rack with angle iron bed rails that let me slide the canopy in or not, as the case may be. I added a receiver hitch and electric brake controller, and have a 14' utility trailer with electric brakes that will handle a ton and a half, so I can motor down the road with a 3500 lb. load, albeit slowly. A load leveler hitch and sway control keeps a heavy load pretty stable. The trailer also helps when I have long poles on the rack, because I can let them hang 12' off the rear of the rack and still not protrude past the trailer, keeping the load legal on the highway. 6-ply tires help a lot. Passenger tires are too squishy to keep a load stable, particularly when it's up on the rack.

The advantage is price. It cost me $16,000 brand new in 2004, and hitches, brake controller etc. cost me about another $700. Mileage is not great, but I get 22 mpg on the highway. It's a flexible hauler, and a surprising amount of time it has a bed full of something.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

Any links to prove that?

I am NOT trying to start an argument. But Am just wondering if it is on of those "statistics" that you can make say whatever you want.

IE: could it be because their are more cars on the road? and that people who drive cars (IMO) are a little more cautious than those in a 4x4 that think they are invincible in the winter?

I too feel safer in my truck. And wouldnt it depend on WHAT car is being driven too?

SUV and pickup truck safety.

"In summation, the increased safety of an SUV or truck is largely an illusion,
and a dangerous illusion at that. My suggestion is that you do yourself, and
everyone else, a favor and abandon that illusion; chances are you'll live
longer if you do."

 

[Bird]

I haven't paid any attention to the latest statistics, but as far as I can remember in the past, they've always indicated that cars are safer than pickup trucks in a crash. And yes, I tended to feel safer sitting a little higher in a pickup, but I'm afraid the facts don't support that.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is probably the best statistics you'll find.

 

[Bird]

Larry, I guess you typed just a little faster than I did.:laughing:

 

[MossflowerWoods]

How many times per month do you have to need a pickup, before it makes sense to buy one?

I believe ONE is the correct answer.

David

 

[MossflowerWoods]

I've considered getting a "bobbed" Deuce. Big, Ugly, Tough. Wife won't have any part of it. I like Unimog's, perhaps she would consider that....View attachment 280190

That is AWESOME! Where can I get that! :licking:

David