My scenario is that I want my first truck, and I want it to be a long term purchase - drive it, maintain it, but drive until it falls apart. I am not going to deliberately go rock crawling, but I do want a truck that will be capable of getting me out of trouble should I take a wrong turn, or get caught out in a storm and the trail turns to a mud bath. Initially, long weekend trips (3-4 days), but ultimately 7-10 day trips.
I've done online research, and been to look at a few trucks, but I seem to be looking for a truck that doesn't exist. Given I will be putting on an Alucab Cabin or Hawk slide in, I want a 6.5ft bed if I can get it as space is always an issue and can't be upgraded later.
Ideally, a F150 tremor with the hybrid engine and a 6.5ft bed would suit me well - but that isn't an option. So the compromise seems to be:
F150, lariat with 6.5ft bed, Hybrid engine, and 7.2kw power, FX4
F150 tremor, 5.5ft bed, 2kw power
I do need to tow about 8500lb a couple of times a year (car on a trailer), and I do want the payload to be about 2000lb if possible so the max payload upgrade is a requirement. If I take the option to upgrade the suspension, it doesn't change the stickered payload maximum so it doesn't officially help my cause if I get pulled over for any reason. This rules out the Ram power wagon.
So is 2kw power enough? Or is the luxury of the 7.2kw for fridge and the ability to head away a night early and work remotely and charge my laptop etc. worth it. is the trade off of the FX4 good enough vs Tremor?
It almost feels like there are too many options to consider.
I've done a lot of camping/hiking, this is my first foray into truck based luxury camping - hopefully my wife will be more willing to join me if there is a bit more luxury available!
Any thoughts from those more experienced than me?
Martin
I've done online research, and been to look at a few trucks, but I seem to be looking for a truck that doesn't exist. Given I will be putting on an Alucab Cabin or Hawk slide in, I want a 6.5ft bed if I can get it as space is always an issue and can't be upgraded later.
Ideally, a F150 tremor with the hybrid engine and a 6.5ft bed would suit me well - but that isn't an option. So the compromise seems to be:
F150, lariat with 6.5ft bed, Hybrid engine, and 7.2kw power, FX4
F150 tremor, 5.5ft bed, 2kw power
I do need to tow about 8500lb a couple of times a year (car on a trailer), and I do want the payload to be about 2000lb if possible so the max payload upgrade is a requirement. If I take the option to upgrade the suspension, it doesn't change the stickered payload maximum so it doesn't officially help my cause if I get pulled over for any reason. This rules out the Ram power wagon.
So is 2kw power enough? Or is the luxury of the 7.2kw for fridge and the ability to head away a night early and work remotely and charge my laptop etc. worth it. is the trade off of the FX4 good enough vs Tremor?
It almost feels like there are too many options to consider.
I've done a lot of camping/hiking, this is my first foray into truck based luxury camping - hopefully my wife will be more willing to join me if there is a bit more luxury available!
Any thoughts from those more experienced than me?
Martin
