QOTD: Pick a Perfect Pickup, 2018 "Extra Truck" Edition

Jack Baruth
by Jack Baruth

It seems we stood and talked like this, before. We looked at each other in the same way then. But I can’t remember where or when… no wait, I remember it perfectly well. It was eight months ago when I asked you to help me pick a perfect pickup. I ended up with a 2017 Silverado LTZ Crew Cab 6.5′ bed with Max Tow package and the 6.2-liter engine. Not all of you approved.

The Silvy ain’t going nowhere, but there might be space in the driveway for a second truck starting in the spring. Just like last time, I’m going to set some loosely-defined rules — but this time the rules will be very different.


The previous set of requirements were detailed, specific, and difficult to fulfill on a budget. This time I’m going to lower my expectations, and my budget, a little bit.

The purposes and tasks assigned to Truck Number Two will be, in order of descending importance:

* Carry no more than four cyclists and their BMX/mountain bikes to events both competitive and non-competitive. A SuperCab/ClubCab/KingCab is fine.


* Occasionally haul equipment used by my race team and its ever-expanding number of cars. So a 6.5′ bed is a minimum.


* Carry motorcycles from time to time.


* Serve as backup hauler and short-distance tow rig on race weekends, so it should be able to pull 6,000 pounds in fair-weather, no-drama conditions.


* Transaction price after rebates and incentives but before tax and title of $34,999 or less.

Note that I didn’t specify full-sized or compact pickup here. I also didn’t specify mandatory 4WD, so let’s consider the pros and cons. The two candidates that come immediately to mind are:

* 2019 RAM low-spec quad cab with Pentastar.


* 2018 F-150 XLT SuperCab with 2.7-liter Ecoboost.

Are those the best ideas? Should I try the new Ranger? Or should I get another crew cab just for resale purposes?

Oh, one last thing. All suggestions for used trucks will be ignored, unless the suggestion is to purchase a “Prospector Edition” Dodge Ramcharger.

[Image: Ford Motor Company]

Jack Baruth
Jack Baruth

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  • Nick 2012 Nick 2012 on Jan 19, 2018

    If you’re ever going to consider an enclosed trailer if you start working on your own race cars more often, you may want to look at a gas F250 with the excellent 6.2. We use a 6.2 F250 to tow a 24’ V nose weighing 9-10k depending on loadout. A half ton can do it, but it is much happier behind a F250. Eight foot beds in all cab combos.

    • See 6 previous
    • EBFlex EBFlex on Jan 22, 2018

      @EBFlex "You don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t even really like modern-day Ford and all their Ecoboost/mobility solutions talk, but they did a very good job on the 6.2L." Wow. You're so off base. If the 6.2L was any good Ford wouldn't be looking for a replacement. But the fact remains, it's a garbage engine. Having driven one extensively, I know exactly what I'm talking about.

  • Art Vandelay Art Vandelay on Jan 20, 2018

    I own a 2015 F150 Super Crew. It is an XLT with the rear locker, trailer brakes, and the chrome package. I added an aftermarket Android auto headunit that all in including the good install kit that let me keep the stock HVAC controls (other ones use a crappy looking touch screen) was 700 bucks. It will turn 40k on the trip back to Huntsville this weekend and I've had zero issues with it. It is a 2.7 and I pull a 5000 pound travel trailer with it on occasion. Serious pulling will get you into the low double digits mpg (grante my trailer has the profile of a parachute) and even single digits from time to time. Overall I'm at 24 mpg over the lifetime. I drove all the full-sized trucks when I purchased and IMHO it drove the best. The fact that you can actually see out of the Ford cant be overstated.

  • Analoggrotto TTAC is full of drug addicts with short memories. Just beside this article is another very beautiful article about how the EV9 was internationally voted by a renowned board of automotive experts who are no doubt highly educated, wealthy and affluent; the best vehicle in entire world. That's planet earth for you numbskulls. Let me repeat: the best vehicle in the world is the Kia EV9. Voted, and sealed, and if you try to deny it Fanny Willis is ready to prosecute you; but she will send her boyfriend instead because she is busy.
  • MaintenanceCosts Our Bolt is not going away for a while but if I had to predict today what would replace it, I'd predict an EX30. It checks every box for my wife.
  • Ajla Both Biden and Trump are on record caring ~0% what the WTO says and the US government isn't bound by WTO rulings.
  • Honda1 The FJB Inflation Reduction Act will end up causing more inflation down the road, fact! Go ahead and flame me libbies, get back to me in a few years!
  • Cprescott Fisker is another brand that Heir Yutz has killed.
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