If you're debating between the F150 and the Silverado, I've got to recommend the Silverado. The new small blocks have had a little trouble with oil consumption around 80k and all Chevy's always have trouble with alternators between 60k and 100k miles, but in my opinion it's still the more comfortable, easier to work on, more reliable, and better to work on truck. The F150s of the past few years have had trouble with cracking exhaust manifolds after the warranty is out and with breaking spark plugs off in the heads. Where the plug threads actually come down in the combustion chamber a little bit, carbon builds up on the threads and locks the plug in place, then when you go to remove them you end up breaking off the spark plug. According to my uncle who has had both problems out of his, the dealership charges $60 per plug to replace them if they aren't broken and $100 per plug if they are or even if THEY break them. Or maybe it was $40 and $60. I can't remember which, but it was outrageous either way. It would come out to a several hundred dollars just to change spark plugs.

 

ecoboost f150

 

x2 very nice trucks with amazing power.

I always consider using the DII to trailer the 110 to Land Rover events than I decide I don't want to have to swap in a new transmission

 

We're getting a 19' Escape. We've already talked to plenty of couples who are full-timing in this model, and they love it. We've always been cramped up together all day long, so we're not worried about the close quarters.

I've also put in the Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra to my list of possible tow vehicles. I'm still in the researching phase to figure out their reliability, but I really like the way both of them look, and they both seem to be very popular among enthusiasts.

My wife and I drove a new F150 around Albuquerque when we visited in 2012, and we both liked that truck very much. Main goal here, though, is to keep the purchase under $16k or so, so that limits our options a bit. I'll definitely have to get a vehicle with probably at least 60k miles on it, if not 100k or more for a nicer ride.

 

That's true, those little turbo V6 engines do pretty well, and good gas mileage. It would still pain me to recommend a Ford, but if you get one then go with the ecoboost. They are nice trucks despite (again, in my opinion) not driving as well or being as comfortable. That is, however, more of a matter of opinion and the ecoboost is a nice truck.


I just sold my soul complimenting a Ford. I think I'll leave now.

 

I can give you 5x thumbs up on the Titan. My Titan is probably my most ignored vehicle when it comes to maintence, definitely the most abused when using way beyond the intended limits, and has NEVER given me any trouble other than the brakes, which were crap on '04 and '05 models. There is a aftermarket Big Brake mod for the '04 and '05s which fixes the issue.

I have heard there are numerous issues with the latest Titans, so I would consider a '06 thru '10. These model years are EXACTLY like my '04, but with a better breaking system stock. This would apply to Armadas as well.

The Titan gets crappy gas mileage, but all gas trucks will when towing.

Put a set of SuperSprings on the rear and tow anything you want within (and occasionally way beyond) reason.