I'm on the soap box

[BDBWTE]

It just seemed to dawn on me today while in traffic how many people I know that have 2500's and up and don't have uses that warrent them.  I know people that have DMAX's without hitches   And I couldn't understand it.  If I didn't absolutely without a doubt need a 3/4 ton truck I would have a 1500.  I had a 1500 for awhile until I broke the rear springs, ripped a tranny and two rear ends out all under 40,000 miles.  I then realized stepping up to a 3/4 ton was a smart move.  So I guess my questions more or less is why have more truck than you need that costs more to have, maintain and has more consumables ie gas...

[Wingnut]

Well I don't know whats worse.

 

Driving a 3/4 ton and not needing it.

 

Or having two (soon to be three) trucks, when you're single, and without kids.

[MakoMike]

I have my HD to pull my travel trailer and dirt bikes. My 1/2 ton Suburban did not cut it. It is true that most of the time I don't need a 3/4 ton but it is easier to under use it than to over use a 1/2 ton.

Mike

[99silveradoz71]

Some may buy more to be prepared should they make a trailer purchase or such.  If I had to do it over, I would maybe consider a 2500 with a plow or a 1500HD.  Of course more $ back then would've definitely been needed.

[Black02Silverado]

So I guess my questions more or less is why have more truck than you need that costs more to have, maintain and has more consumables ie gas...

I guess it is because they can?  I look at it this way, if you can afford it, want it and enjoy it, then why not. IMO

 

[Wardster]

I bought mine simply because I wanted something that could keep up with the number of miles I drive in any given year.  So, I bought the Duramax/Allison with a 6/100,000 mile warranty and feel comfortable and confident that I could easily drive 300K miles without any problems.  Not to mention the fact that I get better mpg than I did with my other truck.

 

Being able to pull my house down with it is just a bonus!  

[1BADHD]

I may not use it all the time. But I got the power and towing capacity if I need it.

 

Another thing. At the time of purchase. I could buy a loaded HD with a 6.0 for $1000 more than a loaded half ton. More bang for the buck!  :thumb:

[jelisfc]

I had an extended Z71.  I've wanted a crewcab before GM even offered a short box version.  I have three kids.  My choices are 1500HD or 2500HD the Avalanche isn't a consideration I need at least the short box not mini box.  I see by your sig you have the 6.0.  All of them I have driven did not impress me.  I wanted more power and the mileage difference between the 6.0 vs 8.1 lead me to the 8.1.  Since I also wanted a manual trans the upcharge for the Allison wasn't an issue.  When I optioned up a 1500HD 6.0/auto vs a 2500HD 8.1/ZF the price was almost equal.  I had owned diesels before and had been toying with the Dmax.  In the end the Dmax won only because I do drive enough miles and the time between fillups makes my life easier.  

 

Do I need a 2500HD?  No, the 1500HD is plenty.  

Am I glad I got the bigger truck regardless of the engine?  Dam right I do!!!!!

 

If GM would have offered the 1500HD with an 8.1/4L85E trans I'd be driving one.

[JimWilson]

My 2500HD is probably more truck then I need, but my only other GM option was the 1500HD (I have 3 daughters, so room is very important for me). When I priced the 2 trucks with comparable features the difference wasn't as much as I would have thought. The deciding factor was the appearance; I liked the look of the 2500 better then the 1500, and since the $$ were close I opted for the 2500. Is it more then I need? At the moment, yes. But since I keep my vehicles for 150K, or more, it's perhaps better to have something bigger then I need then something smaller. And no Viagra jokes!    

[cowboy02]

I guess you could add the same argument for people that drive around 1/2 ton trucks when all they use it for is a daytime cruiser......  Not a ding, dent, sratch, or a light scuff in the back of the pickup bed.  Why buy the truck if your never going to haul anything in it?  I guess the purpose would be for the looks/power or the best one......  I"VE GOT MONEY AND WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU KNOW IT.......       People like that make me  

 

I personaly believe that if your gonna have a truck use it..

As for the diff between a 1/2 3/4 and 1 ton......  If you need it get it.... If you don't..........

 

[clk7711]

My parents drive a Ford crew cab diesel and never use it to tow anything. They really have enjoyed driving it.

 

Soon they will trade it for a 2500HD Duramax and haven't even considered anything smaller. My Mom told me the other night that she would have never thought she would like driving such a big truck, but now would never go to anything smaller.

 

My next truck will be a 2500HD, whether I need it or not.  

[Bob G.]

When I wanted a crew cab, I thought about all the things considered in the previous posts. That left with two choices, 1500HD or 2500HD. Since I wanted 3.73 gears, that left the 1500HD (on a 2500 chassis) and that's what I got. This truck has a good payload and rated to tow 8000lbs. I tow a 3000lb boat and have (but have not towed yet) a 3000lb camper. If I ever got into a big boat or camper, I would go with the 2500HD. The 1500HD makes a great daily driver/family truck!

 

Bob G.

[BDBWTE]

Never thought of some of those arguements.  They all make sense.  I wasn't attacking anyone and I'm glad know on took it that way.  If you can afford it do it.  And if you think you need it for furture miles or towing then go for it.  I just figured I'd ask.  As far as scratches and dents I've got my fair share and your share on the HD that ain't a year old yet.  My bed is caved into my cab, inner fenders are destroyed and the truck has had hard miles.  Half the problem is employees driving the truck and getting stuff because it ain't theirs and they don't care..

[HillHound]

more consumables ie gas...

That point is somewhat debatable.  Any fool knows a 2500HD Duramax or a new Ford SD 6.0L Powerstroke gets nearly the same or somewhat better mileage than any modern 1/2 ton V8 gas motor at it's best.

 

My F250SD 4x4 V10 only gets about 2 or 3 mpg worse than the Silverado Z71 5.3L I owned.  The tradeoff?  An extra 25hp/100lb-ft of guts under the hood, a few thousand lbs extra towing capacity and 1700lbs more bed capacity.  I think most guys who traded to an HD pickup from a 1/2 ton will tell you they don't mind a few mpg worse for the extra power and capacity whether they use it or not.  

 

Alot of us (myself included) just enjoy owning a vehicle with a powerful engine.  Do you ask the guy with a gas-hog V8 sports car or a big V8 luxury car the same thing?  Sure they could get by with with a smaller or less powerful car but well...they just don't want to!

 

Let's face it-most 4x4 1/2 tons don't exactly get stellar mileage anyway so why not go the extra distance and get a pickup you'll never outgrow???    I could get by with a 1/2 ton for my towing and hauling needs but I enjoy owning the 3/4 ton pickup and the extra power the engine has.  Plus when I do go to buy a heavier trailer I won't have to worry about whether or not my 1/2 ton can handle the load.  

[odoh]

In that its my money for my truck, don't feel the need to justify my choice/actions to anyone ~ ~ but my wife