Crew Cab Pickups

[larrym]

I currently have a 2001 GMC Z71 extended cab pickup and tow a #2500 boat. It's been a good truck but more often than not recently there's been three of us fishing together. As you may know the back seat will accomadate an adult but not for very long trips.

Anyone have one of the newer crew cab trucks? If so how do you like it and how comfortable is the back seat for longer trips? I like the looks of the new F150 but would be interested in any experience anyone has had with any make.

[Bruce]

I have a 2001 Ford F150 crew cab and am very pleased with it. The backseat has plenty of leg room and the truck is very quiet and comfortable to ride in. It is by far the best truck I have had. Bruce

[Dave in Walker]

I have a 2002 Ford F150 supercrew, its great, back seat just like riding in the back of an Excursion or Suburban, lots of room, of course you give up space in your bed, I believe my bed is only 5 1/2 feet, Truck has the same wheelbase as a full size truck. Its a compromise which I like, room for passengers, inside space for valuables and the bed for your auger, gas cans and all that stuff

[larrym]

Bruce or Dave,
Do either of you tow a boat and if so what size engine did you get? I belive Ford has a 4.7 and 5.4 as options on that truck.

[eyebuster]

Larry,

I also have a 2002 F-150 4x4 super crew lariat with the 5.4litre engine and pull a fully loaded Lund pro-v 2025. I have only pulled the boat a couple of times and it did a great job. Plenty of power and plenty of room in the back for fishing partner or partners, if I had one or two. lol

eyebuster
dave

[dser]

I have a 2000 Silverado crew cab in the 2500 model. I traded a 98 Z71 for the same reason as you, lack of room. My 8 yr old son was getting a little cramped in the backseat. We have had the truck since last December and simply love it. It is the older body-style and it has the Vortec 5.7/350, 3.73 rear end/posi. Except for the bigger backseat, just like riding in a suburban, it is basically just like my Z-71. Now for towing, I have an Alumacraft Trophy 190 and have no problem pulling it around the central and western part of North Dakota. I get 13-14 without the boat and about 10-12 with the boat, depending on the wind, etc. One big plus for me was the topper off of my Z-71 matched perfectly to the 6 1/2 ft bed on this one. I am really happy with it, but I do like my father-in-laws 2001 F250 with the diesel, but I have no use for that big of an engine. I hope this helps.

[redrnger]

Larry,I have the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 4x4 5.9. I have 2800 miles on it pulling a 619 Ranger. Pulled the boat to Lake ERIE for the gettogether with it and didnt hardly know it was there. I got about 9 miles to the gallon with it,only wish the gas tank was bigger 26 gallon. THE back seat has plenty of room for passengers. The back seat folds up and I made a fold up carpeted flooring that I can take in and out. I use this so my LAB can ride in the cab with me and not have dog hair and foot prints all over the seats,can also carry more gear in the back seat because the floor is flat all the way across and can put groceries there instead of in the back, when I have passengers I take it out and set it in the bed till I need it again.Like the truck alot... redrnger

[dstank13]

i have the f-150 with the 5.4ltr engin i pull a 20 ft. targa. i wish i would have bought the f-250 diesel or bigger. just doesn't have a big enough engin. just my thoughts.

[rngrfshm]

Larry,

I have a 2002 F150 Supercrew 4x4 with the 5.4 in it. I really like the power of the vehicle and I pull a 1895 Yarcraft with mine. I have only done this 3 times but has plenty of power. Before I bought the 5.4 I tried a 2002 4.x and it did not have near enough power towing my boat, but maybe something lighter would be fine. I would always downshift up hills. I would only recommend the 5.4 if towing heavy loads.

[Dave in Walker]

Larrym, I have the 5.4 and tow a Ranger all over the place, plenty of power. My only complaint? This engine uses 5W20 oil, have you ever tried to find that in the stores? lots of luck, $4.00 a quart at the various oil change stores around town, they do not carry it in bulk like the rest. I think Ford wants you to come to their dealers for the change. I finally found a store that sells it for around $1.50 a quart and change it myself, no big deal but it just irks me. Maybe in the future it will come more readily available

[Don__SD]

I currently have both types of pickups and I can say without hesitation that having a crew cab is the ONLY way to go. My wife drives a 2000 suburban and my pichup is a 2002 Duramax and the inside area is all the same. (My other pickup is a 1995) Do it.!!!

[Mille Lacs Guy]

If you like Chevy's, they make a 1500 HD crew cab that is pretty nice. They also make the 2500 HD crew cab, but you don't really need a 3/4 ton to pull most boats. The 1/2 ton Fords have the really short box which may be a drawback depending on use. I personally have an F250 diesal crew cab and this is a nice truck for pulling. I pull a 1890 Warrior so the diesal is nice. Plus on average the diesal gets better fuel economy and the fuel is generally cheaper than gas. The motor has a 100,000 mile warranty and these motors generally go 300-400 thousand miles. I've been seeing 99' F250 diesels with around 80,000 miles on for around $24,000 or $25,000 in the paper. Thats a pretty good price for what you are getting.

Mille Lacs Guy

[larrym]

Thanks for your help guys! It sounds like a crew cab would fill my needs well...now to try and trade my 2001 without getting 'skinned".

[Huckleberry]

Larry,
I just bought a 2002 GMC 1500 HD Crewcab for the reasons above.I love the truck 3800Mi.I pull a 252 Sportcraft 6500lbs The 6.0 pulls like a mule. 10-11 mpg with boat and 14 every day driving.Probably any one could do better too many years raceing oval track just can't seem to slow down.Without the boat the truck will out run most any of them.Wish I would have had it when I was pulling a race car all over the country.Get the Crewcab nomatter what brand, you will love it.
Huck

[RickyP]

I have a 2001 F150 supercrew with the triton 5.4. I tow a 20ft Four Winns I/O that with the trailer and gear goes about 4200 lbs. Plenty of power. I love it. Best vehicle I've ever owned.