Tips on Buying Cars: New pickup truck, toyota tundra sr5, chevy silverado


Question
QUESTION: Dear Don,

I have driven a Honda 02 minivan for 7 years. I am looking to buy a new pickup truck, 09 or 2010 for 2 purposes - number one, a family vehicle for us (2 kids age 4 and 7), and the other purpose is to tow a 2-horse trailer (most likely will be bumper-pull). I ordered a "Towing Guide" book on how to tow, buy the trailer etc. I am overwhelmed with the choices of trucks however. I can't seem to find a good, one-stop source for safety ratings and drive reviews. I would love to compare the: Ford 150 (with 5.7L engine - possibly the Lariat), Toyota Tundra SR5 and perhaps the Nissan or Chevy Silverado.

In my mind, I picture myself in the Ford F150 - I test drove the Lariat - it felt like and SUV/family vehicle on the inside, and the 5.7L engine can tow what I need. (should be able to tow 8,000 lbs. plus to be safe). Most dealers in our area don't seem to know alot about towing, hitch ratings, etc. I plan on test driving the Toyota Tundra this weekend (reviews claim it's "jittery" on highways - not good!)

Any advice for me? Do you have any familiarity with the above vehicles and can you make a recommendation?? Vehicle MUSTS are the towing capacity, must be 4x4 and must absolutely have 4 real doors (not the little half door in the back). The F150 seems like the most solid choice but I'd love your opinion. I would have loved to lease but Ford no longer offers leases.

BTW, I live in Northern VA. Thanks SO much. Best, Linda

ANSWER: Linda:Thanks for your questions.The key to towing is GVWR(Gross,Vehicle,Weight,Ratio).This includes passengers,cargo,and payload.In short,I suggest not F-150,but a F-250(3/4 ton).Also I recommend a diesel,not gas.Because the diesel offers more torque(towing)especially if you are towing a two horse trailer.On the subject of leasing,you can the same payments through conventional financing,since you own the truck. Also don't forget GM offers great trucks also.Buying a truck does not have be confusing or difucult.A good reference is the Ford website.Or Google-towing!Let me know if have any other questions. Good luck!

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QUESTION: Thanks so much! I have two more basic, newbie questions. Is it safe to assume that if I buy a standard, 2H bumper pull trailer, that these trucks will have the correct equipment to pull it? I know they have the Class IV hitch, tow safety package, etc.

Finally, IF I want to use a gooseneck trailer, is the gooseneck "hitch" in the bed something I would add as an aftermarket item?? Thx again! Linda

Answer
Linda:My question to you,how much will you tow?According to Ford website you can tow 9,300 lbs.(3/4 ton)This will determine on what type of hitch you will require.My suggestion is to inquire hitch company on your needs.And,gooseneck hitch is a aftermarket item.As a rule,it is mounted on the frame on the truck from the bed.Good Luck!