Bowhunting truck
Equipment
Contributors to this thread:
It was time to get a new truck. Traded the old Suburban with 217,000 miles. I have been a GM guy the last couple vehicles but got seduced by Ford with the aluminum body and better gas mileage. I have had Fords in the past, a 1978 F100, 1987 F150, and 89 Ranger. To be honest, I had issues with the two newer ones. I decided to try another one and bought a used F-150 XLT with the 3.5 EB with 44,000 miles on it. Well, my bad luck continued with Fords. By the time I got home my check engine light was on. So it's back at the dealer for diagnosis/repair. I must say it isn't instilling a lot of confidence in my expensive purchase. In the meantime, however, they loaned me an identical F-150 with the 5.0 and I really like it. Kind of regret not getting the 5.0. Any of you guys have F-150s? And what engine do you have and has it been good?
I have a 2016 with the 2.7 EB and absolutely love it. I've put almost 90K on it and only issue I've had is replacing one of the front inner wheel bearings. Did the work myself so didn't cost much. I'll pull my 4 wheeler on a small trailer and loaded down for hunting out west and can't tell the difference from empty. Even in the mountains.
I had a 2014 with the 5.0. Great truck. Sold it with 73k miles to upgrade to a 250 for heavier towing. Everything is turbo this and turbo that. I would personally stay away from them, but that’s just me. The 5.0 will do everything the eco will do, without the potential problems added by having turbos.
Tacoma is the bow hunting truck.
I have a 17 f150 with the 5.0. Had an 11 with the 5.0 as well. Trouble free and good mileage. Did a short stent with a 15 2.7 turbo, wasn’t bad. Just prefer the 5.0.
Don't need no stinking truck for bowhunting:)
Best bowhunting truck is an old $6,000.00 Toyota. Then spend the other $50k on safari.
Let me know where you’re finding those $6,000 Toyotas!
2004 F150 with 5.4L has 270,000 and still going good. Had to replace the timing belts but expected. 2014 F150 with 5.0 and 87,000 miles with no issues. Sorry to hear about your bad luck but I've had nothing but good luck thus far with my Fords. Had a 1997 F150 Flareside that didn't give me any problems either before selling for the 2004.
2016 f150 with 3.5 EB. 90k zero issues except a wheel bearing.
6k Toyotas are around. Not winning any beauty contests.:^)
I have a 2013 F150 5.0. It has 240,000 miles on it and still running strong. Have had zero issues except some normal wear and tear stuff. Had to replace the water pump and a few sensors but that’s about it. New shocks and struts last year too. Love my truck but would NEVER buy an eco boost.
What W,Glunt,and Treeline said. Just don't ride the clutches too much. Passed down two of them to the family. One son bought a newer Tacoma with automatic transmission but I just didn't care for the pricetag.
Ive had 2 F150s with the 5.0 engine. A 2014 and a 2018. Zero issues with either truck. I put over 100k on the 2014, and had to change an alternatoron it. While it was getting that done, they made me a sweet deal on the 2018, so I didnt evdn have to pay for the alternator ;)
I only got rid of the 2018 to go to a F250 i got a fantastic deal on. I will say though, I was not a fan of the 10 speed transmission while towing.
I currently own 1 5.0 f150. 2011 model. Two years ago I went through the truck and had some rust bubbling areas addressed and the whole truck painted. Much cheaper than a new one.
This truck currently has a 5 star tune in it, a plug in chip, and a performance exhaust. And, it’s been run with all three of these modifications for 100,000 miles. It will now do 0-60 in 4 seconds in 4 high. It’s really pretty incredible hearing that coyote when running it hard. There’s never been a motor made that sounds better.
I just pulled a 14 foot enclosed trailer loaded to the gills with thousands of pounds it today. It is a brute.
In the 11 years I’ve owned it, I put a window fluid reservoir in it, a new rubber radar hose, and a fuel pump. It might blow up tomorrow but, it’s been a good’er one.
I get 21 mpg cruising on the interstate at 70 miles per hour in the flatlands in eastern Virginia and North Carolina when I go fishing. It gets 18 here in WV on trips. And, it goes fast when I want it too.
It has over 200,000 miles on it.
There’s lots on incentives to buying a new truck for sone people. But, I hope I live a couple two to three decades. And, I’ll have zero remorse if I’m still driving this truck if I do.
2007 4-cylinder Tacoma with about 215000. Have replaced engine. Can't get a *good* clutch pedal cylinder, just aftermarket crap. Frame is solid but back bumper is mostly rust and duct tape ;-)
In the market for a newer SUV. Don't use the bed much. Bigger engine and automatic and comfortable ride are priorities now.
Had an '04 5.4 150. Sold it with nearly 200,000 miles. 3 window regulators were replaced. One wheel bearing went. Changing the plugs and coils made me sweat, but went okay with the Lyle tool for the plugs. Currently have a '18 5.0. It's been flawless, (as I expected).
Mine is a 2008 Dodge 1500 with 157,000 miles on it.
I change the oil, the plugs, the filters and buy tires. I did replace the water pump.
3L Duramax 4x4 crew cab with the 6.5’ box is a pretty incredible machine. That motor is phenomenal!
Traded my '13 F150 (KR 4X4 5.0) with 184k mi, bought a '19 F150 (Lariat 4x4 5.0) with 19k miles - presently has 96k miles. No problems with either. Planning to run the Lariat another 100k.
Had an 04' F-150. Will never buy a 5.4 ever again. Cam phasers go bad, and engine developed a low end knock at 86k miles. Replaced engine with cam phasers locked out and it was gutless. Had the HP of a V6 in a full sized truck. It was terrible in the mud. Nearly didn't make it off a mountain in SW CO after a rain and old Chevy's were doing just fine. A Chevy, Dodge, or Toyota will run circles around a Ford in the mud. IF I ever bought a another Ford, I'd get the 5.0.
Thornton, you rolled out of bed this morning and must have hit your head on the floor. :^)
Yeah but which bow is best?!?!
Just my brief experience with an F-150. Loved the truck, but the engine and 4x4 were junk. There's a reason the 5.4 3 valve was discontinued.
Still driving my 2002 Tundra when I pull the trailer or need the extra power. (love the V8 and with 220K + miles it’s just getting broken in)
Bought a new 2018 Tacoma 5 years ago for my go to hunting and fishing truck, just passed 23k miles. Peace of mind.
I’ve been a Chevy/gmc guy forever, made the switch last year to a 21 f150 with 5.0, best truck I have ever owned!
The 5.0L is a great motor, only reason to buy an EB would be if your towing all the time, and of course you it would be the 3.5L.
100% what Glunk said & that's exactly what I did 3-4 years ago! They're hard to beat!
ElkNut
I have a 2016 with the EB and tow package, and it has been a great vehicle. Great mileage, pulls our toy hauler over high mountain passes like nothing. 105K miles, most of those either pulling the camper or mountain driving, (I live on gravel mountain roads) and no issues at all besides basic maintenance and oil changes. Love it.
2013 3,5 ecoboost 60,000 miles . There a great truck if you don't use them as a truck. tows great until you put a good size load behind them and your pulling mountains in 100 degree heat they will go into limp mode, does it with our small toy hauler and bass boat. so when the going gets tough its a hard pass for me. Good thing is they recover quick so theres a chance you wont get rear ended.
The 5.0 has the ecoboost beat IMO. I had two of them with zero issues except an O2 sensor in the first one. Replaced that and my son put over 100K on it after he bought it. They get 20/21 mpg on interstate highways too. I traded the 2018 in on an F250 so I could get rid of my F350 and still move my farm tractor. I’ve been a Ford guy most of my life, only had one lemon in 1974. I’ve had two Chevys, both were disappointing and I didn’t keep them to my usual 150/175K miles.
I bought a 2014 F150 with the 5.0 for work brand new. We driven it for more than 8 years now doing construction and it is now my son's truck for work. It's been a great truck. Oil changes and tires. It's never been in the shop for any repairs. I sold my F350 7.3 diesel several years back and bought a F150 with the 3.5 Ecoboost. It was a good truck for 32,000 miles when I totaled it. Bought a 2021 F150 with the 5.0 and am very happy with it. Couple issues with some programming updates but other than that it's a great truck. Pulls my 29' camper no problem and gets good milage. I'm supposedly retired, but am helping a good customer sons with a cabin build on their farm. Getting 22+ mpg going there and back loaded with tools.
I had the first Tundra (2000) loved it, sold it after about 12 years and over 200k miles - never an issue. Currently drive a 2017 F150 3.5EB and also love it, no problems thus far.
Nice looking truck Wild1.
This is mine. Hope to get it back tomorrow. Praying it's reliable from here in for a long time.
I’ve got a 2018 5.0 with 50,000 miles and zero issues. My hunting buddy just traded a 2013 3.5eb with 160,000 miles and trouble free. He got another 3.5. I had tacomas for 15 years and loved them. Needed more pulling capacity for pulling a camper. I liked the tundra but wanted better fuel mileage. I’m averaging just under 20 mpg overall
I ran down to pick up my F-150 yesterday again. I got 10 miles back towards home and the engine light came on again. Brought it back to the dealer. Might try to get a refund and buy another truck on their lot if they will let me. I think there is something expensive that needs to be done in that motor and I'm not sure I want a $40,000 investment starting out with serious engine issues.
2015 5 litre with 200,000kms on it. Had a $4,000 touch at one point can’t remember what it was. Other than that at some point I’ll need to go to a 3rd set of tires.
2019 3.5EB Mostly for road trips, hunting/fishing trips. 45,000 miles with no issues at all. Plenty of hp and still gets 18 mpg with 33” tires.
Got a refund on the F150. Came home with a lightly used Canyon AT4. I originally wanted a medium size truck but got seduced by decent mileage and aluminum body on the Ford. I like the looks of the Canyon/Colorado series and it will be plenty of truck for me.
Likely a good decision, the Fords I have known, have not been the most reliable. The AT4 package is nice…What motor is in that Canyon?
how about some pics 12yards?
I have a '22 F150 with the 5.0. I have only had it for a year but zero problems. I chose the 5.0 because it is a more basic motor with less moving parts than the Ecoboost motors.
I had two Toyotas, an 88 pickup and a 96 Tacoma. Both were great trucks but I could no longer fold myself up to fit in one now. They are just too small for me and cost as much as full sized trucks. I have a Nissan Titan right now. It is no frills solid as a rock and gets almost 22 mpg when I drive it west hunting. It has 97K on it and I have put a starter on it. That is all. I'm not one to tell people to run and buy what I have but I won't be replacing it until it falls apart. I get way more enjoyment out of spending my money on other things instead of vehicles.
It's kinda pretty! I'm not used to having pretty stuff! Ha!
I have a 2006 GMC Yukon 8.1L. will sell it. I can tow anything (almost). had a lady key the S#$%% out of it once. just had to say thank you for new pain job. I have a fine tune and get 13MPG regular. enough room in the back for two small beds and icebox. The trailer I pull if not my horse trailer carrie all camp/walltent and small cooler should i get an elk. With all the nice ABS pumpers front and back extra foglights its a looker. I am thinking of converting to a Duramax diesel . I found a 06 motor with 46k miles on it. very tempting
BTW, it has the V6. I was tempted by the diesel at times but in the end decided to stay with the gas. A diesel mechanic friend of mine recommended I not pick the diesel. Even after he told me that I was still tempted to try it though.
12yards that's a good looking truck I like the color! I don't think you'll be disappointed in that one.
Duramax is an incredible motor. The 3L I am currently running is phenomenal. On my 90L tank I can travel over 900km . That’s a half ton crew cab truck with a 6 1/2 foot box. Not sure how the engineers figured that out…but I’m thankful.
Nice truck Steve. I hope it works as well for you as it looks.
Funny how life works. My f150 is in the shop right now. Transmission started slipping Saturday. Oh well, it’s due something. Too many miles pulling heavy loads for everything to be chipper.
My 2006 Ram 2500 Mega-Cab with Cummins is still going strong at 218000 miles.
My brother has a Duramax (nice engine) but he doesn't like it when I ask if we are taking my truck or the Isuzu.
I don't care who makes my Duramax engine. Put one in front of an Allison tranny and pull whatever you want.. Where are John Deere's Yanmar engines made? They're kinda like very dependable too, I think.
Btw......does Toyota market a diesel engine in the US? If not I wish they would. I bet it would be an awesome beast.
so since we are talking trucks...I just bought a 2022 Jayco 33 foot camper trailer. A little over 6000 pounds empty. I'm pulling with a 2021 F150 with the 3.5 EB and made our first trip last week. I think the truck can handle it but been looking at a F250 but don't like the gas mileage when not towing. The F150 pulls ok but feels like it could be a lug to travel to western MT mountains. Not sure what to do, don't really want to buy another truck
Just because a truck “can” pull it, doesn’t mean it should. Way too many people pull way too heavy for the truck they have. I had a 33’ bumper pull, 7,500 lbs fully loaded behind a F150 with the 5.0. The truck had more than enough power to pull it but the size of the trailer made it a giant wind sail. Was not safe. Get the 250.
In December of 2015 I bought this new Silverado 1500. I bought it primarily for road trips. I put a 2 1/2" leveling lift on it, went up one size on the tires, the ARE cap, the Yakima rack and some side steps for my wife. I now have about 55,000 miles on it
About a year and a half ago I picked up this 2004 Silverado 2500HD. It didn't run, the body was rusting out, the wheels, tires, suspension and brakes were shot. There were mice living in every crevice they could fit themselves in. I figured I'd get it running and use it for local hunting, hauling firewood, farm stuff (horses) and the regular trips to Home Depot and Lowes. But mainly to keep the miles off the 2015.
Well, that didn't go as planned!
Boreal!!! That’s bad ass!
I had a 2012 F150 3.5 EB AT 150,000 miles the oil pressure would drop to zero when I pulled off the highway, took it in don’t remember what they said was wrong with it this was a few years ago said It needed a new motor was ready for a new truck traded it for a GMC. I never had any problems with the ford until 150,000 miles
This Toy has been places…
2022 ZR2
2022 ZR2
Very happy with off road performance
Had a 2003 Dodge 2500 Cummins = bought new - sold 6 months ago w/342k miles - needed a van ( I thought ) - sellers remorse! the 2020 Ford 375 EB F-150 w/10 speed is look[ng good
LBshooter's Link
Swell, I was looking at tundras and other pickups and finally settled in a bowhunting vehicle. A 2009 Honda Element ex. 4 wd, and plenty of room. I can haul carts, equipment etc... And even a large game animal if I choose. Luckily I add a cargo carrier and then it's even more room and go on gas, 25 mpg hwy. if your not looking to spend 50k on a new rig and want something a bit more all around friendly check out a element, and they make great sleeping spaces.
Think this is my next truck supposed to get 40 mpg, not sure it will do that good with an elk in the back.
Terry
I love the looks of the new canyons/Colorado's. I test drove a canyon at4 last month and liked everything except the large display screen that came over the dash. I really wanted it unfortunately with my past experience I doubt I'll ever own another GM vehicle unless it's a classic car. I bought my first new vehicle in 2009 a 09 chevy 1500 Silverado and had transmission problems almost immediately. First time the transmission was replaced was only at 47k miles didn't worry to much had a 100k drive train warranty so didn't cost me anything. When it went out again at 125k I wasn't as worry free. After that more issues popped and kept popping up the most recent being the neutral safety switch that was the proverbial last straw at 209k. In 2015 my wife got a new GMC acadia. I wasn't as disappointed in this car but still not happy for the money we spent. There were small things I couldn't stand like having to take the wheel off and come through the wheel well to change the headlight. The stabili track had issues around 100k that kept coming back and around 140k the transmission started going trade that in for a Lexus. Nothing was towed by the acadia and nothing but a light boat and pop up and then very rarely towed by my Silverado and I keep all the regular maintenance up on my vehicles. I wanted that At4 Canyon but after all the times I'd cussed GM just couldn't do it. My dad passed a couple years ago and I still have his 07 F350 so didn't need anything for towing just a daily driver and hunting rig for out west. Decided to go with a Toyota Tacoma and hope it goes better then my last pickup. My grandpa who fought in the south pacific would roll over in his grave if he knew I had two Japanese vehicles.
Early snow storm
Early snow storm
SR5
SR5
Some good looking rigs on here. For bowhunting, I liked my old Chevy Blazer but not as much as the Tacomas that followed it. Sounds like others on here would agree about Tacomas as far as being a hunting vehicle.
I'm loving this Canyon AT4 so far. Got 26 mpg coming home from Duluth MN yesterday fighting a stiff headwind for half of it. I was amazed.
As much as I like the Tacoma, I have always thought that for the size of the vehicle it should get better gas mileage. I have a 2005 Nissan Titan that seems to do better on the gas mileage and pulls everything that I need it to pull in the mountains. These days gas mileage is something that I will heavily consider the next time I buy. Almost all of my truck miles have something to do with hunting or fishing and those miles seem to add up fast for me.
Toyota is supposed to be bringing out a new smaller truck called the Stout. Maverick sized, with 6 ft. bed.
Terry
The old Toyota Stout mid 60s early 70s
Agree with the Tacoma gas mileage. Seems any half ton 4x4 gets as good.
I had a 1986 SR5 Toyota like the one badbull shows for a number of years. Should have never let that one get away! Hell of a hunting truck!
Other than my older Tundras, the Duramax diesel with allision transmission Had to deliver one from Wis to Utah, plus trailer and 3 4 wheelers. WOW, what a ride. Flew home.
Best Toyota year 2014 to 2016. Just bought a 2014.
But I always had a beater for everyday use, plus a WOODS truck 4wd to pound.
Treeline, I agree with you.That 1983 SR5 was my favorite and first new vehicle . I gave it to my son who keeps it in a restored condition. I need to get a recent photo to put on my tablet. Badbull
I just went from a 2017 Silverado to a 2022 F-150. Both my last two trucks were the Chevy with the 4.3 V-6 in them. I like the engines, fuel mileage was pretty good, but my new truck has the 5.0 and it’s freaking awesome! I was surprised I’m still averaging almost 20 mpg with a lot more horsepower, and only 1.5 mpg less than the V-6.
Anyone tried the diesel Chevy Colorado?
I can't let my 2015 F150 with the 3.5 EB see this thread. It runs like a top and has 168k on it. It probably doesn't know it's not supposed to be reliable.
Treeline, I really wanted to try a diesel Colorado/Canyon until a diesel mechanic at my church recommended I stay away. Can't honestly remember his reason why, but I trust him. Maybe something about timing belts/chain. I was really interested in the fuel mileage of the diesel. But seeing what I'm getting with this V6 Canyon, I'm glad I bought the gasser.
Go Big or Go Home.
GMC 2500 HD with the Duramax. the best resale value. good MPG - i get 24 on the highway. it will pull like a team of mules, and plenty room. the down side is the cost.....
Not sure if it qualifies as a "truck", but this ol' girl has been a good hunting rig for my Father and I. It's an '81 CJ7. I restored it in 2011, including a rebuilt 360 engine, T19 transmission, and a new suspension. It's mostly a garage queen now, but I still enjoy taking it for a spin for nostalgic reasons, occasionally.
Matt
There are several of those diesel Colorado pickups down here in the parking lot where I’m working these days.
All the Toyota pickups in Peru were diesel Hilux’s. Those were awesome little trucks. Too bad Toyota doesn’t have diesel trucks in the US…
Bowhunting Truck;
One thing I know for sure, no more Metallic paint- it shows every scratch
FWIW, my buddy buys 30 Fords a year direct....and his Ford rep told him to stay away from the Lightning.....I see they just dropped the price of those $10k.....
I've owned all of the major mnfr trucks...not sure what I will get after this Ram 1500....
2019 3.5EB Mostly for road trips, hunting/fishing trips. 45,000 miles with no issues at all. Plenty of hp and still gets 18 mpg with 33” tires.
My 16 3.5 EB shows 19.2 MPG almost all the time. Mix of town, mountain and 40 min commute.
I still average 18 MPG with my 2015 on 35" tires. The Ecoboosts are like anything else. You take care of them and they will take care of you.
Loving my Canyon so far. Here's my mpg for my trip from central MN to SW Michigan last week.
Anything that has a clear-coat on it will show those light scratches. Has nothing to with being metallic or solid color. The darker the base color, the more contrasting the clear scratches are.
My 2021 3500HD Duramax that I bought new. I'm loving the 8 foot bed. It's my 3rd HD Duramax (the other 2 were 2500's) and they keep getting better. The power is impressive. I only have 28k miles on it and don't drive it at all in the winter, I hate salt and rust. Every panel on this truck with a hinge (doors, hood, tailgate) are aluminum. I have a 30' toyhauler that I pull all around the country and average about 2 months per year living in it. The 1-ton Duramax doesn't even feel it pulling it through the mountains and the exhaust brake is great for long downhill grades, I rarely have to even use the brakes. I couldn't imagine pulling my loaded down big camper with a half ton gas in some of the places I've been. This truck is set up for a 5th wheel/gooseneck if I ever want to add one. I get 21+ mpg empty with this truck. So far so good.
My beater winter truck and around home hunting and fishing truck that I paid $1700 for. It's a 2500 with a 7.4 (454). It's a beast but I love it and don't have to worry about rust or scratching it.
My 87 GMC Sierra Classic half ton short box 4x4 that I've had since almost new and I'm in the process of restoring. I painted the front half last spring and I'm working on finishing the box in my spare time. I should finish it this winter.
Parted with my Jeep……this will be the new critter carrier
Cheesehead Mike, when did GM go to aluminum panels? I thought just Ford had that.
12yards, I don't know and I didn't even realize they were aluminum until a friend who has one told me. You can definitely tell by tapping on the panels.
Get a DirtyMax. You won't be sorry.
I'm ready to stomp on those Toyotas and Eco Boosts! Lol!
I own a trade company so I get to test a few more trucks on my guys than I would otherwise be able to do just on my own. I’ve always been a Ford guy, so we’ve had a few F150s. All 5.0 litres. I would personally not get an EB. They’ve all been good trucks and one of them is up to almost 400,000kms I think. But that one is almost done now.
Having said all that, I also have a tundra, and that truck has been flawless. It doesn’t even make sense how reliable it is. It’s a ‘14 and I think it’s getting closer to 300,000km now and all we’ve had, is we blew a tire on it once lol. Owned it since 180k. Even your general wear items don’t seem to go. It’s just bonkers.
I’m not a Chevy guy, but one of my guys talked me into buying him a ‘15 GMC sierra. Our worst truck ever. Not saying they’re all bad, that’s just my one chevy, and of course it had to be bad lol. Amongst a ton of other things, I had to replace the tranny at 200k and the tranny shop says he keeps a bunch of these ones on the shelf because it’s quite common.
For all the half tons we have, I always get the biggest V8 option they have, and that’s proven to be good for us. But if I could choose any one of them price aside, hands down, the Tundra. And I love F150s.
Thanks for sharing your truck journey with us. It's always a mix of excitement and nerves when switching brands. I totally get the allure of that aluminum body and better gas mileage from Ford. I've had my share of Ford trucks in the past, like an '02 F-150, but like you, I've been keeping my eyes on the newer models with improved features. Recently, I stumbled upon some excellent
Used Trucks for Sale that really caught my attention. It's all about that sweet spot between quality and price, right? Now, I'm in the exciting phase of choosing the perfect model that suits my needs.