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Miscellaneous Truck Questions

ruzruz Member Posts: 59
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A place for asking questions and getting answers related to trucks. No
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  • ruzruz Member Posts: 59
    So I started this topic because I had a question:

    I always heard (usually from my #1 truck expert, my dad) that a pickup gets better highway gas mileage with the tailgate down or with some sort of cargo net back there. Intuitively, this made sense -- the air would come over the cab, swoop down into the bed, and then flow out over the bumper, with no tailgate to impede it.

    Now, my #1 truck expert has heard (from his #1 truck experts, Click & Clack) that a truck actually gets better mileage with its tailgate up! Supposedly, air stays in the bed, causing a separated ar bubble that allows air to flow over the cab, never drop down into the bed at all, and flow smoothly over the tailgate.

    This thoery makes sense to me too, which is why I turn to the collected wisdom of the Pickups conference for a definitive answer.

    Anyone?
  • MotormouthMotormouth Member Posts: 99
    I will be interested too, to see if someone can prove or disprove either of those theories.

    My guess is that someone will eventually state that the best mileage can be obtained with a pickup that has a tonneau cover!

    In either event, I don't imagine the difference is going to be all that great, but it will still be interesting to find out if anyone out there has actually done any scientific test to support any of those theories.

    Ladies, and gents, the floor is open!
  • NancieNancie Member Posts: 13
    What's a tonneau cover?
  • tlucyktlucyk Member Posts: 5
    I have a pickup that I installed a tonneau cover on after 6 weeks of ownership. It actually increased my fuel mileage by 1-2 mpg. An investment ranging in price up front, put can be justified over time with fuel savings. I paid $200 US for a vinyl cover with a aluminum skeleton which mounts to the truck with scratching the paint.
  • tlucyktlucyk Member Posts: 5
    Sorry, sorry, sorry! That was supposed to be "without scratching the paint". Wouldn't be to good if it scratches paint!
  • MotormouthMotormouth Member Posts: 99
    Nancie,

    Sorry for the vague reference. A tonneau cover is a one-piece cover, usually made of vinyl, that covers the entire back section of a pickup.

    It's principal purpose is to keep debris out of the back of the pickup and to prevent the contents of the pickup's bed from flying out during highway speeds.

    It also is a bit of (but not meant to be a) security device since no one can see what you are carrying.

    It's also a styling "thing." It makes your truck look sleek and hip while, in reality, you have 6 weeks of laundry and 10 bags of garbage in the back! ;-)

    I hope this clarifies the mystery. Oh, by the way... it's pronounced
    "Ton-oh" Cover.
  • NancieNancie Member Posts: 13
    Got it.
  • ruzruz Member Posts: 59
    Well, I drove from San Francisco to San Diego a few weeks ago with my tailgate down, and made the eturn trip with my tailgate up, and gained about 3 mpg.

    Of course, there are so many other variables at work here (wind, gasoline type, speed of traffic, etc etc) that I hesitate to say it actually made a difference, but it's definitely empirical evidence.

    One of those tonneau covers would be cool, except that I have a toolbox that would get in the way...
  • bvanderbvander Member Posts: 3
    Does anyone out there work at a garage that could give me an honest opinion on how the big three trucks compare to each other? I guess I'm looking at the long term comparisons, i.e., which trucks transmissions last longest, which truck requires more overhauls, which truck's drive train lasts the longest, etc.

    Right now, I am very impressed with the new Dodge Ram's styling and its diesel engine, but don't have much information on the "meat" of the truck and how it compares to the others. The only information I have is very biased opinions I get from die hard Chevy, Ford, or Dodge owners.
  • MotormouthMotormouth Member Posts: 99
    I hope someone will respond to your question that is more qualified than I. I don't work at a garage, but it seems I spend lots of time there and I know a good many folks that do.

    All you'll get from truck owners, generally speaking, is their biased view based on either their brand-name loyalty or their frustration with a product that has let them down.

    However, Dodge Ram has gotten consistantly high ratings in all the reviews I've read... and the diesel engine is one of the best ones on the market.

    Long-term stats aren't really available since the new version of the truck is only a few years old. However, I recall reading that the dependability rating thus far has been above average.

    If I can get more info, I'll get back to you. In the meantime, I hope someone with more direct experience with the Dodge RAM will step up and give us their views.
  • jerryjerry Member Posts: 1
    What can be done about Dakota front brakes? They have to be replaced before 30,000 miles. More than 4 owners have related bad luck with them. It is not just the Dakota's either. I's Ram's as well.
  • MotormouthMotormouth Member Posts: 99
    Hmmm... that's a new one on me. Has anyone else come across this that can offer a solution?

    If it's a common problem, I would imagine Dodge would come up with a fix for it and, hopefully, make it standard on new-built products and make it available as a retro-fit to existing units. However, unless it's covered by warranty, don't look for it to be free.

    This brings up an interesting point, however. A couple of tips on info available here...

    Warranty Gold is a service that can help you to extend the warranty on your vehicle to cover it above and beyond that which you can get from your dealer. And...

    Our CONSUMER ADVICE:
    Consumer Advice & Links section has a number of interesting links for you to follow.

    Be sure to check them out while you're here!
  • MikeMike Member Posts: 13
    I'm trying to decide between the Dodge Dakota 4WD and the Toyota Sonoma 4WD. Going to use it more for camping and hunting than for hauling. I'll also be doing some towing with it. I expect to keep it a long time. I'd like some comparative input on the pros and cons of each vehicle. Also like some suggestions on useful options or worthless ones as this will be my first truck or off-road vehicle. Thank in advance.
  • MotormouthMotormouth Member Posts: 99
    We've got just about all the info you need right here on this site, Mike. All you need to do is learn how to navigate the site to find it. It's simple really. I'll provide the links you need to get the Dodge info, but I'm gonna make you work a bit to get the equivilant info in the Toyota. In doing so, you should have all the info you need to make your decision... and will have learned more about how useful this site can be for you.

    First of all, to get the info for the Dodge Dakota, I'd need to know more about what you want. Extended cab, regular cab etc. Since I don't have that info, I went with the standard cab. Click on the following links to get info about the Dakota 4x4. Then, click on this link to get the Pros & Cons, and Review.

    Now, to get the equivilant info on the Toyota, all you have to do is scroll up to the top of this page, and in the upper right hand corner, click on "New Trucks." When you get to THAT page, click on the word TOYOTA in the chart. That takes you to the list of new Toyota truck models. There's lots of 'em, so scroll down to the one that describes what you're looking for (Tacoma, 4x4, cab size etc.). That will take you to a page where you can get all the info you want.

    Good luck!

    Anyone have any suggestions on what options Mike should get?

    I'd say get Air Conditioning for sure.

    I wouldn't pay a lot for their stereo... take the same amount of money and go to an auto stereo specialist and they can get you a far better system for the same money Toyota would charge you for their run-of-the-mill standard unit.

    Mud flaps would be a good idea, as would be a protective "brush guard" and a winch if you'll be in the woods hunting.

    Keep in mind that you don't have to pay exorbitant Dealer prices for these items. Check out their prices, then compare that to your local Auto specialist shops, or even JC Whitney. Click on that link to order a free catalog.

    Good luck!
  • shyhakishyhaki Member Posts: 1
    Dear Sir,
    I am looking for importing 10 second hand Mercedes Benz truck engines C&F Dubai.

    The sizes are: 10Tons power per engine

    Please quote your best price

    Shyhaki
  • jemanjeman Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone know why GMC, Chevy and Ford don't make a 2500 long bed with an extended cab and 3rd door? At present, Dodge Ram is the only one available.
  • zapzap Member Posts: 1
    Anyone out there own a Toyota T100 X-cab?

    Am looking at a '96SR5 2wd and would like to see what an owner has to say. I have owned Dakotas and full sized Chevy. Looks like Edmunds gives it a thumbs up for reliability.
  • MotormouthMotormouth Member Posts: 99
    Sorry, Shyhaki, but I think you misunderstand... we don't sell engines here. This is a site that has information about complete vehicles, and links to other auto-related sites, including those that can help you purchase vehicles.

    I am not aware of who you would contact to import Mercedes engines. The only place I can think of would be Mercedes directly. You can also do a search on the internet to find sources.

    I did a quick search using the search engine "Hot Bot" and I came up with these two links:
    Mercedes Imports and
    Danialcar

    Perhaps they can help you locate what you seek.

    If anyone else out there knows who Shyhaki could contact to purchase these engines, please feel free to post that info here.

    Good luck!
  • MotormouthMotormouth Member Posts: 99
    Zap,

    I hope some owners will come forward, but keep in mind this site just opened. It may take a little while for a Toyota owner to come into this discussion. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

    In the meantime, I know a woman who owns a '95 (as opposed to a '96) Toyota. I believe it's the same model, but I can't verify it. But I do know that she's had absolutely no problems with it. And she has close to 80,000 mile on it. She changes her own oil, but that's about it.

    Anyone else?
  • MotormouthMotormouth Member Posts: 99
    Jeman,

    With the success of the Ram truck, look for Ford and Chevy to eventually come out with something to compete with it. They won't want any segment of the market to be owned by Dodge alone...
  • weigweig Member Posts: 1
    i want to know how to change freezeplugs for a1994 chevy s10 pick up truck
  • MotormouthMotormouth Member Posts: 99
    Weig,

    Hopefully someone will post a reply for you. I'm not familiar enough with the S-10.

    By the way... This is a good time to repeat the request to ALL:

    PLEASE fill out your profile! It helps others to learn a little about you and, if you provide it, an e-mail address where people can contact you. If nothing else, it gives us all a name to call you by.

    Please take a moment, click on the "Change My Profile" button at the bottom of the page, and do this.

    Thanks!
  • ZapataZapata Member Posts: 1
    Edmunds advised there's a $1500 customer rebate and $1500 dealer incentive for the Toyota 4wd 5spd SR5.
    When I got down to figures the dealer informed me the total $3000 applicable only to the BASIC T100.

    Ruz and Motormouth, is there a $1500 for both customer rebate and dealerr incentive for the Toyota T100 4wd 5 spd SR5?

    Also what does Edmunds mean when you have
    2 % of basic invoice?
  • mikefmikef Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone have any opinions on the new Nissan Frontier? I have a '93 Nissan 4X4 and it is a great little truck. I am getting ready to buy a new pickup extended cab,4X4 bigger then my '93.
  • LenLen Member Posts: 2
    I would like to know if anyone has seen the new design of the 1998 Ford F-250 body style. Also I have not seen any option pricing for the Power Stroke engine. Can anyone help me? I want to purchase one in the next few months.
  • MotormouthMotormouth Member Posts: 99
    I'm not directly connected to the division that puts together the pricing info, so I can't tell you first hand what the Toyota rebate covers or doesnt cover in terms of models. The Toyota dealer would have the correct info.

    I'm not sure what you are asking in regards to the dealer invoice.

    My suggestion is to contact "Auto-By-Tel" and have them contact you. You'll get the best price and save yourself a lot of work and headaches in the process... plus you can still get it from a local dealer.
  • mallettemallette Member Posts: 1
    Someone talk to me about spray in bedliners... Cost, good points, bad points, etc.

    Also anyone know any good websites with pictures for customizing ... bed rails, bed covers, hood gaurds, etc
  • rportellorportello Member Posts: 8
    mallette,

    I posted something on one of the other conferences about Sprayed In bedliners, so i will re-iterate the info here. One of the most popular dealers of these type liners is Rino Liner the company is based in San Diego, Ca. and has about 40 to 45 dealerships in California. I have a friend who had it done to his F150 with the 8 foot bed and the cost was around $400. The cost can vary depending on the color you choose and the size of your truck bed. If you call information for San Diego and ask for Rino Liner you should be able to find out exactly where a dealer is near you.

    Rick
  • rportellorportello Member Posts: 8
    mallette,

    I forgot to add, I have heard nothing but good things about these liners. They resist stains from oil and gasoline. They keep things from sliding around and it protects you bed from the elements and obviously scrathes. When I get my truck in the spring I am getting a sprayed in liner.

    Rick
  • ished01ished01 Member Posts: 1
    Hi,

    I have a 1995 Dodge Dakota 4x4 that I'm interested in buying. According to the various web sites for price comparisons, I've been offered an exceptional deal - 2000 less than edmunds. However, for that reason, I am somewhat leary about the deal. I have the VIN # off the truck. Is there a website for checking repair history using the VIN numbers?? I believe dealerships have some way of doing this. Thanks for your help.
  • mark1959mark1959 Member Posts: 1
    I'm wanting to buy a pickup? The problem is that I will have to drive it to and from work every day which is 60 miles round trip. I'm stuck with the decision to buy a car that gets great gas mileage and buy an older truck just to use around the house or buy a new truck and use it for both.
    What do you suggest?
  • MotormouthMotormouth Member Posts: 99
    Any reputable dealer can take the VIN # and run it through their computer to check if it's had any recall notices done. They might even be able to tell you what repair work has been done if it was at that dealer.

    But I don't know that anyone can look up the car's history as pertaining to accidents etc. Not here on the web or a single point retail outlet.

    Best bet is to call the previous owner. I did that when I went to buy a used Jeep Cherokee Laredo. I'm glad I did, because I found out the vehicle was in better shape than I thought.

    A reputable dealer should be willing to give you the name of the previous owner. If not, you have to ask yourself why they don't want you to talk to him/her.
  • MotormouthMotormouth Member Posts: 99
    Mark, you have to decide for yourself, of course, but here's something to think about:

    Why would you want a car? If it's just to save money on the commute, think again:

    You have the initial cost of the car, plus the insurance on it, maintenance etc. That's going to require one heck of a lot of savings in gas to pay for all that.

    Now, if you're buying it for additional reasons, that's another story.

    I live alone, but I'm a two-vehicle family also. I use my Jeep Cherokee Laredo for everyday use. On week-ends, weather permitting, I take out my sportscar just to "blow out the carbon" (at least that's what I tell the nice police man when he pulls me over for doing 120 on the interstate).

    I figure, hey... if you're driving a Ferrari, you're gonna get stopped whether you speed or not, so you might as well have the fun of speeding!

    Disclaimer: Edmunds does not condone speeding, nor do they approve of irresponsible driving. Just because I'm a butt-head when I drive, it does not mean Edmunds endorses it. I'm a professional butt-head. Do not try this in your own interstate.
  • wpricewprice Member Posts: 1
    If anyone has seen in the news lately about wiper problems on 95 s10's, would they post the cause if you are familiar with how to fix the problem of them intermittently stopping.
  • jeefjeef Member Posts: 1
    This is in reply to mark1959's question about pickups and everyday use. I made this same decision about 6 years ago, and am happy I chose the pickup. I have an old house, 4 acres, and 4 kids, so I needed the haul-ability that a pickup provides. You never know how much you need a truck until you don't have your truck. I use mine to haul the kids to school, take the scouts to camp, haul mulch, rocks, whatever to and from the house, and to move things from one end of the property to the other. The only thing I wish I had was a mower deck to strap on the underside.
    I've pulled down an old barn with it, I've hauled the wood to the back to supply the campfires for many summers. I couldn't do any of these things with a vehicle that I would use for driving to work only.

    In selecting this vehicle, the most important part was the ability to use it as a truck, and the second criteria was gas mileage. As you can probably guess, I settled on a small truck. Without giving away my brand, since there are a number of makers of small pickups, I am totally happy with the model I chose. It gets me to work and back every day, and I get the mileage I would expect from any commuter car. And of course, it's my truck.

    I bought it used, it had about 40k on it, and I've got 150,000 miles on it now. It's going fine, except for this small charging circuit problem I'm trying to troubleshoot this week. But overall, I'm very happy with the dual nature of the purchase. Commuter by week, truck by weekend.

    (for the curious, it's a 1988 Ford Ranger XLT)
  • LenLen Member Posts: 2
    Jeaman in response to your question I have recently found out that Ford is not making the 1998 model year. They are starting the production of the 1999 model year in Jan. 5. Ford will be the only truck with 4 doors in the 8500 gvw size. That is in the extended cab.
  • curtcurt Member Posts: 3
    I would like to have an honest comparison of diesel vs gasoline engines in at least a 2500 series pickup for general transportation as well as the ability to tow a 30' travel trailor. I do plan to travel occasionally to the mountains.

    Also would like an honest comparison of standard vs automatic to accomplish the above. I understand that the diesel doesn't help brake the vehicle on down grades. Does this apply to the automatic, standard or both?

    What is the best rear end ratio for general use and trailor towing?

    I am planning to purchase a new vehicle. Dodge right now is first choice, followed by GMC, Chevrolet and lastly Ford. The new Ford is reminicent of the old Chevrolet Conquistodor (i.e. sedan with pickup body). Personally, it doesn't look like a very macho anything. Opinions will be appreciated.
  • brucec32brucec32 Member Posts: 3
    YOU GET 30,000 miles on a set of pickup front brakes????? that's pretty damn good.
  • adsads Member Posts: 1
    I have a 96 F-350 4x4 with the turbo diesel and 4 speed auto trans. I have heard from a number of people that this is a weak transmission and will break easy under load. I have a 9' utility body on it and carry construction tools, maybe 6 or 700 lbs. anyone heard of this ???
  • curtcurt Member Posts: 3
    I would like to make a correction to my previously posted question. I mentioned a chevrolet conquistodor. I should have said chevrolet el camino.

    Would still like some responses to my questions.
  • MotormouthMotormouth Member Posts: 99
    When you say mountains, where are you located geographically?

    What do you mean "2500 Series?" 2500 what? Are you referring to a particular make? If so, what?

    A 30' trailer requires power and control. You'd want a good size engine if you will be doing this on a regular or even semi-regular basis, or be willing to put up with the lack of performance ability when towing it... not to mention the single fingers being pointed in an upward direction on the extended hands of drivers who pass you after having been stuck in a line of 22 cars behind you. Get my drift?

    I have no experience with diesels, so maybe someone else can answer your question about diesels not helping to slow the vehicle when going downhill.

    As to transmissions, I'm hearing a fair amount of rumbling from Dodge owners about transmission problems. Maybe it's the exception to the rule, but you may want to check into some of the Dodge Ram topics in this section for a more direct response.

    Good luck!
  • sheldonsheldon Member Posts: 1
    DODGE RULES !!!!!!!!!! I am looking at buying a 96 1500 Club cab with 5.2L eng ,automatic (manuals are better) SLT package. I would like to here pros and cons on this truck. thanks for now.
  • MotormouthMotormouth Member Posts: 99
    Hi Sheldon,

    Perhaps you'd be more likely to get feedback if you place this question in the Dodge topic. THere seems to be quite a bit of activity there. I think you may find some of the feeback there interesting.
  • dburrowdburrow Member Posts: 11
    Concerning the gas mileage question about tailgates, I could never tell a difference. However, the nascar craftsman trucks do have a solid bed cover, possibly just for aerodynamics.
  • dburrowdburrow Member Posts: 11
    Mallete-
    You might try the Trucking Times page at www.ttol.com. They have lots of links to truck pages as well as some pictures.
  • deiseldeisel Member Posts: 16
    Curt,

    If you are wanting to pull a 30-ft trailer you
    better think twice about the 2500 series (I am assuming that you are talking about a 3/4 ton)
    I pulled a 32-ft horse trailer with a Dodge 2500
    turbo deisel from N.Y. to N.C. and barely kept up
    with the traffic on I-95. The vehicle was just
    too small for the weight of the horses, tack, and
    anything else the farm manager could stuff in. I
    never had problems with the chevy turbo as far as
    power was concerned the truck fell apart on me though I personally bought the Dodge 1 ton for my
    20-ft goose-neck have not had the oppertunity to
    haul my trailer since I got the truck but I think
    it will have more than enough power to do the job.
    I did get the straight drive 5-speed I too have
    heard problems with the automatic trasmission.

    P.S. Thanks motormouth for the tip on pulling the V.I.N. and checking the warrenty. I was looking at
    two Identicle Dodge trucks the straight drive that
    I bought had very few problems but the automatic
    had 2 transmissions and 2 injector pump assemblys
    put into it. I am very happy with my new purchase!
  • N/AN/A Member Posts: 11
    Thanks dburrow and deisel for your input.

    Nice to have some knowlegable folks to lend their expertise and experiences. It all helps out.

    Thanks again.
  • stobarstobar Member Posts: 110
    I own a 1997 Chevy C-1500 Silverado Ext Cab with the Vortec V-8 350 engine. When I was shopping for the truck, I asked alot of questions concerning the gear/axle ratio. I ended up getting the truck with a 3.08 vice a 3.42 or 3.73 as I was told that if I wasn't going to be doing a lot of heavy towing, I would get a better ride and better gas mileage with a 3.08. So far, no complaints, but can someone clarify the biggest difference with what I will not be able to do. I used to think engine size was everything, but then again, I'm not a mechanic. Thanks.
  • RussZ71RussZ71 Member Posts: 2
    When did the Z-71 model first come out, was it 1990 or when? ALso when did the current body style for Chevy's & GMC's come out?
  • RussZ71RussZ71 Member Posts: 2
    When did the Z-71 model first come out, was it 1990 or when? ALso when did the current body style for Chevy's & GMC's come out?..
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