Shortbed Crew Cabs discussion

lbross

I am in the market for a shortbed crew cab truck
to be used for towing an ultralight (4500 lb) camp
trailer. I've looked at the Frontier, Tacoma,
Dakota and the Ford SuperCrew (the Sport Trac is
not on my list -- to gimmicky). I have formed some
initial opinions on each, but I would love to get
some input from others who have bought them and tow
with them. I have two growing boys (7 and 5) so I
need the four full-sized doors, and I need the
hauling ability of a pickup. These seem to be the
perfect compromise between people and hauling. I
appreciate any comments/advice that you may have.
Thanks!

mgdvhman

I'd get the Ford....although the super tiny box does not really appeal to me...

The new HD Chevy's have a better box and are 2500's...as a crew cab should be...

Good luck

- Tim

obyone

question. With anyone needing to use the rear seats, I'd definitely go full size which leaves only the Ford as the rest aren't

2k1trd

Have you looked at a tundra?

tundradude

I would recommend a full-size truck for towing anything that weight for stability. What kind of camping trailer do you have?

erikf2

The Chevy/GMC extended cab is the most spacious, with enough leg room for the average-sized adult, plus you'll get a real six foot box.

When my brother-in-law got in the back of my 2000 Silverado extended cab for the first time, his comment was "Gee, this is nice. Maybe I want one of these instead of the Dakota Quad-Cab."

ryanbab

"so I need the four full-sized doors, and I need the hauling ability of a pickup."

As for the tundra its pretty much eliminated

Back seat room is horrible and doesnt have 4 full doors. It sounds like he loves his kids very much and doesnt want to put them through the misery of a tundra backseat. Also hauling capacity is alot less than the real full sized truck.

Only option left is
F150 supercrew
Chevy 2500HD CC
F250 CC
Or wait for the avalanche to come out but it will be pricey.

Ryan

obyone

I thought he was picking from the list he provided, Dakota Quad, F150 SC, Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier. Of the four he listed, I would opt for the F150 Supercrew, actually I would go with a F250 HD CC SB Black on black....

ryanbab

my vote screw

jcmdie

oby- That would be my choice too but if he wants to keep it light duty the screw is the best of that lot by far.

lbross

There seems to be a trend here. Thanks to all for your input. JCMDIE is right, I want to keep it light duty. To TUNDRADUDE, I have a 19' Aerolite Cub - it's not very heavy. While I may qualify as a Yuppie, my desire for a truck stems from my need to tow, and I refuse to spend $10k to $12K more for an SUV if I can get four full doors in pickup. I have no reason to question the capabilities of the HD Chevys or F250s, they're simply much more truck than I need, and more truck than my wife will be willing to drive. I will be spending more time looking at the S-Crew -- quality seems to be there, and the back seat room is bigger than the others. I also like the bed extender -- will really come in handy for bigger loads.

tundradude

I have a 19 footer that is the old heavy style that I pull with my Tundra. Its weight I assume is around 4000 lbs. It GVWR is 4500. I assume your ultralite should be even less in like weights. I have seen some ultralights start around 3200 pounds with being loaded at max near 4000. This trailer could easily be pulled with any compact crew cab. The only thing you have to be careful of is this: Do not buy a compact that is more than you could get a like full-size like a F-250 crew cab for the same price. Extended cabs are other options too. Some trucks have enough room in the extended cab. The only one is really the Silverado and the GMC twin. Also do not get fulled by gas mileage. A V6 in a compact doesn't necessarily get better gas mileage if the V6 or V8 is in a full-size.

When I bought my Tundra, I got the best for the money to do the job. My truck was a little over 16,000 and it will tow my trailer all day. However, when I upgrade to a bigger camping trailer. I would get a F-250 to pull it. (I know some of you out there will love this statement)

ryanbab

Tundra dude. He said he wants 4 full doors so that eliminates the ext cab.

LBROSS

The screws can haul. I have seen a few come into work and take pallets of bricks. The bed is small but im sure it will be fine for what you will need it for.

Ryan

lbross

Your right about the GVWR of the ultralights. Mine comes in a little under yours. I want to give myself the room to upgrade to a bigger camper at some point, so the additional tow capacity is important. I sure wish the Tundra came in a crew cab. Have owned a couple of Toyotas (Celica and Camry) which were about as close to bullet-proof as any cars I have ever owned (several!). Anyway, the Tundra is not an option for me, I most definitely need the four full doors. I'll keep you all posted. Thanks for the input!

mgdvhman

...simply much more truck than You need?....and more than your wife is willing to drive?....where does any extra effort come to drive a 250 VS a 150?

why do you say this?

- Same size body
- Perhaps a little bit higher sitting....aka better/safer in a crash..better view of road
- More weight..aka safer in a crash
- Bigger brakes - aka safer for your family
- Just more solid of a truck

ahh..I get it...not a cute little crew cab with a lunch box bed...

to each his own

Good luck

- Tim

bowhuntwi2

Trying to give our parking spots away? In talking these people into buying a HD or an SD. You want them parking their new truck out on their driveway cause it won't fit in their garage, or worse yet having their wives take up 5 of our parking spaces at the grocery store, when she decides that she can't maneuver it into those ever so small spaces. Ah she sees where the big boys park....out in the miles of empty spaces beyond the cart racks. Then it becomes decision time.....does she park out there and walk, or try to squezz the big truck into a compact space. Then you got ryan, he's parked in the middle of no where....thinking his truck is safe, only to be attacked by the lady driving the BIG HD, SD 4X4 that Tim talked her husband into buying...now that she has parked next to ryan in the wide open spaces.....she swings the door right into that blue paint.......Let them keep their excuses for not going up.

mgdvhman

...I see your point...

forget all I said......buy the cute cushy Crew...

1500 - Good
2500 - Bad

Leave the real trucks for the real men..

hehehe

- Tim

resqman

The Dakota Quad Cab can tow 6200lb or 1450lb in the 5'3" bed. A bed extender is nothing more than some aluminum pipe and plastic to make you think your stuff won't slide out the back when your tailgate is down. It is available as a dealer option for the Quad Cab or as an aftermarket add on for ANY pickup truck. $200 trinket.

The Dakota Quad Cab has 4 full size doors with a full size rear seat for adults. All the luxury items of a car including leather seats. Available with two different V8's, 4.7l or 5.9l. Available with 3.55 or 3.92 rearend.

Its only real competition is the Ford F150 Super Crew. Ford costs more with almost identical interior space. Check out the Owners conference in Edmunds for more information about the Dakota Quad Cab.

Notice all the replies above completely ignored your stated choices and only sang praises for full sized trucks. If you want a midsize truck, look at the Dakota Quad Cab. You won't be sorry.

mgdvhman

we feel a crew cab should be a 2500/3500?

Opinions can't be wrong....(even though yours is the wrong one)....

LOL

- Tim

obyone

qualify as....hmmm, it's not a short bed...maybe a mini? Just saw one at the post office. 150 super crew with mini bed. sorta looks like an expedition with the back cut off. no third row seats for sure....

ryanbab

You have a point there. This past weekend i go to the mall park in the middle of nowhere no cars to be seen. I come out and theres a damn car parked right next to me. WHY? There were 500 more spaces in this lot.

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Ryan

lbross

Would it have made any difference to you if I asked about light duty pickups that could tow/haul light loads and could fit my whole family, rather than using the term "crew cab?" Seems to me that there's plenty of trucks out there to meet almost every need -- including those who need "real crew cabs" like the 2500 and 3500.

Once again, whether you agree or not, my needs put me into a light duty, four-door pickup.

erikf2

Actually, when I said to look at the Chevy/GMC, I was thinking of a 1500 extended cab short-box. Why don't you and your wife go ahead and test drive a Chevy/GMC 1500 ext. cab short box, as well as a Ford F-150 CC; I think you'll be pleasantly suprised by the handling. (The entire new generation of pickups "isn't your dad's" pickup, that's for sure!)

Another thing to consider; if you "graduate" to a longer and/or heavier trailer, make sure the wheelbase of your tow vehicle is long enough for stability. You don't want to suffer from the "tail wagging the dog" syndrome that some SUV and other short-wheelbase folks experience when they tow.

tundradude

Another thing to consider; if you "graduate" to a
longer and/or heavier trailer, make sure the
wheelbase of your tow vehicle is long enough for
stability. You don't want to suffer from the "tail
wagging the dog" syndrome that some SUV and other
short-wheelbase folks experience when they tow.

obyone

Same thing happened to me last night as I went to the mall and parked somewhat away from everyone. As I'm walking to the store, I watch this old beater C/K pull in next to my truck. Now there's soooo much parking around and yet this a**h*** needs to park next to me. So....I watch the guy for about a minute and he doesn't get out rather starts up the truck and pulls away. Go figure...

ryanbab

He was admirering your truck. I had a nice car next to me actually it was brand new still had temp plates on it.

Ryan

ryanbab

Dean next time set off your panic button and see what the guy does.

I did this at school when this one guy walked by my truck and stopped to look at it. Lets just say he started walking again at a faster pace. Makes for a good laugh

Ryan

mgdvhman

#23.....but why not buy the better/safer choice for your family?....are they not worth it?

I never park in the boonies to avoid cars.....I'm not scared of other cars....and I can actually park the truck

Nobody cares one bit about when an alarm goes off.....it should be.."call the cops...."....instead it's...walk on by and say..."shut that damn thing up!"

- Tim

mgdvhman

..but also have my own.....and well....I've been known to express them...

While trucks in general do more damage to cars in collisions......they also survive better....and I say why not have the bigger/heavier one?

It would be a happy go lucky world if it could protect me just as much and not to more damage to the other person....but hey....that's not reality. Reality is...I'm here for me first...

stonger frame to hold up more and maybe stop the side from caving in more?....and the abilty to brake better and perhaps avoid the whole thing?

Now minds are really inquiring....

I've had a few crash-em-ups...(not all my fault)....and every one has been with large vehicles....and I had minimal "scratch like" damage...and some of the others couldn't even be driven away...

I hate encono-cars for this reason.....and would go with at least a Screw before the little death traps.....(including mid-size ones)....

and once we go with a 1500 crew....why not get a real bed and all the better benefits of a real crew cab?

Off the soap box......I know you won't make the switch

Good Luck

- Tim

modvptnl

Boy, aren't we high on our selfs.LOL!!

Quote;

"Notice all the replies above completely ignored
your stated choices and only sang praises for full
sized trucks. If you want a midsize truck, look at
the Dakota Quad Cab. You won't be sorry."

--------------------------------------------------

Wasn't the S-crew one of the "stated choices"?
Sorry you don't like the bed extender. It's a GREAT idea. I think I'll even put one on my full size short bed. Not only does it usefully extend the beds for solid loads, it keeps small loads (like turnouts!!) from sliding to the cab.

pbolts

(1bross)- here's food for thought.
Jan 5th 2000 test drove Tundra 4x4 SR5 V-8 Access cab,fell in love with the truck, performance, handling and a fantastic 4.7L V-8. Didn't buy the truck for one reason, hideous rear seat, couldn't ignore that fact.
Jan 10th 2000, test drove the Dodge Dakota Quad cab 4x4,4.7L V-8,auto, very nice handling truck, quick V-8, interior space nice but not fantastic, freakishly short 5'3" bed, questionable reliability, Sub-par crash test rating.
Jan 15th 2000 purchased 2000 F-250 SD 4x4 XLT crewcab, short bed, 5.4L V-8, 5Spd manual with almost every option except for leather seats.
Let me tell you, this truck is built like a rail
car. I hauled five seperate loads of landscaping bolders, each @2000# and one day hauled 13 large railroad ties which was 2000+ lbs and this truck was impressive. Out on the open road, this is by far, the most comfortable, safe feeling, attitude inspiring vehilcle that I've ever driven.
This was a "buy a honkin truck to end all future truck needs" kind of purchase.
Took some getting used to in manuevering this 245.8" long brute, but within a month or so I could back this thing up or into any parking spot, (in the back forty of course).
I even averaged 14.8 mpg with mixed driving.
Here's where the " fly in the jelly" comes in.
The little wife could drive it and did quite well, but she hated every minute of it because she could't drive it to her work(small parking spaces) and most importantly, though it was built like a rail car it also rode as harsh as a rail car. We found out that in trying to cover for all of our needs, we ignored the fact that what we really needed most of the time, was a work commuter/grocery getter with only rare heavy hauling requirements.
June 2000, test drove 2001 F-150 XLT 4x4 supercrew, 5.4L V-8, very nice truck, F&R interior only slightly smaller then in the F-250 CC, performance, handling, 5'7" bed looked like the perfect size for my actual needs.Though it was a little spendy $29,000,I was kicking myself in the butt for not waiting for it to come out; I even knew about it back in january. Dumb!
Sept 12th 2000, with 7000 miles on it, I sold my F-250 CC and fortunetely my losses were quite minimal, found a buyer who was looking for exactly my truck. (thank God!)
For personal reasons, we actually ended up buying a 2000 toyota camry and decided to put off the truck purchase for a couple of years.
Hopefully by then Toyota will have come out with a Tundra crew cab and if not we'll just buy the Ford F-150 supercrew.
Hope that this helped you bit.

mgdvhman

why do you feel the Tundra would be the answer?....due to it's smaller mid size?

- Tim

mgdvhman

one of the cushy truck fans...

- Tim

ryanbab

Whos degrading people?

Tim did you start something again?

Ryan

lbross

I've spent many months reading posts in other topics regarding the merits of trucks, all of which would eventually degrade into an exchange of sharp criticisms and putdowns. I was hoping that by starting this topic -- focused on a specific type of truck -- we could avoid this nonsense. No such luck.

Thanks to those who offered their opinions without resorting to knocking others. Despite the antics of a few, I really got some good pointers and advice. I'll keep you posted with the results of my search.

bowhuntwi2

then under trucked. I know what your choices was, but I also beleive if your going to dish out $30,000 on a pickup you should look at the new General Motors HD's or Ford's SD Crew Cabs. I'm partial to the F250 CC, because I own one, before I bought it I test drove the SCrew and it was nice, but it seemed smaller then my Extended Cab Serria and the price tag after I priced it out was around $33,000. I also looked at the 4 suicide doors of the new Gmc/Chevy, they closed like all extended cab doors with a little bounce, since there's no middle support, price was up there too.

I wanted more then an extended cab, I was planning on going to Colorado hunting with 4 adults and I didn't want to be riding or climbing into a small back seat. Even if the full size crew is not a choice of yours, go sit in one or test drive one.

I have no regrets of buying a full size crew cab, when I ordered mine, my wife said she would never drive it.......I smiled and said....good. Well now I have to pry her hands off the steering wheel. We also own a Durango (thats her truck)she can park it anywhere. But on long trips the crew cab is the main choice all around, we just avoid small parking lots and if your pulling a trailer you are already parking on the outskirts.

Any truck you decide on will be your choice, but at least give the full size crews a look, so your aren't saying later that I wished I would of driven one.

ryanbab

suicide doors never heard that term before

Ryan

mgdvhman

of suicide doors?

cars that had rear doors that open like the ext. cab doors.....(like a 69 thunderbird) are called that...

As for insults....hey..if you want to take me saying that I feel the full size is the better and most important...safer choice ...as insults....so be it...

I'm sure I will lose a lot of sleep over it...

I'm not the type to sit back and not speak....if you don't like what I have to say...well........

- Tim

I call it like I see it.

PS...so many times I speak firmly as I feel....but too many take it the wrong way...as if I am saying it's the only way....

Internet chat sucks...give me a real life conversation anyday

resqman

Here is a little data to help you with your decision process.

The Dodge Dakota Quad Cab is available with both v6 and v8 engines. v6 3.9l, v8 4.7l and v8 5.9l. The v8 4.7l engine was new for 2000 models along with a new multi-speed automatic tranny. Stock the Quad Cab 4.7l beats the Mustang in the quarter mile.

Truck weighs about 4700 lbs with a Gross Combined Vehicle Weight of 9200 lbs for the 4.7l, 3.55 rear end combination. It can tow 6350 lbs with the 3.92 rear end for a GCVW of 10,800.

Bed capacity of 1450 lbs with a length of 5' 3". 131" wheelbase with an overall length of 215"

It is available in both 2wd and 4wd, 5 speed manual or multispeed automatic. It is available with a tow package that includes wiring for electric brake, 7 pin trailer connection and 2" Class IV reciever hitch. Heavy duty service group includes a 750 amp battery, a 136 amp alternator, and additional engine cooling. The tire & handling package includes a heavier rear anti-sway bar with a variety of tire and wheel combinations including 31"x10.5xR16 without a lift. Limited slip differential and 4 wheel anti-lock brakes are available with 2 wheel anti-lock standard.

The rear doors open 89 degrees giving you complete access to the split rear seat that folds up for additional storage.

For the creature comforts you can include 6 way power driver seat, power windows, power door locks, leather seats, A/C, AM/FM/CD/Cassette with 3 band graphic equalizer and 8 speakers. The SLT package includes additional insulation under the hood and floor with additional gaskets for wind noise reduction. Overhead console with programable garage door opener, digital temperature and fuel usage calcuations.

All the brute force of a truck with the luxury of a sedan. 4 doors so the family has easy access to the passenger compartment with towing capacity and bed for hauling. $5000 less than a similarly equipped SUV but with a 15" longer cargo area. For those who need a beast of a truck occasionally but would rather drive a sedan.
Excelling as both a work truck and a cushy truck.

modvptnl

Nice Dodge brochure.LOL!!!

Now for REAL numbers. The Ford S-crew will tow more, can be had with a higher payload, has a 3" longer bed and the OHC 5.4 is a better engine than the 5.9. Heck, the Dodge 4.7 is a better motor than the 5.9.

jcmdie

Of the smaller crew cabs I would choose the ford screw. One of the guys at work just bought the dakota quadcab because his wife found it much less intimidating to maneuver.

modvptnl

Of the trucks on Ibross's list I've got 5 votes for the Ford F-150 Super Crew and 1 for the Dodge Dakota Quad cab. No dimpled ballots, no dangling chads, no ACLU or Jessie Jackson. Winner??????

ryanbab

Tim real life chat = TRUCK BASH it would be so much fun

Ryan

mgdvhman

......like we got enough motivation for that?

LOL

....perhaps I will set a date and if you are there...you are there...

(I can see it now.....8 - 1/2 BBLs of beer reserved and just me and BCO show up!)

- Tim

bobs5

The dakota quad cab or the ford super crew would do the job.
In my search I was considering these two trucks.
I just picked up a dodge. nice truck. It best suited my needs.
It is equipped with 4.7l v8, stick shift, and 3.55 axle.
Equipped this way it will tow up to 4850 lb trailer.
It can tow more with the 3.92 axle.
I wanted a stick shift but this was not available on the ford.
It is slightly smaller than the ford.
For me it is easier to maneuver around town and parking lots.
I anticipate getting a small boat sometime in the future so it will have more than enough towing capacity that will be needed.

Only you can determine the pro's and con's of each truck and what will best suit your needs.

good luck to you

ryanbab

Oh my god i got an idea it wont work but it would be cool.

Think about this where would be the best place to talk trucks??????????

An autoshow

Ryan

bowhuntwi2

It's a TRUCKSHOW.

brim1

I looked at the Dodge dakota quad cab vs. the 150 supercrew. The Dodge impressed me with the 4.7 V8. It seemed a perfect fit for this size vehicle. The turn offs were: small from seating area and the back row wouldn't accommodate my sons (6'), the quality of the interior seemed low. I picked the 150 because of size. It's much larger inside, both in the front and rear seating. I got the 5.4 which seems to match the size/weight ok enough. However, if Chevy/GMC had a 1500 supercrew I would have bought that. I gave up my '98 GMC extended cab which I loved. Just didn't have enough room in the back seats for the growing boys.

ryanbab

No autoshow can discuss everything.

Chicago, detroit theres a bunch

Ryan

mgdvhman

can we build a fire and sit around it and drink beer?

...then it's a no go....

- Tim

ryanbab

afterwards we could

Just think if we all went drunk to an autoshow. That would be very very interesting

Ryan