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1. Mark Van Lienden

   

   14 posts
   
   1/16/2019 6:01 AM

   I am looking at getting a truck and was just wondering what guys like best. I am looking for something four wheel drive that can pull a trailer with small excavator or mini back hoe have always had stick but wonder about automatic want a heater that focus on lower legs or feet. Hate the heaters that make your face hot while toes never get warm. Does not need to be new if a certain year is better than others and what should I expect to pay. I have had s-10 s way too small , dodge Dakota borderline on the towing weak on the heater. I have never towed with automatic. Also ondering about the trailer ,I know I trailer with wheels under deck better than fenders for loading with fork lift but am wondering about possible dump trailer to haul the equipment and or material. I have never had one of these.

   
   
   
   
2. Peter Bowman

   

   11 posts
   
   1/16/2019 7:01 AM

   Hi Mark. How many years now since you left California? Would you ever move back?
   
   Regarding trucks, the one I like the best is the truck an employer provides, including gas. Brand doesn't matter.

   
   
   
   
3. Mark Van Lienden

   

   14 posts
   
   1/16/2019 11:01 AM

   Hi Pete hope you are doing well. I have been out here about 22 years now almost moved back out there Oregon coast last year. Sold off lots of our stuff , equipment and our dairy cows bought a camper trailer even got quotes from the moving company then the course I retired from asked me to come back and train somebody to be a superintendent. So I am part time training setting up programs .We actually just gave our semi retired assistant the company truck. That would be the s10 I mentioned. My Dakota is a 2004 and I use it to move my kubota b25 back hoe from the course to the farm. They are not really in a good position to buy a truck so I am afraid I will be buying this one. Love the Dakota but it could be better towing just haven't tried anything else in so long thought I would ask around.Are you still in the bussiness ? Lodi looks like a new address.

   
   
   
   
4. Peter Bowman

   

   11 posts
   
   1/16/2019 1:01 PM

   Yep, still in the business. I had to buy my own truck this time, since I am my own employer. I have a 2015 Ram 1500, seems to be working OK. I've had Fords, GMCs, and other Rams in the past, and frankly don't have a favorite.

   
   
   
   
5. Mark Van Lienden

   

   14 posts
   
   1/16/2019 2:01 PM

   Do you tow stuff? Is yours automatic or stick? I have heard some pretty good things about RAM? Do you like the heater? Most trucks seem to heat waist up , when working the tractors in the snow feet heat is a great option.

   
   
   
   
6. Peter Bowman

   

   11 posts
   
   1/16/2019 2:01 PM

   It's an automatic, 6-cylinder. I don't tow for work, but I do pull a 20' RV trailer with it up and down the Sierra Nevada mountains on camping trips and it does just fine.
   Heater is horrible. Too hot or too cold, never just right.

   
   
   
   
7. Clay Putnam

   

   33 posts
   
   1/16/2019 3:01 PM

   IMO, manufacturer does not matter although I am partial to Ford. If you are going to tow anything remotely heavy I would go directly to a 3/4 ton truck. 1/2 ton trucks can work if the load is light. Any load approaching 8,000 lbs will put a strain the 1/2 ton truck transmission and suspension - particularly if you purchase a used vehicle. I use automatic trucks. I personally prefer automatic over manual because the clutch is a wear item. I guarantee the clutch will need to be replaced (maybe twice) at some point if you are towing. I also have a trailer brake controller installed in the trucks that are used for towing. As far as the heater is concerned, umm, I'm at a loss. Every truck I have owned had a fully functional heater.