getmore

Hi guys!
I am looking to replace an 3/4 ton pickup that is rotting away, and since I don't often use it for heavy work, and would like better mileage, I have been looking at 1/2 tons.
Right now I use my truck to plow my driveway and my parent's, to pull a 7,000 lb trailer (open car trailer), pick up mulch, or stone, or whatever, and just generally haul stuff. I do that about 5-20 percent of the time, so most of the time I would use it as a car.
I have been considering the 2015s, since they will have the snow plow prep available, so I won't have to worry about warranty, in case I decide not to just get a snowthrower.
I am looking at SuperCabs, as I would like a little extra room, to be able to carry stuff and maybe occasionally people. The extra people part almost never happens, so I don't need a Supercrew.

I would like to know what you recommend.

I know I could get almost anything, and do whatever I want to it, and someone out there will have done more with less, but I am not looking to be that guy. I would like to stay within the limits. Perhaps right at them, so I am not paying for too much truck that I will never use.

Thanks for your help!

Manuellabour247

An XL or XLT seems like your best bet. You can get the electronics in an XL, it just won't have all of the upgrades of an XLT. It also won't have the resale value of the XLT later down the road. I think the 5.0 is the only engine offered with the plow prep package on the 15's. I could be wrong though so you might want to check. You can still get a super cab long bed (8') so if you are wanting to tow anything or haul stuff in the back that would be one less thing to worry about.

If it were me, I'd get the XL with the power package and snow package, SCab, Long bed. But I'm cheap. Lol.

If you can find a used truck with the 6.2 or 5.0 with a prep package for the right price, I'm sure you'd be happy that way too. Good luck to you.

zx12-iowa

The current gen doesn't support plows unless they have the 6.2....

getmore

The '15s do have the plow prep available, only with the 5.0, as said above. I think it gets phased out when you get to the Lariat Luxury (302A) package.

Guess that means I won't be able to plow while having air blown up my backside.

zx12-iowa

Test drive the 5.0 to make sure it's ok for you. Not sure if you have a diesel now but the 5.0 is not very torquey by comparison. But it's a fine engine. If you get the 5.0 you will want the 3.73 gears as it will need the help for towing/plowing. I had xlts in past and in my older age prefer the more loaded trucks. A base lariat is always a "deal". Although this time I loaded her up good. Hid lights are awesome and so is the Awd feature....

The smaller wheels will help,with towing...

getmore

The one that I did test drive was a '12 Lariat, with the 5.0 and 3.55s and cooled seats. It was nice. Not impressive on power, but it did okay.
I test drove two GMs with the 5.3 in the past few months, one was not impressive, the last one was, somewhat. I felt like they all don't "dig" off the line, are weak when they shift, and just don't push you into the seat. The second Chevy did on the highway (which was the only place I really tested it), maybe it had the 3.42 gears. The Ford didn't have that thrust, but the speedometer didn't seem to be holding back any. It is all very subjective.
My old truck is gas, and doesn't feel very powerful, so I can't say that the new ones are worse. They all feel generally about the same.
Of course, my car is diesel, and that is probably why I want to feel the push.

depami

I think the 5.0 would be fine for your needs. The main issue will be plow fitment. If you can find an F150 that will handle the plow fitment the engine becomes secondary.

getmore

I think the 5.0 will be acceptable. It is going to be the only engine available with the plow prep, so it becomes a moot point.

Something I don't quite understand is why the max towing package (with the towing mirrors) is not available without the EB. At least the max payload package seems to come with everything else, and gives the electronic locking 3.73s.

I am very tempted to get the base Lariat Supercab with an 8' bed, plow prep, max payload, towing, and some other minor add-ons. I am a little afraid of what will happen to the mileage with those gears, but it is the only way to get the payload. At least it will tow what I need it to.