Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

Recently got my 2018 3.5L F150 totaled due to someone not yielding to traffic and turning left into my front end in an intersection when I was going straight through on the green light, I was in the middle of the intersection when they turned into me. Happened pretty fast and unfortunately may have been avoidable.

However, looking for a new truck and man prices and interest rates are a killer right now.

Anyway, there's a good bit of full size trucks with smaller motors or different motors, Chevy 1500 with the 2.7L I4 (seeing a lot of custom trail bosses with this motor), Chevy with the smaller diesel motor, 2.7L F150 eco boost, GMC with a 2.7L turbo.

Anyone have experience with full size trucks that don't have a V8 or Turbo 3.5L V6?

I don't haul a trailer but do take my truck off the beaten path if needed and haul stuff in the bed if needed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not sure if you're looking for brand new or slightly used. However new Tundras have resolved a lot of their early issues with their turbo v6 motor.

My co worker bought one in December and if i have to hear him tell me about how great that truck is again i may combust. (he pulls trailer and camper regularly)

I've had two of the 2.7 liter ecoboost and had great luck with both of them.  They are impressive motors for sure and don't leave you wishing you had more power unless you are constantly towing.  The 3.5 ecoboost is a beast as you probably know, but the 2.7 is definitely no slouch.

Love the Ecoboosts.  Specially in sport mode.

All the small little turbos have been around for a hot minute at this point (tundra is newer).  Just make sure the towing specs meet your needs.

And yea, truck prices are ouch.

Just second-hand info.  But a couole years ago, a customer ar our tree farm (he's actually a Dodge salesman) that his best friend had the baby Duramax diesel in a Silverado 1500.  Said this guy got 36 mpg on a trip with the tailgate either down or off.

Like I said.... second-hand.  But, not sure why a Dodge guy would lie about something like that.

Oh, yeah.....  Prices.   :z-dizzy:

Was shopping new in the spring of 2023 and again last spring.  Basically, if you don't have $60K in your pocket, you're getting a vinyl floor mat.

Quote from: Yoder409 on March 26, 2025, 07:26:43 AMOh, yeah.....  Prices.   :z-dizzy:

Was shopping new in the spring of 2023 and again last spring.  Basically, if you don't have $60K in your pocket, you're getting a vinyl floor mat.

Yes, you are correct. I even have what I would consider a good downpayment from the pay out on my truck that got totaled and it's still a struggle to find something I'm not having to finance more than half on or have something with more mileage than I'd like when looking at used. 🫠🫠🫠


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have a 2022 Silverado with the 2.7 turbomax. I really like it. I don't haul anything excessive, but it does a great job pulling a 5x10 trailer with 4wheeler. 22mpg average over its life so far (40,000 miles)

I would worry more about the transmission. I think the motor, if not heavy hauling will be fine.

We run Chevy LT trucks for work. They are junk! But, you get what you pay for so take that for what it is worth.

They are all expensive. Crazy expensive!

I need a new truck as well. What I'm finding to be a challenge is to find a 150 class truck with a single cab and an 8ft bed. 9 out of 10 newer trucks are 4 door SUVs with a grocery bin in the back! Cripes, doesn't anyone do carpentry of other work that requires a full bed? You have to go up to 1/2 ton just to get a full sized bed.

Ford and Chevy make one but it's impossible to find used. Everything is at least 10 years old. 

2025 trail boss with the turbo 2.7 in it. So far, I am impressed with the power. I was always a 5.3 guy myself. Upon researching it this spring. They seem to be having a lot of issues with cam lifters. Has plenty for a daily driver and occasional towing. They can be had for under $50G out the door, brand new as well. It ain't gonna have all the bells and whistles, but  you can still get a towing package as well as a lot of other features. It won't be all vinyl either. It took me a week of haggling, but I got mine for a touch over 40 out the door. Pretty sure they still made money.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

Quote from: Happy on March 26, 2025, 02:10:17 PM2025 trail boss with the turbo 2.7 in it. So far, I am impressed with the power. I was always a 5.3 guy myself. Upon researching it this spring. They seem to be having a lot of issues with cam lifters. Has plenty for a daily driver and occasional towing. They can be had for under $50G out the door, brand new as well. It ain't gonna have all the bells and whistles, but  you can still get a towing package as well as a lot of other features. It won't be all vinyl either. It took me a week of haggling, but I got mine for a touch over 40 out the door. Pretty sure they still made money.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

I was wondering about those. That motor seems tiny for that truck but I've also never drove one so I don't know. A couple guys at work have trail boss' but they all have the V8.

My biggest gripe and it's probably just me being stubborn is the tiny entertainment screen on the custom. I think the LT is over 50k which is over my budget for what I want my payment to be.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have a 22 Chevy Z71 with the 3.0 Duramax. Been very pleased with the truck. I do not tow often and when I do it is a small boat or a 6x12 utility trailer. I average around 24.7 mpg normal driving. I have done all the routine maintenance myself. They have made some changes to the engine since I bought mine but as long as it was not the year the changes are made I would buy another. This is the first diesel truck I have owned.

I was wondering about those. That motor seems tiny for that truck but I've also never drove one so I don't know. A couple guys at work have trail boss' but they all have the V8.

My biggest gripe and it's probably just me being stubborn is the tiny entertainment screen on the custom. I think the LT is over 50k which is over my budget for what I want my payment to be.

I worried about power as well. After driving both, I can tell you that you won't notice a difference in daily use. Matter of fact, the 2.7 is snappier off the line than the 5.3. I would say that towing heavy loads is where you would see the difference. As far as screens go, I figure i am supposed to be looking at the road and not a screen. No loss for me there personally, all my buddies have to have all the bells and whistles too. I just tell them it's cheaper to be in shape, awsome and good-looking. That way, I don't have to compensate by getting a fancy truck.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

Quote from: Yoder409 on March 26, 2025, 07:26:43 AMOh, yeah.....  Prices.   :z-dizzy:

Was shopping new in the spring of 2023 and again last spring.  Basically, if you don't have $60K in your pocket, you're getting a vinyl floor mat.

X2


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If you don't need ALL the Bells and Whistles, there are Full size trucks out there for way less than 60K.  I was VERY fortunate to find and purchase a 2022 Ford F-150 STX Crew Cab, last May for what Toyota wanted for their new Tacoma's.  The truck had 3,675 miles and was garage kept.  No it does not have 4-wheel drive but I don't need that.  But it did come with the 5.0 that I believe is better than the turbos and most of the Ford mechanics say the same thing.  It did come with the tailgate step (needed for us Old Farts), backup camera which is nice, large screen, 20 inch tires, electric windows and door locks, cruise, a/c and a few other nice amenities.  My advice is look at what you really need, not want, and shop accordingly.  Hope you find what you need.  I wish I could post a PIC but not sure how. 

A thought....

Look for a low mileage 2022 or 2023 and let someone else take the initial beating on depreciation.

There are some deals to be had on used vehicles. The bad part is that many of them that are in good condition and low milage aren't much cheaper than new. Then there is the whole warranty issue. Everyone has their tastes, but for me personally, I can be perfectly happy with a more basic model and also have less parts to worry about breaking. Plus, I have cash left over to do some add-ons that I want. Depreciation definitely sucks though.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

I have a 2024 1500 SLT with the 3.0 Babymax and 10 speed transmission. 

This is the only setup I'd buy from Chevy and I'm a Chevy guy.  I tow up to 10k and it handles it amazingly well for a 1500.  I just totaled a 2500 6.6 Duramax and it was much better but the 1500 is perfectly safe and comfortable. 

I am really impressed with this combo.  I've hit 30mpg a few times but avg 24.4. 

With my trailer my 1500 gets 16mpg loaded.  my old 2500 got 15 mpg empty and 10 mpg with same trailer.  Crazy what they can do today.  And IMHO there is no other combo in any 1500 class truck that is even close same ball park as the Babymax / 10 speed. 

Any of you Chevy/GMC guys worried about the transmission's going out? I know they've had some issues with them but to be honest not sure which one or what years.

I just personally know of two people on my street 1) a 2023 Chevy 1500 and 2) a 2023 Chevy Tahoe that had transmissions replaced before 50,000 miles


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote from: Dhamilton1 on March 26, 2025, 08:42:55 PMAny of you Chevy/GMC guys worried about the transmission's going out? I know they've had some issues with them but to be honest not sure which one or what years.

I just personally know of two people on my street 1) a 2023 Chevy 1500 and 2) a 2023 Chevy Tahoe that had transmissions replaced before 50,000 miles


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

All the truck brands have concerns with transmissions, it is what happens when the govt pushes emissions. You never get something for nothing.

 I know a lot of Chevy tranny's have had issues with a torque converter causing premature wear.   I don't believe there are any of these issues with the 10 speed.   It has been very durable as has the Babymax.    The first few Babymax's drank a little oil when towing heavy but they changed the pistons to steel in 2022 I think and that solved that problem.  The new gas motors are all prone to lifter failure at any time without warning.   It's a shame what the auto industry has come to. 

3.0 has 305hp and 495 ft # torque.  With the max tow package mine is rated for towing up to 12,500#.

The problem with new trucks (and also all vehicules) nowadays... Is that, why can't they make trucks without all the bells and whistles that lots of us don't want, nor need?? I don't need a truck with a seat that gives me back massage while the truck stays in it's lane by itself and a computer that can start the crockpot at home an hour before I arrive so my chicken is hot when I get there...
All I need is a radio, a heater and electric windows... Making trucks with less technologies could help bring the prices down.

I have a Chevy Silverado trail boss LT with the 5.3 and I really like it. I looked at the custom and LT. I had always driven midsize trucks and absolutely no comparison. Chevy has 2.9 percent on the 2.7 turbo Max  trucks right now. I researched the heck out of that turbo Max  engine as I first started looking and it seems solid. The only complaint I ever seen was it just didn't sound like a big truck! Lol. If you look around you will find that you can get an LT at a reasonable price if you just find one packaged the way you want. I ended up with the 5.3 because it was not much more and honestly the gas mileage was not much different than the 2.7. When I was looking Chevy gave a 100,000 mile power train warranty on the 2.7 turbo Max. Not some gimmick deal but actually from Chevrolet. Good luck in your search!

I drove a Turbomax for 2 months last year while getting the 6.2 replaced in my 2020 Trail Boss. The truck was fine but I could hear a slight whine and the power was not like the 6.2. I didn't pull anything with it, but it was a lot different than the 6.2. It did get good gas mileage.

I'm in the market right now, but I am planning on getting a 2500 with the 6.6 gas engine, solely to do away with the DFM system that GM puts on their engines.

From what I have read/talked to mechanics, you either get a good engine or you will have oil consumption issues at 50K miles. That is exactly what mine did, it was burning over a quart every fill up (350 miles). GM replaced the engine without much hassle and I was at 59K miles at the time and out of my truck for 2 months. But, it left a sour taste in my mouth about the AFM/DFM systems. That is the second time that I have had these issues. First one was on a 2012 5.3 with AFM. My story is pretty common, a buddy has a 2021 Tahoe getting a new engine right now due to oil consumption and bad lifters.

The 6.6 gas burner does not have the DFM nor the auto stop crap.

As someone who works in the auto industry and has traveled around the country working with and in various auto plants my opinion is such, Toyota is the only brand that will actually stand by their product and prioritizes quality. My future purchases will be Toyota. i do personally own a Silverado. its 10 years old and has 100k miles on it on the nose. i have been pleased with that truck. however, i have also seen the tranny go out in my exact truck for 3-4 others.

Picking up my new 2025 Toyota Tundra today. I have been a Toyota fan for a lot of years now. They had some issues, but just how they went about fixing them impressed me. Not to mention, the trade in value is amazing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have to echo the positive remarks on the Toyota's. I have 2 Sequoias, which are basically enclosed Tundra's. One with 245,000 and one with 189,000 miles. They are by far the best vehicles I have owned in my 65 years. Keep up the maintenance and they will last and last.

Quick story... a friend and hunting buddy of mine who lives in Arkansas was a GMC guy for a large portion of his adult life. Time came to go get a new truck and he drove to the GMC/Toyota dealership. After looking around, he walked through the service area to get to get back to his truck and go home to think about it. On the way he ran into the service manager who he had come to know due to his many visits for repairs over the years. He asked the SM what he thought about the Tundra's.  The guy said "I don't know". My friend said "Why don't you know, you work on them don't you". The SM replied, "No we don't work on them". "They sell them up front and we never see them again". He's a Toyota guy now.

i can tell ya first hand all auto manufactures other than toyota design their vehicles to last about 10-12 years with the knowledge that americans will want bigger and better and sell it before the 4 year mark anyway or at first real maintenance needed.

Quote from: kytrkyhntr on March 27, 2025, 01:16:26 PMi can tell ya first hand all auto manufactures other than toyota design their vehicles to last about 10-12 years with the knowledge that americans will want bigger and better and sell it before the 4 year mark anyway or at first real maintenance needed.

My F-150 replaced a 2003 Toyota Tacoma with 235000 miles.  To a point, I agree Toyota's are/were what American Automakers should strive for.  When I looked for something to replace my First Gen Tacoma, I looked at Yotas first and foremost.  When you have something that has lasted 20+ years and for the most part only needed brakes, tires and oil changes you go back to that manufacture.  A year ago, Toyota was having engine problems, with metal showing up, and they were adding a BIG surcharge to the price of their vehicles, $10000 to $15000 because they couldn't get vehicles.  NO WAY in my pocketbook!  I believe Yotas are Great vehicles, but dealers can't expect a consumer to Pony up that kind of money because dealers can't get vehicles and engines were BOMBING.  I hope and pray, the F-150 will deliver but only time will answer that.   

Quote from: Dhamilton1 on March 26, 2025, 08:42:55 PMAny of you Chevy/GMC guys worried about the transmission's going out? I know they've had some issues with them but to be honest not sure which one or what years.

So far, so good.

Have 4 GM 5.3 V8's in my driveway from 66K to just over 200K miles.  The 200K is a 2009 4 spd auto without AFM.  A 2012 6 spd auto with AFM and 113K.  2017 6 spd auto with AFM and 66K.  2018 6 spd auto with AFM and 92K.

The AFM is apparently just a potential ticking timebomb.  But, all the puked transmissions I personally know of were 8 speed autos.

Quote from: bbcoach on March 27, 2025, 06:13:15 PM

Quote from: kytrkyhntr on March 27, 2025, 01:16:26 PMi can tell ya first hand all auto manufactures other than toyota design their vehicles to last about 10-12 years with the knowledge that americans will want bigger and better and sell it before the 4 year mark anyway or at first real maintenance needed.

My F-150 replaced a 2003 Toyota Tacoma with 235000 miles.  To a point, I agree Toyota's are/were what American Automakers should strive for.  When I looked for something to replace my First Gen Tacoma, I looked at Yotas first and foremost.  When you have something that has lasted 20+ years and for the most part only needed brakes, tires and oil changes you go back to that manufacture.  A year ago, Toyota was having engine problems, with metal showing up, and they were adding a BIG surcharge to the price of their vehicles, $10000 to $15000 because they couldn't get vehicles.  NO WAY in my pocketbook!  I believe Yotas are Great vehicles, but dealers can't expect a consumer to Pony up that kind of money because dealers can't get vehicles and engines were BOMBING.  I hope and pray, the F-150 will deliver but only time will answer that.   

Interesting, may I ask what model you were inquiring about? When was this? What part of the country were you in? And what was the price?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The new yotos aren't yesteryear. My neighbors (woman driver all hwy miles) just had her engine fail. That'll be the 7th one I've heard of. One I was in and that wasn't cool.

And I really like yotos. This latest gen just ain't what the previous one was by a long shot.

Trying out the 2.7 eco boost myself. Had a 21 Chevy and engine left me stranded on the hwy. Twice. So I'm waiting to let the new power train get well used before looking at Chevy again.

Currently in a ram and it's been overall a decent truck. But it's had its problems too.

So all that to say, find the one you want buy and drive it. Hopefully you'll get a lifetime of trouble free miles! And yeah. They ain't cheap. Even the used ones ain't. It's ridiculous


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The New Tacoma V-6 motors just had a recall for metal in the engines and many were being destroyed because of this.  Research concluded that the machining process wasn't cleaning the engine thoroughly enough to remove the machined metal shavings causing the problem.  Yes, Toyota did make it right from what I heard but the owners were without their vehicles for an extended period of time due to motor availability, scheduling vehicles for motor replacement and actual replacement time.  Right after Covid and beyond, Toyota had a time getting computer chips and delivering vehicles to dealers.  At one point (they were tacking on $5 to $15K) to the list price because their inventories were low on many vehicles (supply and demand).  Not sure if they are still doing this today but Buyer Beware.  If the Blue Book value for a new vehicle is $40000 and you pay say $50000, you will never recoup that $10000 markup due to depreciation.  Yes, some will say Yotas don't depreciate as much as other vehicles but not $10k worth.  What I'm really getting at is my 03 Tacoma was the VERY BEST vehicle I have ever owned in my 68 years hands down.  I did look their way when I got the F-150 last year and wanted another Yota but it was hard to turn down a 22 Full size garage kept truck with 3675 miles, 14 month transferable Ford warranty 3 year/36000 mile and lifetime power train warranty for $10000 less.  Only time will tell me if I made a Good decision or not.  I'm in NC, Southeast Toyota district, 22 Ford F-150 to 24 Tacoma equally equipped.