It looks like a good time to buy a new truck, prices and incentives are good and Uncle Sam will allow me to deduct the sales tax. If the new truck lasts as long as my current one, it wil probably be the last I need to buy. A newbie here, I'm impressed by the informed opinions of the members and welcome your advice.

The main reason I have a truck is to tow the horse trailer; 2800 lbs empty and with a full load of the two biggest horses and tack, etc, no more than 6000 lbs max. An average of 6-8 day trips a month for training or shows. Second reason is for the barn chores, bringing hay and shavings from the feed store, building materials from Lowe's, etc. But the rest of the time, I commute with it to work, unless my wife doesn't need her car.

I'm looking at another Lariat, this time with a Supercrew to allow us to take two additional riders more comfortably; but I want to keep the 6.5' bed, both for the additional carrying capacity and also because we really like the box access steps. (Although I plan on keeping the old truck for the barn chores, at least until I get the first ding in the new one). I'm concerned about the additional 12" + of length compared to the 5.5' bed. My current Supercab with 6.5' bed is sometimes like putting the Starship Enterprise into space dock. Comments?

I'm confused about the max trailer towing package, the Ford Build it site says you need the 3.73 LS rear end, but the Ford brochure and Edmonds doesn't say that. I was loking at the 3.55 LS axle, but also wanted the Trailer Brake Controller which comes with the max trailer tow package; the price difference is about a wash. Are the tow mirrors worth the additional cost?

I'm sold on the Nav system, based on comments on the board, and will also get the rear view camera for hooking up the trailer.

We're not into chrome or upgraded wheels, so will stick with the standard.

Appreciate any comments or advice. Thank.

ATW!!

 

Thanks for mentioning that sales tax deduction. My dealer said something about it, but I forgot to look it up on www.irs.gov. Here's the scoop...

http://www.irs.gov/irs/article/0,,id=214016,00.html

 

Heck yeah, that was my excuse for buying a new motorcycle and a new truck this year!

 

Abn150... get the tailgate step and the bed steps (since you are getting the 6.5ft bed) as well. They may seem silly, but the first time you use them, you'll thank yourself. I had some buddy's giving me crap about my "man step" then they tried it and had nothing but good things to say about it...

 

Just a couple quick comments - I'm sure others will chime in also -

If you are going to do any towing, which you are, I would want the 3:73 gears for sure.
If you were looking at the 3:55 because of gas mileage, many here have said that there is no real difference.

If you get the Max Tow Package (which I have and recommend), unless you are in Canada, the tow mirrors come standard (2010 model).

I love my tow mirrors, even though they look a little out of place.

All in all - sounds like you are headed in the right direction, and give you a lot of credit for putting together a truck while looking at your needs (trailer towing plus commuting). I am very happy with having the Max Tow Package myself.