SUV or Pick Up Truck?

[Dodgeman]

There are some pretty nice trucks out there and SUVs.
I want something a big bigger and that does a better job at hauling minor weekend odds and ends.
Occasionally maybe no more than between 1-3 times a year a pick up will be useful but I think it is great off road and various weather conditions.

Just want some feedback from owners out there that can provide feedback on the two and maybe it might make my decision a but easier.

 

[Tomorrow]

I’ve had three full-sized SUV’s, and I love them. In the past I’ve considered full-sized pickups, they’re less expensive and just as comfortable to drive, but a lot of what I carry around in mine (music gear) is stuff that I want (1) to be kept out of the weather, and (2) locked up when I’m not in the vehicle. A pickup bed doesn’t do that for me.

 

[Plutonius]

There are some pretty nice trucks out there and SUVs.
I want something a big bigger and that does a better job at hauling minor weekend odds and ends.
Occasionally maybe no more than between 1-3 times a year a pick up will be useful but I think it is great off road and various weather conditions.

Just want some feedback from owners out there that can provide feedback on the two and maybe it might make my decision a but easier.

Unless you are thinking of a full sized SUV, you will not be able to carry as much as a pickup.

I myself would go with the Pickup unless you need additional seating.

 

[D.T.]

I’ve had three full-sized SUV’s, and I love them. In the past I’ve considered full-sized pickups, they’re less expensive and just as comfortable to drive, but a lot of what I carry around in mine (music gear) is stuff that I want (1) to be kept out of the weather, and (2) locked up when I’m not in the vehicle. A pickup bed doesn’t do that for me.

Right, same here, we tend haul things that need to be secure and protected (whether that's gear or people).

Occasionally maybe no more than between 1-3 times a year a pick up will be useful but I think it is great off road and various weather conditions.

Sounds like the pickup specific needs are an outlier, that you could probably solve with a large[r] SUV or on the new occasions when you need more, a little utility trailer (maybe just rented for a day, they're super cheap).

Certainly there are plenty of SUVs that are super capable offroad, and sure footed in inclement weather.

 

[cobracnvt]

I see much better incentives on pickups over SUVs. I bought a new pickup last year, with a huge discount, and love it.

 

[nrvna76]

Had this same decision last year. Even with our family of 5 including 3 car seats we chose a crew cab pickup. Both options will cost an arm and a leg. I think pickups hold value a little better and are more versatile. Any SUV we had just ended up getting packed with stuff we didn’t necessarily need to carry daily which made hauling things a pain. Car seats, regular seats, and junk had to be moved prior to the haul. For us the crew cab was the perfect compromise and we find it very useful. It is not our primary family car though. YMMV.

 

[Dodgeman]

Right, same here, we tend haul things that need to be secure and protected (whether that's gear or people).




Sounds like the pickup specific needs are an outlier, that you could probably solve with a large[r] SUV or on the new occasions when you need more, a little utility trailer (maybe just rented for a day, they're super cheap).

Certainly there are plenty of SUVs that are super capable offroad, and sure footed in inclement weather.

Durango is what I am looking at.
You are right a trailer would be a great idea.
It for things that night be big like a grill or a tool box or ladder something like that. But like I said it is rare but good to have when you need it.
However I don't think it is a daily need. Unless of course I had a 4 wheeler.
Just I don't want to get and SUV and say I wish I would've brought a truck.

I see much better incentives on pickups over SUVs. I bought a new pickup last year, with a huge discount, and love it.

Yeah I am looking for the best deal.

 

[D.T.]

Durango is what I am looking at.
You are right a trailer would be a great idea.
It for things that night be big like a grill or a tool box or ladder something like that. But like I said it is rare but good to have when you need it.
However I don't think it is a daily need. Unless of course I had a 4 wheeler.
Just I don't want to get and SUV and say I wish I would've brought a truck.
.

I have this OTW, should be here Tuesday, scored it on the 15% off Ebay deal day, $10 less than the current Amazon price + 15% off, funny enough, it's the same seller on Amazon

Just slips into the hitch, supports 500 lbs, I've seen a ton of people hauling coolers and grills Ours will be for cooler and dive gear for The Keys

Easily removed and stored when not in use!

 

[Dodgeman]

I have this OTW, should be here Tuesday, scored it on the 15% off Ebay deal day, $10 less than the current Amazon price + 15% off, funny enough, it's the same seller on Amazon

Just slips into the hitch, supports 500 lbs, I've seen a ton of people hauling coolers and grills Ours will be for cooler and dive gear for The Keys

Easily removed and stored when not in use!

You're in Florida huh?
Yeah a pick up truck is good when you need it but it's not a daily need. Guess that is telling me to get and SUV

 

[cube]

You could also get a Station Wagon.

 

[jbarley]

Just slips into the hitch, supports 500 lbs, I've seen a ton of people hauling coolers and grills Ours will be for cooler and dive gear for The Keys

Easily removed and stored when not in use!

Keep in mind the actual carrying capacity depends on the vehicles trailer tongue limit, not the declared weight of the carrier you attach to it.

https://www.etrailer.com/question-153390.html

 

[jkcerda]

SUV with a hitch to tow the extra stuff. But if you want joy need it 2-3 times it’s year u-haul ?

 

[D.T.]

Keep in mind the actual carrying capacity depends on the vehicles trailer tongue limit, not the declared weight of the carrier you attach to it.

https://www.etrailer.com/question-153390.html

Yep, good clarifying point.

FWIW, the vehicle getting that carrier is a Durango R/T AWD, factory tow (with leveling suspension, HD brakes, coolers, 5.7L Hemi), 720 lb tongue spec

Even so, I think it’s always prudent to give yourself a good 25% buffer under the manufacturer tolerance, so I’d probably stay 375 lbs or less with that carrier.

BTW, just for some additional safety, we'll also be running a supplemental light setup:

And a hitch stabilizer:

 

[Dodgeman]

You could also get a Station Wagon.

Yeah that's a great idea thats what I'm looking for!

 

[D.T.]

Yeah that's a great idea thats what I'm looking for!

Yeah, I’d suggest the Wagon Queen Family Truckster ...

 

[DakotaGuy]

I have a SuperCab (extended cab) 2016 F-150 4x4 and as a single guy who’s also a home owner I love having a pickup. I’ve had SUVs in the past, but find the pickup a lot more versatile. Ford is bringing the Ranger back as a larger midsize this winter and I want one in a crew cab. I like my F-150, but where I live up in a mountain town it’s a bit large and clumsy at times.

 

[cube]

Yeah, I’d suggest the Wagon Queen Family Truckster ...

View attachment 768617

 

[Glideslope]

I’ve had three full-sized SUV’s, and I love them. In the past I’ve considered full-sized pickups, they’re less expensive and just as comfortable to drive, but a lot of what I carry around in mine (music gear) is stuff that I want (1) to be kept out of the weather, and (2) locked up when I’m not in the vehicle. A pickup bed doesn’t do that for me.

This is why we have always had a full size SUV over a pickup. Nothing against a pickup. If your only going to use it for it's designed purpose 1-3 times a year you can rent a pickup from U-Haul for $19.99 for a 24hr period. How long are you planning to keep it? In the long term a truck will be more robust most likely. I think todays full size SUV's are just as expensive to repair post warranty as a full size pickup. With a truck all the parts are heavy duty, and most shops charge a higher rate per hour to work on truck, but not all.

Our Mid-Range child has a full size pickup that they use pretty much as a family sedan. They feel safer in it, which is another valid point to consider. Best of luck in your decision.

 

[Matz]

There are some pretty nice trucks out there and SUVs.
I want something a big bigger and that does a better job at hauling minor weekend odds and ends.
Occasionally maybe no more than between 1-3 times a year a pick up will be useful but I think it is great off road and various weather conditions.

Just want some feedback from owners out there that can provide feedback on the two and maybe it might make my decision a but easier.

My experience with SUVs and pickup trucks is based on owning an ancient (1993) but capable Chevy Suburban and occasionally driving F-150s at work. Plus I had a brand new F-150 to myself for three weeks while my company SUV was being repaired from a deer using it to commit suicide.

Where I live now, pickups are a thing mainly because the economic base is agriculture. People here tend to use pickups in a functional sense moreso than in the central Rockies where I used to live.

As others have said, secure, weather-protected storage is a huge difference. And hauling 2-3 x per year is easily handled by renting a pickup. Or borrowing one. Or having the stuff delivered.

Not sure where you live, but my observation from living in serious snow country is that an SUV is almost always better in snow than a pickup, given the same drivetrain, tires, and driver. Weight distribution and rear traction seem to favor the SUV.

Also not sure what type of off-roading you’re interested in, but based on my off-road experience of seven or eight years ago, I’d choose an SUV over a pickup for that as well. Again, weight distribution and traction. FWIW, my Sub did pretty well in southeastern UT and northern AZ, but my Jeep XJ did far better in more challenging terrain. And a good buddy of mine had a pickup which we took off-road quite a bit, and it did fine, most of the time.

Then again, some people prefer pickups as their daily driver, regardless of functional need, because they like driving a pickup. I certainly get that. I happen to like my four-door sedan, very much, even though nowadays I rarely have more than one passenger. Not strictly practical, but I believe that a person should drive what he or she likes, within the limits of affordability.

Some people see vehicles as mere transportation. Personally, I enjoy the hell out of driving, and like having a car that’s fun to drive. Smiles per gallon, and all that.
So I tend to resonate with what someone on a car forum said: When you park your car, if you walk away from it without looking back at it at least once, you are probably driving the wrong car.
Goes for pickups and SUVs, too.

 

[lowendlinux]

How about a normal sized SUV and an older pickup paid for in cash that you can use for pickup type stuff.

There are times I'd like to have a pickup too, but trailers are plentiful and easy to borrow when I need one.

 

[Dodgeman]

I have a SuperCab (extended cab) 2016 F-150 4x4 and as a single guy who’s also a home owner I love having a pickup. I’ve had SUVs in the past, but find the pickup a lot more versatile. Ford is bringing the Ranger back as a larger midsize this winter and I want one in a crew cab. I like my F-150, but where I live up in a mountain town it’s a bit large and clumsy at times.

Yeah that is part of it when you own a home and want to use a huge ladder, buy a grill, or haul paint, mulch stuff like that sure and SUV will work but a p/u is better suited for that due to the face you can easily rinse it out. Granted myself I am not doing that every weekend and renting a truck for these light projects seems more like a hassle then just using a vacuum inside the SUV.

This is why we have always had a full size SUV over a pickup. Nothing against a pickup. If your only going to use it for it's designed purpose 1-3 times a year you can rent a pickup from U-Haul for $19.99 for a 24hr period. How long are you planning to keep it? In the long term a truck will be more robust most likely. I think todays full size SUV's are just as expensive to repair post warranty as a full size pickup. With a truck all the parts are heavy duty, and most shops charge a higher rate per hour to work on truck, but not all.

Our Mid-Range child has a full size pickup that they use pretty much as a family sedan. They feel safer in it, which is another valid point to consider. Best of luck in your decision.

Same I drive a 6.4 v8 sedan. Horrible on gas, and I love driving it but the power isn't needed and the premium fuel is killing my budget lol. I did not know you could rent a pick up truck for $20 from u haul. So for $40 you can rent a pick up for the whole weekend?

My experience with SUVs and pickup trucks is based on owning an ancient (1993) but capable Chevy Suburban and occasionally driving F-150s at work. Plus I had a brand new F-150 to myself for three weeks while my company SUV was being repaired from a deer using it to commit suicide.

Where I live now, pickups are a thing mainly because the economic base is agriculture. People here tend to use pickups in a functional sense moreso than in the central Rockies where I used to live.

As others have said, secure, weather-protected storage is a huge difference. And hauling 2-3 x per year is easily handled by renting a pickup. Or borrowing one. Or having the stuff delivered.

Not sure where you live, but my observation from living in serious snow country is that an SUV is almost always better in snow than a pickup, given the same drivetrain, tires, and driver. Weight distribution and rear traction seem to favor the SUV.

Also not sure what type of off-roading you’re interested in, but based on my off-road experience of seven or eight years ago, I’d choose an SUV over a pickup for that as well. Again, weight distribution and traction. FWIW, my Sub did pretty well in southeastern UT and northern AZ, but my Jeep XJ did far better in more challenging terrain. And a good buddy of mine had a pickup which we took off-road quite a bit, and it did fine, most of the time.

Then again, some people prefer pickups as their daily driver, regardless of functional need, because they like driving a pickup. I certainly get that. I happen to like my four-door sedan, very much, even though nowadays I rarely have more than one passenger. Not strictly practical, but I believe that a person should drive what he or she likes, within the limits of affordability.

Some people see vehicles as mere transportation. Personally, I enjoy the hell out of driving, and like having a car that’s fun to drive. Smiles per gallon, and all that.
So I tend to resonate with what someone on a car forum said: When you park your car, if you walk away from it without looking back at it at least once, you are probably driving the wrong car.
Goes for pickups and SUVs, too.

You brought up a solid point. As I said it would be good to have a pick up but I have found the use for it maybe 4 times a year is when I need one, and when I need it I need it. I have purchased a grill, tool box, needed an extended ladder, brought tall plants to put outside, buy mulch on a fairly consistent basis so that just makes me wonder if truck would be better suited. I plan on maybe having some form of ATV/Motorcycle like I had in the past, and I make take on biking of trails. For all those instances a pick up would be better suited but I have done a lot of that stuff already and have not purchased the ATV yet...
I looked online at the Grand Cherokees and some of those catch my eye, as they are more capable off road than my sedan and they have a bit more cargo room... It does seem on the smaller side as far as an SUV is concerned though.
I actually went to the dealer and looked at some Rams and a GMC Black Widow... nice inside and roomy for sure and obviously all the cargo space is in the bed... Plus I do like performance so it is a very tough call for me.

 

[D.T.]

Plus I had a brand new F-150 to myself for three weeks while my company SUV was being repaired from a deer using it to commit suicide.

Is it wrong I laughed at that a little __too__ much?

 

[shinji]

You can make a case for why either one is a better fit, but at the end of the day, if you're lusting after a pickup, then go with that.

 

[Dodgeman]

You can make a case for why either one is a better fit, but at the end of the day, if you're lusting after a pickup, then go with that.

Look, I'll be really honest. I really want a Hummer h2 with the p/u bed lol!

But no really if I had my choice and money was no object I would get an X5 M, my second choice would get a SRT Cherokee, and my 3rd choice would be the Durango SRT and even a Porsche GTS/Turbo model would probably be mixed in there.

I even thought of giving the Macan S a look and the SQ5. The Sq5 seems small and a bit over priced, and the Macan S well its a Porsche which doesn't fit my personality one bit and I know they are probably not going to want to deal at the dealership lol

 

[cobracnvt]

Check out the new 2019 RAM 1500 Really nice inside, rides great and it has a 395HP Hemi that gets decent mileage.