No need for a 3/4 ton truck unless you need it for the hauling or towing capacity! The suspension has to be stiff to haul the weight. Did you need something capable of towing 14,500 pounds? The 1500 is rated at 12,200 max... that's more than enough for most people. That Roxor doesn't weigh that much... neither would a 65 Chevelle SS (about 3200 curb weight, plus another say 3200 for a good enclosed trailer with brakes... 6,400...). Gross weight of a 31' Jayco fifth wheel travel trailer is right at 11,000. What are you pulling??? I'm so glad someone else "gets" that modern trucks have let styling and bragging rights overcome practicality!! I run a handyman service since retiring from the USAF. My work truck is a 2003 Toyota Tundra that was ridiculed back then as being a "7/8ths size truck" compared to it's American competitors. Well, it's the PERFECT size!! I'm 6', but I can reach at least 1/3 of the way across the bed from the side (Tundra Limited, not 4x4, but 4.7L V-8). Can't do that with anything made since Toyota increased the size of the Tundra in 2007 to match the size of the American full size trucks. Why? The 2006 Tundra sold well! The center console is only 10" or so wide rather than 16-18, but it's roomy enough for my 6' frame with a little to spare. Tow rating is a little low at 7400 pounds, but it's enough for most of what I do (until wife wanted a bigger camper than our 26'... which was maxing out the truck once loaded. A little slow up hills in the SC and NC Rockies, but not a big deal). But I can WORK OUT OF THE BED without having to climb up on a tire/step or into the tailgate all the time. The upper edge of the bed is 3-4" taller on newer trucks! It's not like someone is loading them with sand or something up to the top edge and need the depth -- it's just for styling! If the cab were a bit smaller and the truck not so jacked up in the suspension the bed wouldn't need to be so high to look right, and you could work out of it! I don't plan on working more than 4-6 more years (just turned 60 last December), but it the engine or trans goes I'll probably rebuild or try to find a good used one -- or another 2000-2006 Tundra. Since I now have an Expedition to tow the camper, I'd even consider a V6 model, but might want more than the 4800 pound towing capacity... just in case... The V6 averages 2 mpg more than the V8, so not that much difference... can only go about 200 more miles a year (I average 20K a year) for the same money.
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