Hi all,

Moving back to the states for a change of duty station to Nevada. I'll be in College Station for about 3.5 weeks in the coming month. I didn't bring a vehicle to my current duty station overseas and will be looking to get myself back in the truck game when I return. Thing is I've been out of the truck game too long and I'm not sure where the reliabilites sit now.

Looking for:

Decent offroad capability (not like Jeeps going over boulders but something I would be comfortable taking over a few bumps offroad)
Obviously 4x4
Half ton (not a deal breaker and would be perfectly fine stretching into the 3/4 ton world)
Towing capacity at a minimum of 8000 lbs

Not really looking to be a part of the raptor gang or super duper luxury truck trims.

I've taken a look at the F150 with the 5L V8, Chevy LTZ, and RAM bighorn. I've heard GMCs are fairly relaible trucks but I never stepped foot in one and have zero experience with them.

Interested in hearing the experts thoughts!

What part of Nevada? So many public access off road trips and parks out there. Great area to have a 4x4 if you're interested and it will also be needed for snow/ ice days. We have family in the Reno area and have always enjoyed off roading on atvs, jeeps, and trucks when out there.

I will be about 45 minutes outside of Reno. I'll be working out of NAS Fallon. That's a big driving factor for wanting the 4x4. Snow/ice (chains will be dealt with upon arrival there haha) and off-roading as I have heard it's pretty good up there.

That's awesome. So many great hunting and fishing areas out that way. Much to do year round. I'm already planning our next trip.
To answer your question, the 23 F150 truck I have now is the most comfortable I've ever had. A 3/4 ton truck out there will be very rough on the trails and rock roads- my BIL has one.
I will guess you will get a better deal and have more choices in Texas than buying in Nevada. There are a very limited number of Ford and Chevy dealerships in the Reno area.

I like my 2018 Lariat F150 V8 5.0.

I've done some research on buying a new F150 5.0 V8, but I keep going back to 2020 at latest model years. I don't trust the cylinder deactivation that Ford put in the V8 starting in 2021. I want my cylinders to be going all the time, and new technology usually breaks.

For me it would be between the Tundra, 2021 or earlier, or the F150 V8, 2020 or earlier. Try to buy with low miles.

I like to get the tow package, but also the oversize mirrors on the F150. they can be hard to find, but they are definitely worth it because they extend way out if you are towing. Plus the bigger mirrors give you much better visibility when changing lanes.

Milwaukees Best Light said:

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They are all kind of a crapshoot. Might get a good one, might get a dud. Determine your budget, pick the one you like best and get the highest trim level you can afford. Then cross your fingers you got a good one.

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This.

F-150 Tremor

3/4 ton gasser (Ford or GM) or maybe a 3.0 duramax 1500 GM are my top picks.

I'll add my boss loves his F250 7.3 gasser. 2022 with 60K miles and no issues.

He's got the 8ft bed with the 46gal tank…nice setup

The 3.0 Duramax has been pretty reliable. But the truth is none of them are now, even Toyota.

GM V8 engines are a hot mess lately. I wouldn't get any V8 other than a used Toyota 5.7L.

If you have to choose a V8 between Ford and GMC/Chevy…get the Ford. GM products look great but reliability has not been good lately.

Personally I'd consider at 3.5 Ecoboost F-150. Ford has been making that for a long time now. The bugs have been worked out. I'd personally get the XLT FX4 trim or a Tremor.

Or get a used Tundra with the TRD off road package.

I have a 2021 F150 Powerboost, its the hybrid. If you're into power, torque and a good on-board generator, look at that.

Ferd is more reliable! Ignore all the threads about issues here!

They all have issues. Get what you want and like the most.

HumbleAg04 said:

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Ferd is more reliable! Ignore all the threads about issues here!

They all have issues. Get what you want and like the most.

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Seriously, there need's to be a catch-all thread about "my Ford is broke"

Abatt16 said:

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I will be about 45 minutes outside of Reno. I'll be working out of NAS Fallon. That's a big driving factor for wanting the 4x4. Snow/ice (chains will be dealt with upon arrival there haha) and off-roading as I have heard it's pretty good up there.

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Take a look at 775 Offroad Recovery
https://775ofr.com/

They're a good group who help people out when they're stuck or broken down outside of normal wrecker range. They also run training classes for how to use your vehicle to perform Offroad Recovery.

There are also a couple of good Jeep groups in Northern Nevada.

I've done some basic trails up there. Northern Nevada has a lot to offer.

CStewTAMU said:

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Tundra w/ 5.7L.

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Had a '14 Tundra with the 5.7L for 10 years and loved it, but my '23 with the twin turbo V6 is better in every way (better acceleration and towing performance with slightly better MPGs).