From: srogers@teenwolf.mcc.com.mcc (Steve Rogers)
Subject: Re: Advice needed on farm/general use truck
Reply-To: srogers@teenwolf.mcc.com.mcc
Organization: MCC, Austin, TX
Date: Fri, 22 Jan 1993 19:35:14 GMT


In article 727726997@cunews, psmith@alfred.carleton.ca (Peter Smith) writes:
> In <C180q6.2FI@mentor.cc.purdue.edu> lovejoy@cantor.math.purdue.edu (Victor W. Lovejoy) writes:
> 
> > I've heard that in order to haul the 1/2
> >ton the truck is rated for, special coolers and suspension will be needed. 
> >That seems crazy. If the truck will only haul 300 pounds in it's stock condition
> >why don't they call it a Chevy 300 pound truck?
> 
> >Logic tells me that a Chevy 1/2 ton will haul 1/2 ton of stuff in it's bed
> >just the way it comes off the showroom floor - no optional coolers or shocks
> >needed. Am I right? We have a few months to decide on the vehicle we want
> >and the place we want to buy it. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

There should be a metal plate on the vehicle (sometimes a decal in the glove box)
that tells the max payload and total vehicle weight.  Thats as equipped from the
factory.  For a Chevy 1500, I would imagine that its about 1200 pounds, but thats
just a guess.  Extra shocks, coolers, etc. might be desirable if you were planning
to carry that kind of load every day, all day long, or pull a trailer.  It is not
necessary for occasional hauling.  A transmission oil cooler will probably extend
the life of the transmission somewhat, in any case.
 
> I am also starting to look for a truck or maybe a van.  The problems I
> find looking at pickups are:
> 
> * they don't have seating/locking/sheltered space like a van

I'm looking for a pickup now too, and I have had to face the same choice.
I had a Blazer once; it was really fun to drive, and the interior was
really nice.  Unfortunately, when I have some 1000 lb. thing I want to haul,
its usually dirty, e.g. firewood, dirt, manure, etc.  So I've ruled out
the Bronco/Blazer/Suburban category for this purchase.  I also have a
couple of kids and their assorted baggage accompanying me occasionally,
so I need more interior space than a standard PU.  There are quite a
few models of "extended" cab trucks.  I'm not sure I've seen them all,
but the one's I have seen seem to be OK for locking interior storage
behind the seat, but not so good if you actually wanted a person to ride
back there.  This leaves the last option of the crew cab (the thing with
4 doors  =:O ).  I've been looking at them also.  It combines the best
of available interior space with a functional bed.  Its like having
a family car and pickup in one.  However it is at least as long as
a Suburban, maybe longer with a long bed . . . choices, choices.

> * pickups have become a status symbol at the expense of functionality
> on a farm (as in your example of basic 300lb capacity, which is
> nothing)

I haven't noticed any loss of functionality where lines have continued
over the years.  New smaller, less functional trucks have been introduced,
but the basic functionality seems to be available, if you want it.

> Nonetheless, I will continue to assess them, and I'll pass on anything
> I find out.

I would like to hear what you find out.

> One thing that is interesting is that consumer reports' tests suggest
> that pickup covers and caps do not improve fuel efficiency.  I thought
> it would through reduced wind drag.

I always assumed that they did.  I have measured milage improvement
with tailgate down versus up on the highway, but there are a lot of factors
that can influence that.  Seems like it would be more significant if you spent
more time driving at high speed as opposed to around town.  Don't those
'air gate' products that let air move freely through the tailgate claim to
improve your gas milage?

---
| Steven Rogers  MCC/ESL  3500 West Balcones Drive
| Austin, Texas 78759-6509  (512) 338-3691 srogers@mcc.com