I haul coal once a year & my ATV & trailer maybe 3 times a year -- the rest is just commuting. I do nothing that resembles work with the truck. That's what Chevy's are designed for -- car like comfort for light duty work. But it will handle a 2,500lb. skid of coal in the bed, plus a 1,300lb. trailer with another 2,500lb. skid & climb long, steep hills @ 50 mph effortlessly.
Fords are more suited for the type of work your doing in the mine -- you'd probably have better luck with them. As a commuter, they ride like crap. I like the looks of the '09 F-150 & the Super-Dutys -- I was going to buy one before the Chevy. Ford dealer was closed on Sunday & the Chevy dealer was open -- that's it. Besides, a Super-Duty might not fit in my barn height-wise!
I'm getting old, & I'm tired of driving vehicles that look & perform like *censored*. That's why I love the new body Chevy's -- look great & ride as close as I'll get to a Cadillac & still haul 5 tons of coal. I never dreamed of owning a pickup that has black leather, well over 300 horses, & rides damn near perfect. They finally built one & I bought it.
I agree on the electronics BS -- I don't particularly care for a computer logging my driving habits. I could make that engine run just as strong......if not stronger.... with an Edelbrock 4-barrel instead of all the emission bullshit they load these new vehicles up with these days.
One thing I noticed when running the truck in my barn -- the exhaust doesn't even burn your eyes or throat! It's just like hot air! Pretty amazing to me.........& these God damn tree huggers want more....
& before someone chimes in -- yes, I'm aware of CO......
