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m.hony · 06-16-2016, 04:34 AM

I think that is a good point.
Compare the price and fuel economy of the Tacoma and Tundra.
Some people still want a small truck, though.
It would be cool to have the power and towing capacity of a Tundra in a Tacoma size.
There really are no small trucks anymore.
They are midsize now.

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nrgtrakr · 06-16-2016, 06:59 AM

Great discussion ... thanks!

In Mexico there are more options for small trucks - Ford Ranger and VW Amarok (both diesel) are examples. The main problem in the USA is meeting emission and crash test standards. So people buy what is cheap and available. Idiot marketing advisors equate this with "demand" and what the consumer "wants".

Like I told the salesman when we went to look at a GMC Canyon, "I have a Ford Superduty. I'm not interested in a full size truck. I'm here to see the Canyon." Which somehow didn't fully register and he offered to show us some nice full size 1/2 ton trucks. That's when I shared a story about searching for a particular car pre-internet and it was found in less than 15 minutes.

rmkrum · 06-16-2016, 10:32 AM

It still amazes me that my 2002 4 cylinder Tacoma tiny pickup got the same gas mileage the 2012 V6 4x4 crew cab I have now. In fact the 2012 does a bit better. 22+ mpg when not towing.

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nrgtrakr · 06-16-2016, 09:46 PM

In 1985 I bought a new Subaru SW with real 4WD; it got 35 mpg normally, with the 4WD or AC engaged it got 30 mpg.

gandttimes · 06-16-2016, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nrgtrakr

In 1985 I bought a new Subaru SW with real 4WD; it got 35 mpg normally, with the 4WD or AC engaged it got 30 mpg.

And it could tow how much?

George

nrgtrakr · 06-17-2016, 08:55 PM

Who knows ... the comment was in reference to fuel mileage.

wbrisett · 06-18-2016, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nrgtrakr

Who knows ... the comment was in reference to fuel mileage.

As a previous owner of a 98 Outback myself, I can only share this. When I asked about adding a hitch so I could put a small trailer to haul lumber around, the dealership called their master tech who owned a similar vehicle and installed a hitch on his. At that time all of the engines were 4 cylinders, and basically he said it could be done but you didn't want to put more than 1,000 pounds on the hitch. In his words, they just weren't designed as tow vehicles.

This is where you have to look at all the factors. Does no good to find (or talk about) a vehicle that's getting 40 MPG when that vehicle can't tow your Airstream. In the case of the Canyon/Colorado I'm happy to hear folks with smaller Airstreams are able to pull with it because I like the size of the truck myself and if I thought I could get away with it, I might actually buy one. I do like certain aspects of owning a fullsize truck, but parking in tight spaces is not one of them.

nrgtrakr · 06-18-2016, 06:54 AM

And now we can tie back in ...

The Subaru is unibody construction and also not designed for towing. The GMC/Chevy has a chassis and is designed for towing - 7,700-lb towing capacity, 1,620 payload - enough for my 27' Overlander.

People with VWs, Audis, etc. are towing larger.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 06-18-2016, 11:14 AM

Hi, Note: these little trucks aren't really that little. Smaller engines, but these trucks are only a few inches here and there smaller than my F-150.

nrgtrakr · 06-19-2016, 08:22 AM

Hmm ... to each his own ... 5.3" less width, 17" less length, and 72" less on the turning circle ... all the while offering better fuel mileage and a tow capability I can live with is enough for me.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...mc-sierra.html

The dealer where we looked at one had a used one sitting by itself and a new one sitting with the 1/2 & 3/4 tons ... after many years driving our F250, or a Grand Cherokee, or an old RAV4 I saw a big difference.

nrgtrakr · 06-26-2016, 05:51 AM

Yesterday a new Canyon parked next to our F250 - yep ... smaller.

subfan1 · 06-27-2016, 03:59 PM

But not by much as indicated earlier. Anyone else towing with one of these?

nrgtrakr · 06-29-2016, 11:17 AM

Yep 5.3" less width, 17" less length, and 72" less on the turning circle when you boil it down in reality it really is a full sized truck.

dkottum · 06-29-2016, 11:45 AM

The truck looks like it could be set up fine for towing. It's like most other half-ton, SUV, or soccer mom three-quarter tons, you can't carry heavy loads with several people in the truck AND hitch a larger Airstream to it. It's one or the other, or lighten each, for the most part.

kd7trx · 06-29-2016, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkottum

The truck looks like it could be set up fine for towing. It's like most other half-ton, SUV, or soccer mom three-quarter tons, you can't carry heavy loads with several people in the truck AND hitch a larger Airstream to it. It's one or the other, or lighten each, for the most part.

Exactly like the Ram Eco-Diesel.

dkottum · 06-29-2016, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kd7trx

Exactly like the Ram Eco-Diesel.

And most other half-tons, SUV's, or soccer mom three-quarter tons, which gives us exactly the superior ride, handling, braking, and economy we are looking for.

nrgtrakr · 07-01-2016, 07:21 AM

I'm not interested in a full size truck of any make. I've owned both full size and small - each had advantages and disadvantages.

I started the conversation to find out more about the GMC/Chevy Canyon/Colorado.

Thanks.

kd7trx · 07-01-2016, 03:02 PM

Seems every mid-size truck thread gets hijacked and bashed by those who just don't get it, who push their full size trucks as the only option worthy of consideration.

As mentioned in one of my earlier posts, I don't want a full size, even if it might cost less than my mini DMax Canyon. It tows my 19' Winick very efficiently, averaging 16.5 mpg here in the mountain west, and can also go downtown and parallel park in any marked and metered space. You'll really love the exhaust brake as well. Descending long, 6%+ grades, it's rare to ever touch the brake pedal, unless it's a winding two lane, combining the steep grade with serious cornering.

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ROBERTSUNRUS · 07-01-2016, 09:47 PM

Hi, after six pages this diesel engine has been a 2.9 L instead of a 2.8 L engine.

kd7trx · 07-01-2016, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, after six pages this diesel engine has been a 2.9 L instead of a 2.8 L engine.

So someone made a .1 liter mistake. Guess you thought we were discussing an entirely different vehicle. I really didn't think that .1 made a difference, and I own one.

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