We use trucks in our business, plus I grew up on a farm with a six-cylinder manual transmission PU always around, so it comes as a bit of a shock to now be looking for a work vehicle (PU,regular cab, any size, 4WD) and to only encounter "dude ranch specials" at highly inflated prices. Where have all the work trucks gone? Do the big three really believe that I need a $30,000 PU to haul my junk in? I'm frustrated no end trying to find what should be an easy fit. I want a farm / work truck. Why the Hell doesn't Chevy, Ford or Dodge make one anymore? Thirty large for a PU that I plan to abuse for the next 10 - 15 years doesn't sound right.

 

Here's mine, the last of the 'real' work trucks and the one that started the diesel engine power and efficiency 'war' among the Big Three. It wasn't cheap back then (17.4k) but it's been a bargain in the long run. Almost 200k brutal miles, and still runs like new, with only normal maintenance.

'89 Dodge W250 Cummins Diesel:

 

I guess that's the byproduct of the popularity of trucks/SUVs for personal use. I remember reading somewhere that the trucks used to be the cheaper vehicles on dealers' lots. The trend has been reversed in the last few years, with cars getting cheaper and trucks getting more expensive. Supply and demand, I guess.

 

If you head out of town anywhere in America you will get past the burbs and then see somethings called farms and sometimes small towns without strip malls. In these rare sites, you might find something even rarer, called a small car dealer (they don't sell small cars they are car sellers whosae biz is small) and THERE...you will find the truck of your dreams...... We lease them for test purposes all the time. We are currently testing an 04 Cummins and it will make your old one truly seem an old s...t box......it is so quiet it is eerie......alas, our baby is destined to an underground mine where it will become instant junk in about six months and never ever again see the light of day.......five speed, plain bench seat and a basic AM/FM period......

 

Just about every truck manufacturer offers what is variably called a "work truck" which usually amounts to a base model with rubber mats instead of carpet, simple exterior trim and wheels, and a minimum of available options per model line. Still, the vehicle is going to be more expensive than what the old 'workhorses' used to cost mainly because of the required safety and emissions requirements and the simple fact that everything costs more these days. And yes, even today's 'work truck' will seem like a luxury compared to a '66 Ford F-100.

If you are looking for a 'work truck' and can't seem to find one on the lot, you might have to order one, or take a trip out into the country and find what the dealers have out there. You'd be surprised at the difference in the model lineup on the lot.

 

Here's a funny one about MY pick up trucks...So I have an F-350 long bed, and I tow with it, so I install a hundred gallon tank in the back, so now I DO NOT HAVE an 8 ft bed....so what do I use to haul things such as 2X4's and conduit and such......my '90 Ford Probe.....best thing we ever bought...I swear.....rocketship, winter car, proper pick up......

 

I worked at a Ford Dealership up until recently, and I can vouch that there is indeed a Work Truck group, with options for every need. Only need a v-6 with a handshaker to get you around with some stuff in back, no problem...
Need an F-350 longbed that'll haul 6 guys with muddy boots day in and out... No problem.

http://www.fordvehicles.com build your work truck dream today.

Oh, and speaking of diesels... The Powerstroke 6.0 and older 7.3L rock the house... or will at least pull it for you.

 

>>I worked at a Ford Dealership up until recently, and I can vouch that there is indeed a Work Truck group, with options for every need. Only need a v-6 with a handshaker to get you around with some stuff in back, no problem...
>>Need an F-350 longbed that'll haul 6 guys with muddy boots day in and out... No problem.
>>
>>http://www.fordvehicles.com build your work truck dream today.
>>
>>Oh, and speaking of diesels... The Powerstroke 6.0 and older 7.3L rock the house... or will at least pull it for you.

I own the 7.3 but I really think the 6.0 is a better mouse trap......no plans on changing to it though.....my 7.3 is a keeper.....

 

Finally found what I needed for business, Remember I was looking for a regular cab, full sized pick-up with the lowest level of trim (vinyl floors that could be swept/hosed out), six cylinder engine, manual transmission, 4 X 4 config. Around the cities, only dude ranch specials with $10K in up-grades and comfort enhancing options were available. Pkt Rkt was right, just go to the farming communities some 60 miles away, and voila, the work truck is available for under $20K. Such a pity that the El Strippo is no longer a viable option for most dealers. The big three must be making a fortune from those who gussie up their trucks, turning them into $40K+ behemoths. Rather spend my bucks on modding my MCS!