u/csmith06

Alright team-- long time lurker first time poster.

Some background: I buy and sell a lot of cars, motorcycles, boats, junk on marketplace. I am a bit of an addict. I currently have 4 vehicles but none of them are particularly reliable. For the past couple years I have maximized fun and minimized practicality. I do not expect that to change however I am interested in getting a reliable truck. I pull a trailer on average once a week and use my bed almost daily. The trailers vary from my landscaping trailer often loaded with a zero turn to most often a 21ft speedboat on a dual axle trailer. and typically are towed 45 min each way. The bed load is usually odds and ends rarely with too much weight. I enjoy doing camping trips that can be 4-6 hour drives each way and often lug along either my boat or a trailer (and bed) full of dirtbikes/atvs. These trips occur 3-4 times a year. I do not have many off road needs outside of occasionally driving out to the barns or back 40. Some of the logging roads in Michigan can get hairy.

I currently daily drive a 2004 Silverado with too many miles, loads of rust, and a transmission that will quit any day now (interestingly it does not slip as bad with a trailer). None of my other vehicles can haul a trailer and not only is this truck about to give out lake season is approaching-- so its time to upgrade.

Which brings me to this sub: What should I get next? Does my use case justify a diesel truck or 3/4 ton? I have always had half tons. I tend to lean towards GM vehicles but for whatever reason I am considering broadening my horizons. I like the idea of a Raptor or other fun trim level but am worried that may not be the best play given the amount of towing I do. Additionally, I would like to keep this pickup in the $15k range.

Thanks for the help and insight you may be able to provide! First hand experience greatly preferred.