They just don't make trucks like they used to.

[drperry]

People are a lot harder on vehicles these days, too...

And if they built an actual solid truck, they wouldn't sell much, because not many would pay the price.

 

[Grebbler]

No, they aren't what they used to be and that's both good and bad. In the "olde days", trucks just weren't made for the mass market. Somehow they became popular and trendy and they started to get more car like. Now the mfg's HAD a mass market that out stripped the genuine need for a seriously built truck. Rather than have 2 separate assemblies they just went in favor of the more lucrative 'soft' truck direction. That and the CAFE mandates pretty much killed a solidly built truck. Plastic trim is lighter than a heavy frame and body.

On the other hand, I much prefer driving my newer softer Tahoe 99% of the time and the MFG's know this. I just have to keep Ol' Bertha, the '84 CC Sierra, on hand and go find it with a weed-eater when I need to do some serious trucking.

Ed

 

[drperry]

No, they aren't what they used to be and that's both good and bad. In the "olde days", trucks just weren't made for the mass market. Somehow they became popular and trendy and they started to get more car like. Now the mfg's HAD a mass market that out stripped the genuine need for a seriously built truck. Rather than have 2 separate assemblies they just went in favor of the more lucrative 'soft' truck direction. That and the CAFE mandates pretty much killed a solidly built truck. Plastic trim is lighter than a heavy frame and body.

On the other hand, I much prefer driving my newer softer Tahoe 99% of the time and the MFG's know this. I just have to keep Ol' Bertha, the '84 CC Sierra, on hand and go find it with a weed-eater when I need to do some serious trucking.

Ed

Give that beast a Duramax!

 

[svensk]

And the new trucks are actually heavier then their predecessors. Go figure...Frames are stronger too.
(I know it's because of the extra safety equipment and refinement/toys electronics)

 

[OldCracker29]

I'll probably drive my '99 till it dies. Hell, then I'll probably stick another engine in it.

 

[Vmax2007]

I'll probably drive my '99 till it dies. Hell, then I'll probably stick another engine in it.

If you don't quit that nasty smoking habit, it may outlive you Jeff.

 

[Z71_Silvy]

Where and when did the work truck die?

When people started to use them as DD rather than trucks. I'd say 1997 for Ford and 1999 for GM.

Which is why Dodge is brilliant for putting a comfortable suspension under the 1500 Ram. Most 1500 trucks are not used as trucks...they are used as modern day minivans......without all of the practicality.

 

[Vmax2007]

Where and when did the work truck die?

When people started to use them as DD rather than trucks. I'd say 1997 for Ford and 1999 for GM.

Which is why Dodge is brilliant for putting a comfortable suspension under the 1500 Ram. Most 1500 trucks are not used as trucks...they are used as modern day minivans......without all of the practicality.

What is more practical/versatile than a CC 1/2 ton truck? I'd like to see a minivan pull my boat.

 

[Nick The Great]

Where and when did the work truck die?

When people started to use them as DD rather than trucks. I'd say 1997 for Ford and 1999 for GM.

Which is why Dodge is brilliant for putting a comfortable suspension under the 1500 Ram. Most 1500 trucks are not used as trucks...they are used as modern day minivans......without all of the practicality.

What is more practical/versatile than a CC 1/2 ton truck? I'd like to see a minivan pull my boat.

Or a (single cab, 8' bed) "work truck" haul 6 people while doing it.

 

[Impact9]

Why aren't they using custom trucks? I'd order up some F350's or 3500's with out beds throw down a 1/2 steel plate and start drilling holes to bolt stuff down. I'd like to know how they are beating the rest of the truck's parts up so bad. My guess would be they are treating them like they -are- rentals.