Truck Double Standard
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Buy what you like and to H**l with what anyone else thinks. Trucks have never been my cup of tea, but if someone else loves them, have at it- it's their money, they can do what they want. I can see why the OP gets annoyed, I don't like people giving me grief because of the vehicles I own. It's none of their business, and they can go to H**l as well...
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
Personally I don't care what others think.
...If others don't like the reasons why I own them I really don't care and don't pay much attention.
Hey Pop, it might not be often that I say this, but I agree with you 100%!
Personally I don't care what others think.
...If others don't like the reasons why I own them I really don't care and don't pay much attention.
Hey Pop, it might not be often that I say this, but I agree with you 100%!
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2006
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- 29,558
Originally Posted By: zrxkawboy
Originally Posted By: gfh77665
I know I am globally hated. I am a Christian, white, strait, rural, conservative working male who has never been on welfare or any other Government subsidy
I can relate!
^^A HUGE amen!! I`m 200% with y'all on that my brothers!
Originally Posted By: gfh77665
I know I am globally hated. I am a Christian, white, strait, rural, conservative working male who has never been on welfare or any other Government subsidy
I can relate!
^^A HUGE amen!! I`m 200% with y'all on that my brothers!
I personally like driving a nice 70's or 80's pickup truck.Usually with a 6 cylinder or a small v8.I've had a lot of fun in them.With a decent driving style these engines will deliver decent mpg.I was never one of those guys who wanted the 400 big block engines.Never needed that much hp.I can haul a truck load of firewood or pull a fishing boat just fine with a 6 or small 8.But if you want a huge truck...go right ahead.I'm not buying your gas.
I will admit the few "modern" trucks I have driven seem a bit "divorced" from the road.Not as much fun to drive and not much better mpg than my older trucks.I certainly would not pay what some people do for the high end trucks.But then I'm a cheap bastid....I mean frugal.
I'm more disgusted by the idjits running around in Escalades and Range Rovers.You know ,have to keep up appearances.Hmmm that applies to some truck owners too.But guess what...I'm not making the payments on any of them,they are.I'd rather spend that money on my house or other hobbies.
But yes there does seem to be a double standard on trucks here.Whether purchasing one or making an emotional post about damage to a truck.You will invariably get the "it's just a truck"
comment.Some folks just like trucks,just like some like sports cars.
btw gman
I too noticed some regional affinities/stereotypes.lol
I will admit the few "modern" trucks I have driven seem a bit "divorced" from the road.Not as much fun to drive and not much better mpg than my older trucks.I certainly would not pay what some people do for the high end trucks.But then I'm a cheap bastid....I mean frugal.
I'm more disgusted by the idjits running around in Escalades and Range Rovers.You know ,have to keep up appearances.Hmmm that applies to some truck owners too.But guess what...I'm not making the payments on any of them,they are.I'd rather spend that money on my house or other hobbies.
But yes there does seem to be a double standard on trucks here.Whether purchasing one or making an emotional post about damage to a truck.You will invariably get the "it's just a truck"
comment.Some folks just like trucks,just like some like sports cars.
btw gman
I too noticed some regional affinities/stereotypes.lol
Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Originally Posted By: zrxkawboy
Originally Posted By: gfh77665
I know I am globally hated. I am a Christian, white, strait, rural, conservative working male who has never been on welfare or any other Government subsidy
I can relate!
^^A HUGE amen!! I`m 200% with y'all on that my brothers!
Yep! I can buy a round for these guys!
Originally Posted By: zrxkawboy
Originally Posted By: gfh77665
I know I am globally hated. I am a Christian, white, strait, rural, conservative working male who has never been on welfare or any other Government subsidy
I can relate!
^^A HUGE amen!! I`m 200% with y'all on that my brothers!
Yep! I can buy a round for these guys!
I drive a truck. Guess what I bought it with my own money. You don't like it and want to complain about my purchase. You can kiss it. Yeah IT.
Originally Posted By: gfh77665
I know I am globally hated. I am a Christian, white, strait, rural, conservative working male who has never been on welfare or any other Government subsidy, and I do drive a pick up truck, LOL.
Life must be hard.
I know I am globally hated. I am a Christian, white, strait, rural, conservative working male who has never been on welfare or any other Government subsidy, and I do drive a pick up truck, LOL.
Life must be hard.
ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2025
Originally Posted By: DemoFly
I have yet to see a SINGLE Toyota Tundra tow anything other than a utility trailer.
SOMETIMES I see them haul a couple of plastic garbage cans in the bed.
I understand and totally respect people working hard to earn their own money, and spend their own money in the way they see fit.
I just literally can't understand spending 45k on a depreciating asset you refuse to use. Buy some land or a rental property or something.
Not questioning their right to do so. Just makes no sense to me.
I will tell you what. I will pick you up in Seattle, I live in Bremerton, and take you camping with me the next time I go out. I was at Grayland, down by Westport, this past weekend and there were two Tundras in the loop where I was staying pulling 26 feet or better travel trailers.
I have not for one minute understood the Jeep thing. Everyone likes something. That is why we have freedom of choice.
I have yet to see a SINGLE Toyota Tundra tow anything other than a utility trailer.
SOMETIMES I see them haul a couple of plastic garbage cans in the bed.
I understand and totally respect people working hard to earn their own money, and spend their own money in the way they see fit.
I just literally can't understand spending 45k on a depreciating asset you refuse to use. Buy some land or a rental property or something.
Not questioning their right to do so. Just makes no sense to me.
I will tell you what. I will pick you up in Seattle, I live in Bremerton, and take you camping with me the next time I go out. I was at Grayland, down by Westport, this past weekend and there were two Tundras in the loop where I was staying pulling 26 feet or better travel trailers.
I have not for one minute understood the Jeep thing. Everyone likes something. That is why we have freedom of choice.
ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2025
Man after reading this I want to take everyone here out on my next camping trip...130 sites at Grayland State Par and last weekend all the sites were full. 90 Percent of the campers there had a travel trailer, the rest were tents, class As, Class [censored], and Class Cs.
Out of the 90 percent, I would venture to say 85 percent of the Travel Trailers were towed by half ton trucks or better. Lots of Chevys, Dodges, Fords and Tundra's. I do recall a couple of Titan's as well. Not everyone has the same hobbies.
So if you have seen an empty truck driving down the road during your commute, how do you really know what is used for? Seems awful judgmental to me.
Mine sits parked. Not everyone has that luxury so their weekend get away vehicle has to be their daily driver. I chose to drive older paid off stuff. Each of my cars has a specific purpose. Some people don't want to do that.
Out of the 90 percent, I would venture to say 85 percent of the Travel Trailers were towed by half ton trucks or better. Lots of Chevys, Dodges, Fords and Tundra's. I do recall a couple of Titan's as well. Not everyone has the same hobbies.
So if you have seen an empty truck driving down the road during your commute, how do you really know what is used for? Seems awful judgmental to me.
Mine sits parked. Not everyone has that luxury so their weekend get away vehicle has to be their daily driver. I chose to drive older paid off stuff. Each of my cars has a specific purpose. Some people don't want to do that.
Originally Posted By: morepwr
Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Originally Posted By: zrxkawboy
Originally Posted By: gfh77665
I know I am globally hated. I am a Christian, white, strait, rural, conservative working male who has never been on welfare or any other Government subsidy
I can relate!
^^A HUGE amen!! I`m 200% with y'all on that my brothers!
Yep! I can buy a round for these guys!
Me too...
People buy the vehicle they want with their money - who cares what it is? The car companies build what will make them money. If large fancy trucks did not sell...they would not be made.
I use my truck to its fullest potential - I won't say how in fear of starting another doodoo storm, but you can look for some of my previous posts to find out. Even if I did not use my truck in this way, I would still own it...because I love to drive it. I have to drive my vehicle almost every single day of my life, I may as well get a smile on my face, and enjoy the ride. Some people spend a huge percentage of their life in their vehicle...I would hope they would buy something that made them happy during that time.
Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Originally Posted By: zrxkawboy
Originally Posted By: gfh77665
I know I am globally hated. I am a Christian, white, strait, rural, conservative working male who has never been on welfare or any other Government subsidy
I can relate!
^^A HUGE amen!! I`m 200% with y'all on that my brothers!
Yep! I can buy a round for these guys!
Me too...
People buy the vehicle they want with their money - who cares what it is? The car companies build what will make them money. If large fancy trucks did not sell...they would not be made.
I use my truck to its fullest potential - I won't say how in fear of starting another doodoo storm, but you can look for some of my previous posts to find out. Even if I did not use my truck in this way, I would still own it...because I love to drive it. I have to drive my vehicle almost every single day of my life, I may as well get a smile on my face, and enjoy the ride. Some people spend a huge percentage of their life in their vehicle...I would hope they would buy something that made them happy during that time.
Originally Posted By: ls1mike
So if you have seen an empty truck driving down the road during your commute, how do you really know what is used for? Seems awful judgmental to me.
Mine sits parked. Not everyone has that luxury so their weekend get away vehicle has to be their daily driver. I chose to drive older paid off stuff. Each of my cars has a specific purpose. Some people don't want to do that.
Totally agree with the high level of judgement around here. Trucks are far from the bad boys some paint them as, and their utility makes them essential for many owners.
Some of those folks declaring truck owners irresponsible need to MYOB...
So if you have seen an empty truck driving down the road during your commute, how do you really know what is used for? Seems awful judgmental to me.
Mine sits parked. Not everyone has that luxury so their weekend get away vehicle has to be their daily driver. I chose to drive older paid off stuff. Each of my cars has a specific purpose. Some people don't want to do that.
Totally agree with the high level of judgement around here. Trucks are far from the bad boys some paint them as, and their utility makes them essential for many owners.
Some of those folks declaring truck owners irresponsible need to MYOB...
JHZR2
Staff member
Originally Posted By: Miller88
There's two different ends of the spectrum.
There's the person who legitimately needs a truck. He can't afford to pay cash so he finances a base model truck. A F350XL, we'll say. Good for him - he made a good choice and bought something reasonable.
Then there is a person who "needs" a truck. Commutes on the highway 20 miles to work, never tows a boat, never works on a house, never uses it as a truck. He finances a F350 King Ranch because he "needs" it.
I know someone who did that. Needed a "work truck" for his house, so he bought a high-end Dodge ... er "RAM" truck. Put a scratch in the bed hauling some furniture and freaked out.
Now he rents a truck every time he needs a truck even though he has a perfectly capable one for which he pays $500 a month.
If you want a high end truck and have the cash to buy it, why not?
The scenario is interesting on here because of the diversity of people and outlooks. IMO the fancy truck phenomena is a silly one, but not because someone is trying to keep their stuff nice, which is something they should be applauded for; but because it drives them to not use it at all. People can have garage queens all they want, but if they're going into debt to buy them, never use them for the slightest bit of what they are intended for, etc. that's silly in many folks' eyes for trucks or cars.
In reality, there is no difference between buying a 20 MPG pickup or a 20MPG sports car if you look at the consumption (driving fuel price) aspect, or likely the acquisition price point. An M5 gives 20 MPG highway and a bette gives 21 MPG highway per fuel economy.gov. However, this all seems to come to a head for other reasons... Why?
Because the loss leader $19995 pickup (which sell by the quarter to half million or more per year for many models) with a V8 still only gives around 20-22 MPG, which folks will drive as a daily driver the country over, while an M5 or Vette is not necessarily going to be used that way. So the folks who are concerned about US (since we by far use the most overall energy and the most energy per capita) demand and its effect upon fuel commodity prices often go back and look at where the numbers are. And that's in daily driven trucks. Im not saying its right or wrong, but that is my opinion on the issue of why it can come to a head.
The other side that I think causes it is the safety factor. Rollover, high bumper effects on other cars, etc. So as some started to get a safety conscience, that started to play in too.
Make no mistake, a truck can be a style item as much as anything else. It can also have as much of an effect or lack thereof as anything else. I own a pickup, I use it occasionally. Im sure the utility I get from it covers the cost of yearly insurance, which is rather low. But I have it as a tool to get certain jobs done. And I use other, more efficient tools to get other jobs done. That's a big consideration here too... Someone mentioned buying what they needed. It may be none of our business, but that's where business efficiency comes in, how much engine, how much load capability, etc does one need? The consumer doesn't necessarily always make the efficient choice, fiscally or fuel consumption-wise, which puts a target on them.
I find some consumption practices incredibly stupid, and Im sure some would find some of mine dumb as well. What I cannot tolerate is people buying excessive capacity on debt, getting poor MPGs that cost them an arm and a leg, and then they don't prepare properly for the future and expect the government or someone else to bail them out. And given that vehicles are the #1 or #2 largest purchase most folks ever make, stupidity there has ramifications for the rest of one's life. But its far from a pickup truck that drives that stupidity.
There's two different ends of the spectrum.
There's the person who legitimately needs a truck. He can't afford to pay cash so he finances a base model truck. A F350XL, we'll say. Good for him - he made a good choice and bought something reasonable.
Then there is a person who "needs" a truck. Commutes on the highway 20 miles to work, never tows a boat, never works on a house, never uses it as a truck. He finances a F350 King Ranch because he "needs" it.
I know someone who did that. Needed a "work truck" for his house, so he bought a high-end Dodge ... er "RAM" truck. Put a scratch in the bed hauling some furniture and freaked out.
Now he rents a truck every time he needs a truck even though he has a perfectly capable one for which he pays $500 a month.
If you want a high end truck and have the cash to buy it, why not?
The scenario is interesting on here because of the diversity of people and outlooks. IMO the fancy truck phenomena is a silly one, but not because someone is trying to keep their stuff nice, which is something they should be applauded for; but because it drives them to not use it at all. People can have garage queens all they want, but if they're going into debt to buy them, never use them for the slightest bit of what they are intended for, etc. that's silly in many folks' eyes for trucks or cars.
In reality, there is no difference between buying a 20 MPG pickup or a 20MPG sports car if you look at the consumption (driving fuel price) aspect, or likely the acquisition price point. An M5 gives 20 MPG highway and a bette gives 21 MPG highway per fuel economy.gov. However, this all seems to come to a head for other reasons... Why?
Because the loss leader $19995 pickup (which sell by the quarter to half million or more per year for many models) with a V8 still only gives around 20-22 MPG, which folks will drive as a daily driver the country over, while an M5 or Vette is not necessarily going to be used that way. So the folks who are concerned about US (since we by far use the most overall energy and the most energy per capita) demand and its effect upon fuel commodity prices often go back and look at where the numbers are. And that's in daily driven trucks. Im not saying its right or wrong, but that is my opinion on the issue of why it can come to a head.
The other side that I think causes it is the safety factor. Rollover, high bumper effects on other cars, etc. So as some started to get a safety conscience, that started to play in too.
Make no mistake, a truck can be a style item as much as anything else. It can also have as much of an effect or lack thereof as anything else. I own a pickup, I use it occasionally. Im sure the utility I get from it covers the cost of yearly insurance, which is rather low. But I have it as a tool to get certain jobs done. And I use other, more efficient tools to get other jobs done. That's a big consideration here too... Someone mentioned buying what they needed. It may be none of our business, but that's where business efficiency comes in, how much engine, how much load capability, etc does one need? The consumer doesn't necessarily always make the efficient choice, fiscally or fuel consumption-wise, which puts a target on them.
I find some consumption practices incredibly stupid, and Im sure some would find some of mine dumb as well. What I cannot tolerate is people buying excessive capacity on debt, getting poor MPGs that cost them an arm and a leg, and then they don't prepare properly for the future and expect the government or someone else to bail them out. And given that vehicles are the #1 or #2 largest purchase most folks ever make, stupidity there has ramifications for the rest of one's life. But its far from a pickup truck that drives that stupidity.
Originally Posted By: ls1mike
Man after reading this I want to take everyone here out on my next camping trip...130 sites at Grayland State Par and last weekend all the sites were full. 90 Percent of the campers there had a travel trailer, the rest were tents, class As, Class [censored], and Class Cs.
Out of the 90 percent, I would venture to say 85 percent of the Travel Trailers were towed by half ton trucks or better. Lots of Chevys, Dodges, Fords and Tundra's. I do recall a couple of Titan's as well. Not everyone has the same hobbies.
So if you have seen an empty truck driving down the road during your commute, how do you really know what is used for? Seems awful judgmental to me.
Mine sits parked. Not everyone has that luxury so their weekend get away vehicle has to be their daily driver. I chose to drive older paid off stuff. Each of my cars has a specific purpose. Some people don't want to do that.
In my experience, the people in campgrounds definitely use their trucks to the fullest. And it's usually base-mid model trucks.
I have never seen a "RAM" with 20'' chrome wheels pull a travel trailer. I have seen many-a half ton trucks with reasonably sized steel wheels and cloth seats pulling a trailer, though.
Originally Posted By: meep
A conservative truck buyer today is kinda doomed from the beginning too, thanks to some way over-masculine styling. Huge big-rig like grills on pretty much all of them, threatening front stance, drive-over-it looks-- no good for a guy that just wants a truck to drive to work during the week, tow a toy or two on the weekend, and enjoy the utility of being able to move things around for the family, bring lumber home, etc..
I have wondered if I sometimes get smirked at, as a truck owner. You'd never know I use it hard as a truck on the weekend, as I don't drive with the hitch ball in unless I'm pulling something. It's also a hobby, so I do little mods here and there. I'm also the guy who all the family members call if something needs to be moved, and it's ok. I do pay for it at the pump, every week. And after towing, I pay double at the pump. But a second car for commuting is even more costly, either in payments if it's new, or upkeep if it's older.
But yeah, even I look at the "shiny waste" I see often, sort of shaking my head, wishing trucks could be built and designed as tools rather than things that LOOK like they want to be seen.
I do get a little concerned about fuel waste. Our money spent on that stuff doesn't stay in the US, and that bugs me. But we all have to make our own decisions; I can't make the decision for the next guy -- just myself.
14 years ago, when my father bought his XL F350 ... he had a hard , hard, hard time buying the ABSOLUTE BASE model. They really wanted to kick him up to the XLT and Lariat.
Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
Well put.
I am a bit conflicted on this. On one hand, I am all for driving what you want to drive as long as you can afford it. It does bother me a little when people single out pickups as being wasteful when they won't make the leap to a micro-car, riding a bike, etc. Seems like they are deflecting their share of the blame for finite resource use on to someone else.
But on the other hand, I hate pickups as a trend, because you can't just get a normal freaking pickup anymore. Most of them are blinged out crew cabs with tons of gadgetry to break and be cost prohibitive to fix. I wish pickups were less trendy so the focus would be more on being excellent, but affordable work vehicles. The market will demand what the market wants, but I also think the power of marketing is stronger than people realize, and of course manufacturers are going to push people towards something more profitable.
There's a very good chance my next car is going to be a micro car. Either a Spark or a Mirage (with Versa Note as third contender). There are a lot of people who are exactly as you say, though - putting the blame on the other person when they won't make sacrifices.
I used to be that way. I said I would never own a vehicle smaller than my (at the time ...) Taurus. Here I am now, with a compact car, wanting a micro car.
As is the case with your Ranger, small doesn't equal useless. Small means it's the right size for what one needs. Most of the time I'm just driving by myself. Even when I have had to haul stuff with the Focus (all of my vehicles are subject to pickup duty ...), a micro car would have worked great.
I still wish we could buy Rangers. Ranger XLs were probably one of the best values on the market. Simple, rugged, small truck that would meet 99% of truck buyers' needs.
Man after reading this I want to take everyone here out on my next camping trip...130 sites at Grayland State Par and last weekend all the sites were full. 90 Percent of the campers there had a travel trailer, the rest were tents, class As, Class [censored], and Class Cs.
Out of the 90 percent, I would venture to say 85 percent of the Travel Trailers were towed by half ton trucks or better. Lots of Chevys, Dodges, Fords and Tundra's. I do recall a couple of Titan's as well. Not everyone has the same hobbies.
So if you have seen an empty truck driving down the road during your commute, how do you really know what is used for? Seems awful judgmental to me.
Mine sits parked. Not everyone has that luxury so their weekend get away vehicle has to be their daily driver. I chose to drive older paid off stuff. Each of my cars has a specific purpose. Some people don't want to do that.
In my experience, the people in campgrounds definitely use their trucks to the fullest. And it's usually base-mid model trucks.
I have never seen a "RAM" with 20'' chrome wheels pull a travel trailer. I have seen many-a half ton trucks with reasonably sized steel wheels and cloth seats pulling a trailer, though.
Originally Posted By: meep
A conservative truck buyer today is kinda doomed from the beginning too, thanks to some way over-masculine styling. Huge big-rig like grills on pretty much all of them, threatening front stance, drive-over-it looks-- no good for a guy that just wants a truck to drive to work during the week, tow a toy or two on the weekend, and enjoy the utility of being able to move things around for the family, bring lumber home, etc..
I have wondered if I sometimes get smirked at, as a truck owner. You'd never know I use it hard as a truck on the weekend, as I don't drive with the hitch ball in unless I'm pulling something. It's also a hobby, so I do little mods here and there. I'm also the guy who all the family members call if something needs to be moved, and it's ok. I do pay for it at the pump, every week. And after towing, I pay double at the pump. But a second car for commuting is even more costly, either in payments if it's new, or upkeep if it's older.
But yeah, even I look at the "shiny waste" I see often, sort of shaking my head, wishing trucks could be built and designed as tools rather than things that LOOK like they want to be seen.
I do get a little concerned about fuel waste. Our money spent on that stuff doesn't stay in the US, and that bugs me. But we all have to make our own decisions; I can't make the decision for the next guy -- just myself.
14 years ago, when my father bought his XL F350 ... he had a hard , hard, hard time buying the ABSOLUTE BASE model. They really wanted to kick him up to the XLT and Lariat.
Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
Well put.
I am a bit conflicted on this. On one hand, I am all for driving what you want to drive as long as you can afford it. It does bother me a little when people single out pickups as being wasteful when they won't make the leap to a micro-car, riding a bike, etc. Seems like they are deflecting their share of the blame for finite resource use on to someone else.
But on the other hand, I hate pickups as a trend, because you can't just get a normal freaking pickup anymore. Most of them are blinged out crew cabs with tons of gadgetry to break and be cost prohibitive to fix. I wish pickups were less trendy so the focus would be more on being excellent, but affordable work vehicles. The market will demand what the market wants, but I also think the power of marketing is stronger than people realize, and of course manufacturers are going to push people towards something more profitable.
There's a very good chance my next car is going to be a micro car. Either a Spark or a Mirage (with Versa Note as third contender). There are a lot of people who are exactly as you say, though - putting the blame on the other person when they won't make sacrifices.
I used to be that way. I said I would never own a vehicle smaller than my (at the time ...) Taurus. Here I am now, with a compact car, wanting a micro car.
As is the case with your Ranger, small doesn't equal useless. Small means it's the right size for what one needs. Most of the time I'm just driving by myself. Even when I have had to haul stuff with the Focus (all of my vehicles are subject to pickup duty ...), a micro car would have worked great.
I still wish we could buy Rangers. Ranger XLs were probably one of the best values on the market. Simple, rugged, small truck that would meet 99% of truck buyers' needs.
I see basic full size trucks every day. A friend of mine bought a v6 regular cab chevy a couple of years ago and had no trouble finding one at the local dealer on his first visit. He did have to go a couple of rows back on the lot to find it. Just like a jeweler or shoe store dealers put the high profit items on the front row. My wifes cousin owns a successful siding and window company and drives a new Ford F-350 King Ranch dually that has almost 200,000 miles on it. He drives it to potential customers houses to give estimates on jobs. If he gets a commitment from a customer to do a job, he lines up one of his crews to go to the customers house in one of his base model Ford F-250 crew cab diesel trucks that's pulling a two axle trailer with it loaded down with windows, doors and boxes of 20 foot siding. Yes, they're are guys who we see sitting at stop lights that are driving vehicles that are screaming ...'look at me'...and they're not all driving pick up trucks. But again it's they're money.
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