I am looking to do a cross country trip(3000 miles one way, just once)while hauling my jeep and possibly a motorcycle in the truck bed at the same time, soo I'm in the market for a fullsize truck. I know the benefits of having a diesal but I can't afford a diesel, so I'm stuck with gasoline power. But my real question is, will something like Ford, Dodge, or Chevy truck in the 150 type model be sufficient; or should I go for something like the 250 range.I know that for short distance a 150 series has been sufficient for my needs and comfort level.

Sounds to me like you're moving, and the likelyhood of having other "stuff" in the truck and jeep is pretty high if that's the case. It's a crap-shoot really using a half ton... if you're easy on it, it'll get ya there in one piece as long as you don't overdo it too much on the weight. I'd go ahead and look for a 3/4 ton though just to smooth out the ride a little--and there's not too big of a price jump. I'd go with a Chevy or Dodge just because the 3/4 tons are a little more plentiful and aren't as priced up as the f-250's.

How much does the bike weigh?

How long are you going to keep this new truck?

If you figure most half tons are in the 1500-1800 payload range then you might have to go with a 3/4 ton, or ride on bump stops for 3,000 miles.

If the bike is 500 lbs and your jeep and trailer weigh 6000 pounds you are already at 1100 pounds of your payload. (10% tongue weight). Add yourself and luggage and you are easily at 16-1700 pounds. I drive a half ton, great for just hauling the jeep. Add in a load of firewood and camping gear and I am at my payload or over it.

It all depends on how long you are going to keep the truck. I'd look at late model 2500's. Prices are not that bad. I found a few "buys" for less than 10 grand on auto trader.

Best of luck.

I'm not buying a new truck for this. I'm just buying the truck to haul the jeep to CA and then sell the truck in CA for more than I paid for it(I jew people for fun, I did it all last summer) just to get back my cost of the truck and a little gas with 3 grand more on the odometer :). I figured that would be the most cost effective way to move without shelling out a ton of cash I'll never see again.

Well the bike is a 900cc so roughly 500lbs. That is if I do bring the bike. I won't have much luggage at all. Just my compressor, tools(gotta have the important stuff), bed, and clothes

compressor and tools - ok... and how much do those weigh?

While I don't agree with earlier sentiments of "take it easy with the 1/2 ton and it just might make it" (which is bullshit). I do think you'll be well beyond what you should be asking of that 1/2 ton truck, especially if you intend to resell it.

If it was a 1/2 ton you use, my first concern would be the rear wheel bearings when overloading it. That's assuming you don't find a 1/2 ton truck with a small V8 or V6.

well hell if your not in a hurry and its a one time thing id get a 1/2 ton for sure, slap some bolt on helper leafs on it and drive easy... Just try to get as much on the trailer as possible. You'll have less into it and stand to sell it easier on the other end...

Just make sure and tell us when you leave so we can avoid you. :shaking:


Using a half ton for short trips and emergencies is one thing, but 3000 miles?? Come on there has to be some common sense in your head some where.........

What is the law on emissions when selling an out of state truck in Cali?

What is the law on emissions when selling an out of state truck in Cali?


People on craigslist buy anything :)

hauling with a 1/2 ton isn't bullshit. it may not be the brightest for longevity, but if you're gonna go cheap for a one time trip, why bother? If you're keeping it and you actually care how hard you work your equipment, then get a bigger truck.

I pull 5k plus oldsmobiles around all damn day on a 7k trailer behind a 22 year old 1/2 ton suburban. Through muddy ass fields, down turn-rows, and up some long grades and the only time I've ever broken anything in my 10bolts was from taking someone else's advice on "gun it! give it some gas!".

Buy what you need, use it, and get rid of it.

(I jew people for fun, I did it all last summer)


Clearly you are a rocket surgeon and have no need for our advice :shaking:

Clearly you are a rocket surgeon and have no need for our advice :shaking:


That makes no sense???:confused: :confused: How does me jewing people that are selling their vehicles cause me to not need your advice. I'm just trying to find out what size truck I should be using

OOOh and I believe you were looking for the words Rocket Scientist. Being a Rocket surgeon is just plain silly

That makes no sense???:confused: :confused: How does me jewing people that are selling their vehicles cause me to not need your advice. I'm just trying to find out what size truck I should be using

OOOh and I believe you were looking for the words Rocket Scientist. Being a Rocket surgeon is just plain silly


And so is using a racist stereotype, dumbfuck........... :shaking:

3/4 ton truck or larger

so far you've got:

bike 500#
compressor 300#(likely heavier)
tools 200# (likely heavier)
trailer tongue weight 700 #
bed #100
clothes #100

I've got 1600# in rough esitmation and those numbers are more than likely on the low side. you can get by with a 1/2 ton but you'll need a WD hitch and need to invest into the truck to make sure you aren't going to toast the transmission before you get there.

The larger truck will give you a more comfortable trip and handle the load better leaving you less fatigued.