Parts Haulers (Pickups)

I agree, a lot of people think they have to have a big heavy duty truck, when they actually only haul light loads or tow occasionally. I think this has been hyped by sales people for so long they don't consider anything else.
If you are actually towing or hauling heavy loads on a regular basis, especially for long distances at high speeds, a big heavy duty diesel is the truck to have. However only a small percentage of truck owners do this.
My tow/work vehicle isn't an old truck but it's about as simple as they come. My previous shop truck was a Shelby Dakota I bought new and used it for 15 years. I started doing more towing so I bought an '05 Ram 1500 r/c short bed 2wd with a 4.7. It did the job for 5 years until I priced it to someone and they bought it. I didn't think they would buy it and I had fully intended to drive it for at least 10 years.
Since it and the Dakota were 2wd I had always kept an old 4wd just to use in the winter. It was kind of a pain though as it seemed I always had to work on it every year to get it ready for winter use, and it took up another space in my garage. So I decided my next late model would be 4wd and I would sell the old one and free up a space in my garage. I just wanted a r/c short bed 4wd with a Hemi and a towing package. VERY hard to find, as most everything has 4 doors and is totally loaded up. The truck I finally bought is about as basic as they come. It has the Hemi, 4wd, towing package, 3:92 limited slip rear, and an interior package that is a step up from the most basic. I LOVE it! The 390 hp Hemi and low gears let it tow with ease, the short wheelbase and regular cab make it maneuverable, and it still gets better gas mileage than the '05 2wd with the 4.7 did.
I should also note that about the same time I bought the 2010 I bought an '03 Cummins 2500 Sport 4wd Quad Cab with a 6 speed. I had bid on it before I bought the '10 and didn't think I was going to get it. Well after I bought the '10 they let me have the '03 and I was kind of regretting buying the '10. However after living with the Diesel for awhile I sold it. The new truck is much easier for me to live with. It's just not as big and 'awkward'. And the actual fuel mileage in everyday driving was almost identical. Both got about 18mpg during my average drives. The computer/liars board on the diesel claimed 23 mpg but I actually calculated mileage myself figuring gallons used and miles driven, and I figure it every time I fill up no matter which vehicle I drive.
Here's a pic of my '10. I added the hood stripe and fender flares. I also put in a painted grille and filler panel after hitting a deer.
Dallas