My dad is looking into buying a heavy duty truck that’s fairly new. He plans to haul a bobcat and other serious weight with a long trailer. Which car brands are the most reliable when it comes to a serious work truck? Which one is seen least often at the mechanic shop. Im looking at Anything stronger than a f150 or ram, gmc or Chevy 1500. Also gas or diesel?
Diesels will give you a lot more pulling power than any gasoline engine per unit in displacement. They make about 2x the torque of a comparably sized gasoline engine if I remember right. Torque pulls the load, horsepower makes you go fast. Diesels are more difficult to find someone to work on, mainly because they aren't popular in the States. The fuel is also more expensive.
Ford and GM seem to make the best heavy duty trucks based on Scotty's analysis. I'm not really familiar with heavy duty trucks, myself. Look at the weight of what you'll be pulling. An F-250 or F-350 or comparable GM 2500 HD or 3500 would probably suit that kind of work best.
It all depends what you mean by "serious weight". Like what kind of numbers are we talking about.
Light duty trucks you only have two choices really a F450 or Silverado 4500 cutaway with flatbed or something along those lines. I don't see any significant differences in reliability.
If it's going to be big excavators and stuff you're getting into the International, Peterbilt and Freightliner trucks.
