Home Forums Gear Hunting Trucks and Four-Wheel Drives Work/Business Truck Recommendations Wanted

Hi guys. I check this sub-forum out often as I enjoy reading what you guys post as far as truck recommendations and the like. While right now I'm not looking for info about a truck for hunting I figured some of you still might be able to offer some suggestions so I'm posting this up anyway.

My brother-in-law needs a truck for his business, which involves furniture making. Occasionally he'll have to haul stuff and he usually will rent a small u-haul trailer to tow behind his SUV (which he'll get rid of after getting a truck) and occasionally he has to rent a u-haul truck for larger stuff. What he wants is to have his own truck to haul small stuff in the bed and then occasionally tow a trailer. What he's looking for is a single cab (not 4-doors), 8-foot bed, plain Jane, most likely, 2WD. This I think is the rarity these days with everyone wanting crew cab type trucks with luxurious features. He pretty much wants/needs the opposite. While I don't know his exact budget, he's probably looking for something in the 2015 or earlier years, with under 100k miles on it. Gas powered, not diesel. Probably would prefer a 6-cylinder for fuel economy purposes and because he'll never tow anything truly heavy. 4WD might be considered if cost isn't generally too much more than 2WD. Auto transmission.

So, what are your recommendations as far as year, make, model, and engine? Thanks for your time!

2013 -2015 F150 XL single cab with 8' bed.

Engine? No ecoboost. He will have fun with the Coyote 5.0 Liter V8. Same engine as the 5.0 liter Mustang GT but tuned differently . One of the best Ford engines made. Absolutely no 5.4 Liter. 4.6 Liter is okay on older trucks.

The six speed transmission is a decent one.

Don't worry if over 100K miles.

Change out antifreeze, differential lube, transmission filter and top off fluid and spark plugs.

I know you said a truck, but having had trucks, I think that the tailgate height is too tall for easy furniture loading and unloading. In his place I would be looking for a full size 2wd van. Cavernous room inside, much lower loading height, out of the weather, lockable, better for advertising and he can still pull a trailer if need be.

He also wants it for things like hauling loads of topsoil or mulch and stuff. But that's not a bad idea, I'll pass it on to him. Thanks.

If I was in the market for such a truck, I'd be hunting for a F150XL like Gibby mentions with the 5.0L. Find one with somewhere around 100k miles. A similar Tundra would also work fine and they can be found with their smaller V-8.

Mileage gains on the V6 will be negligible over a V8. Ive never complained about having available horsepower in reserve. All the manufacturers make a “work truck” or “fleet” version with just the basics.

The 2wd will have considerably lower bed height than the 4wd, and the used work trucks are typically dirt cheap compared to the asphalt queens. Doubly so in 2wd in the north. Remind him to invest in snow tires if there any snow/ice in winter.

Currently I have a 2016 chevy 4X4 with the 4.3 v6 and 8 foot bed. It's the work truck version. Crank windows too. I wouldn't trade it for anything. It gets 24 mph easy, sometimes much better.

I like the idea of using a van. Does double-duty as a shaggin' wagon. Use it to pick up chicks on the side. Hey, little girl, want some candy?......