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I thought you worked in computers or something? Just how many times a year are you hauling "a dozen sheets of plywood, 10 4X4s, 40 2X4s, and 10 bags of Sacrete" What, you run a construction business on the side? And you're saying a Tacoma won't haul that load, or even in a trailer the few times you need to do so? If we do get another oil spike, all of a sudden all you big shot haulers will discover you can do quite well with something smaller and more importantly more fuel efficient. But then I guess you won't be able to, as that current Ram commercial says "let your right foot do your talking for you." Intelligent conversation, that is.

   

What I do for a living, and what I do to live are different things. I also live in a mostly rural environment. I raise my own chickens and ducks, so sometimes I have to build a new home for them, or a small shed for some equipment, or build some stuff in the garage, or renovate the basement. . .the box of my truck is rarely empty.

No, I didn't mention any brand of truck, but Tacoma will be the last vehicle seen in my driveway. I use trucks, not rustbuckets. And FYI, my F-150 is getting 16l/100km right now, despite being in 4WD constantly and idleing quite a bit. That drops to 12l/100km in the summertime, and that is far better than my old 4 door sedan. Ain't technology wonderful!

On summer weekends, I race cars. So I have to pull a car and trailer all over Western Canada. Something a Tachoma couldn't survive doing. So, do you want to remove your Birkenstock from your mouth and repeat what you were prattling on about regarding not needing a V8 and only being a status symbol? All of us in Podunkville are hanging on the answer.

   

Here's what I wrote, I'll stand by that:



And as I said, another gas spike and all of a sudden you'll find reasons you don't really need a full size truck, or don't need that V8, can make do with less.

   

My '93 F350 diesel gets about - ohhh 15L/km, not bad...don't like to put it in 4x though, then it gets dismal

   

Yep, diesel is one way to go. Right now they just make monster diesels for trucks that have huge hauling needs. But they could make 3 or 4 liter diesels that would provide adequate power for the average user of a light duty truck. Still have all the torque you need for pulling. A 3L VW diesel puts out 400 lb-ft of torque, that's certainly enough for most people.

   

I don't think that's the point. There is nothing wrong with
someone owning a vehicle that meets the needs their lifestyle presents. But if every big pick-up truck in Saskatoon is owned by a person who has an bit of land and chickens and ducks than there is no land anywhere in the Province that isn't occupied by smallholders. Most of those trucks are "fantasy lifestyle statements" and go into 4 wheel drive probably twice a year. For their real life a smart car 4two would be more practical.

   

You obviously know nothing of rural life, you tofu eating birkenstock wearing hippie.

Actually I think you're a bit extreme with the 4two. I think that's only viable for DINKS who live a very urban life. They could probably do without a car all together, and in fact more and more younger people are doing just that. But for lots of people a Honda Fit would be a great choice. Or a Golf if you want diesel. I've lived and worked in and around small towns. You see so many cowboy Cadillacs that are never used for anything except ego enhancement.

   

I would imagine you are quite correct that a smaller car for many people would be every bit as practical, for much of the time. But it also shows how you and Andy have zero experience in such a rural setting. I don't doubt many vehicles, be they hopped up trucks or BMW M6's are nothing but for the edification of the driver. But don't be lumping all us yahoo Podunkians into one group.

Most people can only afford one vehicle, so that vehicle has to do them in all four seasons. And while city folk moan and groan about snow removal, there is no such thing in many rural settings. Your little Four two, while being a great car, would sit high centered on the ruts of a gravel road until spring, or till your friend from Podunkville with a truck comes out to give you a tow. Magic Unicorn Land is far different place from reality.

A guy I work with took all morning this morning to get his Kia Rondo out of the alley behind his house, because it too was high centered in the ice in between the ruts caused by the constant melt/freeze cycle we are currently experiencing. He lives in the city. And it's the fourth day in a row he's had to do this. His neighbourhood is scheduled to be ploughed sometime real soon now. He can't come out to my place to play poker at all during the winter, because he can't drive down the roads for the ice, snow and ruts.

He's taking tomorrow off to go lease an F-150. A vehicle he'd be able to use in all four seasons in urban Alberta.

   

Caleb - you've got to learn to read. Neither Fifeboy or I said all of you. I used a figure of 1/2, purely off the top of my head of course. And my point was that your F150, which is probably overkill for a guy stepping up from a Rondo, would work very well with a 3L diesel that puts out 400 lb-ft of torque.

   

Man, you really know how to hurt a guy.
a- I lived in Northern Saskatchewan for 30 years. In a town of 1200 people.
b- tofu gives me VERY nasty gas. My wife refuses to let it in the house because of that, despite the fact I like it

c- my birkenstocks are my fav bit of summer footgear. For some reason I don't like them after November.

d- My WIFE was a hippie, I was a jock. I never inhaled

On a more serious note though, even in the north, where 20 years ago everyone drove a pickup, now it's mostly small cars. People know they can borrow uncle Bill's F-150 when they need it, pay him $100 and it's cheaper to use than owning it and paying $1.30/l for gas.

   

My goodness son, you need to learn to read everything before going off half cocked.

a- Podunkville-- is that a RM or a hamlet?
b- I am sure Podunkville is more isolated than a village about 2 1/2 hours north of Meadow Lake

c- if I didn't think I could get my car our after a freeze thaw I would call a taxi, it costs, but less than owning a truck.

d- where I lived, and still maintain a home, the only time they got the plow out was to clear the ice road across the lake.

e- My main point, again, is that unless you need a truck, it is just a "look at me, I'm a cowboy" statement.

   

Yes, you did. I never have a problem with reading, nor comprehension, but you and I always seem to get to this place.

And, no. Engine type is irrelevant. Torque is irrelevant. Any vehicle that doesn't have 10" of ground clearance will be useless in a back alley right now. And the only vehicles that have that kind of clearance (light trucks, SUVs) you were calling 'Man Jewelery'. I have shown you that neither V8s nor light trucks can be replaced with a Prius and a rainbow. A rainbow won't haul lumber, a Prius can't tow my car trailer, and a Golf will just be making all the back alleys impassable till spring.

   

My main point, if you go back and read the post you accuse me of the 'Fantasy lifestyle' thing, is that my truck is required for me to live.

I'm sorry if you feel that was a 'half cocked' response, but you are doing the same thing as Andy. You are branding all truck owners as 'fantasy lifestyle cowboys'. Most of us own trucks because only a truck meets our needs, not to make any sort of social statement.

   

I did what?

Engine is not irrelevant - that was the point of my original post. That people where transit isn't a viable option can also reduce their fuel use significantly, if they buy what they truely need. A Subaru Outback has 8 1/2 inches of ground clearance. That's going to do it most of the time. If that last 1 1/2 inches really makes a diff, what are you going to do when you need 11 inches and you've only got ten?

Wow, you've only got 10 inches? You must be deficient! And why is this conversation all about you, instead of about the needs of the small town population in general. Surely you're smart enough to understand that your particular case doesn't apply to all small town residents. And that rural does not equal small town.

   

For fuck's sake, learn to read. Quote me where I said all. I said half, and was talking about small towns, not farmers. You guys sure like to pick a fight over nothing.

   

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