Are you the RV type who likes to “find new roads”? Perhaps you’re an RVer who wants to “grab life by the horns” or need something that’s “built Ford tough.” These well-known slogans originated with the “big three” truck makers: Chevy/GMC, Chrysler/Dodge, and Ford. So, RVers, what’s your favorite truck brand?
Brand loyalty
In the realm of motor vehicles, few bonds are as strong and enduring as that between a truck owner and their chosen brand. Whether it’s Ford, Chevrolet/GMC, or Chrysler/Dodge, truck enthusiasts often display unwavering loyalty to their preferred manufacturer.
Loyalty origins
Not surprisingly, all of the major truck manufacturers have performed extensive research into brand loyalty. Here’s some of what they’ve learned.
Brand loyalty among truck owners is built upon a foundation of trust, reliability, and heritage. Many individuals inherit their loyalty from family traditions, where a particular brand has been passed down through generations. These familial ties create a sense of belonging and perpetuate a legacy that extends far beyond mere transportation.
In addition, truck manufacturers invest heavily in cultivating a distinct brand identity. Whether it’s Ford’s “Built Ford Tough,” Chevrolet’s “Like a Rock,” or Chrysler’s “Guts. Glory. Ram,” manufacturers know that these catchphrases reflect what they know about their loyal consumers. These slogans are more than marketing gimmicks; they represent the values and aspirations of the folks who purchase their trucks—over and over again.
Performance
RV truck owners value performance and capability above all else. Whether it’s RV towing capacity or off-road capability, brand loyalty often stems from a belief that their chosen manufacturer offers the best-in-class performance for the RVer’s specific needs.
Years of innovation and competition have led to significant advancements in truck technology. As a result, each brand has its own set of proprietary features and technologies aimed at enhancing performance and efficiency.
Community
Beyond performance, brand loyalty in truck ownership fosters a sense of community and camaraderie. RVers love to share tips, tricks, and stories about their beloved trucks. This sense of belonging reinforces brand loyalty, as individuals identify with a larger community that shares their passion.
Reliability
Reliability is paramount for RV truck owners. RVers depend on their trucks to bring them to their destinations safely and comfortably. Brand loyalty is earned through years of proven performance and durability, with owners trusting their chosen manufacturer to deliver time and again, no matter the circumstances.
Service
Brand loyalty is often reinforced through exceptional customer service and support. Whether it’s honoring warranties, providing timely maintenance, or offering roadside assistance, manufacturers that prioritize customer satisfaction are more likely to retain loyal patrons.
So, how about you? What’s your favorite truck brand? Vote in the poll (even if you don’t use a truck to pull your RV) and then give reasons for your vote in the comments that follow.
Since I have a resto mod 64 Chevy PU I guess my favorite is Chevy. However, if I was ever to buy another new or fairly new truck I would check out all the brands prior to buying.
Toyota
Honda, had a 2021 Ford F150 hybrid. But it had too many recalls and things going wrong with it. Now have a 2023 GMC Sierra and it’s too heavy on gas.
It is a RAM truck and not a Dodge!
But the old Dodges are still out there and pulling hard. I have an ’06 3500 Cummins with 280k on it, just about broke in. Your comment almost sounded down on the good old trucks that became your Ram.
International Harvester. Worked at a dealership as a mechanic in the early 70s and no body made a better power train for real work. Wish management and the unions had not screwed the brand into oblivion.
I too worked at a binder barn on IH trucks…good and bad about them.
Currently have a 2022 Silverado but towing it gets ~8 MPG and with the 22 Gallon tank only has a range of ~160 miles. We had several nail biting experiences crossing some of the wide open western states… Currently looking for something with bigger tank options (Ford, Ram or Toyota).
you can get a bigger tank for your Silverado also.
This should evoke some passion. I’ve only had Ford trucks and still own both … 1978 and 2005. Refuse to pay $70,000+ for a new truck.
Agreed…thanks to “someones” steel tariffs anything made from metal went out of sight price wise.
I’ve been the owner multiple Ford F150’s over my adult life. I was always a Ford man! Recently I traded a 2015 F150 on a new 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Danali, with a Durmax diesel engine. First GMC for me. I really like the Duramax, very smooth and quiet. The GMC systems and electronics exceed what’s available on the F150, but that’s my opinion. Additionally, at the time I was shopping for the new pickup, many Fords were not being built with everything listed on the window sticker, due to supply chain problems. Was not the case with the GMC’s.
For me, anything but Chrysler/Dodge (now Stellantis). I have owned three Chrysler vehicles in my life and each one was problematic. I could describe them in different terms but it wouldn’t get past the censors. I currently have a Ford F-150 and like my previous F-150, it is great in my opinion. I won’t consider Toyota or Nissan until they address their abysmal fuel mileage.
Smart choice
Living in a log-cabin in the woods before retirement, an Isuzu got me to work sites and hauled wood to heat my house. Hitting the road in a 5th wheel upon retirement, a GMC Topkick was the only truck rated to haul my heavy ‘home’. After about 9 years, I scaled down to a Ford driven Class C. Each served its purpose at the time….
I’ve owned them all. Some good and some bad with all brands. My 2018 F250 had the “death wobble” front end, that Ford could not fix. No more straight axle Fords for me. Driving a 2500 Duramax now, I love it!
Had 2012 Ford F250 with death wobble and then engine blew at 140,000 miles! I will stay with my Ram.
Never owned a truck.
Nissan Frontier V-6
I’m not loyal, but I value reliability and low maintenance above all else. Therefore, Toyota.
Bought an F250 diesel Lariat 4×4 new in 2015. 165K miles later I am still pleased with it’s performance. Very few problems. It appears I will not have to change horses in my RVing phase.
Though it’s no longer Chrysler/Dodge it’s Ram. I have owned both running from the 80s to current and have had excellent performance and only general maintenance (rotors, brakes, filters, oil changes that sort of thing) from them though not the cheapest to purchase right behind the GMC. My poor truck has 157,000 so I’ll retire her to be a yard truck and purchase my last for travelling will probably only go for another 10 years. It’s each to their own.
Driving for 55+ years I have owned Ford, Chevy, Dodge and Toyotas, I have never had major problems with any of them. As time has gone on trucks have gone from utilitarian to almost luxury but I judge them on reliability. The only truck I have had issues with was a 2nd hand one that needed a lot of work, when all the repairs were done the truck was very reliable. The only truck that might have been disappointing was a V8 Ford I had when the first oil embargo occurred. All in all I can’t say any one was a problem or one I truly regretted owning and all served me very well.
Have owned them all and they performed to my expectations, I would not own a foreign model because they do not have enough hauling capacity for my needs.
My first two Chevy’s were S-10’s. My first Silverado I owned for 24 years. My second Silverado is now 10 years old. All worked well and took me out West many, many times.
Toyota tundra.
Over a 50-year period, I have owned two Fords, two Nissans, and a Ram. All but the 1972 Ford were 4WD and both Fords and one Nissan had manual transmissions. The most comfortable for long trips, by far, was the 4WD Ram 2500 diesel that we bought to tow our fifth wheel. We sold it last winter because we no longer had the fifth wheel and seldom drove it. But I miss it!
This is a No Brainer, obviously it is the Toyota Tundra. Built in San Antonio, TX. Pure & simple, it’s Quality – Quality – Quality. My Limited Edition is 5 years old, runs perfect, never even one trip for warranty service, and this awesome truck is worth nearly as much as what I paid for it.
We Love ❤️ ours
In the end it doesn’t really matter since they all have their strengths and weakness’! Buy and drive what brings you joy. I work with a couple guys that are Chevy guys and I’m a Ford guy. We give each other good natured ribbing but none of us can articulate exactly makes us like our brand more than one of the others.
Toyota Tundra. She pulls 😍
I am on my 2nd for Super Duty and think they are great. In the past I have owned 6 dodge and Ram trucks and they, too, are great.
My current tow vehicle is a 2016 F-350 crew cab long bed. Bought it two years old through Carmax with 8k miles. Except for one regen issue (man, do I hate all this diesel junk that is mandated!) which Ford fixed under warranty, our Lariat has been trouble-free (no death wobble). I hope I haven’t jinxed myself now . . .
Install a Bilstein steering damper…I put one on my 2011 F-250 10 years ago and have never had a steering problem since.
Current truck is a 21’ Ram 2500 big horn edition with that smooth running 6.7 Cummins. Bought it brand new, no issues what so ever beyond a recall on the transmission dip stick, lol. Safe travels in what ever you’re driving.
I prefer the brand that did not require Government bailouts.
An International Harvester Scout makes my personal list.
For business, I have owned several of each of the big 3 trucks but I can say with a straight face the RAM 2500’s been the lowest cost of ownership and I run them as much as 200k miles before updating. I consider myself a GM guy so that confession is tough.
My best ever truck was our International Harvester Travelall (4 wheeled drive)!
FORD – Fix Or Repair Daily
DODGE – Dead On Driveway Gears Everywhere
OH!! And did you hear Chev and GMC have come out with a pickup truck with a heated tailgate? So your hands don’t get cold while pushing it down the road in the winter.
Got a chuckle…!
That is about the same question from car sales people who start out with “what color are you looking for?”
Color is the last item on my list after considering how I will use a vehicle, what functionality is available, the durability and reliability. Same goes for truck brand.
On my 4th Toyota and 2nd Tundra. The 2020 pulls my TT with no problems. I still have my 2001 V6 with stick shift. Getting ready to hand it over to my grandson who’s going off to college.
Your poll reminds me of the two goofs setting at the bar talking about girls. One asks “whats your favorite pick up line, to which the other replied, “F 150”
🤣 Good one! Thanks, Jay! Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
I pull a 5ver and have had pickups for years. I have ZERO brand preference. Whatever I find that meets my needs will be fine.
Thank you, Gail! 🙂 My parents originally could only afford Plymouth cars. After Daddy got a good and steady job, our newly gained affluence was announced by buying a Dodge when we next traded cars. (My parents briefly ascended into the realm of Chrysler, but soon returned to the known “land of Dodge.”) A few years later, after my parents bought my maternal grandparents’ farm, Daddy bought an entry-level Dodge truck with a long bed. He used the truck to haul cattle, hay, fertilizer, etc.,. The last truck he owned was a 1997 Dodge 3500, which we use exclusively as a farm truck — hauling stuff. Thanks and safe travels! 🙂
I clicked Other because I drive a RAM 2500 truck. Dodge doesn’t make trucks. They make cars.
They did until 2009, owned by Chrysler. So they may indeed have a Dodge Ram.
Technically, Stellantis (previously Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). So Fix It Again Tony Lemon Car owns RAM. That said, I bought our RAM 3500HD dually to tow a 40 ft 5th wheel and love it. I’ve owned 1/2 ton GMC, Ford, & Dodge trucks but settled on the RAM because of the Cummins diesel performance and reliability. The truck is 8 years old but runs like it’s new plus not a speck of rust or corrosion on any of the under-carriage, engine components, or frame. It is the best pickup truck I’ve owned.
You neglected to include Toyota.
I have never had any problems with my 2013 Cummins powered 3500. Like the old Timex, it takes a lickin and just keeps on tickin.
As others have said, you forgot Toyota.
I have owned Toyota pickups sense 1973.
Only issue I ever had was a blown head gasket on my 05 Tacoma of which Toyota helped with the cost of repairs
My current Tacoma is a 07 with a 180,000 miles on the speedometer.
Like the Ray O Vac Battery, they just keep on ticking.
Chevy/GMC! I’ve owned 2-1500 Silverados and 2 GMC 2500 Sierra pick-ups. Loved them all !!
PowerWagon. It’s fun to go where the Jeep crowd goes. It’s too heavy to tow much but turn on ‘er lockers and she’ll take you places most trucks would couldn’t.
Toyota Tundra! Toyota trucks are often excluded from RV towing articles, which I do not understand. It is a GREAT tow vehicle, which I have used for a 30′ 5th wheel with no problem, down to a lightweight teardrop (nuCamp T@B 320 S.)
My vote is for my past International Travelalls and Scout
I voted for Ford for 3/4 ton and larger. As far as 1/2-ton trucks go, I vote for Toyota. I have a 2008 Tundra that I bought brand new. It has been great.
They are all okay. I have always had GMC/Chevrolet but have driven all of them.
My favorite truck brand is Toyota. I’ve had three since the 1970s and all have performed flawlessly. My current 2003 Tacoma has been in the shop only once for an electrical harness issue. She gets regular oil changes and new tires when needed, but that’s about it.
Same here. We bought our 86 Toyota Pickup SR5 Extra Cab brand new in 1987….guess what? We still have it. When we started rv’ing, the pickup was just not suited for pulling anything other than our Palmino colt popup trailer and we were offered a really good deal on a 25′ Coachmen travel trailer. So, we then added to our Toyota family (we also had a 85 Cressida) a 2000 Tundra SR5 with the 4.7L v8. Added a factory supercharger, headers and dual exhaust which brought the power rating up to about 360 and 400 lbs of torque. Pulled that TT all over the western US and Canada. Eventually sold the trailer and treated ourselves to a Safari DP and by that time had also traded (to be cont).
our Cressida in on a 2001 Avalon….but I’m sure by now you’ve guessed that I kept the Tundra and drive it today. Are we a Toyota family? You betcha!
Honda Ridgeline
Nissan Titan Pro-4x
Ridgeline.
Kenworth