Finding the Truck That Fits the Life We’re Building

 

We’ve spent a lot of time staring at used trucks lately. Hours of scrolling, comparing, zooming in on blurry photos, and trying to decode listings written in what might as well be another language sometimes. It’s become its own little ritual—coffee, couch, and a parade of Fords, Dodges, and the occasional “runs great just needs a transmission” special.

One thing became clear pretty fast:
Diesel is a must for us.
Not because it’s trendy or because we want to roll coal like idiots, but because of what we’re planning. Until we find the right land, we need something tough enough to pull a camper or RV, haul water, drag supplies, and keep going without complaint. Gas trucks can do some of that, sure, but diesel does it without complaining.

Buying new isn’t even on the table. We’re not dropping $80k on a truck when we’re trying to build a homestead. So the used market is where we live now.

Ford: The Overthinker’s Truck

Ford makes great trucks, but wow… they do not make it simple.

Every year seems to have a different engine, a different “this year is good but avoid that year,” a different set of upgrades you’re supposed to look for. One minute we’re reading about the legendary 7.3, the next minute we’re knee‑deep in 6.0 bulletproofing guides, and then someone online says “just get a 6.4 but only if it’s been deleted but also don’t get one that’s been deleted.”

It’s a lot.

But the interiors?
They hold up.
Even the older ones still look like a truck you can live with.

Dodge: The Simple Beast With the Crumbling Dashboard

Dodge is the opposite.
Engine side? Easy.
Cummins good.
End of story.

But the interiors… man.
It’s like they were made out of stale crackers. Dashboards crumble, cup holders fall out, and half the trucks look like someone kept a pet raccoon in the cab. Still, the drivetrains are solid, and that counts for a lot.

Chevy/GMC Duramax: The Mystery Option

Here’s the funny part:
We realized we know basically nothing about Duramax trucks.

They’re like the quiet kid in class who never causes trouble but also never raises their hand. We haven’t ruled them out—we just haven’t dug into them yet. That’s on the list.

3/4 Ton or 1 Ton?

This is the question that keeps coming back around.

A 3/4 ton (2500/F‑250) can do most of what we need.
A 1 ton (3500/F‑350) can do all of it without breaking a sweat.

Since we’ll be towing a camper or RV regularly until we find the right land, plus hauling water and building materials, the 1‑ton argument is getting louder. The price difference on the used market isn’t huge, and the capability bump is real.

Should It Even Be a Truck?

This is where the Ford Excursion keeps sneaking into the conversation.

It’s basically a Super Duty with a giant SUV body. Tons of room, diesel options, and the ability to tow almost anything we’d realistically pull. Plus, the idea of having all that enclosed space for dogs, gear, and supplies is appealing.

The downside?
They’re getting rare, and the prices reflect that.

But man… a diesel Excursion is hard not to love.

Do We Actually Need 4x4?

In Wyoming?
Yes.
Absolutely.
No question.

But what about Arizona, Nevada, Utah, or New Mexico?

That’s where things get interesting.
If we end up on desert land with good access, 4x4 might not be strictly necessary. But if we’re hauling water tanks, building materials, or trying to get out after a rainstorm, it’s still a huge advantage. And honestly, the peace of mind alone is worth it.

We would prefer 4x4 for the added capability and peace of mind, but 2WD remains a feasible option if the price is right.

Where We’re At Now

We’re still looking.
Still comparing.
Still learning.

Every truck we scroll past teaches us something—what we want, what we don’t want, what we’re willing to compromise on, and what’s non‑negotiable. Diesel is locked in. Automatic is locked in so both of us can drive it. Towing capacity matters. Reliability matters. And whatever we buy has to fit into the bigger picture of building a life on new land.

It’s a lot to think about, but it’s also exciting.
Every listing feels like a tiny step toward the next chapter.

And somewhere out there, the right truck—or maybe the right Excursion—is waiting for us to find it.