I’ve often shared my fondness for my Ford F-150 and I wasn’t surprised to find that many fellow tool bloggers feel the same way. I asked a few colleagues to share photos and impressions of their trucks. Even with rising fuel efficiency in newer models, none of them said they’d trade their truck for a sedan or minivan.
Dan Maxey – Tools in Action
2011 Ford F-150 4×4
Dan Maxey from Tools in Action owns a 2011 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 4×4 with the Lariat package and EcoBoost engine. He appreciates the towing power, cabin comfort, and the distinctive sound of the twin turbos. Dan says the truck handles any job site with confidence thanks to the 4×4 capability. His only complaints are the payment and that real-world mpg falls short of advertised numbers. If given the choice again, he’d pick another F-150 EcoBoost. The EcoBoost 4×4 is rated at roughly 15 city/21 highway mpg and delivers strong power—an improvement over older large-displacement engines.
Eric Joop – Tools in Action
2003 GMC Sierra 2500
Eric Joop, also with Tools in Action, drives a 2003 GMC Sierra 2500. He praises the truck’s ease of maintenance, quick acceleration, comfortable seats, and high-end options. Eric notes two regrets: he prefers a full four-door crew cab rather than an extended cab, and he wouldn’t choose the Z71 off-road package since he doesn’t go off-roading.
Todd Fratzel – Toolbox Buzz
2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab
Todd Fratzel of Home Construction Improvement and Tool Box Buzz uses his 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab for both work and family life. As a principal engineer who spends a lot of time on job sites, Todd values the crew cab’s ability to transport a crew or his children comfortably, while the bed doubles as a mobile office for storing blueprints and a laptop on larger projects.
Rob Robillard – A Concord Carpenter
2008 Chevy 2500
Rob Robillard, a licensed contractor and police officer, runs a 2008 Chevy 2500. He values the truck’s reliability, torque for snow plowing, and overall toughness—traits that fit New England winters well. His primary gripe is the inexpensive bumpers that come stock on the truck.
Jay Amstutz – Coptool
2005 GMC Sierra 2500
Jay Amstutz of Coptool drives a 2005 GMC Sierra with an extended cab. He likes the truck’s size and the ability to seat passengers in the back while retaining a full-size bed, which is essential for his work. Jay chose a 4×2 model for better fuel economy, and while winters in his area are mild, there have been a few times the truck got stuck in snow. Overall, he says it’s been a dependable vehicle.
One of my favorite trucks was my first: a 1991 Ford Ranger with a 5-speed regular cab. It was lightweight in the rear, so I used sandbags in the bed for traction while living in rainy Seattle. It ran well and I miss this style of mid-size truck. It’s unfortunate that certain models are no longer available in some markets.
Sean O’Hara – Toolmonger
2008 Ford Ranger
Sean O’Hara of Toolmonger owns a 2008 Ford Ranger and has written about why he switched to a mid-size truck. He appreciates its small footprint, decent power from the 2.3-liter engine, and low operating costs. His main complaint is a firmer ride over rough surfaces, but overall he finds it fulfills the tasks he used larger trucks for, at a fraction of the cost.
Tom Gaige – ProToolReviews
2002 Ford F-150 FX4
Tom Gaige owns a 2002 Ford F-150 FX4 Super Cab and has put significant effort into maintaining it—he replaced the motor at 215,000 miles. Tom appreciates the truck’s tow/haul capacity, off-road capability, roomy cab, and overall durability. His wish list includes more power from the 4.6 V8 and better fuel economy, but the truck’s longevity shows he plans to keep it for a long time.
Hal Jones – Extreme How-To
1993 Ford F-250 XLT
Hal Jones owns a classic 1993 Ford F-250 extended cab XLT Limited, nicknamed the “War Wagon.” With a Leer cap and a turbo diesel, this low-mileage truck combines practicality and power—qualities many Ford enthusiasts admire.
Tim Carter – Ask the Builder
2009 Ford F-250 Super Duty 4×4
Tim Carter’s 2009 Ford F-250 Super Duty 4×4 is one of the most powerful trucks in this group. Tim uses it for long-distance commuting and heavy-duty tasks. He praises its ability to handle snow and mud with ease and notes the truck still feels lively even when unloaded. The F-250 blends brute strength with comfortable interior amenities.
Marc Lyman – Home Fixated
Burley Flatbed
Marc Lyman doesn’t drive a pickup but submitted his 2011 Burley Flatbed bike trailer instead. He enjoys its light weight, versatility, and fuel-free operation. It’s an attention-getter and perfect for hauling a bike, though transporting lumber longer than four feet can be awkward.
Timothy Dahl
2001 Ford F-150 4×4
I included a photo of my own 2001 Ford F-150 Lariat 4×4. It’s been a versatile vehicle for hauling stand-up paddleboards and surf gear. With a Thule Xsporter rack, I can carry multiple boards along with coolers and chairs, making it ideal for trips to the beach and the ranch.
Across these submissions, a few patterns emerged: most of the trucks are American-made, with many Fords and GM models represented. There were no Dodges or Toyotas in this particular group. Share your favorite truck and your favorite tool blog in the comments, and tell us what truck you drive.