Bubbette?
Wonder what the feminine equivalent of Bubba is?
Bubbette maybe?
Hard to go wrong with a Ford. One thing that doesn't have the appeal it once did is the diesel. A well taken care of gas engine gets much closer to the longitivity of a diesel engine than they did forty years or so ago. Even twenty years ago I figured I would be at close to two-hundred-fifty thousand miles before I went in the black on the cost of the diesel compared to a gas drinking big gas burner. The numbers may be even worse now with diesel being sold at a premium over gas.
When looking for power you have to consider the torque at various RPM and the rear axle ratio. Also what will the truck be used for and how often will the power really be needed? I pulled 12,000 pounds plus with my Ford half ton with the 5.4? gas burner and tow package. I did turn the overdrive off towing that heavy. Towed the same load with my half ton Suburban too, 350 engine. I would have wanted more tow vehicle for regular towing of that kind of load but for maybe a dozen times or so a year I didn't need the every day penalty.
The Ford usually shines when maneuvering in tight places too. The Dodge(got one now) won't turn in a forty acre field and the Chevy is better but still doesn't turn as tightly as the Ford. My last new truck was about ten-twelve years ago and the Ford got the nod on ride comfort and turning ability. One shot into a parking spot instead of taking a couple shots to get into the typical parking spot. You didn't mention it but you definitely want to shop for a light colored truck, white preferred. Easier to cool.
Most true regular cab trucks are fleet vehicles. The disadvantage is the seat can't lean back. The supercab that just adds maybe a foot makes for a much more comfortable ride for long trips. The four door trucks with full sized doors and a long bed are just monster long in any brand and can't turn as tight as my eighteen wheeler did.
I request bids on new vehicles and buy them very close to dealer invoice, the last truck I requested bids on was actually purchased for a few hundred below dealer invoice. Custom ordering exactly what I want as far as engine, rear end, tow packages and such, and buying the trucks for less than many two year old trucks makes new look pretty good. My brother did pick up a really nice deal on a half ton Ford SuperCrew in Houston, trade in with less than a hundred thousand on it for about ten or twelve thousand I believe. He had looked awhile before finding that one though. Takes a little luck and being in the right place at the right time.
You do want to consult your mechanic about the particular diesel or gas engine if you find a truck you like. I haven't kept up with such things for many years but I know some of the Ford diesels were considered stinkers. I made a lot of money off of diesels, . . . back when I had an auto-salvage!
Hu