Call me twisted...

[Arragonis]

As an outsider to the US - yeah there is a great big world out there - could I ask a question ?

I've asked this before in (probably) a sarcastic way and this time I mean it seriously.

I've seen a lot of threads where people who have a lot of kudos here post about "having a truck" which they use only "for hauling stuff".

As a child my family life only included one car, for the most part an original VW Beetle (aka BUG) and an original Mini. Later we progressed to a Metro (Austin not GM).



I've been on the planet for something over 40 years, been driving for over 20 of those, owned 4 houses, refurbished a couple, done DIY, reshelled an MG Midget, started restoring my MGB GT with new panels and welding, and just recently refitted a kitchen sawed down trees, fitted a new fence and laid a new lawn.

Not once did I feel the need to "own a truck" just to "haul stuff", including that full MG Midget bodyshell.

So where does this "entitlement" (my name for it) come from ?

Just why do you need one ?

And do you really really need one ?

Seriously ?

[Daox]

Well, that car won't go 0 to 60 in less than 10 seconds let alone loaded up with stuff! So, the obvious answer is YES, YOU ABSOLUTELLY NEED A TRUCK 'TO HAUL STUFF', and it needs to have a couple hundred horsepower too.

In all seriousness its about lazyness and convenience. Its convenient to own a truck that you can always throw stuff into to haul stuff (2-3x a year). Its less convenient to have to try to strategically pack things into a car, or borrow a buddy's truck, or even just hook up a trailer, all of which cost a tiny fraction compared to owning a truck.

[shovel]

Wait, I drive a big V8 luxury brick!

And I deliberately moved 25 miles closer to work once it became obvious I'd be working there for a while. And I commute by bicycle now that it's just a short ride.

Filling up a tank for $60 hurts, I admit. If the changes in supply and demand create the need for innovation, I say it's worth it. I can handle change better than I can handle stagnation. It doesn't seem like comfortable or satisfied people innovate much.

[ron]

not everyone who own a truck needs one I own 3. as a matter of fact I own 8 auto of one type or another ,what does it matter, I can only drive one at a time. and I plan on buying several more One will be a prius for work. My Dodge diesel will be for trips hauling a 26ft trailer to see AMERICA. Bless you all ,let the bashing begin

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

Not once did I feel the need to "own a truck" just to "haul stuff", including that full MG Midget bodyshell.

So where does this "entitlement" (my name for it) come from ?

Just why do you need one ?

And do you really really need one ?

Seriously ?

Need? Of course I don't NEED one, any more than I need the electric chainsaw that I use to cut up my firewood. I could spend hours chopping it with an axe. And I could ride the horse up to the woods, hook up a line, and skid the logs back one at a time. It just makes life a lot more efficient to use the truck instead.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by Daox

In all seriousness its about lazyness and convenience. Its convenient to own a truck that you can always throw stuff into to haul stuff (2-3x a year). Its less convenient to have to try to strategically pack things into a car, or borrow a buddy's truck, or even just hook up a trailer, all of which cost a tiny fraction compared to owning a truck.

It's also about possibility. I don't think you are going to strategically pack 8-foot 2x4s or sheets of plywood into a Honda Insight. I know you are not going to get said Honda Insight into some of the places I go with the truck (and I have been known to ford creeks on dirt roads in mine). So having two vehicles means the one I do most travel in can be very efficient - not hauling around extra seats, bodywork, and trunk space for the few occasions when I might need them.

As for the rest, well, I AM the buddy people borrow the truck from, and have you priced a good, heavy-duty trailer lately? Used Toyota 4x4s can be had for less.

[bestclimb]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

It's also about possibility. I don't think you are going to strategically pack 8-foot 2x4s or sheets of plywood into a Honda Insight. I know you are not going to get said Honda Insight into some of the places I go with the truck (and I have been known to ford creeks on dirt roads in mine). So having two vehicles means the one I do most travel in can be very efficient - not hauling around extra seats, bodywork, and trunk space for the few occasions when I might need them.

As for the rest, well, I AM the buddy people borrow the truck from, and have you priced a good, heavy-duty trailer lately? Used Toyota 4x4s can be had for less.

Your truck usage sounds much like mine. We are very much outside of the norm on truck usage.

[Patrick]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

Just why do you need one ?

To haul the 20' wakeboard boat down to the lake 4 times a year.

[aerohead]

You may not want to make the intellectual leap,that people in the U.S. can actually differentiate between 'need' and 'want.' I see little prima facie evidence.
If we were pygmies,we'd have clear rights of passages into adulthood and we wouldn't look to the likes of Sylvester Stallone,Chuck Norris,Arnold Schwartzeneger (sp?),Vin Diesel,and Madison Avenue for clues as to whether or not we made it into manhood.
A totally blissful nation predicated on total ignorance.

[larrybuck]

I admit I don't drive my diesel Suburban much, but it is a perfect tow veh. with nearly 30mpg., could be lived in during tough times, and is hard to find (diesel) in good condition for a low price. In deep snow the 4x4 will make me feel much safer than a target in the CRX.

The bolt together trailers that fold up do wonders for economically hauling un farm like lighter loads. No extra insurance paying needed!!!

PS. I'm old enough that my insurance for 2 vehicles is quite reasonable.