I have owned Japanese trucks since 1986. At the moment, I'm pulling my 17 foot tracker with a 1995 Nissan 4 x 4 powered by a V6 and a 5 speed. It's a perfect setup, both have been extremely reliable and pretty fuel efficient but I'm getting hungry for a larger boat (18-19' fiberglass) that will be easier to fish out of esp. in the wind.

Lately I've seen a few nice boats advertised at very reasonable prices, but I need a good used truck first. Looking at the ads, it appears late 90's to early 2000's American-made trucks are pretty common and decently priced. What I would like to know is what you guys are using to pull your rigs and what you would recommend for me. The only thing I know for sure is it will be an extended cab and a 4 wheel drive.

So what do you think???/

Ford? Chevy? Dodge? Toyota Tundra?

Gas? Diesel?

1/2 ton? 3/4 ton?

Auto? 5-speed?

Thanks in advance.

John