Thread: Which pickup truck should I choose and why?

Originally Posted by Thetyim

Originally Posted by FailSafe

We're referring to the Ranger, not the Vigo.

Ford Thailand | All-New Ranger - Specification Data

So the standard cab has a bed length of 2317mm? That's much longer than I thought- you could get a bike in there no problem.

I've only been looking at double-cabs, which are all in the 1500mm range.

Originally Posted by TonyBKK

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Originally Posted by TonyBKK

I know looks are subjective, but personally I kind of prefer the look of the Mazda.

I think there's an optional extra for a white stick holder!

I dun get it...

The Mazda is fucking ugly and only a blind man could appreciate its looks.

^ it looks happy. It's just joyful to see you when you walk out with your keys in your hand.
And unlike some other truck, it can't be replicated in scale Lego using only 4 pieces.

Originally Posted by Necron99

it looks happy.

If you mean, 'it looks like Butters is in its tailpipe', then I would have to agree.

^ Well, opinions are like arseholes I guess everyone has one

I had a good set up with my Vigo Double Cab and 2-bike trailer, but once I moved back to "downtown" Bangkok that trailer became a real menace. Can't tell you how many fenders I pulled off of stupid drivers who merged into that trailer. Bangkok drivers just don't see it and I figured it was just a matter of time before a motorcycle taxi got tangled up in it. (Had some scooters bounce off it in Pattaya the one time I hauled it down there. Never again!)


So, now that I live in the city I'd prefer to get a long bed pick up and just throw the bikes in the back. Load 'em straight or at an angle makes no difference as long as you tie them down properly. One bike at an angle can definitely get the tail gate shut. Two bikes the tailgate will need to remain open.

Seems most folks are voting for the Ranger. Seems good value for money. I think that's what I'll get. Wonder if the Ford will keep its resale value like the Toyota did... I'm guessing maybe not, but oh well, I plan to keep the next truck for a good long while.

Thanks for all the advice ^_^v

I have the happy truck and am happy with it.

Would the answer to the tailgate issue, perhaps be to get a removable fibreglass extension made with tail lights that makes it look like the tailgate it up?

Originally Posted by Necron99

Would the answer to the tailgate issue, perhaps be to get a removable fibreglass extension made with tail lights that makes it look like the tailgate it up?

Or hang a small branch off the back.

Originally Posted by Necron99

I have the happy truck and am happy with it.

Would the answer to the tailgate issue, perhaps be to get a removable fibreglass extension made with tail lights that makes it look like the tailgate it up?

The "Happy Truck" is the Mazda BT-50? Like I said earlier, I personally prefer the look of the Mazda, but the fact that their website is such shite while Ford's is one of the best I've ever seen in Thailand is really attracting me to Ford.

I've seen some Thai guys build a sort of "extension" for the tail of their trucks so that the bikes "appear" to be enclosed on all four sides. Dunno if this is enough to keep the greedy BiB at bay, but it might be worth a try. The "extension" is hinged and doubles as a ramp when it's time to load and unload the bikes, so pretty cool.

In the grand scheme of things the occasional 500 baht fine for "unsecured load" really isn't that big of a deal. Usually I only haul one bike at a time and when that's the case I should be able to keep the tailgate closed with the long bed Ranger XLT.

^ yes, the bt 50.

I don't buy cars based on the makers HTML abilities.

I was looking at the new Toyota Tundas They're massive like a F350 if size is what your after

Originally Posted by brisie

I was looking at the new Toyota Tundas They're massive like a F350 if size is what your after

Strangely bereft of them at our local Toyota dealer...

Which trailer is that? I will take delivery of an Upbeat single trailer after Songkran.

I plan to avoid downtown BKK, but I might have to make an occasional trip for service- I guess I'll be ripping off a few bumpers.

Originally Posted by Necron99

^ yes, the bt 50.

I don't buy cars based on the makers HTML abilities.

Of course, it's not about how their website looks, but what it says-

I want a manufacturer that is going to provide good after sales service and support, and if you take a moment to peruse the Ford, Thailand website I think you'll agree that their aftermarket support, at least on paper, is really quite impressive.
(Now, maybe Mazda offers these services too, but I can't find any mention of them on their crappy site.) I hate having to ask my staff or gf to translate for me- usually things get lost in translation and I much prefer to have it all in English from the get go. (I know I know, I should get off my lazy arse and go learn Thai...)

Here's a list of just some of the after sale services that Ford offers:

Ford Call Center

24hrs Parts Delivery Guarantee


Ford Solutions:

Schedule Service Plan

Premium Protection Plus

Roadside Assistance

Ford Ensure



I don't read Thai and think it's great that I can read up about all these programs in English and not have to rely on someone to give me a haphazard translation of all the details.


I was lucky with my Toyota- it never broke down and the service manager where I bought it spoke perfect English. But he retired and once he was gone I had a fair bit of trouble communicating with the staff. I can speak basic conversational Thai, but when it comes to technical automotive terms I'm at a bit of a loss.

Fondles says his new ranger is fucked and the service people won't look at it..

Mazda you get free service, 24/7 roadside assistance all that stuff. Mostly useless as its a near certainty that the truck won't break while under warranty.

Though Fondles ranger has.....

Originally Posted by FailSafe

Which trailer is that? I will take delivery of an Upbeat single trailer after Songkran.

I plan to avoid downtown BKK, but I might have to make an occasional trip for service- I guess I'll be ripping off a few bumpers.

My trailer was "Stema" brand, German assembled in Thailand. I believe the retailer is in Pattaya somewhere. I bought mine second hand from a mate.


The Upbeat trailers are fine, but a bit pricey for what you get imo. The Stema had an inertia brake which I don't think Upbeat offers. But as long as you take it easy you should be totally fine with an Upbeat trailer.

FWIW Upbeat installed the trailer hitch on my Vigo and I was very happy with their service.

Originally Posted by Necron99

Fondles says his new ranger is fucked and the service people won't look at it..

Mazda you get free service, 24/7 roadside assistance all that stuff. Mostly useless as its a near certainty that the truck won't break while under warranty.

Though Fondles ranger has.....

Well, the Ford and the Mazda are pretty much the same engine and chassis, no? One would hope that based on the positive reviews they aren't going to break down while still under warranty, but the possibility of getting a lemon is always out there...

Ok, so Mazda offers free service and 24/7 roadside assistance, but where can you actually find the DETAILS, in writing, on these services.

You know the old saying- the large print giveth and the small print taketh away.

I want to know what I'm getting, in English, before I throw my money down. The two trucks come from the same factory and are pretty much the same right? If that's the case I'll buy the one that comes with English language support.

Originally Posted by Necron99

Fondles says his new ranger is fucked and the service people won't look at it..

^

I'd like to know more about Fondles' problems with his Ranger before I buy one.

Is his experience perhaps buried in this 30 page thread?

"New Ranger"

https://teakdoor.com/motoring-in-thai...ranger-30.html (New Ranger)

^ no he said it on the first page of this thread.
Said the gearbox has a trashed bearing and ford won't look at it, say all rangers sound like they have a trashed bearing.

Ranger and Bt share a lot of components, but not all. I think it is more that they share the same engineering specs so can run out of a standardized plant.

Originally Posted by Necron99

^ no he said it on the first page of this thread.
Said the gearbox has a trashed bearing and ford won't look at it, say all rangers sound like they have a trashed bearing.

Ranger and Bt share a lot of components, but not all. I think it is more that they share the same engineering specs so can run out of a standardized plant.

Hmmm, well, I've gotten as far as page 9 of that "New Ranger" thread and Fondles has made some claims about engine boosts and ECU flashes and is now arguing about whether his warranty will still be valid when his Ranger breaks...

I guess maybe he invalidated his warranty with the engine / ecu mods and that's why Ford won't cover his busted tranny under warranty???

Just guessing mind you. Maybe Fondles will chime in and add some clarification...

FWIW I don't plan to make any mods to my truck. It's just going to be used for hauling bikes around and the occasional road trip. I've yet to find a bad review of the new Ranger. Seems like a pretty solid truck (unless you modify and abuse it...)

Originally Posted by Fondles

also lol at the Ford spare parts 24hr delivery gaurantee

All guarantees are toilet paper unless they specify the penalty for failure to comply

Fondles, with your Ford connections how come they're dicking you around? That doesn't bode well for those of us who also own Fords...

Ford thailand are well known for poor after sales service.

That is why, despite having decent cars to sell, they dont sell many of them.