How popular are pickup trucks in cities in the US Northeast like Boston, New York City, Providence, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and Baltimore and would it generallybe done only by people who actually need them for work purposes?

They are versatile. The brosband has a Tacoma. I have a sensible sedan. But, I get it. So much stuff can fit in the back. Plus, if a truck has the Four Wheel Drive option, that would be really good for those harsh Northeast winters!

They are actually very popular but they are used as street vehicles and not off road or towing 5th wheels. I just bought a F150 and put a tool box in the back and my friends can't understand why

NIKV69 wrote:

They are actually very popular but they are used as street vehicles and not off road or towing 5th wheels. I just bought a F150 and put a tool box in the back and my friends can't understand why

What city do you live in?

NIKV69 wrote:

They are actually very popular but they are used as street vehicles and not off road or towing 5th wheels. I just bought a F150 and put a tool box in the back and my friends can't understand why

We had a Sonoma with a tool box and the Tacoma has a shell. I get it. If we need lumber or a chair or something large like that, they are great. I just would rather have my comfort in a sedan or small SUV because I like driving. I like road trips and I would rather everyone be comfortable. But it is nice to have the option to haul stuff.

seb146 wrote:

NIKV69 wrote:

They are actually very popular but they are used as street vehicles and not off road or towing 5th wheels. I just bought a F150 and put a tool box in the back and my friends can't understand why

We had a Sonoma with a tool box and the Tacoma has a shell. I get it. If we need lumber or a chair or something large like that, they are great. I just would rather have my comfort in a sedan or small SUV because I like driving. I like road trips and I would rather everyone be comfortable. But it is nice to have the option to haul stuff.

They are certainly popular in the South, Texas, Mountain West, Alaska, Midwest, and the Great Plains where they are used by people who do not really need pickup trucks.

ArchGuy1 wrote:

seb146 wrote:

NIKV69 wrote:

They are actually very popular but they are used as street vehicles and not off road or towing 5th wheels. I just bought a F150 and put a tool box in the back and my friends can't understand why

We had a Sonoma with a tool box and the Tacoma has a shell. I get it. If we need lumber or a chair or something large like that, they are great. I just would rather have my comfort in a sedan or small SUV because I like driving. I like road trips and I would rather everyone be comfortable. But it is nice to have the option to haul stuff.

They are certainly popular in the South, Texas, Mountain West, Alaska, Midwest, and the Great Plains where they are used by people who do not really need pickup trucks.

Right. I don't "need" one but I do have the option. There are times I do not like driving it. Tacoma has rear wheel drive. So, if we are driving in the rain empty to pick up building material, I do not like it. I think people just find it versatile. Some people can not imagine driving anything else.

Personally, I would love a VW Golf. I like the idea of a sporty two door hatchback with a sunroof, zipping around town I think would be fun. But, I don't think the dog would like it (she curls up on the floorboard when I start yelling at idiots driving stupid) and I think the brosband would complain about getting in and out of it. I get the idea of a truck or SUV. Others probably think about that, too.

I was a West Coast truck driver for a year. I loved driving in Los Angeles because I would put on my blinker to change lanes and a space would open. Something about driving a large vehicle does something. Not only to the driver, but to those around them. Try it.

Hugely popular in New England—F150s everywhere. Face it, with CAFE and FMVSS, sedans are fairly useless, but the F150 is a 1965 Galaxie brought up to date. Room for a family, easy access, they drive like a car, room for all the suburban crap carriage. I’d buy one if it fit in garage and I’m a “car guy” driving a Mercedes coupe. Just about everyone I know drives a F150 or a Silverado.

GF

GalaxyFlyer wrote:

Hugely popular in New England—F150s everywhere. Face it, with CAFE and FMVSS, sedans are fairly useless, but the F150 is a 1965 Galaxie brought up to date. Room for a family, easy access, they drive like a car, room for all the suburban crap carriage. I’d buy one if it fit in garage and I’m a “car guy” driving a Mercedes coupe. Just about everyone I know drives a F150 or a Silverado.

GF

Are you referring to the small towns or the big cities like Boston?

seb146 wrote:

They are versatile. The brosband has a Tacoma. I have a sensible sedan. But, I get it. So much stuff can fit in the back. Plus, if a truck has the Four Wheel Drive option, that would be really good for those harsh Northeast winters!

Is it Northeast winters that are harsh? Are you sure on that?

In the NE cities I've visited they haven't appeared to be overrepresented. Almost ended up with a a Sierra for our road trip down south at new years (ended up with a Malibu, had booked a Pacifica), but I've been glad to have sedans in the NE.

The Toyota Hilux is the largest selling vehicle here in Australia, and the similar sized Ford Ranger #2, in one of the most heavily urbanised countries in the world. The RAM is the only full-size US pickup sold here

anrec80 wrote:

seb146 wrote:

They are versatile. The brosband has a Tacoma. I have a sensible sedan. But, I get it. So much stuff can fit in the back. Plus, if a truck has the Four Wheel Drive option, that would be really good for those harsh Northeast winters!

Is it Northeast winters that are harsh? Are you sure on that?

I have a cousin in Boston and I follow two flight tracking sites. If you have a warm and central space for us to spend a harsh New England winter, we can make arrangements

ArchGuy1 wrote:

NIKV69 wrote:

They are actually very popular but they are used as street vehicles and not off road or towing 5th wheels. I just bought a F150 and put a tool box in the back and my friends can't understand why

What city do you live in?

I split my time between metro NY and rural NV. I bought the truck for my time in NV where I go off road and do my most spotting and need to get over fences at VCV, LAS etc. The way a pickup truck is used in NY is night and day from the southwest but to each his own.

ArchGuy1 wrote:

How popular are pickup trucks in cities in the US Northeast

My brother, lives in Clifton, NJ, has a Ram. My brother-in-law, living in Far Rockaway, has an F-150.

ArchGuy1 wrote:

they are used by people who do not really need pickup trucks.

My brother-in-law is a home inspector, so he uses it as designed.
My brother has no Earthly reason to own a pick-up truck.

ArchGuy1 wrote:

They are certainly popular in the South, Texas,

Before I moved to Texas, a friend of mine informed me that my masculinity would be questioned if I did not own a full-sized truck.

I just bought as new Explorer. I toyed with getting a pick-up truck. Had my eye on a Gladiator, but in the end, I decided that the Jeep name wasn't worth the premium price. They are ridiculously proud of those things.

seb146 wrote:

Right. I don't "need" one but I do have the option.

Very prudent and sensible. Like insurance.

Kent350787 wrote:

In the NE cities I've visited they haven't appeared to be overrepresented. Almost ended up with a a Sierra for our road trip down south at new years (ended up with a Malibu, had booked a Pacifica), but I've been glad to have sedans in the NE.

The Toyota Hilux is the largest selling vehicle here in Australia, and the similar sized Ford Ranger #2, in one of the most heavily urbanised countries in the world. The RAM is the only full-size US pickup sold here

In the big cities in the Northeast, they are generally used by people who actually need pickup trucks for work.

ArchGuy1 wrote:

Kent350787 wrote:

In the NE cities I've visited they haven't appeared to be overrepresented. Almost ended up with a a Sierra for our road trip down south at new years (ended up with a Malibu, had booked a Pacifica), but I've been glad to have sedans in the NE.

The Toyota Hilux is the largest selling vehicle here in Australia, and the similar sized Ford Ranger #2, in one of the most heavily urbanised countries in the world. The RAM is the only full-size US pickup sold here

In the big cities in the Northeast, they are generally used by people who actually need pickup trucks for work.

As they are here in Australia. Although some of the tricks don't help the work argument, people who don't need a tray at all at least go for an SUV rather than the looks.

My US family live in Somerville MA. The pickups I see around there clearly belong to tradespeople, with sedans and small SUV predominating on the streetscape.

ArchGuy1 wrote:

How popular are pickup trucks in cities in the US Northeast like Boston, New York City, Providence, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and Baltimore and would it generallybe done only by people who actually need them for work purposes?

Some trucking companies are using them to haul 53ft trailers around yards. That's quite a bit of sales right there. Then there's the ones that the auto and tire companies use to test the use of retread tires under all conditions. Some tour operators are using them with fifth wheel trailers with seats for tours, mainly to observation towers and old, iconic cruise ships that were converted to hotels.

Kent350787 wrote:

ArchGuy1 wrote:

Kent350787 wrote:

In the NE cities I've visited they haven't appeared to be overrepresented. Almost ended up with a a Sierra for our road trip down south at new years (ended up with a Malibu, had booked a Pacifica), but I've been glad to have sedans in the NE.

The Toyota Hilux is the largest selling vehicle here in Australia, and the similar sized Ford Ranger #2, in one of the most heavily urbanised countries in the world. The RAM is the only full-size US pickup sold here

In the big cities in the Northeast, they are generally used by people who actually need pickup trucks for work.

As they are here in Australia. Although some of the tricks don't help the work argument, people who don't need a tray at all at least go for an SUV rather than the looks.

My US family live in Somerville MA. The pickups I see around there clearly belong to tradespeople, with sedans and small SUV predominating on the streetscape.

What type of trades are there for tradespeople who drive pickup trucks? Also like Boston, are pickup trucks in New York City commonly used only by those who actually need them for work?

Trucks are very popular everywhere in the USA. They are more popular than cars. I have a Dodge Ram with a Cummings Turbo Diesel tuned to "Roll Coal" lol!

"Cars" are something like 25% of the passenger vehicle market now. 75% are trucks and SUVs and vans. That's by unit. By revenue, it's probably 85% trucks.

I had opened a thread a few years ago on this topic, but more about trying to understand why it's an American thing. At the time, all my male coworkers had a truck and were urging me to get one. I will admit, they are comfy and you feel like a boss on one of them, but our work is office work, so there's really no need whatsoever to have one for myself. Even when I bought a house, it seemed pointless (and the fact that they have horrible gas mileage...ugh). The one or two times I wished I had a pickup truck still couldn't outweigh the many savings that a sedan would bring.

If my work dealt with construction or gardening or something that required me to haul heavy items, it would be a no brainer.

einsteinboricua wrote:

I had opened a thread a few years ago on this topic, but more about trying to understand why it's an American thing. At the time, all my male coworkers had a truck and were urging me to get one. I will admit, they are comfy and you feel like a boss on one of them, but our work is office work, so there's really no need whatsoever to have one for myself. Even when I bought a house, it seemed pointless (and the fact that they have horrible gas mileage...ugh). The one or two times I wished I had a pickup truck still couldn't outweigh the many savings that a sedan would bring.

If my work dealt with construction or gardening or something that required me to haul heavy items, it would be a no brainer.

Are you male yourself as well and it seems to be men that pickup trucks are popular with.

einsteinboricua wrote:

I had opened a thread a few years ago on this topic, but more about trying to understand why it's an American thing.

This is indeed an interesting point.
And by "American" thing, it might be worth asking if the whole of the Americas (North and South) are to some extent included.

In Europe, the broad equivalent might be a VAN
But please note; there is some variance in the scope of the word across the different English-speaking countries.
And of course, the USA brings it's own unique slant on what exactly the word "van" can include.

So perhaps we should consider the precise definitions
Pick up truck
a light truck having an enclosed cab and an open cargo area with low sides and tailgate

Van (aka panel or box van)
a light truck having either a separate enclosed cab, or an open cab combined with the enclosed cargo area behind.
Access to the cargo area is mainly thru' rear doors, with the option of smaller side doors for pavement (sidewalk) delivery.

In my experience, after work, Europeans may well use their van as a form of personal transport, but only as a convenience. Very few view it as a status symbol.

Additional point; the smallest European vans are "car-derived", and are often no bigger than a station-wagon/ estate car. In that respect, they may also return car equivalent mpg figures.
Note the three smaller car-derived vans in this photo. Not a sight you will find in many US cities.


thx wikipedia

"White van man".

a stereotype used in the United Kingdom for a smaller-sized commercial van driver,
.. typically perceived as a selfish, inconsiderate driver who is mostly petit bourgeois and often aggressive.
..typically an independent tradesperson, such as a builder, plumber or locksmith

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_van_man

ArchGuy1 wrote:

Are you male yourself as well....

Careful there buddy - some people might answer that question easily, others might consider it a little impertinent.

As more pick-up makers started to make extended and 4-door cabs, with very car like interor features it encouraged the growth of them even in more urban areas of the USA. Many in cities are owned by trades persons like carpenters, and in some cases only have room to park or money to own 1 vehicle, so go for them to meet both needs. There is also the 'macho' image of pickups, note how they are designed, their size, ability to handle rough urban streets. More women than you think like them too for their safety in size and higher sitting position.

SheikhDjibouti wrote:

This is indeed an interesting point.
And by "American" thing, it might be worth asking if the whole of the Americas (North and South) are to some extent included.

It's definitely a thing in Canada. The Ford F150 is constantly the best selling vehicle every year with the Dodge Ram behind it.

I live in a small city in Ontario that is surrounded farmland. Pickups are common all over. I'd say every 3rd or 4th car on the road is some form of pickup. Obviously there are many professions that make one useful, but personally I think most who have one don't use it for any practical reason.

It's very much ingrained in traditional male culture here. Though this is changed, no doubt because of rising fuel prices. Anecdotally I'm seeing more of the smaller sized SUVs around (Ford Escape type) since they're better on fuel and provide enough space that a family would need, if they don't use it for work.

It’s always funny to see guys drive up to the club with a shiny Super Duty with all the options and the pristine bed has a truck vault carrying a couple of shotguns worth as much as the truck.

AA747123 wrote:

Trucks are very popular everywhere in the USA. They are more popular than cars. I have a Dodge Ram with a Cummings Turbo Diesel tuned to "Roll Coal" lol!

The engine sounds like a chinese knockoff.

LOT767301ER wrote:

AA747123 wrote:

Trucks are very popular everywhere in the USA. They are more popular than cars. I have a Dodge Ram with a Cummings Turbo Diesel tuned to "Roll Coal" lol!

The engine sounds like a chinese knockoff.

You should have heard a K-series Cummins or Cat 1693–sounded terrible, but awesome power and longevity.

AA747123 wrote:

Trucks are very popular everywhere in the USA. They are more popular than cars. I have a Dodge Ram with a Cummings Turbo Diesel tuned to "Roll Coal" lol!

Tastes also change as you get older too..I am from the NJ originally but I live just south of Memphis TN. I used to have a 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 beautiful car but it got to the point I hated driving it here. The low wide tires would constantly pick up nails screws what ever crap was in the road and would go flat on me I was constantly putting plugs in tires...Then there are the roads the ones near the airport are horrible lots of potholes again low profile 20 in tires one pothole and the rim cracked that happened twice I said enough. I bought a 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor and I love it looks sharp I actually find it easier to park than my charger since it sits up high and rides like a dream and potholes are not a problem now. It's also nice when you own a home and have to go to Home Depot or Lowes to get materials . Yes it was pricey and it has more features than I will ever use but it just fits in my garage and I am very happy with the purchase. Best vehicle I have ever owned ......So far .

I live in Boston and drive a 2019 F150. I wouldn’t call it a work truck but it gets used for what it’s made for multiple times a month.

I parallel park it anywhere in the city, drive it through the north end, anywhere really.

Truck culture is a little different in New England. 1/2 ton trucks are popular. In New England the vast majority of 3/4 ton trucks you see are being used as work trucks - where as out west, in the south, mid west, you see a lot more heavy duty trucks being used as toys - lifted, pulling boats, tuned, etc. In other parts of the country modding your truck with lifts etc is more popular In general. In California I notice a lot of Baja style trucks.

I’d love to put a small lift and larger tires on my truck for looks but it’s not exactly at the height of my financial priorities so I doubt I ever will.

Kno wrote:

I live in Boston and drive a 2019 F150. I wouldn’t call it a work truck but it gets used for what it’s made for multiple times a month.

I parallel park it anywhere in the city, drive it through the north end, anywhere really.

Truck culture is a little different in New England. 1/2 ton trucks are popular. In New England the vast majority of 3/4 ton trucks you see are being used as work trucks - where as out west, in the south, mid west, you see a lot more heavy duty trucks being used as toys - lifted, pulling boats, tuned, etc. In other parts of the country modding your truck with lifts etc is more popular In general. In California I notice a lot of Baja style trucks.

I’d love to put a small lift and larger tires on my truck for looks but it’s not exactly at the height of my financial priorities so I doubt I ever will.

I just bought the same truck and would never lift it. It's a perfect height!

NIKV69 wrote:

Kno wrote:

I live in Boston and drive a 2019 F150. I wouldn’t call it a work truck but it gets used for what it’s made for multiple times a month.

I parallel park it anywhere in the city, drive it through the north end, anywhere really.

Truck culture is a little different in New England. 1/2 ton trucks are popular. In New England the vast majority of 3/4 ton trucks you see are being used as work trucks - where as out west, in the south, mid west, you see a lot more heavy duty trucks being used as toys - lifted, pulling boats, tuned, etc. In other parts of the country modding your truck with lifts etc is more popular In general. In California I notice a lot of Baja style trucks.

I’d love to put a small lift and larger tires on my truck for looks but it’s not exactly at the height of my financial priorities so I doubt I ever will.

I just bought the same truck and would never lift it. It's a perfect height!

I like the look of a level stance sitting high with some aggressive tires but it’s hard for me to justify spending $5-$6k on all that stuff just so I can say oooo it looks slightly better when I walk to and from the parking spot.

ArchGuy1 wrote:

they are used by people who do not really need pickup trucks.

Who's to say who does and who doesn't need a pickup truck?

ItnStln wrote:

ArchGuy1 wrote:

they are used by people who do not really need pickup trucks.

Who's to say who does and who doesn't need a pickup truck?

Usually all it takes is 1. looking at the bed to see how dirty and scratched it is because even the best liners get light scuff marks and 2. Does it have a tow hitch. A great many trucks are bling and never see more than groceries in the back.

I can't see that the Euro vans bear any comparison to the US pickup. Vans are a work tool of zero aspiration - in the US, as well as here in Australia pickups are a work tool, but also able to be optioned up or pimped out for other reasons.

Another variant was the Australian "ute" (utility) - a sedan based small pickup, that in its final days was more muscle car than workhorse. I understand that the US had the El Camino for a while in a similar niche.

Kno wrote:

I live in Boston and drive a 2019 F150. I wouldn’t call it a work truck but it gets used for what it’s made for multiple times a month.

I parallel park it anywhere in the city, drive it through the north end, anywhere really.

Truck culture is a little different in New England. 1/2 ton trucks are popular. In New England the vast majority of 3/4 ton trucks you see are being used as work trucks - where as out west, in the south, mid west, you see a lot more heavy duty trucks being used as toys - lifted, pulling boats, tuned, etc. In other parts of the country modding your truck with lifts etc is more popular In general. In California I notice a lot of Baja style trucks.

I’d love to put a small lift and larger tires on my truck for looks but it’s not exactly at the height of my financial priorities so I doubt I ever will.

What are 1/2 ton trucks typically used for in New England?

Used for whatever their owners wish. Like I said, some carry expensive shotguns and tow a clays cart. Others haul feed for horses. Others just look pretty. What do you think they’d do with them—eat ‘em?

luckyone wrote:

ItnStln wrote:

ArchGuy1 wrote:

they are used by people who do not really need pickup trucks.

Who's to say who does and who doesn't need a pickup truck?

Usually all it takes is 1. looking at the bed to see how dirty and scratched it is because even the best liners get light scuff marks and 2. Does it have a tow hitch. A great many trucks are bling and never see more than groceries in the back.

Most people take their tow hitches off when they aren’t towing...

ArchGuy1 wrote:

Kno wrote:

I live in Boston and drive a 2019 F150. I wouldn’t call it a work truck but it gets used for what it’s made for multiple times a month.

I parallel park it anywhere in the city, drive it through the north end, anywhere really.

Truck culture is a little different in New England. 1/2 ton trucks are popular. In New England the vast majority of 3/4 ton trucks you see are being used as work trucks - where as out west, in the south, mid west, you see a lot more heavy duty trucks being used as toys - lifted, pulling boats, tuned, etc. In other parts of the country modding your truck with lifts etc is more popular In general. In California I notice a lot of Baja style trucks.

I’d love to put a small lift and larger tires on my truck for looks but it’s not exactly at the height of my financial priorities so I doubt I ever will.

What are 1/2 ton trucks typically used for in New England?

Almost every owner has a different use. One more universal situation is that 4x4 comes in handy for New England winters - since pick up trucks get the same mpg as other high clearance 4x4 and awd vehicles these days it’s a good option.

Pick up trucks are the most versatile daily drivers you can own and these days they are comfy, loaded with features, and get decent mpg.

ItnStln wrote:

Who's to say who does and who doesn't need a pickup truck?

If you live in an apartment building and you only commute to/from an office job, you likely don't need a truck.

If you live on a farm and haul feed or soil or need to tow, you DEFINITELY need a truck.

This is different from saying "you can't/shouldn't buy a truck". Ultimately it's your money. But if you have a need to feel high and mighty, a regular or full size SUV gives you the same benefit for a slightly higher gas mileage, while still having enough room in the back and power to tow or carry heavy items.

Kno wrote:

luckyone wrote:

ItnStln wrote:

Who's to say who does and who doesn't need a pickup truck?

Usually all it takes is 1. looking at the bed to see how dirty and scratched it is because even the best liners get light scuff marks and 2. Does it have a tow hitch. A great many trucks are bling and never see more than groceries in the back.

Most people take their tow hitches off when they aren’t towing...

Call me skeptical. We had two vehicles with tow hitches and they never came off--we used them regularly, almost weekly for recreational boating. Nobody I knew growing up that used their vehicles for towing ever took their tow hitches off. I had countless shin bruises as a kid to prove it.

My biggest gripe with pickup trucks is parking the darn things.

VTKillarney wrote:

My biggest gripe with pickup trucks is parking the darn things.

Well they've certainly become larger. The "midsize" Colorado and Ranger are about the same dimensions as the F-150/Silverado of 20 years ago.

luckyone wrote:

Kno wrote:

luckyone wrote:

Usually all it takes is 1. looking at the bed to see how dirty and scratched it is because even the best liners get light scuff marks and 2. Does it have a tow hitch. A great many trucks are bling and never see more than groceries in the back.

Most people take their tow hitches off when they aren’t towing...

Call me skeptical. We had two vehicles with tow hitches and they never came off--we used them regularly, almost weekly for recreational boating. Nobody I knew growing up that used their vehicles for towing ever took their tow hitches off. I had countless shin bruises as a kid to prove it.

If you care about keeping your tow equipment in good shape (no judgement ive left a hitch on for 9 months before) or you tow different trailers you take them out to prevent rust or to put different size tow balls on.

Kno wrote:

luckyone wrote:

Kno wrote:

Most people take their tow hitches off when they aren’t towing...

Call me skeptical. We had two vehicles with tow hitches and they never came off--we used them regularly, almost weekly for recreational boating. Nobody I knew growing up that used their vehicles for towing ever took their tow hitches off. I had countless shin bruises as a kid to prove it.

If you care about keeping your tow equipment in good shape (no judgement ive left a hitch on for 9 months before) or you tow different trailers you take them out to prevent rust or to put different size tow balls on.

Well as I said we used our vehicles for recreational boating, and never had to change the size of the ball--the ball has never moved on one of them and we've had the truck since 1999, another for 12 years, etc etc. Good habits or not, I've never heard what you're suggesting and I grew up trailering a boat before I could legally drive--unrelated but my mom could never figure it out especially in choppy water so my dad had me putting the boat on the trailer from about age 8. It sounds like you may be describing heavier duty towing--which again the average pickup buyer isn't using their trucks for. One need only look at the astronomical increases in the prices of these land barges to see that it's become a status symbol, and not something of utility for a great many buyers. Take my family's use -- if you know anything about trailering a boat you know that it's not uncommon for the rear tires to be slightly in the water or more depending on the angle of the ramp, and you yourself will be getting wet at least up to your calves when you winch the boat in, and you're wet you get back in the car. No person who does that regularly who has any sense is going to be soaking their King Ranch trim. We had a '94 F-150 with a vinyl interior and a 2000 Expedition. If we were towing the boat back from the ramp with the Expedition (maybe about a mile or so) we weren't allowed in the car and had to stay in the boat.

luckyone wrote:

VTKillarney wrote:

My biggest gripe with pickup trucks is parking the darn things.

Well they've certainly become larger. The "midsize" Colorado and Ranger are about the same dimensions as the F-150/Silverado of 20 years ago.

Even with the added size the new trucks are more maneuverable and easier to park than ever. Better turning radius, seniors and back up cameras are the reason for this. I drive my 2019 f150 with no hesitation in Bostons tight streets and never have issues parallel parking.

I used to own a diesel f250 and a Duramax 2500 with small lifts and slightly larger tires when I lived in Long Island and Brooklyn (yes they were work trucks, and yes they were top of the line trim because I also daily drove them) and I drove them in Brooklyn and Manhattan every day and parallel parked everywhere I went including the office in time square. It’s not hard if you know the dimensions of your vehicle.

luckyone wrote:

Kno wrote:

luckyone wrote:

Call me skeptical. We had two vehicles with tow hitches and they never came off--we used them regularly, almost weekly for recreational boating. Nobody I knew growing up that used their vehicles for towing ever took their tow hitches off. I had countless shin bruises as a kid to prove it.

If you care about keeping your tow equipment in good shape (no judgement ive left a hitch on for 9 months before) or you tow different trailers you take them out to prevent rust or to put different size tow balls on.

Well as I said we used our vehicles for recreational boating, and never had to change the size of the ball--the ball has never moved on one of them and we've had the truck since 1999, another for 12 years, etc etc. Good habits or not, I've never heard what you're suggesting and I grew up trailering a boat before I could legally drive--unrelated but my mom could never figure it out especially in choppy water so my dad had me putting the boat on the trailer from about age 8. It sounds like you may be describing heavier duty towing--which again the average pickup buyer isn't using their trucks for. One need only look at the astronomical increases in the prices of these land barges to see that it's become a status symbol, and not something of utility for a great many buyers. Take my family's use -- if you know anything about trailering a boat you know that it's not uncommon for the rear tires to be slightly in the water or more depending on the angle of the ramp, and you yourself will be getting wet at least up to your calves when you winch the boat in, and you're wet you get back in the car. No person who does that regularly who has any sense is going to be soaking their King Ranch trim. We had a '94 F-150 with a vinyl interior and a 2000 Expedition. If we were towing the boat back from the ramp with the Expedition (maybe about a mile or so) we weren't allowed in the car and had to stay in the boat.

Sure, I understand how your family used theirs but we are discussing how the average north easterner uses their trucks. Plenty of family’s use trucks like you did and even more have other uses. I would agree there are many places in the country where people drive big trucks as status symbols - Texas is probably the capitol for this. I saw a ton of trucks lifted with top of the line trim on a recent trip to California. Driving around New England, this kind of truck ownership is far more rare.... PA has a strong diesel enthusiast community so you see more there.

Kno wrote:

I would agree there are many places in the country where people drive big trucks as status symbols - Texas is probably the capitol for this. I saw a ton of trucks lifted with top of the line trim on a recent trip to California. Driving around New England, this kind of truck ownership is far more rare.... PA has a strong diesel enthusiast community so you see more there.

You find that in most suburban areas. It's funny that you mention diesel, because IMHO that is the best indication that the truck is used for utility purposes on a very regular basis. Once you've towed with a diesel vs. petrol you know the difference. For our purposes of towing a boat, the additional outlay of a diesel didn't make sense, but I do know people who use their trucks heavily and diesel makes perfect sense.

Kno wrote:

NIKV69 wrote:

Kno wrote:

I live in Boston and drive a 2019 F150. I wouldn’t call it a work truck but it gets used for what it’s made for multiple times a month.

I parallel park it anywhere in the city, drive it through the north end, anywhere really.

Truck culture is a little different in New England. 1/2 ton trucks are popular. In New England the vast majority of 3/4 ton trucks you see are being used as work trucks - where as out west, in the south, mid west, you see a lot more heavy duty trucks being used as toys - lifted, pulling boats, tuned, etc. In other parts of the country modding your truck with lifts etc is more popular In general. In California I notice a lot of Baja style trucks.

I’d love to put a small lift and larger tires on my truck for looks but it’s not exactly at the height of my financial priorities so I doubt I ever will.

I just bought the same truck and would never lift it. It's a perfect height!

I like the look of a level stance sitting high with some aggressive tires but it’s hard for me to justify spending $5-$6k on all that stuff just so I can say oooo it looks slightly better when I walk to and from the parking spot.

Leveling maybe but the lift thing to me just seems unwarranted.

ArchGuy1 wrote:

How popular are pickup trucks in cities in the US Northeast like Boston, New York City, Providence, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and Baltimore and would it generallybe done only by people who actually need them for work purposes?

I live in NYC and they are not popular. I am always shocked if I see one here and also shocked when I travel outside if NYC and see their popularity.

maverick4002 wrote:

ArchGuy1 wrote:

How popular are pickup trucks in cities in the US Northeast like Boston, New York City, Providence, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and Baltimore and would it generallybe done only by people who actually need them for work purposes?

I live in NYC and they are not popular. I am always shocked if I see one here and also shocked when I travel outside if NYC and see their popularity.

In New York City, they are typically used by tradespeople who actually need pickup trucks for work.