Well, it looks like it's finally time to start truck shopping. We've been putting off for awhile, just fixing things here and there on the old truck when they came up, but we're looking at a transmission replacement (among other things) and we'd rather spend our money on something newer. We only pull an Elite 2 horse gooseneck (not a LQ), typically within 1 hour of the house, so probably won't need a dually. What would you recommend and what to stay away from? I don't really have any brand loyalty; I've have had Dodges and Ford's, but no experience with GMC or Chevy. It's been so long since I've had to truck shop, I'm not sure what engines and transmissions have gotten better/worse or what brands are a total no-go.

Thanks in advance for your help!

2016 f-150

I'm not extremely knowledgable about all the engine stuff so hopefully someone else will chime in about that. I personally would stay away from Ford's that are older than 2014. They've had some issues. My best friend pulls her 3-horse with a 2019 F-250 and my parents just bought a 2019 F-250 for their 3-horse LQ. My husband and I pull our 3-horse with a 2015 Chevy 2500. We really like the Chevy. It pulls anything we have put behind it with ease. Plus it's my husband's daily driver and we haven't had any issues out of it. But we wouldnt hesistate to own a Ford either. I've never cared for a Dodge but that's just my personal preference. 

Ford wise, stay away from the 6.4-liter. We have a 2012 f250 with the 6.7 and it's beeen phenomenal. Hauls (and stops) a 4 horse 4 star with no issues.

We love our chevy dermax. Bought it new in 2005 & never had engine or tramsmission problems. JMHO, I would never own a ford. 

I hate Ford interiors so I won't even look at one. Dodge and GM, look at 2017 or newer.  Something about the fuel pump, I can't remember specifically. I bought a 2018 GMC last fall, it's my 4th Duramax and the best one I've driven. 

Ford PowerStroke Diesel.  Outpulls everything on the road.

I went to the USTRC Finals at Oklahoma City one year.  There was an ocean of trucks and trailers there.  I would estimate at least 60 percent were pulling with Ford trucks.