Hello All,

I'm looking to buy my 1st truck that gives me the freedom off road with my family and take them camping. I would appreciate any advice or expertise you can share with me.
Hoping for the following:
1. 7000 $ or less
2. Seats 6 - I've got a lot of children I'm taking camping with me.
3. 4 wheel drive and can handle going on forest service roads to the more secluded camping spots.
4. Can haul basic household items. If I buy a new table it would fit in the back.

Ideas? Suggestions? Anything I should avoid?

Thanks!

 

Is fuel economy a concern?

I would try to find a 99-06 Chevy/GMC 2500HD 4x4 Crew Cab SLE model with a front bench and the 6.0 Vortec. You can usually find the 6.0 reasonable because the fuel economy wasn't great. I'd obviously prefer a duramax but those still go for $15k +

I don't have a lot of experience with the Chevy Avalanche other than it was made for the outdoorsy type but got inexplicably lower fuel economy and the resale value really dropped. on paper it should be the same as a half ton truck.