The more I have looked into these trucks... it's a bum deal. I hadn't factored in the cost of replacing the batteries when they crap out. I think I am going to be a looking at a 2000 or newer extended cab 1/2 ton with the 4.8L V8 engine. I am getting a solid 18.5 MPG from my father's 2000 GMC Sierra RCSB. (4.8L - automatic) It has 177K + miles and is bone stock. I'm sure a less worn truck with a few choice mods could do the same or better, even with the added weight of the extended cab. (JMHO)

The fact of the matter is, I just don't have the time to try and build something. I did 640+ miles this week alone. (5 days) If things pick up on the west coast of the state, I could be driving as much as 1000 miles in a typical work week. No matter what I buy, is going to be worn out in 2-5 years from all that driving.