View Full Version : what happened to pickup trucks?
DH and I have noticed an abundance of aggressive male drivers in huge late model pickup trucks with expensive tires/wheels, custom paint jobs, loud, diesel engines. They are almost always either black or red. All of this makes them very menacing in appearance. Trucks used to be about work and utility but now they seem to be about showing the world how tough you are. Just an interesting cultural curiosity.
sweetana3
12-29-21, 5:49pm
Noticed the same thing.
A few years ago I got my first big-assed pickup truck with diesel engine. It's not loud and it's not black or red, we purchased it to tow our camper and my wife said it must be matchy/matchy. The camper is white with black trim so the truck is too, I hope we're not too menacing.
If you're pulling a camper, the big truck makes perfect sense. Some of these trucks don't even have hitches.
iris lilies
12-29-21, 6:40pm
DH’s small Ford Ranger is now 12 years old. Boy time goes fast! It was the “new” truck; He had the old small truck for 15 years.
So when someone rear ended him a few years ago and the insurance company totaled this truck, I asked him if he didn’t want a big truck but he said no, he likes the smaller one because it’s easier to get things into the bed. So we repaired the truck.
At the time Ford had stopped making Rangers. The small ones are popular and people would stop him and offer him money for his truck. But now Ford has started making Rangers again only they’re bigger.
ApatheticNoMore
12-29-21, 6:42pm
Yea they by and large aren't actual blue collar labor trucks, but you aren't allowed to say so. It will offend their toxic masculinity or something.
Maybe a little in the city. Fortunately they are way expensive once a person gets the big tires and all the chrome, so there are not a lot of them around and I have suspicions that few of the fancies are used as utility vehicles. And I even drive a plain mid-sized truck. On my Holiday highway drive the real hazards were the sporty looking cars like BMWs or people on cell phones or texting. Those were far more concerning.
At a time I lived in a more rural area and used trucks for work. The big trucks with all the bling were commonly referred to as "city trucks" and known to do dumb things off-road.
At the time Ford had stopped making Rangers. The small ones are popular and people would stop him and offer him money for his truck. But now Ford has started making Rangers again only they’re bigger.
Ford is coming out with a 2022 "Maverick" small truck. It's hybrid and more like the small Ranger. Reasonably priced too, and great gas milage, but pre-orders are sold out they are saying through at least the summer. It's somewhere between a wish and window browsing for me.
I prefer a station wagon
https://i.imgur.com/PdTzOHd.jpg
Just a little runabout, eh Bae? ;)
When I went shopping for appliances, I noticed that most laundry and fridges were large shiny creations reminding me of the average pickup size and sparkle in showrooms. People seem to be drawn to size and shine.
Some of these trucks don't even have hitches.I'll bet they have receivers. I have a Blue Ox weight distribution hitch system that is only attached to the receiver when we're actually towing. In my experience the only trucks with even simple hitches routinely attached are those that are likely to be towing something almost daily or are just too lazy to remove it when not in use. When installed, hitches are known shin busters and also make it difficult to back into parking spaces.
I think it’s possible to read too much into someone’s vehicle choice. Not every Prius is a virtue signal on wheels. Not every Tesla is a vehicular wealth signal. Not every Corvette indicates a mid-life crisis. Not every pickup represents some form of compensation. Sometimes a truck is just a truck.
I would have to see the bumper stickers to make an informed judgment.
happystuff
12-30-21, 12:56pm
I think it’s possible to read too much into someone’s vehicle choice. Not every Prius is a virtue signal on wheels. Not every Tesla is a vehicular wealth signal. Not every Corvette indicates a mid-life crisis. Not every pickup represents some form of compensation. Sometimes a truck is just a truck.
I would have to see the bumper stickers to make an informed judgment.
My chuckle for the morning. Thanks.
I'm kind of a "to each their own" with regards to cars.
If you want to try to figure me out by my vehicle - good luck! My 2008 Honda Civic has the front bumper being held on by screws (can't tell unless you get up close, though), the paint job was one of those bad black ones from the manufacturer where the paint has faded in sections of white around the roof, and it's only a 2-door (not my first choice), but... it was free, hasn't cost that much so far in maintenance and, again so far, gets me to where I'm going the same as my old boss' Maserati or my neighbor's mini van (sorry, I don't know cars. LOL)
The truck that got me to thinking about this topic was parked at the Home Depot. It was a huge, Red Dodge diesel and the back bumper was covered with anti-Socialism/Let's Go Brandon/F---Biden stickers. The front bumper had a "wreath" made of spent shotgun shells with a skull in the middle. Sorry, but I think the driver was trying to convey a message which is a whole other topic to discuss. Why do we humans feel the need to wear our beliefs so visibly?
The truck that got me to thinking about this topic was parked at the Home Depot. It was a huge, Red Dodge diesel and the back bumper was covered with anti-Socialism/Let's Go Brandon/F---Biden stickers. The front bumper had a "wreath" made of spent shotgun shells with a skull in the middle. Sorry, but I think the driver was trying to convey a message which is a whole other topic to discuss. Why do we humans feel the need to wear our beliefs so visibly?
What about the libs with Prius cars covered in Bernie and other lib cause stickers?
I have to say my favorite take off bumper sticker is the Coexist one with the letters made from different firearms instead of the different religious symbols on the original one. LOL
ApatheticNoMore
12-30-21, 2:16pm
Prius are mostly too nice a car to cover in bumper stickers. I don't think I'd associate them with a ton of bumper stickers.
Why do we humans feel the need to wear our beliefs so visibly?
Status anxiety? A need for affiliation?
i've heard some folks say that men who drive large pickup trucks (especially lifted ones) are compensating for something.
Status anxiety? A need for affiliation?
It seems to convey the need to belong somewhere, some group or tribe. In a way, it is amusing to me - the strong need for individualism and individual freedom vs with the cultural need to belong to a group or tribe. It is seen world wide but is demonstrated in different manner in different countries, age groups, etc.
In Canada and US today, it is the pickups sitting in driveways in urban settings. Earlier it was more the SUV in the same driveways.
This seems to be changing in the choices made by different generations.
Prius are mostly too nice a car to cover in bumper stickers. I don't think I'd associate them with a ton of bumper stickers.
I have to say that the Red Dodge Pinkytoe described would be quite rare but not totally impossible in my area, but NRA stickers can be routine among big trucks. I find that bumper stickers in general are more common on younger folks cars and are often for heavy metal bands, craft beers, or tourist destinations.
Since Covid, there are have been a larger number of dog walkers that go past my house. It's interesting how often the character of the dog seems similar to the owner. Maybe cars are similar. Americans and probably Canadians love their cars (or trucks).
ApatheticNoMore
12-30-21, 3:10pm
Actually I don't think there are very many bumper stickers around anymore at all. Here and there sure, but not many. People too obsessed with the resale value of their car (though how big an issue is glue on a bumper anyway) or I don't know.
Prius are mostly too nice a car to cover in bumper stickers. I don't think I'd associate them with a ton of bumper stickers.
I’ve seen quite a few covered in bumper stickers for lib causes.
dado potato
12-30-21, 3:12pm
I have read that drivers can be unable to see small pedestrians and people in wheelchairs a short distance in front of the big pickups.
I have read that drivers can be unable to see small pedestrians and people in wheelchairs a short distance in front of the big pickups.
It is an educational exercise to have people of various sizes on foot and on bicycle stand around your daily vehicle while you look at what you can really see in your mirrors and out the windows. So many deathly blind spots.
I've seen a few articles about pedestrians, cyclists and their increased involvement in traffic fatalities from big trucks. I'd maintain that cell phone use is more hazardous, but that's opinion and neither is good. This isn't a small man, but a four year old in front of a lifted F-250. I assume it's undoctored. It's from a Bloomberg article.
4145
catherine
12-30-21, 5:19pm
I’ve seen quite a few covered in bumper stickers for lib causes.
I have a Prius with only one bumper sticker on it:
4146
It seems to convey the need to belong somewhere, some group or tribe. In a way, it is amusing to me - the strong need for individualism and individual freedom vs with the cultural need to belong to a group or tribe. It is seen world wide but is demonstrated in different manner in different countries, age groups, etc.
In Canada and US today, it is the pickups sitting in driveways in urban settings. Earlier it was more the SUV in the same driveways.
This seems to be changing in the choices made by different generations.
I can remember some years ago when SUV shaming was in vogue on these forums. A lot of people also seemed to have a problem with minivans. I think one’s choice of which vehicles to disapprove of can also be a sort of tribal marker. Like a MAGA hat or a “In this house we believe” sign.
Not to say they aren't a problem, but in the big scheme of things singling out large trucks does seem a little myopic if not tribal.
catherine
12-30-21, 7:01pm
I can remember some years ago when SUV shaming was in vogue on these forums. A lot of people also seemed to have a problem with minivans. I think one’s choice of which vehicles to disapprove of can also be a sort of tribal marker. Like a MAGA hat or a “In this house we believe” sign.
Absolutely, cars are our most expensive accessory. They do "brand" us, whether we like that or not. I remember my rural Vermont neighbors freaking out when I drove to our house for the first time in my Prius with NJ plates--they made instant assumptions about me based on my car. Of course, they got over the fact that I drive a Prius and now they joke around telling me, "I HUNT Priuses!" They, of course, all have SUVs and pick-up trucks, and they like them fast and big.
DH got rid of his "sissy car" (what our neighbors called his Honda Fit) and purchased a $4000 Chevy Avalanche, and he is in love with this rusty, beat-up pick-up truck.
Hmmm.
I have an electric one-wheel skateboard. A whole bunch of bicycles. A teeny Fiat 500 electric clown car. A Mini Cooper. Several other fun sports cars as well. A Toyota Tacoma 4WD pickup truck. A Hummer H1 wagon. A folding kayak. A tugboat, a Boston Whaler, a Swampscott dory, a gaff-rigged 16' sailboat with cabin, a couple of non-folding kayaks, and a small assortment of inflateable boats.
Gotta work on my branding. Or get some airplanes.
Hmmm.
I have an electric one-wheel skateboard. A whole bunch of bicycles. A teeny Fiat 500 electric clown car. A Mini Cooper. Several other fun sports cars as well. A Toyota Tacoma 4WD pickup truck. A Hummer H1 wagon. A folding kayak. A tugboat, a Boston Whaler, a Swampscott dory, a gaff-rigged 16' sailboat with cabin, a couple of non-folding kayaks, and a small assortment of inflateable boats.
Gotta work on my branding. Or get some airplanes.
I'm thinking a nice Native American potlatch ceremony. I'll attend.
I'm thinking a nice Native American potlatch ceremony. I'll attend.
Bring spare parts, many are 20+ years old :-)
iris lilies
12-31-21, 10:05am
Hmmm.
I have an electric one-wheel skateboard. A whole bunch of bicycles. A teeny Fiat 500 electric clown car. A Mini Cooper. Several other fun sports cars as well. A Toyota Tacoma 4WD pickup truck. A Hummer H1 wagon. A folding kayak. A tugboat, a Boston Whaler, a Swampscott dory, a gaff-rigged 16' sailboat with cabin, a couple of non-folding kayaks, and a small assortment of inflateable boats.
Gotta work on my branding. Or get some airplanes.
You cant have too many cars.
We have 4, plus a 1960’s Italian Scooter, plus an old farm tractor.
happystuff
12-31-21, 10:10am
Ooooo... I've always wanted a scooter. Almost got one a couple years ago, but dh nixed it.
iris lilies
12-31-21, 10:18am
Ooooo... I've always wanted a scooter. Almost got one a couple years ago, but dh nixed it.
DH’s scooter has the original paint job. When we first got it decades ago I wanted to get it professionally repainted. But now I like that original patina. The scooter is usually in some state of not running.
Bring spare parts, many are 20+ years old :-)
You have mentioned moving out of country on occasion, Bae. When I left my farm after DH's passing, there was a lot of decluttering required of old machinery and parts that needed to be cleared out. I had asked DH over a couple of years to dispose of these old items and parts to prepare for the time when we would need to move but he kept saying, "I might need these some time ahead". So it was left to me to deal with.
I had a limited time frame for disposal, was very uncomfortable about advertising with visitors coming at all hours as I was living alone, had no idea of the value however limited of the items, busy with trying to find a new dwelling, etc. I called in an auctioneer to choose items for an upcoming farm consignment sale, donated some and charged someone a modest amount to simply take the balance. I would not wish that experience on another. Now, if not actively in use, I dispose of stuff as I don't want to leave a mess for my family.
I acknowledge that others feel differently and cherish their treasures.
The block I live on is primarily retired people. Several of the old men still have their trucks from 40 years ago parked in the driveway even though they are never driven. It is hard to let go I'm sure. DH has a closet full of old film cameras and photography paraphernalia he no longer uses. I wasn't have a clue what to do with any of it if he passes on before I do.
I’m considered a freak amongst both divers and shooters because I’ve sold dive gear and guns I no longer use. I have very little space. Would much rather someone get use out of the stuff.
OMG, the issues the families of divers and shooter have when trying to clear out dive gear or guns that belonged to the deceased. They’re clueless.
catherine
12-31-21, 4:17pm
Ironically, my kids (at least DD/DSIL) are not that happy with us for selling stuff for cheap at our downsizing garage sale. DH let go a whole bunch of tech stuff (DVRs, VHSs, etc) for $75. The buyer said it was going to a charity in Africa. But my SIL (the picker) and my DD (the videographer) freaked out that we "gave away" the stuff.
One person's trash is another person's treasure, as they say.
iris lilies
12-31-21, 5:57pm
Ironically, my kids (at least DD/DSIL) are not that happy with us for selling stuff for cheap at our downsizing garage sale. DH let go a whole bunch of tech stuff (DVRs, VHSs, etc) for $75. The buyer said it was going to a charity in Africa. But my SIL (the picker) and my DD (the videographer) freaked out that we "gave away" the stuff.
One person's trash is another person's treasure, as they say.
as I clean out flower show crap I’m throwing tons of it, but there’s not a huge market for them and I’m not going to attempt to sell them. Everything I might be able to sell, I’m keeping. I’ve been “collecting “because I had room. Well you know how that goes.
I remember back just a decade ago I refused to be one of those flower show ladies who collected crap in their basement. Then once I signed on to full flower show mode, everything, I mean everything Dash look potentially useful. That’s a mistake!
but I will say this: in the year 2021 I entered a few flower shows and did not buy one thing for them. I use fresh flowers for my garden or from the community garden. I put together winning designs from the crap in my basement fairly easily. So it does come in handy.
frugal-one
12-31-21, 6:58pm
The block I live on is primarily retired people. Several of the old men still have their trucks from 40 years ago parked in the driveway even though they are never driven. It is hard to let go I'm sure. DH has a closet full of old film cameras and photography paraphernalia he no longer uses. I wasn't have a clue what to do with any of it if he passes on before I do.
My DH would be interested. He collects cameras +. Or he could tell you what has any value?
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