Pickup Truck +SUV Talk

Hosted by Tim Esterdahl

Business Leisure Automotive News Commentary

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Episodes

282

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

We cover the U.S. pickup truck and SUV market bringing you fun reviews, interesting tidbits and real consumer concerns about these vehicles.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 31, 202610 min

Toyota Tundra Owner Reports Engine Failure After Passing the Hammer Test. Unbelievable!

Send us Fan Mail A 2023 Toyota Tundra owner reports an engine failure roughly a month after passing the hammer test. Tim discusses the report, what remains unverified, and what the inspection checks. This episode also covers allegations in a Ram 1500 Hurricane ECM/PCM lawsuit, recent PUTT truck coverage, and upcoming Silverado and SEMA reports. The Tundra account is an owner report. We have not independently reviewed the repair order, inspection results, or Toyota findings. The Ram lawsuit contains allegations, not court findings. Sponsors: ScreenProTech: https://screenprotech.com/tim — use the offer discussed in this episode for 15% off. Angle Insurance: https://cal.com/josh-m/insurance-request?source=pickuptrucktalk Read the Tundra story: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2026/10/2023-tundra-engine-failure-after-hammer-test/ Truck news and reviews: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/ Newsletter and giveaway: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/monthly-giveaway Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/pickuptrucktalk Forum: https://forum.pickuptrucktalk.com/ Support the show

October 23, 202614 min

GM 6.2L V8 Recall: Is It Hurting Truck Resale Value?

Send us Fan Mail Are GM’s 6.2L V8 engine failures affecting truck resale value? I compare Kelley Blue Book estimates for 2023, 2024 and 2025 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate trucks, explain the recall and investigation context, and look at what the numbers can—and cannot—tell us. Then we catch up on this week’s truck news, diesel technology and upcoming reviews. Sponsored by ScreenProTech. Save 15% with our sponsor/affiliate link: https://screenprotech.com/tim These are price-guide estimates, not completed sales or a measured recall penalty. Age, mileage, equipment and original pricing affect the comparison; similar estimates do not prove the recall had no effect. Full story and appraisal methodology: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2026/10/gm-6-2l-resale-value-engine-recall/ Recorded October 23, 2026. 0:00 Is the GM 6.2L recall hurting resale? 1:03 Recall and investigation context 3:55 Engine teardown and aftermarket questions 4:35 How I compared the KBB estimates 5:21 ScreenProTech sponsor 5:49 What the resale numbers show 7:29 Toyota Tundra resale comparison 8:04 Giveaway and truck research tools 9:15 This week’s truck coverage 10:20 EPA 2027 and diesel technology 11:54 F-150 V8 correction and upcoming coverage 13:38 Wrap-up More truck news and owner resources: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/ Monthly giveaway: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/monthly-giveaway Forum: https://forum.pickuptrucktalk.com/ Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/pickuptrucktalk Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/pickuptrucktalk/?sub_confirmation=1 Watch the video: https://youtu.be/SXJSrSL-DvU Support the show

October 20, 202626 min

EPA 2027 and the Future of Commercial Diesel: A Conversation with Daimler

Send us Fan Mail What will EPA 2027 mean for the engines that keep freight moving? Aaron Turpen talks with Dan Potter, head of emissions compliance at Daimler Truck North America, about Detroit Gen 6, emissions warranties, DEF derates and the uncertainty around EPA’s proposed changes. This discussion concerns heavy-duty commercial engines. It should not be read as a blanket description of pickup-truck warranties or emissions requirements. Dan explains Daimler’s position; manufacturer claims and views remain attributed to Daimler. IMPORTANT CONTEXT: Proposed amendments are not final law. The interview retains Dan’s explanation of that distinction. The EPA highway-vehicle greenhouse-gas repeal discussed here occurred in February 2026; the speaker says a different year in the recording; February 2026 is the corrected date shown in the original video. Separate fuel-economy requirements are also discussed. CHAPTERS 0:00 2027 diesel emissions with Dan Potter 0:38 Detroit Gen 6: evolution, not a clean-sheet engine 4:39 Planning through regulatory uncertainty 7:20 Proposed emissions-warranty changes 9:11 Useful life and truck durability 9:59 DEF derates: current updates and future proposals 12:30 What is proposed versus legally in effect? 13:14 NOx reduction and regulatory development 14:39 EPA greenhouse-gas rules and fuel economy 17:23 Nonconformance penalties: Daimler’s position 21:35 Planning beyond 2027 23:01 Closing thoughts More truck news and interviews: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/ Watch the original interview: https://youtu.be/t8fZBF_VGk8 Follow Pickup Truck + SUV Talk in your podcast app for more conversations with engineers and truck-industry experts. Source material: Daimler Truck North America regulatory presentation and images supplied with Aaron’s reporting. EPA proposal: https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/proposed-rule-amendments-and-nonconformance-penalties EPA February 2026 final action: https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/final-rule-rescission-greenhouse-gas-endangerment #Diesel #DetroitDiesel #myoriginalcontent Support the show

October 19, 202619 min

8.0L Power Stroke by 2029? Four Clues Behind My Ford Diesel Prediction

Send us Fan Mail Could Ford introduce an 8.0L Power Stroke by 2029? Tim Esterdahl walks through four clues behind his prediction: Power Stroke history, GM’s new Duramax, information from Shell’s technology center, and changing diesel emissions requirements. The 8.0L displacement, 550 horsepower and 1,400 lb-ft of torque discussed here are PUTT predictions—not specifications confirmed by Ford. This episode also includes our Friday truck-news recap. 00:00 My 2029 Power Stroke prediction 01:37 Power Stroke history 03:26 ScreenProTech sponsor and giveaway 04:27 GM Duramax and the displacement question 06:29 Clues from Shell’s technology center 12:08 How dual DEF dosing works 14:35 EPA 2027 and my prediction 17:18 This week’s truck news Sponsored by ScreenProTech: https://screenprotech.com/tim Truck news and our monthly giveaway: https://pickuptrucktalk.com Watch the video: https://youtu.be/zsCllXXhKKw Support the show

October 10, 202619 min

Red-Dyed Diesel: Fuel Savings, Warranty Risks and What Truck Owners Need to Know

Send us Fan Mail Is red-dyed diesel a worthwhile option for your pickup? In this Truck News Recap, Tim Esterdahl explains why fuel compatibility, taxes, state permission and warranty coverage are separate questions. Hear the practical concerns behind the headlines, including fuel specifications, contamination, deferred taxes and the different owner-manual warnings for Ford, GM and Ram. We also catch up on Ram REV, truck sales, recent reviews and upcoming reporting trips. Recorded October 9, 2026. A tax deferral is not automatic forgiveness. Eligibility depends on applicable guidance and state rules. Warranty exclusions discussed concern damage from improper, contaminated or noncompliant fuel, not automatic cancellation of all truck coverage. Sponsored by Screen ProTech: https://ScreenProTech.com/tim This episode contains a paid sponsor message; this is our sponsor/affiliate link. Read the reporting: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2026/10/red-dyed-diesel-truck-savings-trump-order/ https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2026/10/red-dyed-diesel-warranty-truck-manuals/ WDRB Louisville, Kentucky, mentioned for Tim's planned TV appearance: https://www.wdrb.com/ This station homepage is not a link to an already-published interview. More truck coverage: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/ Join the discussion: https://forum.pickuptrucktalk.com/ Cars and SUVs: https://wetalkcars.com/ Support the show

October 3, 202616 min

Ram Cuts Its 2027 Warranty: What Truck Buyers Need to Know

Send us Fan Mail Ram is walking back one of its biggest selling points. In this Truck News Recap, Tim Esterdahl breaks down the end of Ram’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for 2027, what that means for shoppers considering a 2026 truck, and the differences in diesel coverage across Ram, Ford, Chevrolet and GMC. Then we dig into the 2027 Ford F-150’s engine changes, GM’s latest diesel and gas-engine news, and what Tim learned about engine development and testing. There’s also a practical discussion of trailer-brake setup and the reliability and transmission questions truck owners still want answered. Recorded October 2, 2026. IN THIS EPISODE 00:00 Ram’s 10-year warranty is ending 00:26 This week’s truck news recap 00:57 New vehicle research tools 02:07 What changes for 2027 Ram buyers 03:41 Comparing diesel warranties 04:47 Why the longer warranty is going away 05:25 ScreenProTech giveaway and screen protection 06:33 2027 Ford F-150 engine changes 08:45 GM coverage and trailer-brake setup 10:00 Duramax and HD gas V8 news 11:00 How GM develops and tests engines 13:19 Reliability and transmission questions 15:13 Becoming better-informed truck buyers READ MORE Ram warranty story: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2026/10/2027-ram-trucks-lose-one-of-their-biggest-selling-points-the-10-year-100k-mile-warranty/ Truck news and vehicle research: https://pickuptrucktalk.com Cars and unibody SUVs: https://wetalkcars.com SPONSOR Save 15% on ScreenProTech screen protection: https://screenprotech.com/tim Follow Pickup Truck + SUV Talk in your podcast app for more truck news, reviews and conversations with the people behind the vehicles. Support the show

October 1, 20261 hr 7 min

2027 Silverado & Sierra: I Asked GM—Now Ask Me Anything

Send us Fan Mail Tim Esterdahl answers questions about the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra in this replay of Tuesday’s livestream, “2027 Silverado & Sierra: I Asked GM—Now Ask Me Anything.” Truck news, owner stories and buying advice: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/ More car and SUV coverage: https://wetalkcars.com/ Support the show

September 18, 202620 min

GM’s New V8s: Tough Questions, Towing Surprises and Silverado Prices

Send us Fan Mail GM’s new V8 engines bring more power—and plenty of questions. Fresh from GM’s powertrain event in Flint, Tim Esterdahl breaks down what engineers told him, what remains unanswered, and what it means for truck owners. In this week’s Truck News Recap: • Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), lifter concerns and the revised oiling system • Why GM is dropping the physical oil dipstick • Direct injection, port injection and intake-valve carbon buildup • Why the 6.6L V8’s towing rating surprised Tim • 2027 Chevrolet Silverado pricing and the High Country price increase • GM’s use of manufacturing data and AI to improve engine quality • Ram news, a 323,000-mile Hemi owner story, and a Ram truck dealership in Germany Sponsored by Screen ProTech: https://screenprotech.com/tim This is our sponsor/affiliate link. Watch this recap on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2c2jWjOONZ4 Watch the GM powertrain video: https://youtu.be/wdTGZ_QoLlI Watch the RTR Ram Truck Ranch interview: https://youtu.be/iRBxqhF3PI0 Truck news, owner stories and buying advice: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/ More car and SUV coverage: https://wetalkcars.com/ Support the show

September 4, 202622 min

I Ordered a 2027 Chevy Silverado High Country: Here’s Why

Send us Fan Mail I ordered my next truck: a 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country. In this episode, I explain why I chose Chevy over GMC and Toyota, why timing pushed me into the High Country trim, and the exact engine, color and towing configuration I ordered. CHAPTERS 0:00 I ordered a new truck 0:45 The trucks I considered 2:10 Why Chevrolet instead of GMC 3:20 The new Silverado V8 decision 4:10 Ordering through Kelley Chevrolet 5:20 Why I chose High Country 7:05 Pacific Blue and the 6.6L V8 8:25 Max Trailering availability 9:10 The 3.23 rear axle explained 11:05 Delivery timing and estimated price 13:25 Screen ProTech giveaway and PUTT updates 15:25 This week in truck news 20:30 Germany programming note Save 15% on a Screen ProTech screen protector: https://screenprotech.com/tim Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/pickuptrucktalk Visit the Pickup Truck + SUV Talk website: https://www.pickuptrucktalk.com Support the show

August 21, 202611 min

GM 6.2L V8 Investigation Escalates, Tundra Hammer Test and Super Duty Engine Changes

Send us Fan Mail NHTSA has escalated its investigation into GM’s 6.2-liter L87 V8, moving the case into an engineering analysis that could affect nearly one million Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac trucks and SUVs. Tim Esterdahl explains what the expanded federal investigation means for GM owners and whether the current recall remedy is resolving the engine problems. This week’s truck news also covers Toyota technicians using a hammer test on recalled Tundra engines, Ford Super Duty engine changes, GM’s updated 8-speed transmission repair procedure, proposed California tire-efficiency rules, new recalls and other important pickup truck and SUV stories. Sponsored by Screen ProTech. Save 10% at https://screenprotech.com/tim More truck and SUV news: https://pickuptrucktalk.com #GMRecall #TruckNews #PickupTrucks Support the show