High Mileage Heroes: Pickup Trucks That Have Driven Over a Million Miles
Pickup trucks have long been a staple of the automotive world, evolving from early utility vehicles to some of road’s most dependable machines. The first pickup, built in 1902 by Rapid Motors, set the stage for a century of innovation. Today, many owners push their trucks to the limits, logging incredible distances. While brands like Toyota and Nissan are known for their reliability, some American pickups have also proven their impressive longevity as well.
One truck in particular has reached an astonishing 1.6 million miles and its owner reports it’s still going strong. Here’s a look at some of the record-breaking, high-mileage pickup trucks:
- Victor Sheppard’s 2014 Toyota Tundra – 900,000 Miles
- Engine: 5.7-Liter V8
- Horsepower: 381 HP
- Torque: 401 LB-FT
Despite racking up 900,000 miles, Sheppard’s Tundra has maintained its original engine, requiring only minor transmission work. This is a testament to the model’s durability.
- Hoovies Garage’s 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel – 995,000 Miles
- Engine: 5.9-Liter Cummins Turbo Diesel
- Horsepower: 235 HP
- Torque: 460 LB-FT
This Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel nearly reached 1 million miles, with over 200 recorded maintenance procedures. It’s a remarkable feat for any vehicle.
- Aaron Morvant’s 2007 Toyota Tundra – 1 Million Miles
- Engine: 4.7-Liter V8
- Horsepower: 271 HP
- Torque: 313 LB-FT
As an oil field truck, Morvant’s Tundra clocked over 100,000 miles annually, finally hitting the million-mile mark. Its heavy-duty use proves the truck’s strong build.
- Hot Shot Delivery Man’s 2007 Toyota Tundra – 1 Million Miles
- Engine: 4.7-Liter V8
- Horsepower: 271 HP
- Torque: 313 LB-FT
This Toyota Tundra also reached the million-mile milestone with only minor repairs, like replacing the alternator and water pump. It is a strong example of maintaining a car.
- Bryan Murphy’s 2007 Nissan Frontier – 1 Million Miles
- Engine: 2.5-Liter Inline 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 152 HP
- Torque: 171 LB-FT
Murphy’s manual transmission Nissan Frontier made history by reaching 1 million miles. Its original clutch lasted an amazing 800,000 miles!
- 1997 Dodge Cummins Hauler – 1.2 Million Miles
- Engine: 5.9-Liter 12-Valve Cummins
- Horsepower: 215 HP
- Torque: 460 LB-FT
This Dodge Cummins Hauler primarily served as a towing vehicle and still runs strong now with only minimal engine modifications. It’s a testament to the quality of the original components.
- Frank Oresnik’s 1991 Chevy Silverado – 1.29 Million Miles
- Engine: 5.7-Liter V8
- Horsepower: 210 HP
- Torque: 300 LB-FT
Oresnik used his Chevy Silverado 1500 for fish deliveries, racking up nearly 1.29 million miles. Over the vehicle’s lifetime, it endured 400 oil changes and several radiator replacements. This shows the importance of regular maintenance.
- PowerStroke Tech Talk 2013 Ford F-350 – 1.3 Million Miles
- Engine: 6.7-Liter V8 Diesel
- Horsepower: 400 HP
- Torque: 800 LB-FT
This 2013 Ford F-350 Lariat diesel truck clocked over 1.3 million miles with only transmission and transfer case replacements. Additionally, the original engine remained intact, which proves the truck’s durability.
- John Freeland’s 2000 Ford F-350 – 1.3 Million Miles
- Engine: 7.3-Liter V8 Diesel
- Horsepower: 250 HP
- Torque: 500 LB-FT
Freeland’s Ford F-350 dually has been running strong since 2000. He meticulously kept records of his truck’s mileage and maintenance, ensuring its longevity with minimal replacements. This proves the importance of diligent ownership.
- Mike Neal’s 2008 Toyota Tacoma – 1.625 Million Miles
- Engine: 2.7-Liter Inline 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 159 HP
- Torque: 180 LB-FT
Neal’s 2008 Toyota Tacoma holds the record for the highest mileage among pickup trucks, going over 1.625 million miles. The engine was replaced at 880,000 miles. Despite heavy use, the vehicle was primarily original and well-maintained. This Tacoma sets the standard for longevity.
These trucks demonstrate that, with proper care, vehicles can last for decades. Whether it’s a Toyota, Ford, or Chevy, the key to longevity lies in routine maintenance, timely part replacements, and keeping up with regular servicing.
