It seems to me it would be more economical to rent a truck to haul things if you only need to do so occasionally. If you're a tradesman or a contractor yeah you will need to own a truck. If you're a white collar desk jockey? Come on now.

I'd much rather spend half as much on gas, make much smaller payments and then just pay U-Haul $100 or so for the one or two days a year I might need one (plus you can rent a much larger truck than a Silverado/F-150). So I drive a subcompact hatchback and rent a truck if/when I need one.

It's not even for the environment either. I just don't like sitting up high and I find large vehicles difficult to park and maneuver.