Need help finding the right truck

donn0128 wrote:
2002 to 2005 3500 SRW Cummins/manual.

Why did you include the 2002 second gen with the third gens. The 2001.5 with disc brakes and front axle disconnect was the best of bread of the 2nd gens. 2002 lost the CAD. Chris

I sure sympathize. We just upgraded to a fifth wheel few weeks ago and it was the easy part. finding the truck was the hard part. I was looking for a one ton dually with a gas motor because I had a smaller budget. it was hard. 3/4 tons were much more plentiful. Id stay away from 5.4 with fords. I got the v10 in 2008 and I'm happy. my trailer is 9000 dry. gm 6.0 would be great. I was told the 5 speed is way to go. ive heard great things about a ram with a hemi. really with your budget you could get into a diesel just stay clear of ford 6.0 or 6.4. I saw some good gm with duramax in that range.

You won't be sorry getting a 1 ton SRW for a rig that size. Lots of 3/4 ton rigs can do the job too, but you will appreciate the difference in how secure you feel at the wheel.

Definitely get something with tow/haul, or engine brakes of some kind. It's not unusual to get a bigger truck, then a bigger, or heavier fifth wheel comes along, and you are ready for it.

Dancpaul wrote:
Thanks all for the great advise. I have been going batty looking at trucks in that range and not sure what to go with. I a have my eye on. 2008 Chevy 2500 that may do the trick.

A 4.10 rear axle will work best with the GM 6.0, but may not be a deal breaker with your size trailer.

Jerry

Thanks all for the great advise. I have been going batty looking at trucks in that range and not sure what to go with. I a have my eye on. 2008 Chevy 2500 that may do the trick.

Any 3/4 or 1 ton SRW truck would work, and since you're buying used I think you can get a better deal on a gas truck. Most people want a 4wd crew cab truck, so you can also get a better deal if you can use a different configuration like a super cab. I think for $25k you can get a pretty good truck. All the gas motors/transmissions seem to have pretty good reputations.

On the Rams the 2013 or older 2500s or 2012 or older 3500s had weak front ends that were part of that buyback deal, so if you go that route you may need to put some money into front end components along the way.

There are a few half tons floating around that could handle that size fifth wheel, but finding one configured right used could be a bear and I doubt they'd any cheaper than a heavy duty model. I'd personally go with a heavy duty model.

You should be able to find a good GM 2500 with 6.0 for that money. Another good find, although harder, would be a 250/350 Ford V10. Another possible option, would be a 2011 250 with 6.2, although it might be pushing the 25K.

Jerry

2002 to 2005 3500 SRW Cummins/manual.