Best Gas Truck 4 Pulling

River rat,

You bring up a concern of mine, which is discussed at length in my thread I linked. I heard some bad things about the standard Dodge transmission, 66RFE or 68RFE, as well. Been researching tow vehicles online and on foot, test driving, visiting large volume dealers out of town, etc. for a month.

When poking around here, Airforums (Airstream), and Dodge specific forums like DodgeRamz and Cumminsforum, I'm not seeing much to support the poor reputation I had heard of regarding the standard Dodge transmission. Heard from many folks that actually had contrary opinions. 160,000 miles, 60,000 towing, never had an issue, type of stuff.

But yes, it's on my radar as well now that our focus has shifted towards the Dodge 2500 mega cab. I called local sales guy the other day and asked him to find out if I could get the optional AISIN transmission if I ordered a truck with 6.4 Hemi.

The fact that Dodge is only manufacturer I know of that offers an upgraded transmission is concerning enough. But they only package, special orders for most part, with the diesel. Even then only on the 3500 series. Not holding my breath, but I was curious enough to ask.

Final thoughts. I suspect that many issues with the standard transmission are young kids hoping up their trucks, custom tuners, and such. I'm only 42, but you know what I'm saying. I sought out folks with issues, and was empty handed.



Dan
NC

RiverRat78 wrote:
He said they had to quit using Dodge because they had to keep replacing transmissions. I love Dodge however my last one I had to replace the transmission and the one before that I had a bad front end that I couldn't get it right. Again I love Dodge just worried about maintenance costs. I thought if I put a bigger trans cooler on the Dodge I might be able to keep the trans from going out. Has anyone else had issues with trans in Dodge and if so have you found any tricks to keep it from going out?

Sure, the trick is to not buy a Dodge, err, Ram. I don't get the "I love my tool but it keeps breaking." Especially when the competition outclasses them in just about every metric and will be more reliable to boot. There is a reason Chrysler has gone bankrupt 2 times in the past 30 years. Building quality vehicles is not what they do.

I agree with others here, Buy bigger! Forget the 1/2 tons and buy more truck. You don't want to always worry about being overloaded and what you can haul and you may want to trade up on the camper one day.

Not sure what gas engines are even in trucks anymore. My 5.7 Tundra has plenty power for our 28QB. I bought my trailer based on my truck. If I were to buy a new truck today it would be 3/4-1ton. My tundra is awesome and tows fine, but I just want the extra overhead the larger truck will provide. Plus the extra payload while towing would be nice.

You guys are great, love the info! First question, some how I have my profile set up to not allow pictures due to size limit how do I fix that? Second thing, while I was at the camper store the guy said they use 50 some odd trucks to move campers from one location to another. He said they had to quit using Dodge because they had to keep replacing transmissions. I love Dodge however my last one I had to replace the transmission and the one before that I had a bad front end that I couldn't get it right. Again I love Dodge just worried about maintenance costs. I thought if I put a bigger trans cooler on the Dodge I might be able to keep the trans from going out. Has anyone else had issues with trans in Dodge and if so have you found any tricks to keep it from going out?

RiverRat78 wrote:
Again thanks for all the replies guys. Glad I asked this question didn't think of all this other stuff. Yes I'll have my wife, three kids, my 90lbs chocolate lab, fire wood, fishing tackle, and cooking stuff I'll be towing along also. .

Same here. Buying 27' Airstream. Got two kids. German shepherd.

Dodge Mega Cab!!!

Take a look at one soon. Suspect you will like it:)


Good info here from other posters..

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28492703/srt/pa/pging/1/page/6.cfm



Dan

RiverRat78 wrote:
Hello first time posting. I'm excited I just bought our first TT and excited to do some camping. My wife and I bought a 2011 Heartland North Trail 28' bunk house and pick it up on Wednesday. At the moment I have a 2004 Silverado with over load springs and 3.73 gears. Problem is the truck only has 4.8v8. Next spring I got the okay to get a bigger truck so I'm trying to research what to get. I been thinking a 2500 gasser but was told the Toyota Tundra would out pull the 2500 gas motors. Not looking to win any races just looking for longevity and something that doesn't rust out quickly.

Sounds like a nice camper! You guys must be excited.

First thing, forget the Tundra. I don't care what anyone tells you. It's limiting issue is payload and you didn't buy a small camper. We loved the Tundra, loved it. But it's payload is a joke, less than the Suburban or Expedition EL we initially wanted. Great truck, the Tundra, no doubt. But poor payload and most folks towing decent sized campers are exceeding payload in my opinion.


Any 3/4 ton truck today should offer lots. I'm leaning towards the dodge 2500 mega cab with 6.4 Hemi. It's only $1400 over the standard 5.7 Hemi. 410 HP. Lots of great info on it in my thread 'does my usage warrant diesel" thread in towing vehicles forum.

Don't let folks make you think diesel is needed. It's an easy trap to fall into and not without consequence. They are powerful and some folks need them, but most that buy them simply want one. Which is fine.


Dan

I can honestly say that not many, if any, gasoline powered trucks can out tow my 2009 F-250 CC 6.8L/4.10. My recommendation is on a F-250 or comparable 2500 series truck for payload and comfort/stability on the journey.

OP, the Tundra with the 5.7 has tons of power. You won't be disappointed with the engine or transmission, that's for sure. Like others said though, the limiting factor on a half ton is the low payload. You and your wife, kids, a big dog, firewood... that adds up to a lot of weight. I would guess you will be over payload on a Tundra. The engine is up to the task... but everything else isn't as stout as a 3/4 ton.

I just traded my Tundra on a Ram 2500 last week. I was over my payload with everything we bring camping now. The 3/4 ton Ram should be a better match with my heavier trailer and all the gear we bring with us now.

Do yourself a favor and look at the 3/4 ton offerings. My FIL tows with a Chevy 6.0 and has no complaints. The Ford 6.2 is a proven engine. The Ram 5.7 is proven, and the new 6.4 looks to be a very nice option as well. Any one of those trucks will tow your rig just fine. Expect 9-11 mpgs AT BEST with a gas engine, a couple worse if you are in hilly terrain.

Put your family in a couple trucks, find one that is comfortable for you. Make sure you get at least a 30 gallon gas tank too... those trucks are thirsty!

Congrats on the new rig!!!!

Definitely go with a 2500/250 since you are looking for a nice, used truck. Finding a F150 with the max tow and hd payload option or GM 1500 with the max tow package could be very tough!!!

BUT..... Don't rule out a 3500/350 srw either!!! About the same price as a 2500/250, but more payload for extra firewood or a larger trailer in a few years!!!

As mentioned, it can't be stressed enough it is all about the payload if the truck when towing... Passengers, dog(s), cargo in the truck, the hitch system, and the trailer tongue weight all are included in the trucks payload..... Weight adds up quick!!! The 1500/150's all have plenty of power, just not enough suspension once you start loading up with a growing family (kids only get bigger and weigh more), toys, bikes, firewood, etc....

Good luck!!!