Forum Discussion

zell66's avatar
zell66
Explorer
Oct 06, 2017

Ford F-350 or Ram 3500, DRW vs. SRW

ok I want a no bashing forum!!

I have $25,000 or so to spend and have narrowed it down to a Ram 3500 or F-350. 2011 or newer, crew cab.

now the hard part. What is the better truck for the long haul. I mean years of RV'ing, cost and type of maintenance, ride comfort and load capacity.

We are looking at ether a 2008 Keystone Mountaineer 345 DBQ or a 2010 Open Range 399BHS. Both trucks can handle the TT.

I would like sound arguments one way or the other, PLEASE no bashing on truck over the other.
Tow Vehicles
  • C_Schomer's avatar
    C_Schomer
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2017
    I went from a 97 CTD to an 03. I skipped 98.5- 2002 so I could get the HO 305, 6 spd and it's a towing monster... especially after a few smart mods. I also avoided the 51 block and VP44 pump. Craig
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Oct 06, 2017
    zell66 wrote:
    Cummins12V98 wrote:
    2001.5-2002 RAM 2500 or 3500DRW with the HO and 6 speed is a combo that can't be beat.


    Why is this such a good combination?


    Most every one of these has had the lift pump replaced and the pump replaced. Lift pump was the issue that caused the pump to fail. The 24V Cummins 5.9 is VERY dependable.

    The years listed they have rear disk brakes. Also the 6 speed manual of that era is butter proof.

    Also end of the 2nd gen truck so they have all the upgrades.

    Nice ones will easily sell for 20-25K.
  • Halmfamily's avatar
    Halmfamily
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2017
    We purchased our 2008 GMC in Sig nearly 4 years ago with 120000 miles for $29000. Been agrat truck with only the number 8 glow plug failing, 20 minute fix. Be patient, the deals are out there. I've been offered $32000 cash for truck, so there is a demand.
  • zell66's avatar
    zell66
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2017
    03 to 10 Ford's are **** if you don't bullet proof them. What are dodges most reliable years?
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Oct 06, 2017
    $25k to spend on a 2011 or newer 1ton crew cab? Look for a 2wd gasser with under 100k miles.
    If you want diesel/4x4 you'll be getting an ex hot shot truck with mucho mas millas.

    $25k, imo look for a southern, pre 08 low mile Duramax/Alli or Cummins with a stick. You should find a good one for around 25 with 100kmiles if you search.

    Btw, not bashing, just know how much these stupid trucks cost.
  • zell66's avatar
    zell66
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2017
    250000 on a deisle is not bad from what I have read. But that his my range. Or would consider a 2002 F-350 with a 7.3
  • garyp4951's avatar
    garyp4951
    Explorer III
    Oct 06, 2017
    Thats a lot of miles on that truck, and the 2011's had turbo, and cracked intake runner problems.
  • zell66's avatar
    zell66
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2017
    My preference at this point would be a 2011 or newer F-350 with the 6.7
  • kerrlakeRoo's avatar
    kerrlakeRoo
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2017
    I believe the ones suggesting older trucks may be largely doing it as a suggestion to avoid the models which have the "improvements" courtesy of the EPA. DEF and otherwise.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,030 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 20, 2025