Ordering New Dodge
I've finally decided that I'm going to buy a new Dodge with the 6.4 Hemi. While I won't suffer from fill-up sticker shock with it's smaller 34 gal tank, I realize I will suffer from mpg shock, though expecting 9-10 hauling and 15-17 empty. Figure I will still have about a 230 mile range with a 25% reserve left which should be plenty regardless of where I go in my travels.
So far, here is what I have picked out:
Tradesman or SLT: Prefer the manual 4wd shift on the tradesman, but would like to have the split rear folding seat. Need to see if the electronic shift can be deleted from the SLT as it would make the selection a lot easier.
SRW: Realize this will limit to about a 10' TC and empty dry weight of 3,000#, but DW and I have found our little 815 works well space wise. With a 5,600# front axle and 6,800# rear axle and 11,300# GVWR, should actually be able to keep away from the weight police. Just want a little more tank capacity without losing the park in normal space ability.
4wd: Getting a truck without 4wd to me is like getting one without an engine or steering wheel - just toatlly useless.
Long bed: To minimize overhang and maximize handling characteristic.
Quad Cab: Have to have the extra bit of back seat storage. Besides, we may have grand kids that we want to take camping with us before we are done with this truck.
4.10 axle: While I'm sure the 3.73 would handle the weight of a 3,000# TC most of the time and occasionally a 2,800# boat. I'm thinking I won't lose that much mileage as the engine will work less and be in the torque band a little better since I tend to ride max of 60 but prefer 50 on the backroads. Plus, with the MSDS, it should engage more often with the 4.10. Still looking at the number, may be better with the 3.73 and dropping a gear to get the revs where they need to be.
6.4 engine: Just don't need the power of the diesel, plus my calcs over 6 years and 100,000 miles, the ownership cost is close enough not to worry about (figure purchase, fuel, def, maintenance, and resale). Plus, the truck will go to one of my daughters once I'm done with it and they need one that will be cheaper to repair once out of warranty.
Trans: Has to be an auto and the only one offered is the 66RFE. Hear it is a dendependable trans that should give a good life. Do like the spin on filters.
Color: This is becoming a tough one. My daughter has advised not getting a dark gray as they blend in too much and have more accidents. White seems to boring even for a boring guy like me. Baby blue just seems long on a big truck. Hmm, who would have ever thought the toughest thing to decide was the color.
Thoughts?
So far, here is what I have picked out:
Tradesman or SLT: Prefer the manual 4wd shift on the tradesman, but would like to have the split rear folding seat. Need to see if the electronic shift can be deleted from the SLT as it would make the selection a lot easier.
SRW: Realize this will limit to about a 10' TC and empty dry weight of 3,000#, but DW and I have found our little 815 works well space wise. With a 5,600# front axle and 6,800# rear axle and 11,300# GVWR, should actually be able to keep away from the weight police. Just want a little more tank capacity without losing the park in normal space ability.
4wd: Getting a truck without 4wd to me is like getting one without an engine or steering wheel - just toatlly useless.
Long bed: To minimize overhang and maximize handling characteristic.
Quad Cab: Have to have the extra bit of back seat storage. Besides, we may have grand kids that we want to take camping with us before we are done with this truck.
4.10 axle: While I'm sure the 3.73 would handle the weight of a 3,000# TC most of the time and occasionally a 2,800# boat. I'm thinking I won't lose that much mileage as the engine will work less and be in the torque band a little better since I tend to ride max of 60 but prefer 50 on the backroads. Plus, with the MSDS, it should engage more often with the 4.10. Still looking at the number, may be better with the 3.73 and dropping a gear to get the revs where they need to be.
6.4 engine: Just don't need the power of the diesel, plus my calcs over 6 years and 100,000 miles, the ownership cost is close enough not to worry about (figure purchase, fuel, def, maintenance, and resale). Plus, the truck will go to one of my daughters once I'm done with it and they need one that will be cheaper to repair once out of warranty.
Trans: Has to be an auto and the only one offered is the 66RFE. Hear it is a dendependable trans that should give a good life. Do like the spin on filters.
Color: This is becoming a tough one. My daughter has advised not getting a dark gray as they blend in too much and have more accidents. White seems to boring even for a boring guy like me. Baby blue just seems long on a big truck. Hmm, who would have ever thought the toughest thing to decide was the color.
Thoughts?
