crcr wrote:
mowermech wrote:
"Go with a gas engine and avoid diesel at all costs. It costs more to repair a diesel engine than to completely replace a gas engine in a truck. It is also more difficult to find stations that pump diesel on the highway if you venture off the interstates."
I must disagree completely, based purely on personal experience. Many years ago I bought a 1995 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD that had 210,000 miles on it. We were full-timers at the time, towing a 32 foot triple slide fifth wheel and using the truck for our daily driver. The one time I weighed the rig, the total weight was 21,180 lbs.
Then, about 10 years ago, we settled down and got a couple horses. The truck was used mostly for hauling hay after that. I used to put 35 bales, at 65 to 75 pounds each, on the truck, and 100 bales on a flatbed trailer behind.
Over the years, I had to replace the alternator (twice), the water pump, and the serpentine belt.
I never had a problem finding diesel fuel on any state 2 lane highway in Montana, Washington, or California. In actuality, finding a station that did NOT have diesel fuel was more of a problem!
My son has the truck now. He converted it from 4.1 rear end ratio to 3.54, and is very happy with it. I think it is approaching 300K miles now, and still going strong.
while it may be true that a diesel is more expensive to repair or replace, it is also true that if it is properly taken care of, you will likely never have to repair or replace it. I didn't, and I can't really say that I took "PROPER" care of it!
If I were to look for a vehicle for heavy towing, it would certainly be a Dodge Ram CTD, 2003 to 2006, 3/4 ton or single wheel one ton. I simply would not consider any other truck!
But, at the moment and for the foreseeable future, the truck in my sig. is all I need.
Thanks! Is there some reason to avoid the Dodge Ram 5.9 pre-2003?
Not at all, just be sure it has a good Lift Pump (fuel Pump) that put out about 15 psi at all times.
I have had my 2001 5.9 for over three years, currently 267,000 miles we pull a 32' 11,000# 5er up and down the coastal range in Oregon.
Just ran up to Northern Washington to pick up a two horse slant goose neck horse trailer for my daughter. It has a dry weight listed as 5,200# I needed to keep looking to see if it was still back there.
The size trailer you are looking doesn't need a diesel to tow, gas will work just fine, you just need to stop more often for fuel. I get about 14 to 15 city, over 19 @ 65 on the highway, and 11 to 12 pulling the 11,000# 5er to the coast.
