Forum Discussion

jeremyc50's avatar
jeremyc50
Explorer
Jul 20, 2020

Towing vehicle Ford vs GMC Dually Super Duty (used)

Let me start by saying I am NOT trying to start a fight. My family an I are converting to the full time RV life and are going to pull a heavy tow hauler across the country. I recently sold my 2014 Gas 350 and am looking for a solid dual rear wheel drive diesel. I'm struggling to find the most reliable truck that will get the job done and have pretty much eliminated Dodge from my wish list.

I'm looking for a used DRW 4x4 in the $35k to $45 range. I've narrowed down my search to three vehicles somewhat in my area. I'm familiar with the Ford issues, EGR, possible glow plug, etc. However I am not familiar with the reliability and common issues to look for on the GMs. Does anyone have experience or feedback on the best truck for the job that should give me the least headaches?

2014 Ford 350 Platinum 104,000 miles $43k
2011 GMC 3500 Denali 79,000 miles $37k
2016 Chevy LTZ 107,000 miles $42k

Thanks guys!
Tow Vehicles
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Jul 21, 2020
    ferndaleflyer wrote:
    Dodge? Up in the salt road country. I bought one for my shop a few years back. By the time the warranty ran out I had replaced the transmission and the brakes 3 times (25,000mi) and rust was already starting to show.....The Cummins engine will last forever but everything else will either break or rust to pieces. Thats my opinion of the Dodge.


    That’s gotta be the dumbest post I’ve seen in a while.
    I’ll take your post and raise you a 2007 Dodge, 175k, not through the second set of brakes yet, original rotors, spent 1/3 of its life in salt/mag/cinders winters. No rust original transmission.

    Again, just ignorant. And I’d say the same if you said Ford or GM.
    Some older models have issues. But.....do you research and leave the anecdotal stuff out of it. You’ll be better off for it.
  • ferndaleflyer's avatar
    ferndaleflyer
    Explorer III
    Jul 21, 2020
    A1 that was a long time ago. Maybe thats why the warranty you mention showed up. I live down South now and still see a northern car or truck that is rusted really bad. Salt, and now if one flake falls here they are out there with what they call brine----bad stuff for all vehicles.
  • Me_Again's avatar
    Me_Again
    Explorer III
    Jul 21, 2020
    2015 to 2018 RAM would be a great dually tow vehicle. Find one with the HO engine and Aisin tranny, 4:10 gears and the air ride rear suspension. In Laramie or higher trim level. I would not want a Dodge either seeings as they disappeared in 2011.
  • RetiredRealtorR's avatar
    RetiredRealtorR
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2020
    ferndaleflyer wrote:
    Dodge? Up in the salt road country. I bought one for my shop a few years back. By the time the warranty ran out I had replaced the transmission and the brakes 3 times (25,000mi) and rust was already starting to show.....The Cummins engine will last forever but everything else will either break or rust to pieces. Thats my opinion of the Dodge.


    Hmmm. Don't you see that as unusual for ANY vehicle, tranny and 3 sets of brakes in 25,000 miles? Really?? And rust starting to show in just 3 years? Do they still have Ziebart or similar in your area? When I lived in Michigan many MANY years ago, I always had my vehicles rustproofed, and never had a rust-through problem. I know the new Rams have a 3-yr inner panel and 5-yr outer panel anti-corrosion warranty. Were you able to get any satisfaction through the warranty on your rust issue?
  • ferndaleflyer's avatar
    ferndaleflyer
    Explorer III
    Jul 21, 2020
    Dodge? Up in the salt road country. I bought one for my shop a few years back. By the time the warranty ran out I had replaced the transmission and the brakes 3 times (25,000mi) and rust was already starting to show.....The Cummins engine will last forever but everything else will either break or rust to pieces. Thats my opinion of the Dodge.
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Jul 21, 2020
    jeremyc50 wrote:
    I'm familiar with the Ford issues, EGR, possible glow plug, etc.

    I think most of those issues had to do with the older 6.0L and 6.4L.
  • RetiredRealtorR's avatar
    RetiredRealtorR
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2020
    BurbMan wrote:
    Curious as to why you eliminated Dodge Ram?


    Me too. Frankly, that would've been #1 on my list.
  • ferndaleflyer's avatar
    ferndaleflyer
    Explorer III
    Jul 20, 2020
    I don't see the need for a 4X4 but I have owned both the Ford and the Chev DRW diesels and have had no trouble with the Ford I have now with 167,000mi on it. Last Chev blew a head gasket at 120,000mi. Other than that the Ford pulls and rides much better I think.
  • stickdog's avatar
    stickdog
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2020
    I would skip the 2011 GMC. The price difference is not enough to cover the lack of improvement of the 4-5 model years.

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