Used Truck - Opinions Needed

otrfun wrote:

SeaTracy wrote:
Hello,

I spent the better part of the last 6 months looking at class As for my family. However, I finally have decided that I just don't trust a class A traveling with more than 2 people, especially one in a car seat. We've now switched to looking at 5th wheels or travel trailers (most likely 5th wheel).

We don't currently have a vehicle that could tow a FW and I've never owned a pickup. I'm looking at used trucks in the 15k - 25k price range. This looks to put me in the 2003 - 2005 model years.

Does anyone have thoughts on trucks during these model years? Any to stay away from? We're planning on a crew cab with a long bed. Any general concerns with buying 10+ year old car to tow? We live in the NW, so will have to deal with mountains, rain and snow if that matters.

Thanks!

--Tracy

Can you come up with a few thousand more? How about a new 3/4 ton truck with zero miles for $27.5k-$29k with a full 3/36 bumper-to-bumper, 5/100 powertrain warranty instead of a used $25k potential POS with no warranty?

MSRP for a bare bones 2015 Ram 2500 5.7 hemi 4x2 CC SB is approx. $34k (payload 2650/2650 lbs., tow 11,480/13480 lbs. with the 3.73/4.10 rear end).

MSRP for a bare bones 2015 Ram 2500 6.4 hemi 4x2 CC SB is approx. $36k (payload 3590/3590 lbs., tow 12920/15920 lbs. with the 3.73/4.10 rear end).

There are a number of dealers that would probably discount both of these trucks below $30k. They won't be pretty. They'll have vinyl seats, vinyl flooring, ugly wheels, and very little chrome, but they'll pull a 5th wheel. Might have to watch your numbers with the 5.7, but the 6.4 will easily pull your average 5th wheel.

Well we are not all utilitarian!

We found a great 2001 Ram SLT Laramie, almost fully loaded, no leather, no alarm, for a very good price. It moves our 32' 5er at 11,000# great, usually at the speed limit up 6% grades.