Why you chose the TV you did
I'm starting my research to purchase another TV; it will be a 350/3500 dually 4x4 and a KR, LH or High Country. Prices range from $65k-$70k. Needless to say, the decision is not that easy. The plan...
Forum Discussion
I finally drove a 15 F350 Platinum daully with the 4.30 gears. Here's my unbiased opinions about the big 3:
All 3 are average $66,000 ($65-$67), and are more than capeable of pulling what I need, which may be a Cedar Creek now (working a deal to get a very clean 2005). The differences:
Ford:
+ most comfortable seats, by far; think air pad v/s memory foam and you get the gist. Litterally, the second I sat in the seat, I sank in slightly and the seat immediatlly coddled every part that it touched. I could go for days in that seat without getting tired.
+ best work features; TFT display, interior controllablility and adjustablility, best mirrors, best brake controller layout.
+ huge back seat
+ quiet
+ still offers a sizeable fuel tank, even with DEF tank in same location
- can't see anything but plastic when looking at the top of the engine; block/heads and ground are not visible. To repair that engine, you need to pull the cab; major $$$
- questionable long term reliability. Issues from first couple of jobs seem to be fixed, but do I want to take that chance, spend nearly $70 large, on a gamble?
+ and - ride; even on smooth roads had most movement/shudder, but still better than my single. Loaded should be much better
- highest potential MSRP
- even top level 450 can't match top dog 3500 Ram hauling/towing capacities
GM twins:
+ best powertrain combo; not so much the engine or trans by themselves (though Allison does get the nod for best trans of the 3) but by the way they work together to control the load.
+ very nice interior update; feels worth the cost
+ quiestest of the bunch; can't hear of feel the engine at idle with door shut
+ good ride quality for a dually
+ tech features; ability to control where you put the heat so you don't burn your butt
+ sizeable fuel tank
+ lowest MSRP
- smallest back seat
- hard, uncomfortable leather and worst padding of the 3
- uplevel trims not really that special; leather is not an improvement for the cash
- lowest towing capacity
Ram:
+ highest capacity; rivals MD trucks
+ most durable diesel (proven by number of industrial applications for, essentially, the same engine)
+ most suspension and powertrain options
+ comfortable, durable interiors with most cab configurations
+ superior dually ride without air assist
+ strongest gas engines
- longevity of transmissions still a question to me
- smallest fuel tanks; saw a regular cab dually with a tank smaller than 30 gallons this weekend
- noisiest cab
- tire brands (Firestone and Nexen; Ford and GM are using Michelins, and Ford also offers Toyo AT on some packages)
Just my opinions and observations.
All 3 are average $66,000 ($65-$67), and are more than capeable of pulling what I need, which may be a Cedar Creek now (working a deal to get a very clean 2005). The differences:
Ford:
+ most comfortable seats, by far; think air pad v/s memory foam and you get the gist. Litterally, the second I sat in the seat, I sank in slightly and the seat immediatlly coddled every part that it touched. I could go for days in that seat without getting tired.
+ best work features; TFT display, interior controllablility and adjustablility, best mirrors, best brake controller layout.
+ huge back seat
+ quiet
+ still offers a sizeable fuel tank, even with DEF tank in same location
- can't see anything but plastic when looking at the top of the engine; block/heads and ground are not visible. To repair that engine, you need to pull the cab; major $$$
- questionable long term reliability. Issues from first couple of jobs seem to be fixed, but do I want to take that chance, spend nearly $70 large, on a gamble?
+ and - ride; even on smooth roads had most movement/shudder, but still better than my single. Loaded should be much better
- highest potential MSRP
- even top level 450 can't match top dog 3500 Ram hauling/towing capacities
GM twins:
+ best powertrain combo; not so much the engine or trans by themselves (though Allison does get the nod for best trans of the 3) but by the way they work together to control the load.
+ very nice interior update; feels worth the cost
+ quiestest of the bunch; can't hear of feel the engine at idle with door shut
+ good ride quality for a dually
+ tech features; ability to control where you put the heat so you don't burn your butt
+ sizeable fuel tank
+ lowest MSRP
- smallest back seat
- hard, uncomfortable leather and worst padding of the 3
- uplevel trims not really that special; leather is not an improvement for the cash
- lowest towing capacity
Ram:
+ highest capacity; rivals MD trucks
+ most durable diesel (proven by number of industrial applications for, essentially, the same engine)
+ most suspension and powertrain options
+ comfortable, durable interiors with most cab configurations
+ superior dually ride without air assist
+ strongest gas engines
- longevity of transmissions still a question to me
- smallest fuel tanks; saw a regular cab dually with a tank smaller than 30 gallons this weekend
- noisiest cab
- tire brands (Firestone and Nexen; Ford and GM are using Michelins, and Ford also offers Toyo AT on some packages)
Just my opinions and observations.
