Tow Vehicle research

[GregK]

Although we're having our 2010 Eagle 351RLSA delivered and set up at our seasonal site I'm starting to consider buying a truck capable of pulling it.

I have never owned any HD model truck and I'm so sticker shocked at the new trucks, especially once you "build" a tow package!

I've started considering buying used but have no idea where to start. I see 2011 models with what I would consider insanely high mileage but the lower mileage trucks aren't exactly a great deal either. I currently have a 2011 Nissan Titan that I own outright and it's loaded with goodies so a private sale on it should get me some decent cash.

The trailer weight specs (to save you from looking them up) are:

Dry Weight (lbs/kg) 11050 / 5012.3
Payload Capacity (lbs/kgs) 3900 / 1769
GVWR (lbs/kgs) 14950 / 6781.3
Hitch Weight (lbs/kgs) 2560 / 1161.2

I'm not a Ford fan by any means and I've heard the Powerstroke diesel is the weakest of what's available out there, but it's only what I've heard here and there.

It's time to ask those that have HD trucks and actually use them as trucks what your experiences have taught you, good and bad. I also want to use the truck for general purpose, family driving and the like.

I'm ready to absorb it all, so let's hear it.

[GoPackGo]

Yes. But mostly because I've found that I really don't need as large of a toolbox as this combo has. I'd rather have a larger tank and a smaller toolbox. It kind of depends on which is more important to you.

I have the RDS model 72775 tank/toolbox combo.

Exterior dimensions are 55 (length) x 20 (width) x 19 (height)

If I was to do it all over again, I would get their model 72743 which has the same exact overall dimensions, and has a fuel capacity of 60 gallons but with a decreased tool box height from 10 inches to 6 1/4 inches. Length and width of the toolbox is the same on both.

There are many choices at the RDS site. And I read somewhere that they will even make one to your specs, but have not confirmed this.

The main reason I chose this particular model (either 72775 or 72743) is because the total height is lower (barely) then the top of the bedrail and I want to be able to put a full cover over the box and the hitch (when not in use). I think that a tank that is even 1 inch taller will stick out above the rail cap, but I'm not sure - you might do some measuring if it matters to you.

[sdetweil]

GoPackGo wrote:
...
Strongly suggest that you get the 5th wheel prep kit; I believe all 3 trucks now offer it. I also added Bilsteins and a 40 gallon aux fuel tank/tool box in the bed.

Tim

question on your toolbox tank. I have the 2012 of your truck.
the 60 gal tank is 1 inch taller, same floorspace, $50 more.. do you ever wish you had more gallons?

[stub-kb-2]

i agree that any of the big three will deliver.
the group we travel with gives us a "pepsi challenge" with all brands, different years to compare.

they really all get the job done, and every one of us has the one who broke down at least once.

one thing to consider, Ford did not take federal bailout money.

[Swamp_Man]

I don't blash another man's truck anymore than I would drive by and leave another man and his family stranded on the side of the road because he does not drive the same truck as me. Every truck has its faults and its strength. None of them are perfect. Pick the truck that you have driven that you like the features in and will carry the weight. The rest of the remarks about Ford, Dodge, or Chevy are all what comes out of the south end of a bull facing north.

[GoPackGo]

I pull a 36 ft fiver with a GVWR of 14,000 pounds. I did not even consider getting an SRW truck because of the pin weight. After much research I bought a 2013 F350 4X4 diesel dually and could not be happier. Everyone here will extoll the virtues of the truck they drive and I'm no different. I love this thing. But I really do think you can't go wrong with any of the big three now. Why did I buy the Ford ? I had a bad experience with my Chevy Duramax and Chevy did not stand behind it so I took my money and went elsewhere. I've also never been one to buy a first year model so that not knocked out the Ram.

I would not buy the Ford 6.0 or 6.4 but the new 6.7 engine definitely appears to be a winner. It effortlessly pulls my trailer and gives me 11.5 to 12.5 mpg.

Strongly suggest that you get the 5th wheel prep kit; I believe all 3 trucks now offer it. I also added Bilsteins and a 40 gallon aux fuel tank/tool box in the bed.

Tim

[ol_Bombero-JC]

GregK wrote:


I'm ready to absorb it all, so let's hear it.

The best way to "absorb" is to do your *own* homework and research!

The Tow Vehicle forum (here) would be a place to start.
However, that gets into brand bashing - often by "brand loyal" folks who would continue to buy *their* favorite, no matter what it's faults may be.

So how do you get unbiased info?
The best resource/s you can use -especially for used TVs- are the *brand specific* forums for Chevy/GMC, Ford, and Dodge.
Several for each brand, just Google: "(brand) forums"
(Plenty of brand specific forums for gassers also).

See what the *owners* are saying and what kind of help/info they are seeking from other owners of the *same* brand!.:W
Some forums even have a "Help!" section.

Check the info available in the various sections of each forum, paying special attention to the good and bad for the engine & trans combos for the year/s you are interested in, and the *problems* the owners are having.

How solved?.:@
What did "fixits" cost?.:@
Down time?.:@

The good, bad and ugly - should be readily apparent.
Worked for me..:C


~

[waltbennett]

Picked up an '06 F350 dually 4x4 last March with only 28k miles. After much research, I found that what these engines need is a thorough coolant flush and then an add-on coolant filter. Seems it was intended to be a school bus engine with no emissions control stuff and a different (if any) kind of oil cooler. The actual maker never fully flushed out the silicate used to cast its block and this fine sand kind of stuff will clog the EGR and oil cooler causing disastrous results. So far we've got about 5k miles towing our '10 Montana 3665RE, usually pretty loaded & with a lot of stuff in the bed and no issues at all. The first spin-on coolant filter still gets hot with the engine, so I'm going to change it with oil changes for a while. Some will tell you that a dually isn't needed and they're difficult to get around in. All I can say is that compared to my old single & 27' TT, it's actually a pleasure to drive with that 37' 5er. No noticeable side wind problems either. It is wider and longer (full size bed, full crew cab), but we just park out a ways at malls & the like.

[prier5]

Before you buy, give Smith Chevrolet/Dodge in Kellogg Idaho a call. We drove 1,000 miles to pick our 1 ton drw. My DW shopped all over the country for our retirement truck and smith had the best prices by far. We saved $8,000 and got more for our trade. Good luck on your search.

[45Ricochet]

First your going to need a 35 series of truck for the payload. The newer (2011- present) SRW as stated can handle about 3500 lbs but 3000 is where I personally draw the line for DRW's.
If your looking at used diesel powered the 2003-2007 Rams and GM twins cost roughly 25-30k depending on mileage, condition. These were in general good years for the engine's mostly cause they didn't require the heavy emissions that were put into effect as of 2007.5. All three had issues in the learning years with the new emissions systems. I myself would avoid those years (2008-2010). Since 2011 the Ford and GM started using DEF which really helped with emissions and they seem to be doing much better. Ram started using it in 2013 with good results also. Any 2011- present trucks are nice and I wouldn't cross any off the list.
Of course if you have $60k all of the new trucks are great. Ram even has a new air suspension in the rear to make the unloaded ride smoother.
Good Luck

[mileshuff]

I have a 2007.5 Dodge with the 6.7L. You'll hear lots of stories of problems with this engine but its quite distorted. The 6.7L itself is rock solid, one of the best ever made. The problems were with the new EPA required emission garbage. Lots of issues early on with emissions. Mine was in the shop quite a bit the first year. But those issues have all been resolved. Now have 72,000 miles on it and last time it was in the shop was 60,000 miles ago. The new 6spd auto tranny is awesome and the factory standard exhaust brake works fantastic! This is by far the best truck I've ever owned despite the early problems.

[kennethwooster]

Yes Ford 03 to 2010 had some powerstoke issues. I had an 05 andloved the truck. Bought a 2011 with Fords new 6.7 and can not believe the power and quality. The 6.7 also gets very good mileage.

[BB_TX]

Don't give up on the rebates. In August and September local Ford dealers were advertising up to $16,000 off sticker on left over new 2013 250/350 Superdutys. And Ram was advertising up to $14,000 off 2500/3500s (if I remember right). GM dealers were not advertising any such deals. Maybe that is why their sales were falling off.
Often hear the best time to buy is new years eve. But have never tried it.

[GregK]

Thanks for all of the advice. I am leaning more towards the Dmax with an Allison trans. Now I just need to find one that fits my budget.

It seems they don't go rebate crazy with the HD trucks as much as they do with the light duty trucks. But I have lots of time over the winter to wait for the "good deal" to appear.

[whsk]

for that weight you want a dually-my choice is the Ram 3500 DRW-any of the big 3 will do the job-Cummins has a good reputation-good luck-whsk