It's time for a replacement truck

[8ntw8tn]

Recently someone decided to challenge the theory that two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time. When that failed Newton's Laws of Motion became prevalent and the end result was that our truck and trailer were both totaled. As soon as we receive the settlement from the other driver's insurance company(and we feel it's safe to get out and about)we're going to look for replacement units. I was towing with a '04.5 Dodge 3500 with the 5.9 Cummins. The trailer was a Carriage Cameo. The next trailer will be similar and the loaded weight will probably be in the 12-14k area. I'm considering 1) a Ram 3500 with either the 6.7 Cummins or the 5.7 Hemi; 2) Chevy Silverado 3500 with either the 6.6 Duramax or the 6.0 gas motor. It'll be a SRW drive. We only tow about 3000 miles a year; 2000 miles round trip to Texas and back each fall/spring and less that 1000 miles locally during the summer.

I'd be interested in anyone's expereiences with the above power units regarding sufficient torque and power on hills as well as fuel economy. The truck will probably be a 2010-2014 depending on the negotiated price. I'm partial to the diesels but open to the gas models if they would be sufficient.

[Cummins12V98]

ACZL wrote:
Lots of good advice and based on what you intend to do and perhaps not mentioned but may do so down the road, opt for a 1 ton SRW w/ the diesel. More than enough power and able to tow up to 15k safely should you decide to get a larger RV. Again, based on your needs, don't think you need anything larger than a DRW IF you ever went w/ a very large coach. Should you want to do that, THEN consider a 4500 and up. Think you'll be very happy w/ the type of truck your looking for.

Well I sure see ZERO reason to go to a 4500. I think I tow heavier than anyone on here and my DRW handles the load GREAT. I tow WestCoast and have been in some insane winds and the truck is imply planted to the ground.

[Grit_dog]

Dennis58 wrote:
Disclaimer: I'm not a RAM fan and never have been.

If I was dragging 14K arounf the country it would only be behind a 3500 DRW truck at a miniumn. I would even look at the 4500, 5500, 6500 HD Chevy trucks.

He said 14k, not 34k Lol.
A dually is firmly overkill, but you must have never driven a class 4-6 truck.
Not daily drivers to put it mildly.
Why not just roll a bobbed class 8 ftw?

[8ntw8tn]

A few years ago I had the opportunity to tow our trailer with a 3/4 ton Duramax several hundred miles through Oklahoma and Texas and it performed very well. My preference is a 1 ton, SRW or DRW, but I can be equally good with a 3/4 ton truck based on that experience.

[ACZL]

Lots of good advice and based on what you intend to do and perhaps not mentioned but may do so down the road, opt for a 1 ton SRW w/ the diesel. More than enough power and able to tow up to 15k safely should you decide to get a larger RV. Again, based on your needs, don't think you need anything larger than a DRW IF you ever went w/ a very large coach. Should you want to do that, THEN consider a 4500 and up. Think you'll be very happy w/ the type of truck your looking for.

[Dennis58]

Disclaimer: I'm not a RAM fan and never have been.

If I was dragging 14K arounf the country it would only be behind a 3500 DRW truck at a miniumn. I would even look at the 4500, 5500, 6500 HD Chevy trucks.

I have a 2019 Chevy 3500HD DRW 4X4 D/Max High Country that is one nice ride with more power than I will ever need. Havn't done much towing yet but I know it will get the job done when I start doing that. Unloaded I get 14 around town and 18 highway.

[2012Coleman]

I've pulled 12K with a late model 6.4 hemi. Could watch the gas gauge traveling from F to E as it screamed up the hills and terrain changes.

[GWolfe]

8ntw8tn wrote:
This has been, and continues to be, a moving and shifting target. I started out really considering one of the gas units. But after some of the advice here, and doing some follow-up research of my own, I'm pretty well convinced that I'm staying with a diesel; Ram or Chevy. Whether it's a 3/4 ton or 1 ton (SRW or DRW) remains to be seen. Budget will play a large influence as well as what is actually available when we're able to actually start looking to buy. I really do appreciate all the information that has been passed my way. It's really helpful to be able to benefit from someone else's knowledge/experience. Thanks!

I'm sure it's been said in here somewhere but when looking at 3/4 ton diesels watch the payload ratings, some are under 2,000lbs.

[Cummins12V98]

larry barnhart wrote:
what about the pump GM is using. Any issues? chevman

I have not heard a negative comment on the Denso pump.

[larry_barnhart]

what about the pump GM is using. Any issues? chevman

[Cummins12V98]

Ok this make you feel better? I have not heard of a single 2019 or 2020 RAM OR Ford Bosch pump failure.

[Cummins12V98]

4x4ord wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Bionic Man wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
ZERO CP4 warranty claims yet. The 14's seem to have more issues than 15 and up.

How do you know there have been ZERO warranty claims?

Have you heard of any? If there had been I guarantee you the haters would have brought it up.

From what I understand Ford has almost ZERO warranty claims as well.:B

I have not heard of any Ford issues for at least the last two model years.

Sounds like Bosch May have gotten it right.

[Bionic_Man]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Bionic Man wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
ZERO CP4 warranty claims yet. The 14's seem to have more issues than 15 and up.

How do you know there have been ZERO warranty claims?

Have you heard of any? If there had been I guarantee you the haters would have brought it up.

There is a HUGE difference between hearing about something, and it happening. You only hear about a tiny fraction of warranty claims. And honestly, you probably hear more from the squeaky wheel if something wasn't covered.

No way you can make a statement of ZERO claims.

And no, I'm not afraid of the CP4. I have one. And it wouldn't stop me from buying a new RAM. But it is stupid to claim there have been no failures because you haven't heard of any.

[4x4ord]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Bionic Man wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
ZERO CP4 warranty claims yet. The 14's seem to have more issues than 15 and up.

How do you know there have been ZERO warranty claims?

Have you heard of any? If there had been I guarantee you the haters would have brought it up.

From what I understand Ford has almost ZERO warranty claims as well.:B

[Cummins12V98]

Bionic Man wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
ZERO CP4 warranty claims yet. The 14's seem to have more issues than 15 and up.

How do you know there have been ZERO warranty claims?

Have you heard of any? If there had been I guarantee you the haters would have brought it up.