One Step Closer

[McIntraveler]

On Friday we finalize the purchase of a 2016 Grand Design 317RST to be used full time after retirement next year. It is 35' weighing 10,138 empty carrying a GVWR of 13,995. The dealer agreed to store it for us until next year. Now comes the hard part - buying a truck.

Years ago we had an '03 F250 PS used to haul a 24' 5er. Worked like a champ. But the new diesels really scare me with all the problems they've had. Regardless, I've decided diesel is the way to go. The Cummins seems like a great engine, unfortunately I've read way too much about front ends and wheel bearings and am concerned about Ram's build quality in general. I like Fords, but the prospect of having a problem which requires ripping the cab off the truck bothers me.

Pretty much, I've decided on Ford. Right now they're offering 0.00% financing up to 72 months and some great pricing on left over 2016 models - that is hard to ignore. I found two trucks of interest. The first is a F350 PD crew cab short bed SRW with 3.55 gears. The 2nd is a F350 Supercab long bed SRW with the same gearing. I know length is our friend when towing, but the 2 trucks are within 2 inches of each other with respect to wheel base. The 2nd is about 6k less expensive.

As I am unfamiliar with towing 14k, so I am interested in input from those who are. What say ye?

Thank you.

[Cummins12V98]

dirtydan57 wrote:
That Cummins is certainly impressive. I'm really looking forward to driving the Ford tomorrow and comparing.

After reading everything on the forums I expected the Ram to be junk. It's not. But then everything is nice when it's new.

What I've learned is that we have to drive them without forming preconceived ideas. Yes,forums are a great source of information, but are a guide, not the best way to make a final decision.

Thanks for all your help. I'll update after the drive tomorrow.

I sold my 98 12V to my son with 360K, I have a 98 12V 2wd with a 5 speed that has 353K. My 11 ho dually had a washer bottle replaced under warranty in 65K towing 29K combined. My 15 has not seen the shop with 27K

The newer RAM's are a VERY nice dependable truck.

I have 10K of towing my 41' 23K Mobile Suites with a combined weight of 33K and no issues. Actually not pleased with the brake controller. Others have had no issues. I was reading on another MobileSuites forum a guy with a 15 F350 has troubles with his controller.

[Cummins12V98]

spud1957 wrote:

The Aisin is "Made" In USA. If it was "assembled" it would say so.

Oh I see, you think cause it says "made" rather than "assembled", there is a difference. Whatever you need to justify it in your mind.

I'm from Canada so I don't really care where my truck comes from. Ford and GM (thanks to US Gov't buyout) don't make, build, or assemble trucks in Canada.

Also, what makes you think I have a power stroke?



S

There FACTS associated with "assembled" and "Made" you may want to look them up.

[rhagfo]

dirtydan57 wrote:
That Cummins is certainly impressive. I'm really looking forward to driving the Ford tomorrow and comparing.

After reading everything on the forums I expected the Ram to be junk. It's not. But then everything is nice when it's new.

What I've learned is that we have to drive them without forming preconceived ideas. Yes,forums are a great source of information, but are a guide, not the best way to make a final decision.

Thanks for all your help. I'll update after the drive tomorrow.

Even the junk they produced in 2001 is still running strong!

Coming up on 300K miles very soon, Laramie SLT, it all still works.

[Bedlam]

Both 6.7's (PSD and CTD) have different mannerisms. You just need need to find which one fits your driving style better.

[spud1957]

dirtydan57 wrote:
That Cummins is certainly impressive. I'm really looking forward to driving the Ford tomorrow and comparing.

After reading everything on the forums I expected the Ram to be junk. It's not. But then everything is nice when it's new.

What I've learned is that we have to drive them without forming preconceived ideas. Yes,forums are a great source of information, but are a guide, not the best way to make a final decision.

Thanks for all your help. I'll update after the drive tomorrow.

Good luck with your decision. Either would be a great choice.

[McIntraveler]

That Cummins is certainly impressive. I'm really looking forward to driving the Ford tomorrow and comparing.

After reading everything on the forums I expected the Ram to be junk. It's not. But then everything is nice when it's new.

What I've learned is that we have to drive them without forming preconceived ideas. Yes,forums are a great source of information, but are a guide, not the best way to make a final decision.

Thanks for all your help. I'll update after the drive tomorrow.

[spud1957]

The Aisin is "Made" In USA. If it was "assembled" it would say so.

Oh I see, you think cause it says "made" rather than "assembled", there is a difference. Whatever you need to justify it in your mind.

I'm from Canada so I don't really care where my truck comes from. Ford and GM (thanks to US Gov't buyout) don't make, build, or assemble trucks in Canada.

Also, what makes you think I have a power stroke?



S

[Cummins12V98]

spud1957 wrote:
Here we go again. The OP has stated he's buying a Ford but of course the Ram boys gets their shorts in a knot that someone else ( and there are many) has decided on a Ford.

Also funny that someone thinks an Aisin transmission is "American". I'd be surprised to see how many parts of it are actually manufactured in the US, considering the vast majority of their plants are in Asia.

I guess if the Japanese transmission is assembled in the US then that must make it a US product?

So using that same logic, if a truck is assembled in Mexico......?

To respond to the OP, go for the diesel since you will be full timing. Good luck with your venture. Enjoy.

The Aisin is "Made" In USA. If it was "assembled" it would say so.

Ford is moving a lot of production to Mexico. Your PowerStroke engine is Made in Mexico.

Bottom line the guy took a RAM for a test drive and liked it enough to have the wife take it for a spin. Whatever he buys I am sure he will be happy!

[spud1957]

Here we go again. The OP has stated he's buying a Ford but of course the Ram boys gets their shorts in a knot that someone else ( and there are many) has decided on a Ford.

Also funny that someone thinks an Aisin transmission is "American". I'd be surprised to see how many parts of it are actually manufactured in the US, considering the vast majority of their plants are in Asia.

I guess if the Japanese transmission is assembled in the US then that must make it a US product?

So using that same logic, if a truck is assembled in Mexico......?

To respond to the OP, go for the diesel since you will be full timing. Good luck with your venture. Enjoy.

[hawkeye-08]

wishing you happy hunting on your new truck.

[Cummins12V98]

dirtydan57 wrote:
I drove a Ram 3500 Cummins CCLB DRW yesterday. It was nice. In fact, I'm taking the wife this morning for another drive before we try the Ford tomorrow. Great motor. Dang, that thing is huge.

Tell salesman to air rear tires to 35 psi to see what the unloaded ride is actually like. The bone heads had nine near 80 all around.

[Grit_dog]

Disaster????? Fish you're too funny!

[McIntraveler]

I drove a Ram 3500 Cummins CCLB DRW yesterday. It was nice. In fact, I'm taking the wife this morning for another drive before we try the Ford tomorrow. Great motor. Dang, that thing is huge.

[Cummins12V98]

FishOnOne wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

FishOnOne wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
RAM is offering 20 percent off 16's. Seriously look at 3500 SRW LONG bed with Aisin. Pop the hood on each truck then think about what you just looked at.

After that pop the door open and look at the sticker that shows which country that truck is made at and then think about what you just looked at.

OK HERE We go again! Yes it's "Assembled" in Mexico with mostly US Made parts such as engine, trans and axles to name just a few.

So maybe in the future you would just say that your PowerStroke engine is Made in Mexico so I don't have to keep repeating my self.

Thanks!

No problem... Can we include the Mexico casted engine block in your truck and that fiat is a foreign company too. When I look at this recipe I see a disaster.

Thanks in advance... :W

Sure if it makes you feel better.

[FishOnOne]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

FishOnOne wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
RAM is offering 20 percent off 16's. Seriously look at 3500 SRW LONG bed with Aisin. Pop the hood on each truck then think about what you just looked at.

After that pop the door open and look at the sticker that shows which country that truck is made at and then think about what you just looked at.

OK HERE We go again! Yes it's "Assembled" in Mexico with mostly US Made parts such as engine, trans and axles to name just a few.

So maybe in the future you would just say that your PowerStroke engine is Made in Mexico so I don't have to keep repeating my self.

Thanks!

No problem... Can we include the Mexico casted engine block in your truck and that fiat is a foreign company too. When I look at this recipe I see a disaster.

Thanks in advance... :W