Towing vehicle Ford vs GMC Dually Super Duty (used)

[jeremyc50]

Let me start by saying I am NOT trying to start a fight. My family an I are converting to the full time RV life and are going to pull a heavy tow hauler across the country. I recently sold my 2014 Gas 350 and am looking for a solid dual rear wheel drive diesel. I'm struggling to find the most reliable truck that will get the job done and have pretty much eliminated Dodge from my wish list.

I'm looking for a used DRW 4x4 in the $35k to $45 range. I've narrowed down my search to three vehicles somewhat in my area. I'm familiar with the Ford issues, EGR, possible glow plug, etc. However I am not familiar with the reliability and common issues to look for on the GMs. Does anyone have experience or feedback on the best truck for the job that should give me the least headaches?

2014 Ford 350 Platinum 104,000 miles $43k
2011 GMC 3500 Denali 79,000 miles $37k
2016 Chevy LTZ 107,000 miles $42k

Thanks guys!

[free_radical]

Id buy brand new and take good care of it,starting with proper undercoating.

Have 08 Silverado that stil runs like a dream,but then I dont race or let it overheat and change all fluids at recomended intervals.

[hornet28]

Me Again wrote:
I would not want a Dodge either seeings as they disappeared in 2011.

Dodge=Ram. Just because they put another name on it doesn't change who makes it

[Grit_dog]

What he said^
Stay away from a few particular issues for greater peace of mind but most of the decision is miles, care/maint and price.

[fx2tom]

IMO I would definitely not rule out the RAM. With 6 service trucks, all over 300k miles, the Ram 6.7l and Ford 6.7l had very few issues. Had one Ford 6.0l that we actually had zero issues with. Had a number of Dodge 5.9l with very few issues. We had one 2004 Duramax that had a lot of repair costs, we sold it off at 150k miles. Always figured it was an anomaly and would have looked at GM again but Ram and Ford always had better pricing.

IMO - You cannot go wrong with any of the late model big 3 trucks.

[RetiredRealtorR]

ferndaleflyer wrote:
A1 that was a long time ago. Maybe thats why the warranty you mention showed up. I live down South now and still see a northern car or truck that is rusted really bad. Salt, and now if one flake falls here they are out there with what they call brine----bad stuff for all vehicles.

Agree on the brine -- that's wicked stuff. I've been in the south since 1970. I had finished college and said, what the h... am I doing here, when I could be in the sunny south? June of 1970 I packed it all up, headed south, and never looked back (although I must admit I still get a little twisted pleasure out of watching the weather reports of northern winters!)

[Grit_dog]

And why spend so much extra for luxury interiors of your budget is limited and you’re apparently worried about reliability?
You got some thinking to do.

[Grit_dog]

ferndaleflyer wrote:
Dodge? Up in the salt road country. I bought one for my shop a few years back. By the time the warranty ran out I had replaced the transmission and the brakes 3 times (25,000mi) and rust was already starting to show.....The Cummins engine will last forever but everything else will either break or rust to pieces. Thats my opinion of the Dodge.

That’s gotta be the dumbest post I’ve seen in a while.
I’ll take your post and raise you a 2007 Dodge, 175k, not through the second set of brakes yet, original rotors, spent 1/3 of its life in salt/mag/cinders winters. No rust original transmission.

Again, just ignorant. And I’d say the same if you said Ford or GM.
Some older models have issues. But.....do you research and leave the anecdotal stuff out of it. You’ll be better off for it.

[ferndaleflyer]

A1 that was a long time ago. Maybe thats why the warranty you mention showed up. I live down South now and still see a northern car or truck that is rusted really bad. Salt, and now if one flake falls here they are out there with what they call brine----bad stuff for all vehicles.

[Me_Again]

2015 to 2018 RAM would be a great dually tow vehicle. Find one with the HO engine and Aisin tranny, 4:10 gears and the air ride rear suspension. In Laramie or higher trim level. I would not want a Dodge either seeings as they disappeared in 2011.

[RetiredRealtorR]

ferndaleflyer wrote:
Dodge? Up in the salt road country. I bought one for my shop a few years back. By the time the warranty ran out I had replaced the transmission and the brakes 3 times (25,000mi) and rust was already starting to show.....The Cummins engine will last forever but everything else will either break or rust to pieces. Thats my opinion of the Dodge.

Hmmm. Don't you see that as unusual for ANY vehicle, tranny and 3 sets of brakes in 25,000 miles? Really?? And rust starting to show in just 3 years? Do they still have Ziebart or similar in your area? When I lived in Michigan many MANY years ago, I always had my vehicles rustproofed, and never had a rust-through problem. I know the new Rams have a 3-yr inner panel and 5-yr outer panel anti-corrosion warranty. Were you able to get any satisfaction through the warranty on your rust issue?

[ferndaleflyer]

Dodge? Up in the salt road country. I bought one for my shop a few years back. By the time the warranty ran out I had replaced the transmission and the brakes 3 times (25,000mi) and rust was already starting to show.....The Cummins engine will last forever but everything else will either break or rust to pieces. Thats my opinion of the Dodge.

[theoldwizard1]

jeremyc50 wrote:
I'm familiar with the Ford issues, EGR, possible glow plug, etc.

I think most of those issues had to do with the older 6.0L and 6.4L.

[RetiredRealtorR]

BurbMan wrote:
Curious as to why you eliminated Dodge Ram?

Me too. Frankly, that would've been #1 on my list.

[ferndaleflyer]

I don't see the need for a 4X4 but I have owned both the Ford and the Chev DRW diesels and have had no trouble with the Ford I have now with 167,000mi on it. Last Chev blew a head gasket at 120,000mi. Other than that the Ford pulls and rides much better I think.

[BurbMan]

Curious as to why you eliminated Dodge Ram?