New Tow Vehicle (Truck)

[Mike Pearson]

I think if I were in your position I would buy the wife a new reasonably car priced car and look for a good used 3/4 or 1 ton truck to pull with. I would not attempt to tow a 28ft tag trailer with any 1/2 ton truck. It may have the power to pull the trailer but the suspension and brakes will not do the job. Thats a pretty big investment going down the highway not to mention your personal safety.

[SSGT Mustang]

Thanks guys.

These are all great points. I didn't even consider brakes and braking power, as well as the safety issues of towing with a smaller truck.

I looked at a 2000 F-350 diesel recently just for towing, but it had 150,000 miles on it. It was in pretty nice shape, but the mileage scared me, particularly since it had an automatic transmission. There are certainly plenty of other trucks around with fewer miles, but when the miles go down, the price goes up dramatically.

I loved the Cummins in the Dodge (and the leg room). The body just didn't stay together (doors were rusting, the underbody was rusting, etc.).

Thoughts?

Regards,

Steve

[Philip Saran]

You should not be scared away from a diesel truck with 150K on it, it is just
getting broken in at that point.

My 2004 F350 is just at 129K.

[Myron Piatek]

Later model Dodge trucks have much better paint jobs and rust proofing. I'd suggest a 2003 - 2007 Dodge diesel, 3/4 or 1 ton. Check out some of the Dodge/Cummins forum classifieds. 2003 - early 2004 will get the best fuel mileage. There are at least one or two on this site.

I got a low mileage 2004.4 in 2005 from a retired gentleman so I was pretty sure it wan't abused. 104,000+ now and never a problem. Regular maintenence throughout.

[C and W Racing]

Originally Posted by SSGT Mustang

Thanks guys.

These are all great points. I didn't even consider brakes and braking power, as well as the safety issues of towing with a smaller truck.

I looked at a 2000 F-350 diesel recently just for towing, but it had 150,000 miles on it. It was in pretty nice shape, but the mileage scared me, particularly since it had an automatic transmission. There are certainly plenty of other trucks around with fewer miles, but when the miles go down, the price goes up dramatically.

I loved the Cummins in the Dodge (and the leg room). The body just didn't stay together (doors were rusting, the underbody was rusting, etc.).
Thoughts?
Regards,

Steve

I would not have been scared of that truck. Had a 99 f-350 with and automatic that I had pulled a 48' living quarter trailer with and never had any problems. Traded it in on a 2003 F-350 that I still have today. Love my truck
Chuck

[jmcarter]

See my dually ad in the Race Rigs classified section....heck of a truck, I just have to go to an auto single rear truck.

[magnumv8]

I purchased an '05 Ram 2500 Quad Cab SB Cummins that I let my wife drive back and forth to work (she grew to love it) because she was driving 35,000 miles a year....I only drive 2 miles to work....she feels safer in it, it is easier for her to get in and out of and I get to use it to tow with.....it has actually become our main transportation, carries 6 adults no problem and anything else we want......


D. L. Rambo

[SSGT Mustang]

Thanks again, guys.

I need to confer with the boss (I used to think it was me....). You've all given me food for thought. I'll let you know how I make out.

JMCarter--you have mail.

Happy Holiday folks!

Best regards,

Steve

[Hemi]

I'll soon be in the market also, a salesman told me that the 2500 Duramax is built on the old 3500 chassis. I've traveled cross country in a 2500 Duramax Chevy and it's very comfortable and quiet. The Duramax is over 700lbs of torque. That's the ticket I'm going for to pull a 32' enclosed car trailer. Prices are around $41K right now with rebates.

[Run to Rund]

Look at the 2013 Ram diesel. I suggest the Aisin automatic, single rear wheels gives 7000 lb. rear axle capacity. The DEF approach helps mpg a lot compared to the older tech of adding diesel to the exhaust to burn off the soot.