TOWING - Montana Owners Club

RadioMan · 08-08-2005, 11:03 AM

Hi Everyone, Radioman here. I haven't been on in quite sometime. Couldn't help but chime in here. We towed our 3280RL with a Dodge 2500 short bed Diesel 4:10 gears ever since we bought it. We went on vacation in July up to Glazier National Park. Trying to keep this short, we lost our landing gear (electronic jacks) on our 3rd morning out. That will be another thread. My wife wasn't happy with the way our 2500 towed on the trip. Tried to tell her that everybody that pulls any kind of a load will bog down going uphill. Any rate, the Air Conditioner started giving us problems upon return. This has been an ongoing problem and the dealer service dept. stated that they could not waive the deductible even though it was an ongoing problem. So since everyone was having all these special deals, we wound up trading it for a 05 1-ton diesel long bed. Can't wait to take it out this coming weekend for the first time and see how it pulls a heavy grade. Going up above Mammoth CA on 395. Sherwin grade should tell the tail. This does have the bigger High output engine with the 3:73 gear ratio. One thing I've always read and heard is really do your home work before buying a dually. In most cases you don't need it. You just wind up paying for 2 more tires.

Montana Sky · 08-08-2005, 01:15 PM

Well sorry to hear your old truck was giving you so much trouble. But I can see that HUGE smile on your face with your new truck. Hope this one does a better job towing for you. Enjoy!

sreigle · 08-08-2005, 02:26 PM

Congratulations on the new truck, RadioMan! It should do a nice job for you. Ours does not bog down going up the long steep grades or I'd feel the same way as you. It does drop about 2 mph sometimes, then downshifts, climbs back to the cruise setting, and upshifts again or sometimes holds the lower gear if a really steep grade. I hear the new Dodge does an excellent job. Nice truck! Be sure to post pictures when you can.

Ishler · 08-08-2005, 03:08 PM

Radioman
You'll love it!

Parrothead · 08-08-2005, 07:12 PM

Congrats Bill. Glad you found one. There aren't that many heavy duty trucks out there. We've been looking for a GMC or Chevy and there are none to be had. Have to wait for the '06's and probably no deals.
Happy trails.....................

richfaa · 08-08-2005, 10:54 PM

Nice truck, wish I knew someone that worked for Dodge when I got my new truck and could have got it on the employee plan..wish I had a crystal ball and knew that they would have offered everyone the employee plan,,i wish, i wish. IMHO dodge(cummings) is the only diesel I would buy. .As for the dually they have positives and negatives.If I had to use the Tv for my everyday ride and Tv I would consider a single wheel , short bed. CC,LB Duallys are "inconvenient" to drive around, lot of places they don't fit, take up two parking spots, they are heavy.However we all have the choice to make.

dannyl · 08-10-2005, 08:50 AM

Radioman! Good luck with the new truck. I drive a 2004 3500 with 3.73 and towing package. Most times I don't even know I am pulling. I drive the truck everyday to and from work and yes, it doesn't corner as close at the smaller trucks, and it takes up more parking space. Haven't found anywhere I couldn't go yet. Bank drive-ins etc are close but wide enough.
Have fun and keep up informed on your experiences.

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