TRUCK CHOICE

[mlh]

Why compare 15 year old vehicles. They aren't the same vehicles that they were. Why not go back and compare Fords 6 L and Dodger's old transmission, because they aren't the same vehicles they were when these were built. I would rather have Government Motors than no GM.
All three are GREAT trucks. If you are buying a new truck go drive and compare them all. That is the ONLY way you are sure to get the best one, best one for you that is.
Lynwood

[Clemson1881]

Not suggesting it is relevant how older models compare. It is very relevant when the time came GM turned its back on a lifelong customer when the issue was so widespread the warranty was extended to avoid class action lawsuits. It's certainly a personal decision and a free country. When you're about to spend $50-70K I thought members would like to know the contrast in the two companies customer service. Personally, I'm done with GM and will give Ford a shot. From my experience they're light years ahead in customer service and loyalty to their customers.

[hybridhauler]

The new Ram 3500 is quite impressive. I would suggest the dual rear wheels whatever you decide on. The extra wheels give additional stability that is really appreciated if you blow a rear tire on the truck while towing.

[vipermanden]

I ran across this article, or blog from a couple that has been 5th wheeling for a long time, and since I am a newbie just like you, I read how they went and compared all kinds of trucks, and gear ratios, and ended up getting the RAM 3500 Dually long bed with the 6.7 Cummins turbo diesel with the new Aisin 6 speed tranny, and 4:10 gears. In this configuration, the truck has 900 ft. pounds of torque, and will tow 31,300 pounds!! So I went with the Ram. I have had Ford trucks before and they were good etc., but I wanted to get the most powerful, comfortable, and also, the rear fenders are totally integrated, and don't just look like bolt on fenders. Check out this link. http://roadslesstraveled.us/dodge-ra...railer-towing/

[Jimmer]

I went with a 2015 Ford F350 Crew Cab Platinum. Great truck, pulls great.

[jlb27537]

quote:Originally posted by vipermanden

I ran across this article, or blog from a couple that has been 5th wheeling for a long time, and since I am a newbie just like you, I read how they went and compared all kinds of trucks, and gear ratios, and ended up getting the RAM 3500 Dually long bed with the 6.7 Cummins turbo diesel with the new Aisin 6 speed tranny, and 4:10 gears. In this configuration, the truck has 900 ft. pounds of torque, and will tow 31,300 pounds!! So I went with the Ram. I have had Ford trucks before and they were good etc., but I wanted to get the most powerful, comfortable, and also, the rear fenders are totally integrated, and don't just look like bolt on fenders. Check out this link. http://roadslesstraveled.us/dodge-ra...railer-towing/

Nice blog article, just one thing I noticed. The finned rear diff cover does NOT indicate a 4.10 gear set. My '12 3500 DRW has a finned cover and has a 3.73 ratio. In '12 there was a option called Tow Max which was a finned cover and a second transmission cooler. In '16 it might be part of the option for a 69 trans or what they use now.

I love my '12.

[commish]

Wife and I have been towing since the early 70's. First tv was a 1962 Chev wagon.
We have pulled with Chev pick ups, Ford, all types of cars. As we have gotten older we have found that you cannot have too big of a truck, so we now have and plan to use to the end a GMC c5500 crew cab.
Happy trails with what ever your choice is.

[dfb]

Had an 84 Chevy,,,did not like the 700 r4... Had 3 f350 psd,,, 2 leaked, glow plugs ever year. Had 2002 lariat f350.. Tried the 04.5 dodge cummins.. In 12 years, 1 lift pump, one set front brakes..1set u joints, one ignition switch.. That's it.. Sold last year for 25k.. Have new 2015 ram, Laramie, aisin, air system, 865 torque.. Rides very nice, pulls great with tons of power...puck system, 3:42s..the new Rams have very nice interiors.. Rear cargo and backup camara. I think ram is the only one with def guage..so far so good...

[dfb]

Had an 84 Chevy,,,did not like the 700 r4... Had 3 f350 psd,,, 2 leaked, glow plugs ever year. Had 2002 lariat f350.. Tried the 04.5 dodge cummins.. In 12 years, 1 lift pump, one set front brakes..1set u joints, one ignition switch.. That's it.. Sold last year for 25k.. Have new 2015 ram, Laramie, aisin, air system, 865 torque.. Rides very nice, pulls great with tons of power...puck system, 3:42s..the new Rams have very nice interiors.. Rear cargo and backup camara. I think ram is the only one with def guage..so far so good...

[Clemson1881]

Ram is tempting due to the Cummins and now the Aisin transmission. My choice will be between Ram and Ford. Will research heavily as time to buy nears. The Cummins is very hard to beat!

[mlh]

You ought to keep the Chevy in the mix. It's the only one that won't make oil. They have an injector in the exaust to light off the GPF so the oil doesn't get diesel fuel in it's. My Ford did, 13% and I have a friend who just picked up a 2012 Ram Cummings that made a quart and a half in 1500 miles. I'm saying don't elimate any one until you have checked all three out.
Lynwood

[Clemson1881]

Thanks Lynnwood but GM is not an option for me. The old fool me once................

[mlh]

Yes I had a 88 Chevy like that. It was far and away the sorriest vehicle I have ever owned but I won't become a card carrying member of the shot in the foot gang because of it.
Lynwood

[BB_TX]

quote:Originally posted by Clemson1881

Thanks Lynnwood but GM is not an option for me. The old fool me once................

In the same boat. GM has really screwed us around on 3 15 passenger 3500 Express white vans for our business that have peeling paint problems (3 re-peels in 5 years). Even though they have fought paint problems for years (class action in the 90's) and know they have paint problems, they have done almost nothing in the way of helping with our problem. A short drive on a busy highway and you will likely see several such vans with peeling paint.

Their trucks may be good, but none will be in my driveway.

[Clemson1881]

Hey, sometimes you have bad luck. It happens. I do not write off companies because of something breaking or even getting a bad vehicle. Like I said sometimes you have bad luck. But sadly GM has began to intentially mislead its customers and it's repetitive. The faulty ignition switches, bad Acadia timing chains, Acadia water pumps, Duramax injectors, and now they've been sued for overstating fuel mileage on SUVs. GM sends customers notices advising them these severe issues will be corrected by changing oil more more often, improved filters, and in the case of the ignition switches telling customers it's merely an inconvenience. Anything to nurse the vehicle out of warranty to leave the customer with the problem. I realize they're some good dealers out there that work to help good customers and that's great. But GM is deceitful and flat out misleads their customers often. Buyer beware.
I can't speak for other companies because I've foolishly been loyal to GM. They may be no better, but I will research and try to find a better option. Just my two cents.

[Ragtacker]

Just pulled the pin today. Traded the 2011 Silverado 3500 srw on a 2016 3500Laramie 3500 drw. Going to be a long week before she arrives.

[hybridhauler]

I think you will like the new Laramie. Good choice.