Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge as TV for 3400

[sreigle]

David, I think you summed things up pretty well. My comments refer to the currently available new models. If you go back aways there were some problems with the transmissions (automatics) from all three, particularly the Dodge but also in Ford and GM at times. All three seem to have a good handle on the automatics now, from what I see and hear anyhow. But I'm not an expert.

As for exhaust brakes, if you go with the Ford 6.0/TorqShift I personally don't feel an exhaust brake is needed, although it would add additional downhill braking. If the new LBZ Duramax/Allison, same story, because, like the Ford, the new LBZ version of the Duramax has variable geometry vanes in the turbo, providing exhaust backpressure. I see no need for an exhaust brake on my Ford but I do understand an exhaust brake would provide even more braking. I would feel differently about any diesel with fixed geometry vanes in the turbo.

See another Montana or Mountaineer on the road? Flash lights twice, it might be one of us!
Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'03 3295RK
'05 Ford F250 SD Lariat CC SB 6.0L PSD/TS FX4 4x4

Our RV Travels (now Firefox-compatible)

[adelmoll]

Steve. do you really have 63,000 miles on your '05? I thought we traveled a lot with 37,000 the first year. When did you get your '05??

Helen

To follow our journey please click: Bill and Helen's Journey
2005 Montana 3475 pulled by our 2005 Ford 350 Power Stroke Diesel

[sreigle]

Helen, it is about 100 miles short of 63,000. We took delivery on October 25, 2004. Our mileage has actually slowed from what we did in the first year. I think we're down under 3,000 per month now.

We've really slowed down the towing mileage. Instead of about 15,000 per year we've only towed a little over 8,900 this year. We'll tow about 1500 on our trip to Goshen and back and another 1200 after Christmas getting to our late winter destination (taking a roundabout route). So it looks like towing will be around 11,600 this year.

Your 37k is about what we did the first year, roughly.

See another Montana or Mountaineer on the road? Flash lights twice, it might be one of us!
Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'03 3295RK
'05 Ford F250 SD Lariat CC SB 6.0L PSD/TS FX4 4x4

Our RV Travels (now Firefox-compatible)

[richfaa]

As we have stated before we have absolutely no brand loyalty at all. We chose what meets our needs best.In 05 Ford made the biggest , toughest truck for towing so that is what we got. It could of been any of the brands and the next truck might be any ofthe brand.

Rich& Helen N.Ridgeville,Ohio.

F-350SD, Lariat, V-10,4:30 Diff, tow command Long bed, Crew Cab Dually, 06 3400RL
Mor-Ryde Pin Box