I will be disowned... - Montana Owners Club

dsprik · 12-20-2005, 05:03 PM

OK... Dealing with Dave Smith Motors in Idaho for a tv. They are a Chevy/Ford/Dodge dealership. My Father-in-Law was a 40 yr GM man (management), My Brother-in-Law is getting ready to retire from Delphi in March after 30 yrs (None too soon, there!). I have had great luck with GM products over the past 20 yrs (Ford before that).

With that said, I have been working on my credit scores for several months and they are climbing to the point where I am getting very close to getting a good interest rate. Smith Motors knows I am looking for a 2500HD D/A. I have two vehicles that I have to sell or trade.

Saturday, I received a phone call and the sales rep I have been dealing with asked me what I thought about a Dodge (2006 2500 Lariat, 5.9 TD, MegaCab 4x4). I told her I hadn't thought about it. She informed me that apparently Dodge/Chrylser is on a kick to increase financing customers. She told me she got a customer financed at 3.6% with a 575 Credit Score, and no one else at GMAC/Ford would touch him.

She came up with a price of $39,500. Today I got a phone call from her, after giving her permission to run my credit on Saturday, telling me I had been approved for the financing if I wanted it. Wife's initial reaction was rather spectacular... until she realized that I was seriously considering this idea. Being only 15 miles from a Dodge dealership, I called ahead and had them brush off the snow, and warmup any 3/4 ton MegaCab Cummins they might have. They had one - base model, not Lariat. I didn't care as I just wanted to see and drive one.

I will tell you that I was truly impressed with the QUIET cab ride. I had driven a couple of 2005 D/As this fall and this was noticeably quieter at highway speeds . Also, my impression was that you are very high off the ground in these new 2006 Dodges. I realize the hood on a dodge pickup is raised higher than a GM 2500, but it's not that high. Cheryl is now kind of excited about this vehicle... but I know she would still have to go through some "GM spasms" if I go through with this deal.

My concerns: 1. HP/torque (325/610) lowest of the "Big Three". 2. Rear "short box" was only 76.3". Is there a problem with clearance and can I get the hitch centered over the rear axle with that MegaCab? I know that the new Montanas have a new front, but still concerned. If you haven't seen one of these MegaCabs up close, you need to. Almost EXCESSIVE room in the back seat area. More leg room than the front seats... check it out.

3. GCVWR is 20,000 #. Is this comparable? While the back seat/cargo area space is almost obscene, it is only rated for a capacity of only ~1,500 #s. No GAWR numbers that I can find. 4. If we go through with this deal, it may very well limit our ability to stop and stay for free in the relatives' driveways in Asheville, NC (Cheryl's sister) and in Sparta, MI (Cheryl's brother - Delphi). They will eventually get over it.

If this makes financial sense, we will begin negotiations, but I sure would like some input from this forum. 2006 3400RL is planned Montana... unless we see something that really catches our eye in Toledo in Feb at the Great Lakes Dealers RV Show, when Cheryl & I are there with Rich & Helen.

Thanks in advance.
Dave

Montana Sky · 12-20-2005, 05:50 PM

Dave,
I think I am the one who got you hooked up with Dave Smith, if you do end up doing business there let me know. I have bought 5 rigs from them and have sold 15 to friends of mine through them. I have a few good friends over there in (finance and in accessories) let me know if I can be of any help. Who are you dealing with? I know the Mega cab has a "super" short bed compared to the Chevy/GMC and Ford. In my opinion I think you would have to have a sliding hitch. Also make sure you go drive a new LBZ Duramax with the 6-speed Allison before you make your final decision.

P.S~ reading an article stating the 2500 Dodge mega cab with diesel motor is rated for a maximum trailer weight of 12,950lbs, while the 23,000 GCVWR of the Mega cab 3500 allows trailer weights up to 15,950lbs. This article is in the Jan. Trailer Life mag page 9 on the right hand side. If this is correct a 3400RL would over gross the maximum trailer weight of the 2500 Mega Cab.

P.S.S.~ Find out if Chrysler will finance you on a GM vehicle. I have heard they have done this on other brands of trucks, and I know they offer their extended warranty to GM customers.

dsprik · 12-20-2005, 06:09 PM

Hi Dave! I'm dealing with Shelly. I will try to drive a new D/A tomorrow when I go to Gaylord. I really don't need to buy right at this very moment. I will let you know, though... either through here or PM. Thanks!

I think your're right on the trailer towing #. I will definitely check on a possible GM/Dodge financing deal.

Jeff Heiser · 12-21-2005, 03:17 AM

Dave,
Just to clarify, "My concerns: 1. HP/torque (325/610) lowest of the "Big Three". When I bought my 2005 610 Cummins it was wraped in a 2500 Dodge Quad 325HP/610FPT which is the highest of the big 3(at least according to all the research/reading I have done and Desiel Power Mag.). Also, after having mine on a dyno that's pretty close to what it is at the rear wheels and the truck is bone stock. So you really should cross that off as a concern.

God Bless America
Jeff Heiser
Merritt Island Florida

dsprik · 12-21-2005, 03:59 AM

Thanks, Jeff. I believe, though, that the new Duramax (2006) did post an increase to ~675 ft pounds? But I belive you are right about crossing that off my list of concerns. I will do that.

richfaa · 12-21-2005, 04:03 AM

Dave,We will reply via PM.

dsprik · 12-21-2005, 04:18 AM

OK, Rich... just going out the door... be back this afternoon. I'll return PM then. Thanks!

Jeff Heiser · 12-21-2005, 06:59 AM

Dave,
Wow! I got this out on Chevrolet's web site:

Duramax Diesel 6600 V8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For production units through Sept. 2005 with the Allison six-speed automatic transmission:
310 horsepower @ 3000 rpm
605 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1600 rpm

For production units after Sept. 2005 with the Allison six-speed automatic transmission:
360 horsepower @ 3000 rpm
650 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1600 rpm

With the Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission:
310 horsepower @ 3000 rpm
605 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1600 rpm

With the ZF six-speed manual transmission:
300 horsepower @ 3000 rpm
520 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1600 rpm

650 fpt is a whole lot of umph! I am sure which ever one you end up with you will be happy. I had a Chevy, test drove and test drove both gas and diesel engines until my wife wanted to disown me. Finally wound up with a Dodge and couldn't be happier. Good Luck and Happy Holidays.

God Bless America
Jeff Heiser
Merritt Island Florida

Montana Sky · 12-21-2005, 11:13 AM

Dave~ dsprik
Just wanted to clarify my earlier post. The numbers I quoted are on the MEGA CAB not the Quad cab. There is a big difference in the towing numbers between the two. Just make sure you research the numbers before you buy. BTW did you get a chance to drive the new LBZ Duramax today?

2007dura · 12-21-2005, 01:55 PM

The thing you might want to check on the 2500 Megacab is the payload. The brochure for a 2006 2500 4x4 Megacab gives a payload of 1510 lbs. For a 2 wheel drive is 2120 lbs. For a 3500 4x4 is 2510 lbs. The thing people are noticing about the Megacab is that it kills the payload. You figure people in cab, hitch, and it doesn't leave much for pin weight.

Also, did you mean the Laramie package? The Lariat is a Ford package.

dsprik · 12-21-2005, 06:12 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Montana Sky

Dave~ dsprik
Just wanted to clarify my earlier post. The numbers I quoted are on the MEGA CAB not the Quad cab. There is a big difference in the towing numbers between the two. Just make sure you research the numbers before you buy. BTW did you get a chance to drive the new LBZ Duramax today?

Dave, I think the MegaCab really is not the way to go. I don't believe the engineers actually designed this to be a tv for a 15,000 # 5ver. Tremendous cargo room inside... just can't put anything in it AND haul a Montana.

I was too rushed today to stop at a Chevy dealership. I will try to do this tomorrow.

dsprik · 12-21-2005, 06:20 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by 2002dura

The thing you might want to check on the 2500 Megacab is the payload. The brochure for a 2006 2500 4x4 Megacab gives a payload of 1510 lbs. For a 2 wheel drive is 2120 lbs. For a 3500 4x4 is 2510 lbs. The thing people are noticing about the Megacab is that it kills the payload. You figure people in cab, hitch, and it doesn't leave much for pin weight.

Also, did you mean the Laramie package? The Lariat is a Ford package.

Sorry, I did mean "Laramie". If I was to go with a Dodge, a 2500 Quad Cab 4x4 SB would be much better - 8,800 GVWR/2,630 Payload. I don't have a 2500HD D/A 4x4 brochure... anyone have these numbers?

Montana Sky · 12-21-2005, 06:37 PM

dsprik~
ask and you shall receive, these numbers are on a 2500HD 4x4 shortbed crewcab. GVWR 9,200 lbs. Payload 3,317 lbs.

3500 numbers are for crewcab 4x4 longbed
GVWR SRW~9,900 DRW~11,400
Payload SRW~3,578 DRW~4,848

dsprik · 12-21-2005, 07:47 PM

I like those numbers, Dave. You have to call ahead to have them shovel/brush the snow off these vehicles, and then have them start and warm them up - even though I would be interested in the start up time in this weather. It's just to cold out - although a warmup is coming (freezing drizzle).

I also sent you a PM.

Montana Sky · 12-21-2005, 11:06 PM

Dave,
If I plug my diesel in at night when the temps get below 30 degrees I find that the morning start up is running right around 160-180 degrees. Will double check the temp gauge in the AM, pretty sure that is around the right temps. I usually let mine idle for 4 or 5 mins after start up and hit the road with blowing warm air out of the vents. The new 06 Duramax has a 1000watt heater in the air intake that heats the cold air going into the motor to help warm it up faster. We finally broke 35 degrees here yesterday, spent the last 24 days under 28 degrees for day time high, nite temps were in the teens to single digits. I put the grill cover on to stop the cold air through the grill and that really makes a difference. Case in point being, the newer diesels are not as bad in cold weather as the older ones.

pud2 · 12-22-2005, 03:25 AM

Need to check and be sure that a 5Th wheel can be pulled with this shortbed. I know that fords new f150 cannot with the crewcab.

dsprik · 12-22-2005, 04:10 AM

Thanks, Dave. I had heard a lot of that info a few months ago. Forgot about it. MANY good points with 2006 D/A

Darrell, I believe there was a discussion a few months back that I DO remember

that the Chevy/GMC short box had the best clearance of the Big 3. In fact, if I recall, it was the only one that did not ABSOLUTELY REQUIRE a slider hitch - although still a nice optional safety feature.

Montana Sky · 12-22-2005, 06:14 AM

pud2,
You can tow a fifth wheel with any of the 2500, 2500HD, F250 and 1 ton shortbed trucks made by the top three makers. You will more than likely need a sliding hitch to allow for clearance during turn but it can be done. Also Superglide makes a 12k sliding hitch that slides 22 inches, allowing a fifth wheel to be towed by the new F150 supercrew, and Toyota Tundra trucks.

2007dura · 12-22-2005, 02:20 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by dsprik
If I was to go with a Dodge, a 2500 Quad Cab 4x4 SB would be much better - 8,800 GVWR/2,630 Payload. I don't have a 2500HD D/A 4x4 brochure... anyone have these numbers?

I was looking at trucks a few weeks ago. The Dodge dealer I talked to explained the weights as follows to me: 2500 Quad Cab 4x4 SB with diesel-9,000 GVWR/ 2,090 payload-- 3500 Quad Cab 4x4 SB diesel- 9,900 GVWR/ 2,920 payload. Looking at the Dodge brochure, these numbers correspond to it, but it doesn't specify if it is the diesel engine. You said you were looking at the Cummins, so brochures show the weights with gas engines and not many options. On some weight packages with the Dodge, the diesel is only option available, so the weights would be correct in brochure.(according to dealer) I am sure the Dodge owners know more on the weight of their trucks, and they could clarify the weights.

Since some of this info is from a dealer, I am not responsible for its truth or accuracy.

dsprik · 12-22-2005, 02:55 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by 2002dura

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by dsprik
If I was to go with a Dodge, a 2500 Quad Cab 4x4 SB would be much better - 8,800 GVWR/2,630 Payload. I don't have a 2500HD D/A 4x4 brochure... anyone have these numbers?

I was looking at trucks a few weeks ago. The Dodge dealer I talked to explained the weights as follows to me: 2500 Quad Cab 4x4 SB with diesel-9,000 GVWR/ 2,090 payload-- 3500 Quad Cab 4x4 SB diesel- 9,900 GVWR/ 2,920 payload. Looking at the Dodge brochure, these numbers correspond to it, but it doesn't specify if it is the diesel engine. You said you were looking at the Cummins, so brochures show the weights with gas engines and not many options. On some weight packages with the Dodge, the diesel is only option available, so the weights would be correct in brochure.(according to dealer) I am sure the Dodge owners know more on the weight of their trucks, and they could clarify the weights.

Since some of this info is from a dealer, I am not responsible for its truth or accuracy.

For some reason, the Dodge brochure lists four (4) different GVWRs for the 2500 Dodge Quad Cab 4x4 SB Cummins - no idea whats up with that. BOTH the GVWR/Payload that I mentioned above, AND the combination that 202dura listed are correct.

BTW, 2002dura, that last line is similar to some I have used on my wife... didn't work.

You may also like: