truck questions 3500 vs 4500

[BigBlue]

We use the 4500 as our primary vehicle. It just takes getting used to handling it.

[Parrothead]

Jim and Pat
Pictures?? How is your MPG?
Happy trails....................

[Dave e Victoria]

We looked hard at the 4500 before we ordered the 3500DRW. There have been several problems withthe Monroe pickup bed hitting Fifth weel traiers. So we compared a 45oo with a towing service body. They have great storage. I loved the view and the mirrors are just simply outstanding. The vehicle looks awesome.

The down side for us was I couldn't see using this thing for a primary vehicle. And, even with air ride the ride was rough. The truck interior is more plain jane from the factory so everything upscale has to be added by an outfitter - usually the one who puts the tow body on. Mileage is poorer by about 3 to 4 mpg empty and 1 or 2 towing. I got that from reading the 4500 section on the diesel place website.

But the finall straw for us was when I got to comparing weight ratings. The 4500 has a gcwr of 26,000 pounds. This is apparantly to keep it out of the CDL requirement. This rating is only 3000 pounds greater than the 3500drw and is almost used up by the extra weight of the truck and the tow body.

The deal killer for us was that the 4500 only comes with an LLY diesel (300 HP) and 5 speed tranny whereas the 3500DRW comes with the LBZ Motor (360HP) and 6 speed tranny and the 4500 had a price tag almost 30K higher.
Dave

[CountryGuy]

Dave, the most important question of this thread!

DO YOU HAVE THAT NEW 3500 YET??? Last Al read, it was somewhere on a train????

[Dave e Victoria]

Still on the train. In Davis NM last hour. Still posting an ETA at the Phoenix yard of 0955 tomorrow. Getting to be like child birth -- or so I've heard.
Dave

[Merv]

Bigger is Better.
thats the way i see it.
I dont know if there is that much difference between the 3500 and the 4500. I would guess just a little in the suspenion and brakes.
As far as what to drive when you get there, we just drive the truck everywhere.

Merv

[Parrothead]

Dave, sounds like we made the right decision. When we were looking for a truck I had found some 4500's without the bed and checked into what it would cost to put on a bed, comfortable seats, CD player, etc. It was way out of our price range. So tomorrow is the big day!
Happy trails.................

[Sweetfire]

I made a similar post a couple months ago. The local GMC dealer has a 4500 TV with 140 gal fuel tank, air ride cab, and air ride seats, folding bed rear seat, and custom tow bed. I took pictures of it on my way into work this afternoon and will try to get them on line tomorrow. The price tag is (are you sitting down?) $71,988.00. I thnk I'll get two.

[Montana Sky]

$72,000 is that all? I think I better get on down to the dealership and buy one right away... Or one could buy a nice diesel or gas powered 3/4 ton or 1 ton and a Montana for that price and enjoy the best of both worlds. =)

[dsprik]

That means it will pull a 5ver worth $30K more than a Montana, right??? Since the 3500 DRW has the same price difference... (following my twisted logic...)

[Northstar]

That sure is a nice looking truck. Perhaps down the road.

[Sweetfire]

Ok, here are the 4500 Pics. Administrator, if these photos take up too much room please feel free to re-size or delete. That sure is a good looking Ford in the background of that one photo.

[Montana Sky]

Dennis,
That is one sharp looking rig. Oh the things I could tow using that for a tow vehicle. I better get back or I will end up doing something that will cost me alot of money! =) Thanks for the great pics. Did you happen to get a price on that bad boy?

[Sweetfire]

That one is $71,988.00. With a regular pickup bed it's $58,000.00. I think I'll stay with my F350.

[Montana Sky]

Well $72k is alot of money for a rig. Looks like I will be also staying with my Chevy. =) Thanks again for the great pics Dennis.

[cmp-shooter]

ya .. these are alot of money as I find out...now I am at 565.00 a month for my 3500 don't see how I could swing 838.00 a month esp with a montana pmt.

well let me see

SWEETFIRE NICE PICT........I'M LIKE A KID LOOKING AT A TOY IN A STORE WINDOW.........

[Sweetfire]

Me too, but that's one puppy that's staying at the pet store, unless..... Honey, did you check our Power Ball numbers? Darn, no new truck for me.

[cmp-shooter]

LOOK At this one
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ayphotohosting

why can't I be rich.........

[dsprik]

Four problems... 1. Dual overhead exhaust looks beautiful, but blows soot directly onto your cap of your Montana. 2. No steering wheel controls, which I need with my shoulder surgeries to prevent excessive discomfort on longer trips. 3. Probably won't stop the bidding at $23K, which is my max budget figure - although I should at least bid, eh? 4. Probably still get flamed on other forums because it's NOT a HDT trying to pull anything larger than a little red wagon.

BUT... It is an beautiful looking rig... wonder about gas mileage with this bigger rig and the D/A? Also, is insurance reasonable on something like this?

[Charlie]

Dennis-
Congratulations on the TV. The primary thing I was interested in was the rear end gear ratio (think that he said it was 5.50) seeing what he was latched onto. It was a 38' Mountain Aire by Newmar.

As impressed as I was with his TV, I was more impressed with the 5th wheel, first one I have ever seen with tandem wheels on two axles. GVWR for the Mountain Aire is 20000# with a dry hitch weight of about 3000# and he said the 4500 had no problems pulling it.