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Old 03-27-2018, 03:07 AM   #1
Old_Salty
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Thoughts for new truck

Not at all trying to start a "my brand is better than your brand" discussion. I have always been a GM guy and am beginning to look at a different TV. It will be a new diesel powered truck. We currently have a 3750FL Montana. What features /
options do you have on your trucks that are essential or handy?
TIA, Mike
 
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Old 03-27-2018, 03:42 AM   #2
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I pull my 3720 with a Ford F-350 Diesel. Of course it has the HD towing package with built in trailer brakes which I'm sure other TV have as well. A couple of the features I love are the manual shifting feature which allows me to shift with with a click on the shifter control and the automatic drop tailgate. That's cool when hooking up as I don't have to get out to drop the tail gate. Just hit the button. Plus it has a built in drop step which allows this old man easier access to get up into the truck bed when needed.
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Old 03-27-2018, 04:53 AM   #3
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Any of the Big Three will do you well. What I would be looking for is a long bed, with a puck system plus 5er AND camper suspension if both are offered on your chosen brand. Locking differential, numerically higher then standard differential ratio. Depending on how you tow, perhaps a dually. Then lastly, do your homework on that drive train. At this point, and trying not to start a 'brand war' or put down your favorite, feel that GM has some catch up work to do over Ford and Ram current offerings.
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Old 03-27-2018, 05:53 AM   #4
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Dave I keep seeing references to a "puck" what is that?
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Old 03-27-2018, 06:15 AM   #5
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Dave I keep seeing references to a "puck" what is that?
Kemo - they are four factory installed attaching points for either their brand of 5th wheel hitch or an aftermarket like B&W.

The hitch is locked in place in each by the 4 cam devices through those 'pucks'. No clue how that name was attached to the 'pucks' but it seems to be a good descriptor
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Old 03-27-2018, 06:46 AM   #6
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Dave I keep seeing references to a "puck" what is that?
It is a 4 point hitch attachment system built into the bed. There are no rails in the bed. When you remove your hitch, the bed is completely flat as though you have no hitch system. That is great if like me you use your truck to haul lumber or cargo. Not sure about GMC but Ram and Ford versions offer factory installed hitches so your not out of pocket for the option. The Ram is a 25k Curt that I really like. The system will work with most aftermarket hitches though and I think it allows you to swap back and forth between 5th wheel and gooseneck with ease should you need that ability. I think this is going to be the new industry standard and above bed rail systems will gradually be phased out
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Old 03-27-2018, 06:54 AM   #7
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Thanks guys. I've seen those now that you've described them. I have a Reese system so I have two rails mounted. They lay pretty flat when the hitch is pulled out so it's ok for me.
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Old 03-27-2018, 06:59 AM   #8
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I’m with DaveW. All three of the majors make good trucks but seems like most folks go Ram or Ford.

I personally lean toward long bed four wheel drive dually. You obviously want the tow package. A lot of people add airbags primarily to smooth out the ride I think.

The electronics is mostly just how much do you want spend on fluff and trim sort of thing. I am happy with a basic trim package as long as it has the above listed essential running gear. I don’t need to be flashy I just want a truck that will do the job with no questions asked and SAFELY! Don’t be a cheapskate where it matters!
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Old 03-27-2018, 07:11 AM   #9
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The best thing you can do is drive all three several times get a brochure on them all study them and see which fits your needs best.
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Old 03-27-2018, 07:25 AM   #10
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Things I want in any brand, diesel engine, long bed, dually, 4WD
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Old 03-27-2018, 07:29 AM   #11
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Things I want in any brand, diesel engine, long bed, dually, 4WD
AMEN!!
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Old 03-27-2018, 07:46 AM   #12
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When shopping around, though I'm a Chevy guy, I did test drove the F350, and Ram 3500, all Crew Cabs, long beds, and all DRW, and all diesels. I looked at comfort since it's my daily, payload and then towing. I went with the Chevy because it met everything I was looking for, it was one of the smoothest we drove, comfortable for long rides, etc. though the payload is only #4600 compared to the ford and ram which were a little over #5000. If you have no preference, check out all 3 and if you can rent each one for a few days, do that as well and see how it rides around town without towing.
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Old 03-27-2018, 09:37 AM   #13
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Long bed, dually, diesel, auto transmission with tow-haul, 4 doors, exhaust brake, auto level. Current TV is a CTD 3500 but a Ford or Chevy version would also work.
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Old 03-27-2018, 10:43 AM   #14
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Long bed, dually, diesel, auto transmission with tow-haul, 4 doors, exhaust brake.
X2
plus... power extendable tow mirrors and built in trailer brake
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Old 03-27-2018, 12:17 PM   #15
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I agree with Diesel, LWB, Puck, 4WD, Dually.

If you think you want a SRW vs DRW. Look at the towing capacity on th driver's side door post. Then add 1000 pounds to your pin weight if you have enough (with plenty of cushion) you are good.

1000 pounds sounds like a lot but you'll be surprised how fast everything adds up.
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Old 03-27-2018, 08:01 PM   #16
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All three brands make a rig that would work just fine. Dodge is the only one to offer a manual tranny if you don't want a auto. I just ordered a F350 CC DRW 4x4 in the Platinum package. I did want all the extra stuff like adaptive cruise control for our safety in case I am not paying enough attention. I also got the tire air pressure for the truck and trailer along with full 360 degree camera system. Ford is the only one to offer those features at this time. I did drive both the Chevey 3500 and the Ford F-350. Both were unloaded and rode very smooth and were extreamly quiet. If you are willing to wait until 2019 I think the Chevy might be getting an upgrade. They did upgrade their Duramax last year. I think Dodge is scheduled to get upgrades either in 2019 or 2020 and they also upgraded their Cummings last year. They will all get you there and back.

Tom Marty
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Old 03-27-2018, 08:57 PM   #17
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I'm a Ford guy but as mentioned any of the Big 3 will do. I checked the gross numbers to make sure a SRW would work before buying the 5er. Was a dually guy, one and done. If numbers dictate dually, go for it.
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Old 03-28-2018, 04:26 AM   #18
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I pull my 3720 with a Ford F-350 Diesel. Of course it has the HD towing package with built in trailer brakes which I'm sure other TV have as well. A couple of the features I love are the manual shifting feature which allows me to shift with with a click on the shifter control and the automatic drop tailgate. That's cool when hooking up as I don't have to get out to drop the tail gate. Just hit the button. Plus it has a built in drop step which allows this old man easier access to get up into the truck bed when needed.
Forgot a couple of real nice features my 350 has. Extendable mirrors, backup camera and huge back seat with fold down storage underneath.
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Old 03-28-2018, 09:49 AM   #19
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Lots of input, we also are going to a new truck. by the time we get all of things we want it'll come out to about $70K......still can't believe the prices for a diesel truck.

We weent with a GMC Denali to get some of the options we wanted....we had to order it....6-8 weeks to wait, probably it'll be 10-12 weeks....oh well.
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Old 03-28-2018, 09:53 AM   #20
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Lots of input, we also are going to a new truck. by the time we get all of things we want it'll come out to about $70K......still can't believe the prices for a diesel truck.

We weent with a GMC Denali to get some of the options we wanted....we had to order it....6-8 weeks to wait, probably it'll be 10-12 weeks....oh well.
Congrats!!
Wow, 70k? That's nuts. My '16 3500 Duramax CC DRW Long Bed cost me 56k out the door and it has everything but a sunroof in it due to it has the plow package.
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