Ford vs GMC - Montana Owners Club

PackersBackers · 01-30-2008, 05:03 AM

We found out that our 2008 Ford F250 6L V8 gas, would not be adequate to pull any Montana, so have been looking to upgrade. After looking at a 2008 Ford F250 V10 with towing package, we also checked with our GMC/Chevy dealer and found one in the showroom that we think will work for us, and it will cost us less than the Ford upgrade we had already looked at. The 2008 GMC Sierra, is a 2500HD 4WD Duramax Turbo Diesel V-8, with a 3.73 gear ratio and Max. Trailer Weight of 15,500#. It is equipped with the Z82 H.D. Trailer Equipment. It has an Allison 1000 6-spd transmission. Extended cab and short box. Does this sound like it would be able to pull and stop the 3485SA without difficulty (or any other Montana), even through the mountains?? We haven't chosen our Montana yet but are leaning toward the 3485SA. Also like the 3000RK but hitch weight is 410# heavier. Also like the 3400RL but hitch weight is 250# heavier. Thanks for any and all input.

illapah · 01-30-2008, 06:33 AM

I don't know - but if I could get a diesel as you described cheaper than the v10 gasser I would be hard pressed to go gas. Your daily use should be considered too. Everywhere I buy fuel, diesel is more expensive. If I towed seldom and had only one vehicle, I may choose gas. The diesel is worth about 6K more at purchase.

Since you will be towing a 5th wheel, your trailer weight rating is not as important as the cargo weight rating. Ford may be higher, That is one reason I went with Ford but haven't kept up with latest specs.

One extra thought, since you are upgrading, If you can get same style deal on one ton you probably won't be sorry. I don't care for dually but single axle is my choice.

Having rambled on, to be specific to your post, I would go for the GMC diesel.

richfaa · 01-30-2008, 06:55 AM

given your choices go for the diesel.. I would do a check on the CC for the pin weight issue. I am sure someone will have that number and post it soon.

bsmeaton · 01-30-2008, 07:07 AM

I would really encourage you to move up to a 1-ton, then you don't have to worry about which model you like. Ford or Chev, but if you're needing the shortbed, you might have to look back at Ford.

TLightning · 01-30-2008, 09:28 AM

As the previous posters have mentioned, don't be concerned about 'pulling' any diesel will 'pull' any Montana. The key issue is pin weight and the ability of your truck to carry it. I agree with the others, get a one ton...if it's a Chevy you like get the dually.

exav8tr · 01-30-2008, 11:12 AM

Judy, I pull a 3400 with a Chevy 2500 Diesel and no problems to date. I have had two emergency stops since purchase and I stopped both with nary a problem. Both truck and trailer stopped in a straight line. I had the brakes checked at 40k miles and was told they have barely worn. I did have an extra leaf spring installed before leaving Alaska and air bags installed also. My truck is a crew cab, short bed, single rear wheel. Many talk about extra stability with the duals. I notice no stability problems with the single rear wheels. I travel mostly freeways and pass, and get passed quite often by the truckers and I barely notice them. Even coming at me on a two lane road is no problem. Something to keep in mind is whether you want to drive the wider dually all over town, if this will be your daily driver. I had a Dodge Dually for awhile and hated driving it all over town.

Having said all this, I love my truck, BUT, my next truck will probably be a 350/3500 or 450. I just don't know when that will be (maybe in a few years when the Japs make a one ton diesel). The reason for this is so I could upgrade to a heavier 5er.

Please keep in mind, this post is my opinion and only offer it for food for thought and not to start a one ton verses 3/4 ton discussion......

dsprik · 01-30-2008, 11:33 AM

We have a 2500HD Duramax and we fell into a great deal on it. If I had a financial choice I would probably go at least with a SRW 3500 2006-2007 (not a 2008) for my next tow vehicle. As it is we do not tow very much - going from FL in the fall and back to MI in the spring - our 2500 is fine and it works better for a daily driver than a DRW would.

If I planned on putting 5K - 10K a year on my 3400, I would feel better with the 3500/350. Just my general opinion and feeling on what I am personally comfortable with...

OntMont · 01-30-2008, 12:49 PM

We went from an 01 2500 to an 07 3500 (Classic, meaning before they changed the emission controls. The 3500 with the 6 speed Allison is a great machine and certainly has better stopping power than our 2500HD. We tend to run heavy, and I appreciate the extra weight carrying capacity and stopping power.

Whatever truck and trailer combo you choose, there is a lot of effort involved in getting true weight estimates. Your really need to know the loaded weights of both your truck and trailer, including the loaded pin weight. Not easy to get without running the actual rig over a scale.

BigAl52 · 01-30-2008, 03:10 PM

Judyann
I have a 2008 3485SA and I pull mine with a 2003 Dodge 3/4ton 4x4 with air bags. I would buy a 1 ton if I needed a new truck. But Chevy does not make a 1 ton in a single rear wheel. My truck is also a short box because I like to park mine in the garage. The Dodge does great with the 3485 and it has a lighter pin weight than my last Montana did by 600lbs. Now I'm sure the weight police will be in here soon to tell you you need to buy a dually but I'm sticking with the 3/4 ton for now. Al

ggranch · 01-30-2008, 03:23 PM

I believe that after you re-crunch the numbers, you will find that either 3/4 ton will be at its maximum capacity when you hook to the Monty. I also belive you will be much happier with a 1 ton truck, SRW or dually either one. The V-10 Ford is a good engine as are both diesels. Again it is your choice. As you can see by my signature, I made my choice. You must satisfy yourself, not me. Have a great time hunting/shopping, and pulling. Bob

c5racer · 01-30-2008, 05:48 PM

A Montana just looks better with a dually pulling it down the road.

Bob Pasternak · 01-30-2008, 07:59 PM

I'd go for which ever one had the Cummins engine in it.

Glenn and Lorraine · 01-30-2008, 10:15 PM

We have an 07 3485SA yanked around the US of A by an 05 GMC 2500HD D/A without incident. This past summer we traveled thru the Appalachians from Florida to northern NY and west thru the Rockies to Calif and back from Washington to Indiana. No problems going up or down and always came to a safe stop.
By going to the 3500 you gain a about 600 to 700 extra pounds on the hitch but the rest of the TV is the same as the 2500. The power train is exactly the same as the 2500HD but the cost is not.
As far as the 3485SA, we absolutely love it and to be honest the only thing we dislike is that Montana discontined it in 08. The 3605SA is about as close as you can get and has many many extras the 3485 did not. We came within a small deposit of ordering a new 3605 just 2 weeks ago.
JMHO

richfaa · 01-31-2008, 02:09 AM

So that the original poster might make a more informed decision ..... http://www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/vehicle-weight.html

The definition of GAWR was very informative for me.

also when building your own truck on a 08 F-350 Ford diesel

Same truck, same options

Single wheel drive Max payload capicity 3640lbs GVWR 11,500lbs

Dual wheel drive Max Payload capicity 4830lbs GVWR 13,000 lbs

The numbers on the Dual wheel drive are significantly higher.....

PackersBackers · 01-31-2008, 02:36 AM

Rich & Helen:
Thanks for the website link re: weights and towing. We'll read it over closely. Thanks to everyone for your opinions/information/comments and helpful suggestions.

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