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Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your experience

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ShepFL

04-15-2004 06:55:58

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COLOR WARS NOT WANTED !!

Went camping this past wx and wife is clammering for newer camper. Was thinking of saving $$ for a used 5th wheel travel trailer. That said will be also need to upgrade truck. Will keep the old hoss - 1990 Full size Chevy Silverado, K3500 454, 4x4, single axle.

Thinking of used 1 ton, Dsl, manual tranny, crew-cab, 4x4 preferred. What are your recommendations for a truck.

Also what are some good used 5th wheel travel trailers. Looked at a Montana Big Sky made by Keystone that REALLY REALLY NICE - spendy to I am sure. Purchase for both is about 2 yrs. out.

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Eldon (WA)

04-17-2004 19:31:05

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Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your experien in reply to ShepFL, 04-15-2004 06:55:58

I bought an 01 Dodge Cummins HO QC 2wd new and haven't had a problem in 65,000 miles. It rides as good as my 96 GMC 4x4 that I had, but the interior isn't nearly as nice.....but hey - it's a truck. I was impressed with the "real" lug nuts this thing has on it, and the Cummins and 6 spd are the only way to go. I've pulled a lot of miles with it and am satisfied. The new Dodge 1 ton SRW is basically the same as my 2500 which has the camper package.....which is no longer available on the new 2500s.

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kyhayman

04-15-2004 19:53:26

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Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your experien in reply to ShepFL, 04-15-2004 06:55:58

My personal choice was a Dodge 2500 with a Cummins back in '01. Been a good truck, it rides rough as a tank and is pretty noisy, esp compared to the Chevy (just put 500 miles on a Duramax last weekend. Really nice truck, a lot nicer than my Dodge but then I dont want all the fancy electronics it had (after all I put baby calves in the cab sometimes to warm them up, need soemthing I can hose out). Fords with the 7.3 are obviously good trucks. If I was buying today I'd be tempted to look at the Chevy's, but I'm not sure how much one would run or if I could find one on the lot stripped down like I want. Dealer I like the best is a Dodge truck place, over 50 new diesels on the lot any time, actually have trucks set up to work out of. Reasonable too, $27,500 out the door off a $32,000 sticker, no haggle and they gave me $100 under book trade in (not wholesale) for my old truck. Right now the new ones are a few $$ below that with the rebate.

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marlowe

04-15-2004 18:52:45

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Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your experien in reply to ShepFL, 04-15-2004 06:55:58

had a 2000 dodge that was junk got rid of it and got a 2003 dodge and it's a work horse best truck i ever had but the differense is [I] set this truck up to my specs. not the dealer run of the mill kid and grocery hauler that most dealers stock. what ever brand you get get it set for YOUR needs and not the run of the mill dealer set up also go to a dealer that deals in trucks and knows the set ups. a CAR dealer is NOT a truck dealer and go to a dealer that KNOWS diesels 9 out of 10 don't know sh-t about them other then what they read in the sales lit.. so then my vote is the dodge but then it your money and you will drive it so get what fits you but order what YOU need and want in a truck

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49 Cubber!

04-15-2004 12:42:05

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Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your experien in reply to ShepFL, 04-15-2004 06:55:58

This is just my experience and Im starting a colr war,at leats I hope not.I bought a 00 Dodge new with the Cummins,absolutely the worse truck I have ever owned,alot of problems,I mean alot.Dodge repalced it in 01 with a new truck,basically the same thing I had.The Cummins was weak,underpowered for the truck,dual cab dually,and was extremely loud,even for a diesel,rode like a tank.last year I traded it for a 01 F350 SD.Is it loud,yes,but not as loud as that Cummins was,does it lack power,nope,none what so ever for my needs,does it ride better,ABSOLUTELY!now,which one is better its up to you to decide and Im sure others have had right opposite experiences I have had,but ill never buy another Dodge wit ha cummins in it.The two I had were the only two i have ever owned,I have had only one Powerstroke.

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Jesse Powell

04-15-2004 13:14:35

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Re: Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your expe in reply to 49 Cubber!, 04-15-2004 12:42:05

If your going to buy something to pull with,really pull.You need to buy a F350 daully.There more stable than a single axle(I have a single axle).Now weather or not you get a deisel or a gas just depends on how much money you want to spend for fuel(deisels better).

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04-15-2004 11:12:13

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Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your experien in reply to ShepFL, 04-15-2004 06:55:58

We've had an F550 for a few years now... it's GREAT!!! We have a 37' 5th wheel (14K loaded weight) and regularly pull heavy flatbed trailers... this truck has the grunt to get the job done! Everything about these rigs is HEAVY DUTY!!! Steering, suspension, tranny (allison), transfer case and BRAKES (4 wheel disc ABS) are big-rig tough... but the Lariat interior package makes it nice to ride in... kinda like driving around in your living room! Initially, I thought a truck like this would be prohibitively expensive... not so! They run a bit more than a similarly equipped 1 ton. I'm obviously a Ford guy, but, I've noticed GM has finally followed Ford's lead and come out with a medium duty hauler similar to the 450 & 550... looks to be OK, but, so new you're not likely to find many used ones yet. Check EBay... I've seen a couple of really good deals on F550's... ya just never know what you'll find!!!

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Bob

04-16-2004 14:53:57

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Re: Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your expe in reply to DL, 04-15-2004 11:12:13

You are obviously a very intelligent person. It is clear due to your spelling, punctuation and vast knowledge of GM's product line. Sorry guys, as much as you die hard Ford and Dodge guys would like disagree, the Duramax and Allison are now the combination that sets the mark for diesel pickup powertrains.

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Bob

04-17-2004 18:37:25

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Re: Re: Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your in reply to Bob, 04-16-2004 14:53:57

Sorry, wrong again on your part. Last year GM had 34% of the pickup market, Ford had 33%, Dodge had 14% Toyota had 11% and the others got the balance.
Come on guys get off the aluminum heads bit.There has never been a documented failure of one and there are a lot of these trucks with 300,000 plus miles on them. Do you really think Ford and Dodge with design another cast iron engine? I think not. The manufacturers evaluate the facts and change with the times, unfortunately the farmers are very slow to react.

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Who Makes IT??

04-17-2004 11:37:06

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Re: Re: Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your in reply to Bob, 04-16-2004 14:53:57

Would that be the ISUZU duramax?

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Matt

04-18-2004 08:15:20

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is y in reply to Who Makes IT??, 04-17-2004 11:37:06

The Duramax was designed by ISUZU. ISUZU is owned by General Motors. The engines are built in a GM plant in Ohio.

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04-18-2004 10:50:03

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what in reply to Matt, 04-18-2004 08:15:20

they ARE an IZUSU product!

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John

04-16-2004 22:15:48

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Re: Re: Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your in reply to Bob, 04-16-2004 14:53:57

I guess you don't read the articles are pay attention. Ford, even with all the problems the 6.0 has had, still sells 2 Fords to every Chevy and Dodge. Half the pickups on the road are Fords. Lets come back in a year and see how the Duramax folks feel when the aluminum heads have 75,000 miles on em. Even if the motor does turn out to be ok (it will be the first for GM) it is still wrapped in a chevy with all the squeaks and rattles to go along with it.

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John - Hate to break this

04-15-2004 21:15:05

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Re: Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your expe in reply to DL, 04-15-2004 11:12:13

Hate to burst your bubble but Ford does not put Chevy (ALLISON) trannies in their f550 and smaller SD's. They all use the same 4R100 from the 2wd F250 up to the 4wdF550. You can get the allison in the F650 and larger. Besides, the 4R100 tranny is stronger the the allison wanna be Chevy is using behind the Durajunk. Just ask someone that has one several years old from when they first put them behind the 7 litre gas motor. Bet he will be on his 3rd one. I do agree though, the F550 is the way to go. HUGE brakes, HUGE rear axle, 18,000GVW, 30,000+ GCVW. Want get that from the Dodge boys or from the General.

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04-16-2004 10:51:37

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Re: Re: Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your in reply to John - Hate to break this, 04-15-2004 21:15:05

OK, educate me... my auto is a 5 speed (4 plus od) & I was told it was allison... can't remember by who & so far haven't seen it in writing... where can I find out for sure?

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John

04-16-2004 22:11:46

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is y in reply to DL, 04-16-2004 10:51:37

I will make the wild assumption that it has the 6.0 litre. That be the case it is a FORD transmittion and would be a 5 speed. All 7.3 had the same 4r100 4 speed automatic. The 4 speed is good for about 600 ft/lbs and the new 5 speed is good for about 700 ft/lbs. Shame they don't offer the old 7.3 with the new 5 speed. Might consider trading. Don't believe I will jump on a 6.0 till they get beyond the injector and turbo problems. Allison is NOT available in pickups which includes F450 and F550's. They are only available in the Ford line in medium duty trucks. Anything larger than medium duty is a Sterling. Besides, the "Allison" chevy is using is not the same Allison you find in real trucks. It is a passenger truck auto and is barely strong enough to survive behind a stock Durajoke. If you bump up the power on the Max, you will find out what the inside of the "Allison" looks like.

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04-17-2004 11:35:04

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what in reply to John, 04-16-2004 22:11:46

Hey John, Now you've got me curious... I'm going to have to do a little detective work. I never meant to imply that my trans was the same as GM was using... my truck is an '00 w/7.3 litre 'stroke... it's a great truck... I'm with you on the 6.0 litre engines, although a good friend of mine had a '99 F350 w/7.3 litre, and just traded for an '04 F350 (w/King Ranch package... I'm drooling!) that has the 6.0 litre... he says power, mileage and noise levels are all significantly improved in the new rig... so far, he loves it! Anyways, I'll do a little leg work to try to find out what my trans is... the 550's are sold as cab& chassis and I think are considered medium duty rather than as a light duty pick up truck. By the way, you oughtta go easy on the DuraMax's... who is it that makes 'em??? Oh yeah, ISUZU!!!! That's a truck engine!

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VADAVE

04-15-2004 10:02:04

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Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your experien in reply to ShepFL, 04-15-2004 06:55:58

Shep just bought an 04 chevy 2500HD with duramax and allision, extended cab long bed. I have just over 3000 miles now so it is really new. Seriously look at these new extended cabs, both Ford and Chevy, they are very comfortable--not at all like the old extended cabs. The only difference I have been able to see is that for the extended cab the front door has to open for the back door to open, I'm sure the crewcab has more leg room BUT. The factory list rate these trucks to pull less with a manual transmission. I don't think they put the clutches in them they used to. Mine is rated to pull a 16,000 gvw trailer. I recently picked up "4 tons" of gravel (I think they were generous) the total combination weighed 20,000 lb. I want to tell you it was like there was no trailer back there. Sure I knew it because the truck didn't jackrabbit off the lights but it sure wasn't slow. And the trailer brakes did their job slowing it down.
I chose the Chevy because it didn't "seem" like as big a truck as the Ford; AND the Ford didn't seem to accelerate like the Chevy. Sorry didn't look at Dodge just cause i didn't like their looks. I think the prettiest truck is the Ford but you cannot see the right front corner and you can on the Chevy. YUP this is a really long truck but I would do it again if I had to choose now.
The only way to really decide is go drive 'em. The dealers will be happy to take you for a spin just cause they are trying to make a deal.

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Keith

04-15-2004 09:31:17

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Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your experien in reply to ShepFL, 04-15-2004 06:55:58

I have an 03 3500 (not dually)Dodge with Hi output Cummins(305 hp, 555 torque) 4x4 short bed, 6 speed manual, and 3:73 gears. It is an awsome truck. I get 21-22 mpg unloaded if I stay under 65 mph. It drops to 18 mpg if I run 80 mph unloaded. It gets as low as 13 mpg pulling 8000 lbs. I have yet to come out of 6th gear pulling less than 10000 lbs at 80 MPH. I almost ordered the truck with 4:10s but I am glad I went with 3:73 with the six speed. I am not sure about the other brands but I think I have a good one. Good luck.

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JDGnut

04-15-2004 08:13:02

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Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your experien in reply to ShepFL, 04-15-2004 06:55:58

I'm very partial to my Cummin powered Truck... Lots of power, fuel ecomony and dependable.. Especial since you want a manual shifting truck.. but if you want a crew-cab type truck you will have to step up to an 03 or new truck.. and its still not a true "crew cab" compared to the Chevy or Fords... The fords will have the most interior room.. (the biggest difference in the rear seat.) Chevy's (in my opinion) have the plushest interior.. (and I would not be afraid of the Allision-auto..) but if you buy a Chevy I would stay away from the older 6.5 and 6.2 engines.. Dodge I think has the best engine with the cummins.. With that said. I would look for a 03 Dodge.. or a Chevy D-Max.. (I'm just not a ford person.. nothing wrong with them.. there are a million of them out there.. ) Our best value would be with a 02 or early Dodge.. but you will not get a Crew-cab.. JDGnut

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Jeff

04-15-2004 07:22:15

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Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your experien in reply to ShepFL, 04-15-2004 06:55:58

From personal experience with both I would say if your wanting to put pulling at the top of the list get a Dodge with the Cummins. Dang things will pull the world down I think . However a Ford will do what you want and will be a little more comfortable I think . We have both and had a Ford 1 ton before this 3/4 ton we now have and the Fords seem to ride a little better and handle and drive better. Not a whole lot but enough to see a difference. The Dodge will however pull an equal load better or easier it seems at least in the hills. Our 1 tons had basically the same gears but the Dodge seems to get a little better milage. I could get about 13-14 with the Ford,4:10 gears and about 15-17 with the Dodge,4:10 gears also. Neither had anything done to them as in chips or stuff.

I am driving a 96 Ford 3/4 ton right now with 180K on it and has 3:90? gears whichever the other one besides 4:10's is and can get about 17-19 mpg if I keep things around 65 mph.This truck will also haul a 5300# trailer with 10K # on it reasonable but you do have to downshift on some hills. Don't normally haul that much on the trailer though.

Don't know anything about the Chevy's except around here they don't hold up real well.

Thats alof of truck to haula Allis G on ther Shep!! LOL!!!

Jeff in Tn.

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ShepFL

04-15-2004 09:37:01

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Re: Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your expe in reply to Jeff, 04-15-2004 07:22:15

yabutt!!
If I get a bigger truck then I can get a bigger tractor trailer (5th wheel) and then a bigger OLIVER!!!

Not knockin' that G but my true passion is . . . .

old iron :)

Also, with the new setup I could haul the Oliver 550, AC and Farmall to any show and try to fit in

Grins from here
ShepFL aka PumpkinMan

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Shep VA

04-15-2004 10:14:49

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Re: Re: Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your in reply to ShepFL, 04-15-2004 09:37:01

Well, I will have to put my 2 cents in here. I just got another truck this year too and went through the same thing you are. I LOVE the Cummins engines, as you well know, and I put them in all the farm equipment. I just cant get around the rest of the dodge truck, the interior just didnt suit me well. I think the dodges are a super engine around an OK truck.

I have had several fords and found this 2000 ford F-350 XLT used and at a good price so I grabbed it. The intercooled 7.3 powerstroke is very powerful and with the 4.10 gears and the 6 speed I can pull anything up out on the road with no problem. I pulled this rig to Lancaster PA at 70 MPH all the way with no problems. Fuel milage is not the best with this truck, but I think I can do some things to improve it. It is bone stock right now.

My neighbor got a 2003 Chevy duramax 2500 regular cab with 3.73 gears this year too. He put a gooseneck ball in his and my ford seems a lot more stout than the Chevy. Granted I am not comparing the exact same trucks, but the ford gets along better moving the trailers.

My opinion is that the Dodge has the best engine, the Chevy has the best interior and "truck body" if you will, and the ford is kinda in the middle with a good engine and a good body. I am happy with my powerstroke.

Good luck on whatever you get, they will all work.

Shep's World

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Roy B

04-16-2004 16:13:40

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is y in reply to Shep VA, 04-15-2004 10:14:49

Shep,
Cool picture, very nice truck. I ageee completly with your cummins engine, chevy interior in a 350 super duty. That being said I have had the best of luck with the 5 Navistar powered Fords I have owned. I currently run a '00 F350, power stroke 6 speed, 3:73 to move the farm equipment,deliver wood and hay and haul a 32.5' fifthwheel travel trailer. The truck has been very reliable and tows like a dream. My next one will be a F550 crew cab. If you are planning to travel with family get the crew cab. My boys are 2 and 4 and with the car seats there is just not enough room in the super cab. I like the Jayco Eagle or Designer line of trailers. Look at the Prowler Ax6 or Terry Ax6 series. The Cedar Creak units are also very nice. Take a look at the front living room models, sweet!. Good looking oliver there. Good luck. Roy

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DuaneWKKC

04-15-2004 07:17:45

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Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your experien in reply to ShepFL, 04-15-2004 06:55:58

I'm partial to the Dodges, really like the cummins motor AND the truck like ride you get. Mines an 02, dad has an 03 and it is sure alot quiter. Really like the six speed if hauling, not if driving around town or hurrying, you run through three gears and look down and your going a whole 35-40 MPH. I get 17 19 mpg with mixed driving. One draw-back to the Dodges is height. (Buy tow vehicle first, camper next and verify hich/bedrail clearances) A 4x4 will really set the front of the trailer up. D-max's seem to be holding up well and you dont have the height issue. I drove one prior to buying my Dodge, just wasn't trucky enough, to soft for my liking. Oh yea, one other thing, go LONG BED no matter what flavor of truck you get. Seems to be a WHOLE LOT LESS hassel with turning clearences and hitch placement on the long bed, + no special 'slider' hitches to buy.

Good luck.
DuaneW.

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Hal

04-16-2004 21:19:37

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Re: Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your expe in reply to DuaneWKKC, 04-15-2004 07:17:45

You are right about watching the clearences with 5th wheel travel trailers. I believe there was a problem with 4x4 Fords a few years ago when they came out with new body style and owners who previously were using a Ford had problems with the new truck and old trailer. Ford even came out with some kind of a lowering kit to give more clearence.

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Hal

04-16-2004 19:56:50

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Re: Re: Tractor Hauler Upgrade - what is your expe in reply to DuaneWKKC, 04-15-2004 07:17:45

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