Calling all Super Duty Pickup owners! I need your help! - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

dave_in_delaware · 11-04-2007, 05:43 PM

Well, if you've seen my "This might be my new home" thread you'll know that I'm in the market to buy a 5th Wheel RV. And with that comes getting a pickup to do the towing.

For all of you pickup owners out there who either know your stuff about trucks (towing capacity, which fuel type is best, transmission, etc), or do towing of some sort:

Here's what I know:

- length of 5th wheel = 38'-9"
- width of 5th Wheel = 8'-1"
- height of 5th Wheel = 12'-9"
- GVWR of 5th Wheel = 14,240 pounds
- wheels of 5th Wheel = 16" (LT235/85R16)

- need room in the pickup for 2 adults AND 3 kids (car seats/booster seats in back seat).

- need longer bed length to accommodate a regular 5th wheel hitch setup (shorter bed will interfere w/ turning, and I'd need a special hitch which I'd rather avoid).

- need a truck that isn't a total gas hog because this truck will also double as my daily transportation to/from work and to/from my kids' school, etc.

Most of what I've been told to get (thru RV forums, talking to other owners, and talking w/ the RV dealership) suggest something like an F350 size.

Now, here's where I need your expertise and suggestions!!!

1. Do I need/want a gasoline or diesel truck?

2. What type of transmission do I want/need? I've heard about the major players out there (Allison, Cummins, etc) but don't really know anything about them or their pro's/con's.

3. Do I need to get the truck w/ a "tow package"?? What is that?

4. Do I want/need an SRW or DRW? Why?

5. any other things I should think about?

Thanks for your help everyone!!

rykdawgg6601 · 11-04-2007, 06:01 PM

my father has this exact model with the Cummins, and is very happy with it. There's a full back seat area (biggest back cab of any truck I'v seen). Here's a link if you'd like to check stats...
http://www.dodge.com/en/2008/ram_3500/index.html

longtalltechsan · 11-04-2007, 06:03 PM

I don't know a whole lot, but I would definitely get the F350 crewcab. I just got a 1/2 ton crew cab. I have 2 small kids and that backseat is great for those car seats. I would also suggest getting a diesel engine and get the tow package. It will probably add a tranny cooler, better brake control and a few other things needed in your situation. Hell, you might as well get 4wd too. With all your spending, a few thousand more is only a drop in the bucket.

**DanTheEldest** · 11-04-2007, 06:14 PM

My firsthand knowledge of the subject is limited, but I do know enough that you shouldn't even consider a gas engine for your application. Towing is all about torque, and that's what diesels are made for. On most modern motors, when you're running the pickup without the trailer you'll generally see better mileage out of the diesel than the comparable gas motor, too.

As for which brand to go with, you're going to get as many different answers as we have members.

Best motor...I'd say the Cummins. Best transmission....the Allison that GM is running. I'd personally go with the Chevy/GMC Duramax/Allison combo because I used to work for a lock & safe company that owned a dually box truck with that combination and it was terrific. That being said, the new tech from the different manufacturers is getting so good I'd probably end up going with whoever's got the best rebates and incentives when you're ready to buy. Be sure to get a long extended warranty and do the suggested maintenance and you'll probably be pretty happy with whatever you get.

I_Route · 11-04-2007, 06:19 PM

http://www.thedieselstop.com/

Deadcenter · 11-04-2007, 06:31 PM

+1 on the Diesel engine ... you need a truck, whatever the brand, and diesel goes with truck like gunpowder goes with fun ... just made for each other

billbrasky · 11-04-2007, 06:46 PM

I would get a diesel; this is a good use for a 1 ton diesel. They suck for commuting, you’re towing a trailer daily or weekly it’s going to pay for itself if you keep it. Which I think you should after a few years the deprecation you want to just keep it if it even half way fits your lifestyle in the future.

ford makes decent trucks. Well made good/really good trucks up to 2003. Now they just make good gassers. If you are looking at a diesel ford you HAVE to go old and get the 7.3 turbo diesel. The new ones suck, so much so that ford and Navistar (who is contracted to build and did some design) have dissolved relationship, ford supposedly is being sued for more than a billion bucks for stealing the next generation Navistar diesel. At any rate the 6.0 power strokes are crap, TONS of problems. They are among the crappiest engines out there and are destroying fords image. Look for a 2003 or older ford with the 7.3 diesel. It’s a proven design, and it only got better towards the end, since about 1994 ish the big three have been having a diesel power war. That being said to tow your trailer anything 1994 or newer is just fine, half it is just marking you don’t need 650 lb / ft of torque to pull your trailer.

Dodge has the best engines. Inline 6's are the bomb. They are the best engine configuration other than v12's which are equally balanced but wider and usually only in 120,000 luxury cars so i digress.
Straight-6 four stroke engines are in perfect primary and secondary balance and require no balance shaft. Nice high displacement inline 6 is the superior engine configuration. The Cummins diesel is a true commercial /industrial design fitted to passenger/civilian application. The solid axel is preferred by me for simplicity and bullet proof'ness. Compared to the Chevy IFS which rides nicer arguably, but I don’t think by a whole lot, surely wont matter unless you have a screwed up back , in which case long cross country rides probably aren’t your thing

Chevy is fine though like I said I don’t like the independent front suspension. Duramax isn’t a leader but its no turd like the 6.0 power stroke is.
For towing a trailer you want a diesel, allot of the big gassers the mileage goes to crap under heavy loads as in 8 mpg. If you’re buying a diesel and money is a concern go easy on the options, definitely get the diesel, and if you are going to keep this ride for a number of years maybe look for a 07 that hasn’t sold, you will get your ass handed to you if you sell it in a few years, since you had it two years but on paper its three years old. If you keep it 7 years then it doesn’t matter as much. I know a guy that bought his dodge 1 ton in I think Iowa or Kansas there is a dealer out there that moved a ton of them (pun intended) and sells them 5-6 grand less than most other dealers. If your not rich maybe take a plane out there ($250), and drive back, less than $600-$1000 and come out way ahead. I can find out the dealer if you go the dodge route.

kkibbey · 11-04-2007, 06:47 PM

hi
what year are you looking at because the 03-04 F-350's did have some head gasket issues. on 05+ most have upgraded head studs. its kind of a crap shoot if they act up or not. I probably would also avoid brand new 08 Ford diesel. it's the first year out and isnt really proven yet. and they are still trying to work out some emissions stiff.

all that being said I have a 2005 F-350 Diesel and Love it. its another one of my addictions besides XD's I have a 4.5" lift tuner, exhaust, gauges, ranch hand bumpers. I use it to pull a 5 horse gooseneck horse trailer. I have single rear wheels and it works great. the trailer is roughly 35ft.
Towing as much as it sounds like your going to be doing I would definitely go with Diesel.

some websites that I frequent that are diesel related that are full of tons of info are
thedieselgarage
ford power stroke diesel forum
Competition Diesel

As far as cab's If its just two people I have an extended cab and I can easily fit 4-6 people. it has bench front seat. or if you have other people riding in it alot then maybe a 4 door would be a good idea. this is my second one ton, and I must say its my faviorite so far. if you have any more questions that I can help with feel free to ask.

trik396 · 11-04-2007, 08:02 PM

As I stated in your other post, Dodge 3500 Dually 4x4 CumminsTurboDiesel. Any year will do you fine. As I stated before and Bill states now, stay away from Fords 6.0 Powerstroke.
The new Dodges have a 6 speed auto that's going to give the Ally trans a run for the money.
The inline six cylinder is very strong and durable. It is the only industrial engine available in a passenger vehicle. Nuff' said there...
I'd recommend the dually instead of the SRW because you're going to be hauling a pretty heavy load. My 2005 Dodge/Cummins has 617 rear wheel horsepower and somewhere over 1300lb/ft of torque. Of course my trans is all billet to handle the power. I can pull a house if I need to....

**DanTheEldest** · 11-04-2007, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trik396

I'd recommend the dually instead of the SRW because you're going to be hauling a pretty heavy load. My 2005 Dodge/Cummins has 617 rear wheel horsepower and somewhere over 1300lb/ft of torque. Of course my trans is all billet to handle the power. I can pull a house if I need to....

You're approaching tractor-trailer power with your Dodge...how on earth do you get those numbers out of the "little" Cummins? I'd like to know the mods for...um...future reference.

11-04-2007, 05:43 PM	#1
dave_in_delaware XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Wilmington, DE Posts: 6,158	Calling all Super Duty Pickup owners! I need your help! Well, if you've seen my "This might be my new home" thread you'll know that I'm in the market to buy a 5th Wheel RV. And with that comes getting a pickup to do the towing. For all of you pickup owners out there who either know your stuff about trucks (towing capacity, which fuel type is best, transmission, etc), or do towing of some sort: Here's what I know: - length of 5th wheel = 38'-9" - width of 5th Wheel = 8'-1" - height of 5th Wheel = 12'-9" - GVWR of 5th Wheel = 14,240 pounds - wheels of 5th Wheel = 16" (LT235/85R16) - need room in the pickup for 2 adults AND 3 kids (car seats/booster seats in back seat). - need longer bed length to accommodate a regular 5th wheel hitch setup (shorter bed will interfere w/ turning, and I'd need a special hitch which I'd rather avoid). - need a truck that isn't a total gas hog because this truck will also double as my daily transportation to/from work and to/from my kids' school, etc. Most of what I've been told to get (thru RV forums, talking to other owners, and talking w/ the RV dealership) suggest something like an F350 size. Now, here's where I need your expertise and suggestions!!! 1. Do I need/want a gasoline or diesel truck? 2. What type of transmission do I want/need? I've heard about the major players out there (Allison, Cummins, etc) but don't really know anything about them or their pro's/con's. 3. Do I need to get the truck w/ a "tow package"?? What is that? 4. Do I want/need an SRW or DRW? Why? 5. any other things I should think about? Thanks for your help everyone!! __________________ Dave Daily carry = XD-9 service in a Blackhawk CQC SERPA holster, a Spyderco Native, and a Streamlight Scorpion. "Everything matters... unless it's antimatter." “A person has the right to keep and bear arms for the defense of self, family, home and State, and for hunting and recreational use.” [Delaware Constitution, Article I, § 20 Right to keep and bear arms]

11-04-2007, 06:01 PM	#2
rykdawgg6601 XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 374	altho I don't own one my father has this exact model with the Cummins, and is very happy with it. There's a full back seat area (biggest back cab of any truck I'v seen). Here's a link if you'd like to check stats... http://www.dodge.com/en/2008/ram_3500/index.html Last edited by rykdawgg6601; 11-04-2007 at 06:03 PM. Reason: ETA: motor

11-04-2007, 06:03 PM	#3
longtalltechsan XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,981	I don't know a whole lot, but I would definitely get the F350 crewcab. I just got a 1/2 ton crew cab. I have 2 small kids and that backseat is great for those car seats. I would also suggest getting a diesel engine and get the tow package. It will probably add a tranny cooler, better brake control and a few other things needed in your situation. Hell, you might as well get 4wd too. With all your spending, a few thousand more is only a drop in the bucket. __________________ Gun owner's prayer.... "Oh Lord, if I die, please don't let my wife sell my guns for what I told her they cost."

11-04-2007, 06:14 PM	#4
DanTheEldest XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 6,499	My firsthand knowledge of the subject is limited, but I do know enough that you shouldn't even consider a gas engine for your application. Towing is all about torque, and that's what diesels are made for. On most modern motors, when you're running the pickup without the trailer you'll generally see better mileage out of the diesel than the comparable gas motor, too. As for which brand to go with, you're going to get as many different answers as we have members. Best motor...I'd say the Cummins. Best transmission....the Allison that GM is running. I'd personally go with the Chevy/GMC Duramax/Allison combo because I used to work for a lock & safe company that owned a dually box truck with that combination and it was terrific. That being said, the new tech from the different manufacturers is getting so good I'd probably end up going with whoever's got the best rebates and incentives when you're ready to buy. Be sure to get a long extended warranty and do the suggested maintenance and you'll probably be pretty happy with whatever you get. __________________ The only things more disturbing than the base ideologies of the new President are the lengths to which his supporters and apologists will go to try to convince themselves and the rest of us that he's not exactly who he says he is. The American abortion industry: helping rid the tired, huddled masses of their inconveniences and mistakes for four decades now. (But it's okay--the unborn aren't actually humans. What they are, we're not sure--but they're definitely not people.)

11-04-2007, 06:19 PM	#5
I_Route XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Merrimack, NH Posts: 874	http://www.thedieselstop.com/ __________________ Later, Jeff If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a soldier.

11-04-2007, 06:31 PM	#6
Deadcenter XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Trucking the USA Posts: 903	+1 on the Diesel engine ... you need a truck, whatever the brand, and diesel goes with truck like gunpowder goes with fun ... just made for each other

11-04-2007, 06:46 PM	#7
billbrasky XDTalk 3K Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: suburban detroit Posts: 3,198	I would get a diesel; this is a good use for a 1 ton diesel. They suck for commuting, you’re towing a trailer daily or weekly it’s going to pay for itself if you keep it. Which I think you should after a few years the deprecation you want to just keep it if it even half way fits your lifestyle in the future. ford makes decent trucks. Well made good/really good trucks up to 2003. Now they just make good gassers. If you are looking at a diesel ford you HAVE to go old and get the 7.3 turbo diesel. The new ones suck, so much so that ford and Navistar (who is contracted to build and did some design) have dissolved relationship, ford supposedly is being sued for more than a billion bucks for stealing the next generation Navistar diesel. At any rate the 6.0 power strokes are crap, TONS of problems. They are among the crappiest engines out there and are destroying fords image. Look for a 2003 or older ford with the 7.3 diesel. It’s a proven design, and it only got better towards the end, since about 1994 ish the big three have been having a diesel power war. That being said to tow your trailer anything 1994 or newer is just fine, half it is just marking you don’t need 650 lb / ft of torque to pull your trailer. Dodge has the best engines. Inline 6's are the bomb. They are the best engine configuration other than v12's which are equally balanced but wider and usually only in 120,000 luxury cars so i digress. Straight-6 four stroke engines are in perfect primary and secondary balance and require no balance shaft. Nice high displacement inline 6 is the superior engine configuration. The Cummins diesel is a true commercial /industrial design fitted to passenger/civilian application. The solid axel is preferred by me for simplicity and bullet proof'ness. Compared to the Chevy IFS which rides nicer arguably, but I don’t think by a whole lot, surely wont matter unless you have a screwed up back , in which case long cross country rides probably aren’t your thing Chevy is fine though like I said I don’t like the independent front suspension. Duramax isn’t a leader but its no turd like the 6.0 power stroke is. For towing a trailer you want a diesel, allot of the big gassers the mileage goes to crap under heavy loads as in 8 mpg. If you’re buying a diesel and money is a concern go easy on the options, definitely get the diesel, and if you are going to keep this ride for a number of years maybe look for a 07 that hasn’t sold, you will get your ass handed to you if you sell it in a few years, since you had it two years but on paper its three years old. If you keep it 7 years then it doesn’t matter as much. I know a guy that bought his dodge 1 ton in I think Iowa or Kansas there is a dealer out there that moved a ton of them (pun intended) and sells them 5-6 grand less than most other dealers. If your not rich maybe take a plane out there ($250), and drive back, less than $600-$1000 and come out way ahead. I can find out the dealer if you go the dodge route.

11-04-2007, 06:47 PM	#8
kkibbey XDTalk Newbie Join Date: May 2007 Location: pa Posts: 17	hi what year are you looking at because the 03-04 F-350's did have some head gasket issues. on 05+ most have upgraded head studs. its kind of a crap shoot if they act up or not. I probably would also avoid brand new 08 Ford diesel. it's the first year out and isnt really proven yet. and they are still trying to work out some emissions stiff. all that being said I have a 2005 F-350 Diesel and Love it. its another one of my addictions besides XD's I have a 4.5" lift tuner, exhaust, gauges, ranch hand bumpers. I use it to pull a 5 horse gooseneck horse trailer. I have single rear wheels and it works great. the trailer is roughly 35ft. Towing as much as it sounds like your going to be doing I would definitely go with Diesel. some websites that I frequent that are diesel related that are full of tons of info are thedieselgarage ford power stroke diesel forum Competition Diesel As far as cab's If its just two people I have an extended cab and I can easily fit 4-6 people. it has bench front seat. or if you have other people riding in it alot then maybe a 4 door would be a good idea. this is my second one ton, and I must say its my faviorite so far. if you have any more questions that I can help with feel free to ask.

11-04-2007, 08:02 PM	#9
trik396 XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: currently elsewhere Posts: 1,765	As I stated in your other post, Dodge 3500 Dually 4x4 CumminsTurboDiesel. Any year will do you fine. As I stated before and Bill states now, stay away from Fords 6.0 Powerstroke. The new Dodges have a 6 speed auto that's going to give the Ally trans a run for the money. The inline six cylinder is very strong and durable. It is the only industrial engine available in a passenger vehicle. Nuff' said there... I'd recommend the dually instead of the SRW because you're going to be hauling a pretty heavy load. My 2005 Dodge/Cummins has 617 rear wheel horsepower and somewhere over 1300lb/ft of torque. Of course my trans is all billet to handle the power. I can pull a house if I need to....

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