Kelvin
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2000
- Messages
- 800
- Location
- East Tennessee
- Tractor
- B2910 & BX23 (previously B2150 & B7100D)
Short Version of the Post: Are there any reasons to avoid either the automatic or the "new" 6-speed in the new Dodge 2500 and 3500 trucks?
Details...
It appears that new Dodge diesel truck prices are the best that they've been in a while. These prices (33K-34K for a nicely equipped quad cab 4x4) are tempting me to purchase one when I don't actually NEED one. I've even noticed that the "new" asking prices are lower than most 2004 and 2005 "used" asking prices.
The majority of the 2005 trucks on the lots have the new 6-speed transmission while at least one has the old 6-speed transmission (on the old 6-speed transmission reverse is to the far right and up; the new 6-speed transmission has reverse to the far left and down). I'd guess that about 20% of them have automatic transmissions.
Usage:
(1) Haul my Kubota & implements around (around 5000 lbs). I currently do this with my much smaller Dakota, which is still running fine as it approaches 160k miles...
(2) Use to tow rental equipment 1-3 times a year. Examples: Excavator [8000 lbs], Man-lift [6000 lbs?])
(3) If I buy this truck I'd probably sell my older motor home and buy a pull camper to go behind the Dodge. Size of trailer would be determined later. This would be the only long-haul towing situation that I anticipate.
Besides reliability issues, are there other concerns that should be considered when looking at the two different transmissions? Any significant issues with fuel economy?
Thanks for any comments,
Kelvin
Details...
It appears that new Dodge diesel truck prices are the best that they've been in a while. These prices (33K-34K for a nicely equipped quad cab 4x4) are tempting me to purchase one when I don't actually NEED one. I've even noticed that the "new" asking prices are lower than most 2004 and 2005 "used" asking prices.
The majority of the 2005 trucks on the lots have the new 6-speed transmission while at least one has the old 6-speed transmission (on the old 6-speed transmission reverse is to the far right and up; the new 6-speed transmission has reverse to the far left and down). I'd guess that about 20% of them have automatic transmissions.
Usage:
(1) Haul my Kubota & implements around (around 5000 lbs). I currently do this with my much smaller Dakota, which is still running fine as it approaches 160k miles...
(2) Use to tow rental equipment 1-3 times a year. Examples: Excavator [8000 lbs], Man-lift [6000 lbs?])
(3) If I buy this truck I'd probably sell my older motor home and buy a pull camper to go behind the Dodge. Size of trailer would be determined later. This would be the only long-haul towing situation that I anticipate.
Besides reliability issues, are there other concerns that should be considered when looking at the two different transmissions? Any significant issues with fuel economy?
Thanks for any comments,
Kelvin