Starting to think about my next truck

[tcartwri]

Those GMC Kodiak trucks are nice for those big trailers too!

Kodiaks are a funny beast. Usually they are rated for less towing capacity than a F550, or HD Ram/Sterling.

[CJONE]

We have had nothing but greif out of the 5 Kodiaks we have. Can't count the # of times 3 out of the 5 have been towed in. The other 2 have been reliable but 7 MPG and a poor ride go with it. I will be recommending either going back to the f-550 or the Medium duty IH, The Dodge will be in the running also. I like their new trucks, the quality has come way up and the cummins is a obvious choice for the next batch or trucks. CJ

[crashz]

I thought the GM trucks have been discontinued?

Brian, your thinking is logical, as none of the smaller class trucks will work in a daily operation like yours. I would look at the IH line of trucks as well, but Hinos are dead reliable. I drove one for a while and it was a great truck (box truck), but low on power and comfort.

[Dmace]

Kodiaks are a funny beast. Usually they are rated for less towing capacity than a F550, or HD Ram/Sterling.

Well it depends on how it was ordered, most of the civilian models with a pickup bed are rated at 26k GCWR to stay under CDL. Of course a lighter 3500 pickup with the same rating will have a higher tow capacity. We have a few 5500/6500 cab-chassis trucks with 30k GCWR's and they are typically only a couple of hundred pounds heavier than an equivalent 1-ton pickup but with much better brakes, stronger axles and more interior room.

I thought the GM trucks have been discontinued?

Topkicks were discontinued in 2009.

The big question for Brian is "Do you need this vehicle for personal use as well or only for hauling the trailer?"
That Hino would be tough for taking a few friends to the football game.

[tcartwri]

Whatever you do, spring the dough for the auto trans. About $10K in the IH.

[brain55]

You guys do bring up some good points. This truck with the trailer upgrade definitely puts me in at least a class B license, technically I'm already there but the pick-up bed on my F450 gives me some leeway. I won't be able to to claim ignorance moving up to a rig like this. I do like having the pick-up to chase parts and what not. It is likely more convenient to unhook and run to the store if I need to than the new truck will be, but that is part of the trade off. I will likely have to get another mini truck to run around in. Plus I doubt I will be able to park in front of my house like I do now. Yes, there will be added insurance, licensing fees, and inspections to deal with too. There is a lot to think about and consider before I make the move. Especially the $150k investment for the truck, trailer, and added equipment.

[Dmace]

You know you want it. ;-)
http://www.ramtrucks.com/en/2013/rev.../hd/index.html

[Verticaltrx]

Very nice!
You know, that new RAM 3500 should be rated to tow 30,000 lbs. That should be plenty for that 40ft mobile shop. ;-)
2013 Ram HD: The King of Towing at 30,000 Pounds - PickupTrucks.com News

This has gotten insane, it might pull it, but controlling that kind of a load is a whole different matter. And longevity? A 30,000lb trailer is more than a lot of modern class 6-7 medium-duty trucks are rated for.


Brain, looks like a good setup. I wish more people who do heavy towing would step up to a MDT, the difference is really amazing in durability and load capacity.

[Dmace]

This has gotten insane, it might pull it, but controlling that kind of a load is a whole different matter.

What part can't control it?
The advanced two-step exhaust brake?
The heavy duty 3-link front suspension?
The 50,000 psi rated steel frame?

These new 1 ton trucks have more in common with class 6 trucks than their 1/2 ton counterparts.

[Verticaltrx]

What part can't control it?
The advanced two-step exhaust brake?
The heavy duty 3-link front suspension?
The 50,000 psi rated steel frame?

These new 1 ton trucks have more in common with class 6 trucks than their 1/2 ton counterparts.

My father has a 2010 3500 Dodge cab/chassis with the 6.7L and 6 speed. It is rated to tow 18,000lbs IIRC. We sometimes pull a 25' 20K gooseneck with it, and with a full load of hay it is truly maxed out. Power is very peaky and if you aren't in that power band you have nothing. First gear isn't low enough either to get that big of a load started on a hill without seriously abusing the clutch. The tires wear out quickly with that type of load/tongue weight. The exhaust brake is nice, but with at max load it doesn't do much. All in all it is a good truck when used for what it was designed for, which IMO is towing about 10-15K.

He also has a '99 International 4700 with the DT466 and 7speed. Park the two trucks side by side and there is no comparison between the frame, axles, tires, brakes, suspension, engine, etc. It handles a 20K load properly and has for the past 330,000 miles with nary an issue. Even my 37 year old C60 Chevy is built far heavier than the newest, heaviest, greatest 1-ton trucks.

I've never understood the I-want-my-pickup-to-be-a-big-rig mentality, guess I never will.


As for the topic of the OP, if you are worried about not having 4wd, just keep a set of double-row tire chains with you. Likely you won't need them, but at $500 a pair they are cheap insurance if you do end up in a bad spot. Having a good set of aggressive drive tires does wonders too. I would love a all-wheel drive medium duty truck for use around the farm, but on the highway they aren't that great. You are more limited in axle and transmission choices, not to mention the huge price tag.