TRUCK AND TRAILER TEAM.

[dieselfuelonly]

This is just my opinion, but I think a 2nd generation Dodge diesel would do you good. I'd be looking in the years from 1994 to 1998.4. I know this is a little older than you want, but you can find one in good shape and it'll last you many times longer than a gasser truck of that age.

I don't think you need a dually, a 2500 3/4 ton would fit you perfect.

If you are want a little better ride, look for one with the extended cab, the longer wheelbase makes a difference. That being said, I drive my 1-ton dodge diesel that has a regular cab every time I go some place. I don't mind it, but it does have a very firm ride.

Almost all will have A/C and power steering, and of course they can be had with four wheel drive.

While the automatic transmissions get bashed a lot, if you take care of your truck and realize that if you increase the power you need to upgrade the transmission, it should do fine. Just make sure when you test drive it you drive it HARD. Make sure there is no slippage when going into overdrive. Check the transmission fluid after driving it, leave the engine running, manually shift the transmission into reverse, drive, then 2nd, then 1st, then back into neutral and get out and check where the fluid is.

I know I'm a Dodge fan and I don't want to seem like I'm being a fanatic, but I honestly think one of these trucks would work very well for you. No matter what brand truck people drive, most anyone will say that the 12 valve is a very good, simple, reliable engine that if taken care of will last a very very long time.

Also, a Ford with the 7.3L would probably make a good truck. The 7.3L diesel was a very good engine as well. It would be my second choice.

Good luck with finding a tow rig!

 

[3500DIESEL]

well if you want a diesel and can afford a new one wait till the 3rd quater of 09 when the new dodge ram 2500/3500 come out there going to be beasts.

 

[LBrown59]

1*With my 20FT. car hauler i can still load it from the side or back, using a tractor with forks or a regular forklift. I load a pallet up close to the front of the trailer, (so that it is in front of the fenders).

1*I understand this but how would you load something like this little building that is wider than the space between your fenders?

Had I had a trailer like I'm talking about back in Nov. when I bought this building I could have hauled it myself and saved the 150 i paid to have this truck deliver it.

 

[J_J]

I have used railroad ties quite often in the past to raise the shed above the fenders.

6 cement blocks and some 2 X 12,s would also work.

There is a work around for just about anything. One has to use what he has. I tell people all the time, you can't do stuff unless you got stuff. and know how to use it.

 

[shvl73]

I would use a pair of wood timbers between the fenders and just winch it up onto them.

 

[LBrown59]

This is just my opinion, but I think a 2nd generation Dodge diesel would do you good. I'd be looking in the years from 1994 to 1998.4.
1* I know this is a little older than you want, but you can find one in good shape and it'll last you many times longer than a gasser truck of that age.
2*I don't think you need a dually, a 2500 3/4 ton would fit you perfect.
3*If you are want a little better ride, look for one with the extended cab, the longer wheelbase makes a difference.
4* I drive my 1-ton dodge diesel that has a regular cab every time I go some place. I don't mind it, but it does have a very firm ride.
5*Also, a Ford with the 7.3L would probably make a good truck. The 7.3L diesel was a very good engine as well. It would be my second choice.
6*Good luck with finding a tow rig!

1*It's not to old / thanks for the tip.
2*I definately don't want a dully talk about a harder ride.
3*I need the cargo area more than cab space or smoother ride so just want a standerd cab with a long bed.
4*Like I mentioned I have a Toyota Nissan and Dodge D50 pickups for that so a soft ride is not a big issue as the truck will not be a daily driver.
5*Thanks for the tip on the Fords too.
6*Thanks.

 

[Harold_J]

3*Will a 1/2 ton really have the gusto to tow the loaded trailer and haul a ton or 2 in the bed at the same time.

In pickup truck capacities you are covering a very wide range when you say "a ton or 2 in the bed". A properly equipped 150/1500 type truck could take a 2000 lb load safely. Anything more than that and you need a 3/4 or 1 ton. As you approach a 4000 lb load a 1 ton SRW would be best. As you start inching over 4000 lb load you should have a dually.

When you say you want to handle the trailer and the load "at the same time" that is the deal breaker for 1/2 ton trucks. You need at least a 3/4 ton. If I were in your shoes I would just look for the best condition used truck I could find for the money I want to spend. I wouldn't rule out a dually if a nice one came along, it wouldn't ride much different and you would have much greater weight capacity in the bed. I also wouldn't restrict myself to 7.5' wide as they will be harder to find in a deck-over. Good luck in your search.

 

[farmboy12]

1*It's not to old / thanks for the tip.
2*I definately don't want a dully talk about a harder ride.
3*I need the cargo area more than cab space or smoother ride so just want a standerd cab with a long bed.
4*Like I mentioned I have a Toyota Nissan and Dodge D50 pickups for that so a soft ride is not a big issue as the truck will not be a daily driver.
5*Thanks for the tip on the Fords too.
6*Thanks.

Why not get the extended cab, long bed. Better ride, better towing capacity, more space in the cab.


Kyle

 

[Diamondpilot]

Why not get the extended cab, long bed. Better ride, better towing capacity, more space in the cab.


Kyle

Actually a extended cab takes away from the towing capacity in all trucks I have seen. You usually get your highest towing and payload capacity in a long bed regular cab plain work truck. They are the lightest and that = more capacity.

Chris

 

[LBrown59]

I wouldn't rule out a dually if a nice one came along, it wouldn't ride much different and you would have much greater weight capacity in the bed. I also wouldn't restrict myself to 7.5' wide as they will be harder to find in a deck-over. Good luck in your search.

Thanks for the info.

Why not get the extended cab, long bed. Better ride, better towing capacity, more space in the cab.
Kyle

As long as the truck has the towing capacity i need I don't need the better ride or extra cab space.