New toy but what options?

[GreatWhitehunter]

Well, I picked up a new toy, it's an 09 Chevy 2500hd ltz Dmax crewcab. I finally had enough of the 6.0 PSD bs and no support from Ford or my dealer.
So far I'm super happy with the Dmax an have just over 12k on it. But now I've got to customize any I'm really torn. Last year I bought a new 25' PJ gooseneck to haul my tractor. Well long story short, I wasn't able to keep it at my home due to a steep driveway. So I now store it at a rental spot for $53 a month.

This trailer is costing me alot and I'm not using it too much. Plus it's hassle to go pick it up when I do need it. So I'm thinking of selling it so I won't need to put a hole in the truck bed. I should be able to get a standard equipment trailer up my drive so I'm leaning towards a PJ 20' unit BP. This will save me $400 for the hitch and the storage fee's.

My second need is a spray on bed liner. I've had Rhino liner in the past and it was ok. I'm thinking of trying linex this time. Any thoughts or others I should look into? I'll try and post a few pics later today.

Matt

 

[WH401]

Congrats on the new truck. As for a bedliner, I don't think you can beat Line-X. I had it sprayed in the bed of my 06 and it's held up great.

 

[LoneCowboy]

Dmax fuel filters are small.
12 to 15k miles max. (I've had them clog up at 15k, and the mechanic tells me that's common, I now do them every other oil change (12k miles)).

change the spin on filter on the Allison now, get those break in metal particles out of there. (relatively affordable, much better than changing the entire transmission fluid).

Line-X

I've got a 20' PJ bumper pull. it's an 03, i bought it new, it's easily got 20k miles on it (probably more than that)
the paint is still relatively on there, I haven't busted anything that wasn't my own fault (you can't hit the fenders with a skid steer ) and I've been pleased.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I'm thinking the PJ bp makes the most sense for me. I really like how the GN tows but overall it's a PITA to go get it. I really didn't use the 5' of dovetail anyways. I really like the tilt beds but hear alot of pro's an cons. LC, I'll look into replacing the tranny filter. Where is it located? On my Ford it was inside the tranny fluid housing so you needed to drain it to get at it. Am I crazy to get away from the gn?

Off hand what does the line X cost? I think I paid about $550 for my short bed ford(rhino). If I do keep the GN I'd like to install the B&W and then get it sprayed.

Matt

 

[Diamondpilot]

The tranny Filter is on the tranny itself down on the pan. It should have been changed by 3,000 miles to keep your warranty. It cost $20. Does not sound like its been changed so get it done. Your dealer should have told you. There is a magnet that sits on the top of the filter. When you take it off its sitting right there by the threads. Clean it and put it on the new filter before installing. Also the rear axle if equipped with a locker should have also been changed very early on.

I owned a 2005 and still maintain 2 and they require a lot of maintenance compared to the Ford. I change the fuel filters on them every other oil change also and its salty @ $40 a pop. Keep a piece of 1/4" fuel hose in the truck along with a filter plus the necessary tools or you will get stranded sooner or later.

We just did a full service on on we take care of yesterday. Took 2 guys 4 hours. It has 50K on the clock now. We changed the tranny plus filter, transfer case, front axle, rear axle, coolant, engine oil, serviced the air filter, and the fuel filter. Cost $300 in supplies and we used all Mobil 1 Synthetic products in the gear boxes, Fram Filters, and Rotella Synthetic oil. We do 7,500 mile oil changes on them.

Here is a document I use on the 2 Dmax I take care of. Its set a 5,000 mile service intervals but we go 7,500 miles since we are using synthetics.

Chris

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I just checked my first service record the tranny filter was replaced then. I usually replaced the fuel filter's on the ford every other oil change so this will be nothing new. I ran mobil one turbo diesel truck oil in the ford also and plan to in the near future on this one too. I'm still looking on input on switching back to BP from GN.

Matt

 

[Diamondpilot]

I like BP much better. I had a 25' 25,000# GN that I used with my 7.3L 4x4 F-350. When I got my later trucks I opted not to install a GN hitch because it seemed I needed the bed every time I used the truck. I have a BP trailer now and do not see me going back. If you have enough truck the difference will be very unnoticeable.

Chris

 

[MikePA]

I'm still looking on input on switching back to BP from GN.

Sounds like you don't really have a choice unless you find some way to park it on your property. Since you're looking at a 20' BP, can you get a 20' GN up your driveway? All the usual benefits of a GN apply to this situation.

 

[RobertN]

Can you explain why the GN trailer is an issue to park?

I have always had smaller bumper pull type trailer's(ie like my 16' 7000lb flatbed right now). This summer though, we got a 27' 5th wheel. So far, we only have a few trips in, so I am no expert at parking it. But, it does seem easier than the bumper pull.

I would have thought the GN/5th wheel would be easier to park, maneuver, and hook up to.

Just curious; like I mention, I do not have a lot of experience with the 5th wheel yet.

I do, though, understand loss of storage in the bed when trailering, or just when I have not pulled the hitch out.

Last year I bought a new 25' PJ gooseneck to haul my tractor. Well long story short, I wasn't able to keep it at my home due to a steep driveway. So I now store it at a rental spot for $53 a month.

 

[MikePA]

Can you explain why the GN trailer is an issue to park?

GWh didn't say it's an issue to park, he said the problem is his steep driveway. My guess is with the truck on the driveway and the trailer still on the road, the angle is too severe. Either the hitch hits its limit in the bed or the tail of the trailer hits the road, or both. Although the length of the trailer (25') could be contributing to this problem, too. A GN is easier to hook up, but it does react slower (which can be good and bad) than a BP and you have to make wider turns, particularly right hand ones, since it doesn't follow the tracks of the tow vehicle as close as a BP.

Regardless of what trailer I'd buy, I'd make it a condition of sale that I can get it up my driveway. Frankly, I bet a 20' GN could get up the driveway. If it can't, I don't see why a BP wouldn't have the same problem.