2018 Diesel Trucks - 3/4 or 1 ton - favorites and why

tractorshopper · Aug 1, 2018

Yes, we take my friend's F-350 DRW to pull a 20' box trailer to Colorado hunting. I've spent many many hours behind the wheel. What I love about the DRW is that there is no sway even across Kansas with the winds. The DRW is so stable compared to any other truck I've driven that you literally forget there is a trailer behind you. This trailer fully loaded is about 7-7,500 lbs each year. Took my truck once and it was a nightmare trip and my truck was brand new at the time. Struggled so bad crossing the Rockies. His truck just keeps going with no sweat ever and got twice the mileage even at a much higher rate of speed. Really no comparison.

Whichever brand I end up choosing, I really believe I'll be going with the DRW even if my wife continues to call me a redneck.

Deere Dude · Aug 1, 2018

tractorshopper said:
Good replies so far. Thanks. This truck will likely be my daily driver and used for all towing/hauling. That is why wife doesn't want me to get DRW. She knows I'll have problems parking, etc.

I had GMC extended cab duallys since 1993. Drive through bank tellers are difficult to squeeze through. A majority of the time when I park it is off by itself and takes 1.5 spots for length. Generally I shy away from single parking spots but sometimes I need to and it does need a little thought as to turning radius etc. to get into it. I pull into any spot at Sonics Drive Ins and it does take a little more awareness while pulling in. Getting a SRW truck with the same length will have the same turning radius and will pose almost all of the problems parking a little wider truck will have. With new trucks extra care must be taken because the paint is very expensive.

That being said, I don't know your driving habits. My BIL had an 02 GMC dually just like mine and he wrecked both fenders by getting to close to snowbanks edges, but is is not the whippiest driver anyway.

om21braz · Aug 1, 2018

2017 Chevrolet 2500HD crew 4x4 long bed with diesel here. Only 6000 miles, but no hiccups so far. Plenty of power, averages 14mpg winter 18mpg summer, ride is very good, roomy on the inside and NO modifications. I really wanted the new Ford, but a similar equipped truck was a $7,000 premium. Did not want it that much more, plus having a good GM dealer in town sure helps.
Good luck with your decision and make sure you get to drive each a decent amount before selecting a winner.

dmccarty · Aug 2, 2018

Deere Dude said:
...
...he wrecked both fenders by getting to close to snowbanks edges..

I have a SRW but I thought long and hard about buying a DRW. In the end, for my use, a SRW is all I need. With a CC and long bed it takes some effort to park, which is not a big deal, but I just cannot pull into a spot. I have seen quite a few DRW with damage fenders where they have turned into something. I back my truck into spots or pull through to park. Having said that, if a "long" vehicle parks next to me or does not pull fully into the spot, it looks like I would hit them with a DRW. With the SRW I can carefully pull out but if I had a DRW I think I would have to pull up a bit, back up some and then finally get out.

But if one is carrying a large load or towing a good bit then a DRW is the way to go.

From looking at new truck prices, I don't see how I will ever get a diesel truck again. The prices have gone through the roof and I don't see how I can justify the price. Not sure I want to justify the price either. Flip side is that all vehicles seem to have sky rocketed in price. :confused3::shocked: Danged if you do and danged if you don't.

Later,
Dan

tractorshopper · Aug 2, 2018

Thanks again for the inputs. I haven't actually sat down to negotiate on any of them, but in general, speaking with the salesmen about wiggle-room and looking at the "Internet Prices" on their websites, I can't see much difference in similarly equipped vehicles between Chevy, Ram, and Ford. If one of them had a $7k sales advantage, that would certainly play into any decision I'd be making. That comment has got me to thinking that when I do get more serious and am ready to buy, I should really spend time in actual negotiations with all 3 to see who really has the best value.

On the surface though, I have been looking at LTZ, Laramie, and Lariat packages and really don't see much difference in MSRP or the amount off they'll generically say they could come down or the Internet pricing. Seems to be between 6-8k off list depending on what other incentives are offered as well.

fordmantpw · Aug 2, 2018

If you are concerned about duallies and turning radius, take a look at the F450. It has the wide front end which allows for a MUCH tighter turning radius.

kenmac · Aug 11, 2018

I have a 2007 dodge cummins diesel. Zero issues this far down the road.
Don't know if it's still the case, but I was told if you get a ford to have the engine bullet proofed or you'll have trouble. I have no idea if this is the case in 2019 models . Maybe the ford guys can tell you more

Steppenwolfe · Aug 11, 2018

My son has a 17 F 350 single rear wheel with the powerstroke diesel. It is a beast... I'm fairly certain this thing could rip a small house off of it's foundation. Amazing torque and HP. Very pricey, too.

Hanshans · Aug 11, 2018

I have had pick up trucks for the last 30 years, Chevy's, Fords and Dodges, they were all good trucks. I bought a 2018 Ram 2500 diesel in November, my first diesel truck, so far I love the truck 10,000 miles and no problems. It gets better fuel mileage than any of my gas trucks did and has crazy towing power. It still makes me smile every time I start it up.... That said i don't think you can go wrong with any of the big three trucks.