Advice needed..Keep old truck or get a Tundra

[Todd_C]

I had a 2001 Silverado 5.3 with 3.73 gears and it wasn't up to towing my TC 40 with attachments very well. In 2008, I purchased a 2007 Dodge Ram Quad Cab with a 5.9 CTD with 3.73 gears with a 4 speed auto. The truck has been great and I only have 31k miles on it. I got a great deal on the truck and I can get several thousand more now than what I paid for it.

I find that I only tow 8-9k pounds a few time per year now. The Dodge is beating me to death without a load and is just more truck than I need. My wife had a 2010 Sequoia and I am thinking about getting a new Tundra Crewmax with 4.30 gears, so I believe it should tow my tractor well and it should tow better than my old Silverado.

Should I just keep the Dodge or go ahead and get a new Toyota while Toyota is offering incentives on this truck?

 

[doall]

I would keep the Dodge. I never like to go backwards on power, but they do ride stiff. I wish I was close to you I might buy your dodge. I have an 03 z 71 with 3.73 and tow my 3040 ok. It could definitely be better. The tundra will pull better than that.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Personally I would keep the 5.9 Cummins. That is a sweet motor. The Tundra is nice and I really wanted one 2 years ago but ended up with a Titan. I was not impressed with the frame and the price. Back then they would not come off of it one bit.

Take a look at the Titan. Its by far the best 1/2 ton truck I have driven, especially for towing. I would go as far to say its the best gas truck I have driven with the exception of my uncles 2005 F-350 4x4 V-10.

Chris

 

[k3nn3y]

Go for the Tundra. I bought mine in 2007 SR5 with 5.7 and 6 speed auto.tow mirrors, dual exhaust, NAV, off road package, white with black interior. I tow a three horse bumper pull cirD trailor loaded between 9,000 & 10,000 LBS. I also pull 18" car hauler b/p with my L3700SU Kubota. I love my Tundra.

 

[hawkeye08]

Don't overlook the 2011 GM trucks either, lots has changed in 10 years.

 

[Baranx4]

I own a diesel also so I know how the ride can be on a 3/4 ton when empty and dodges are known for being a hard ride in 3/4 ton trucks. My father in law would say buy what you need, not what you want. That goes far in considering your needs. You mentioned you only tow a few times a year, so the diesel isn't really needed unless it's far towing.

A half ton can tow the weight but wouldn't be as safe or stable as a 3/4 ton when towing higher weights and you would want the tow package with a 1/2 ton. Also 4.30 gears in a gas truck can make for some poor mpg. There was a mention of a titan for towing. Follow my advice, I had one with the tow package in a crew cab and it was terrible for towing, poor mpg and sway with a well balanced load. Rear springs were too light and when you have to start adding to the suspension for a more stable ride then it's probably not what you wanted anyway. I would ask to see if I could demo the truck with your trailer first to see how it towed and if your head lights are going to be star gazing.

 

[Dmace]

It certainly sounds like a new 1/2-ton truck would suit your needs better. Personally, a Tundra would be at the bottom of my list of new 1/2-ton trucks but whichever you decide on should have no problem with 8-9k lbs.

 

[framer]

Traded my 02 1 ton chevy in 08 for the 5.7 tundru. Would recommend it.I haul up to 10,000 lb occasionally.Plenty power and great ride. Bad side 15 miles to gl.

 

[Diamondpilot]

It certainly sounds like a new 1/2-ton truck would suit your needs better. Personally, a Tundra would be at the bottom of my list of new 1/2-ton trucks but whichever you decide on should have no problem with 8-9k lbs.

I agree with Dmace here. He is going to recommend the Ram, me the Titan, and the next guy the GM. Reason being we all like what we have or we would be complete idiots to drop 35K on it. Any are up to the task you need it to do if properly equipped. I still say keep the 5.9.

If I were buying a 1/2 ton my order would be:
1. Ford F-150
2. Nissan Titan
3/4. Dodge Ram/Toyota Tundra tied
5. GM

Chris

 

[gilbertmsg]

If ride quality is important, I would go with one new 1/2 ton trucks, you make your choice on company. I think you will miss your dodge down the road when you really need/want to tow. From what I have read the new 1/2 tons are great, but still nothing like a diesel to get the job done.

Eddie