Which tow vehicle to buy?

[GreatWhitehunter]

Thanks for the reply JMT. I really need to stay in the 3/4 -1 ton class. The 1/2 tons are great and can pull some good weight but I need a heavier duty truck. One for the stopping power and heavy suspension and two for the larger towing capabilitys. I've heard alot of good feedback on the dodge products. I myself am a Ford man but I really like the GMC 2500hd duramax and allison tranny. If Ford had stuck with their 7.3PSD It would be a no brainer. But I think I've(with the invaluable feedback from you folks) weighed my options. And here they are: I really don't want to buy used, people who sell newer used vehicles take a large loss (gererally) so I tend to believe used stuff has issues because lets face it if you love your truck and it runs great your not trading it in just to get screwed on the trade in value. Second I'd love to get a 07 350 DRW PSD crew with all the options. And in the near future I may NEED to go that route. But I simply can't afford a 50K truck that is going to depreciate as soon as I take ownership. I really don't want to go with the 5.4 triton engine but I can't afford the PSD and I don't want the v10. So I haven't too many options. However the 07 250 is equipped with the tow command system( I really wanted) a 4:10 rear end X-cab,long bed and tow package (heavier suspension,coolers,hitch,etc) So I feel for the next two years or so this truck will be the best of both words. It's New has a 5 year warranty, will tow anything I need too and is priced right.


Thanks
Matt

 

[jmt1271]

The Ram as equipped is rated to tow 9300lbs. It handles my 7K without issue. How much are you towing?

 

[HGM]

I really don't want to go with the 5.4 triton engine but I can't afford the PSD and I don't want the v10. So I haven't too many options. However the 07 250 is equipped with the tow command system( I really wanted) a 4:10 rear end X-cab,long bed and tow package (heavier suspension,coolers,hitch,etc) So I feel for the next two years or so this truck will be the best of both words. It's New has a 5 year warranty, will tow anything I need too and is priced right.


Thanks
Matt

Can I ask why you dont want the V-10? If its priced similar and you dont mind the fuel economy of a stressed 5.4L, why wouldnt you want the 5.4 with 2 more cyl's? The 6.8L V-10 is a great option if you dont want the diesel, VERY reliable and capable... Its based on the 5.4L, so you're already familiar with it..

 

[jmt1271]

I had a V-10 in an Excursion(they are 3/4 ton). It was sufficient, but power to weight, you are probably better off in a half ton with 5.4.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

A half ton is just not enough truck for frequent hauling duties. Again just because a truck can tow the weight doesn't mean it can handle it. HD trucks have much heavier frames,suspension,brakes,etc. As for the V10, a coworker has one and for a daily driver it's really really bad on gas. Around 7mpg. I'll be driving the 5.4 daily and I know it will get decent mileage.

Matt

 

[tractorsanmore]

I have a 2004 f350 4x4 drw dump truck with a v-10 and 4.30 gears and get better than 7 mpg . It weighs 8300 lbs empty . He must have a lead foot , lol...

 

[HGM]

A half ton is just not enough truck for frequent hauling duties. Again just because a truck can tow the weight doesn't mean it can handle it. HD trucks have much heavier frames,suspension,brakes,etc. As for the V10, a coworker has one and for a daily driver it's really really bad on gas. Around 7mpg. I'll be driving the 5.4 daily and I know it will get decent mileage.

Matt

I'd askk around a little more about that economy... I dont believe they are that bad unloaded... He just may have something wrong with it... Just my opinion, I dont have one, nor have any experience with them besides working on them and talking to others that have them..

 

[Dmace]

Thanks for the reply JMT. I really need to stay in the 3/4 -1 ton class.

I still wouldn't rule out the Ram 2500 yet. At least drive it and see/feel the difference. The Ford 5.4l is weak compared to the HEMI, I test drove both before getting the Mopar. For just 300cc more engine, you get more power, better mileage and most importantly a flatter torque curve which makes all the difference in towing.

The 3/4 ton Dodge is rated for 13,100 lbs in a 4x4 with the 4.10 rear axle and Hemi 5.7l V8.
Dodge - Vehicle Lineup

The 3/4 ton Ford is rated for 11,100 lbs in a 4x4 with the 4.10 rear axle with the 5.4l V8.
Ford Vehicles: Super Duty - Specifications

That is 2,000 lbs difference.

The Ford as slightly higher payload at 2900lbs to the Dodge's 2690lbs.

These numbers are right from the manufacturers websites, see links.

I only got the 1/2 ton because the most I tow around is my race car.

 

[EddieWalker]

For towing anything of any weight, you'll really appreciate those duel rear wheels. It makes a huge difference in handleing and stability.

How long do you plan to keep this truck? Using a 3/4 ton truck to work so hard will really wear it out allot faster than the one ton ever will. There is more to it than just which enigine you get. The entire driveline, suspension and most importantly, the brakes on the one ton will be far superior to the 3/4 ton. It doesn't matter which make you guy.

Another thing to consider is that you don't have the land yet. When you do buy it, you'll find it's a huge asses to be able to haul as much as you can.

If it was me and I could afford a new truck, I'd buy a one ton Dodge diesel with a flatbed. The rest of the options are just a bonus.

Eddie

 

[Donnyj]

2 words about the 6.0 diesel............STAY AWAY. I really don't believe that Ford is dropping that engine for anything other than repair problems. There is a reason that a very high number of Ford dealers nationwide are under some sort of warranty audit review from Ford because of high number of repairs. Alot of dealers now are refusing to work on the diesel and just sending them down the road to another dealer so there warranty numbers don't increase anymore. Techs are gettting shafted left and right over this engine. At least 3 vehicles a week are getting the cabs lifted off and headgaskets replaced at our shop. We have replaced the factory headbolts with A.R.E. studs and found good success with that modification. The studs do a much better job than the standard headbolts. Turbo after turbo after turbo issues. Oil leaks, egr concerns one right after the other. Don't walk away from the 6.0...... RUN!!!