Here we go again....

I need a bigger DD, as my family is again expanding. So instead of getting a useless but wheelable SUV (tho I really want a FJ80 for possible Vortec conversion), I figure I'll look seriously at a tow capable rig for my DD. I drive about 40-50 miles per day. The towing would be for my FJ40 on a trailer or potentially a travel trailer (been looking for several years).

So based on EXPERIENCE - what is the verdict on:

1) Chevy 2500HD with diesel and Allison 5spd auto

2) Chevy 2500HD w/6.0L and 5spd manual

3) Ford 250 PSD w/6spd manual

4) Dodge 2500 w/6spd manual

For the Dodge, I would have to try to wait for the fall so I could get a true crew cab - others I would look at getting pretty soon. I know this is discussed at length, and I have checked the archives, but I am hoping for more opinions based on actually owning and living with these trucks.

Thanx.....

1, 2, 2, 3?? Who taught you to count??:flipoff2: Anyway, i did extensive research on all of them and am now driving an 02 F250 PSD 6-speed, Crew Cab, Short bed. The words aluminum and diesel should not go together so that rules out the Chevy. Not to mention the PSD felt WAY more powerful than the duracrap i test drove. The cummins is a very nice engine but the rest of the truck is crap. I heard someone on a forum describe the cummins dodge's as the best hotdog in the world in a 50 year old moldy bun. The Fords are the nicest by far in my opinion. All three have their strengths and weaknesses though, go test drive them all and talk to lots of owners. www.ford-diesel.com has LOADS of info.

-Steve


(p.s. i also think the ford is the best looking).

PSD/6spd.
That said, I have a late '99 F-250 Superduty PSD with the 6 spd and love it for towing. It has seen 19K miles with trailer in tow (approx 8K#). No problems to date. 20 MPG empty and 15 MPG fully loaded over the mountain passes at 65MPH here in Colorado. :beer:
Later,
Steve

You're gonna have to wait a lot longer than that for a true crew cab Dodge.

Pete

I have an '01 cummins HO and love it. My buddies with fords hop them up just to keep up with mine stock. They all swear it's been bombed. Any way, great truck, but I feel all trucks these days are disposable. Drive em for 5 years, 10 if you're lucky and they're junk. You might still have a fat motor, trans and axles but the body will be junk if you use it at all.
cummins: 5.9l, 550ft'lbs
powerjoke: 7.4?l, 530?ft'lbs

I see the powerjunk as a huge displacement way in-effecient diesel, whereas the cummins is small and powerful. They can both be bombed for tremendously high output powers. I guess if you want to buy over a case of oil every time you change the oil, be my guest!!!
I have owned all major brand vehicles, so I am not a brand specific hard head.!

Originally posted by offroadr35
The words aluminum and diesel should not go together so that rules out the Chevy.

Rules out the '03 Ford too ;) As well as a number of upcoming engines from this little company in Peoria, IL - you may have heard of them, they're called CAT :D


BTW, if you go with the 5-speed 6.0 GM truck, you can get the full-floating rearend in both the 2500 as well as the 2500HD. You only get stuck with the 9.5" SF if you get the 2500 AND the AT tranny. However, you said crewcab & I don't think you can get a 2500 CC. Instead, you get the 1500HD which essentially IS a 2500, except that I don't think you can get it with the 5-speed at all. Confused yet? :rasta:

TEX

Couple of follow ups:

Pete - what do ya mean about the wait on the Dodge crew cab??

Does the short bed crew cab work with a 5th wheel travel trailer? My father-in-law was saying the short bed would not work due to not correctly locating the hitch over the rear axle. He also thought the short bed would not allow for full turning movement by a 5th wheel trailer. Any input?

They now have a new 5th wheel hitch made especially for short bed and 5'ers. Sorry, I don't have the name handy, but pick up any RV mag and you'll see'em advertised. My opinion would definitely be go drive them all. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the new diesel trucks.

I went and drove them all. I liked the 8.1chevy best but for other reasons I am getting a ford V10 CC shortie

Ron