new tow vehicle

whistler · 04-13-2004, 10:28 PM

I searched the forums but didn't get the answer I wanted. I am looking at getting a new truck. In searching the forums I see most of you use Chevy or Fords. I am partial to Dodge myself. I am looking at the new Dodge Rams w/ the Hemi engine. 1/2 ton regular cab SWB. Since my A/S is small I know this truck won't pose a problem towing. My question is does anyone have any experince with the new Dodge trucks with the hemi motor? I have been driving a Dodge Caravan since they came out in '84 and have never had a problem with any of them. I drove them all over 100k miles before getting rid of them. For work I drive 60k a year so only keep the vans about 18 months. (maybe that's why they last).
I was wondering how the new Dodge Rams handle? What MPG is realistic? What's the best gear ratio for the rear? It will be used to tow about 3000 miles/year and maybe 2000 solo. Don't plan of using it for work. (I want it to last)
Any input would be helpful -- $32K is alot of money to spend on the wrong truck.

whistler

ctdair · 04-13-2004, 10:52 PM

Love Dodges , have heard reports of poor mileage on the hemi. VERY partial to the Cummins Diesel in the Dodge , You would have to go 3/4 ton and its more expensive but it will pay of in resale , if you need to sell some day , will more than pay off in power . Milage on my Cummins has been 10-12 while pulling 30 foot slide out. Sounds low but try that with a v-10 or hemi and it would be abut 4-6 i bet.

j54mark · 04-13-2004, 10:54 PM

When I was shopping two months ago, $33,000 would buy a new Dodge 3/4 ton DIESEL four door, 4X4, tow package, alloy wheels, about everything but leather and premium stereo. AND 48 months 0% financing! I came pretty close to buying one.

I know, that's more truck than you are shopping for, but why not, for the same money? The fuel consumption will be less, both city and highway, and a lot less when towing. The ride is excellent. Far, far better trade in. I see no downside.

Mark

dscluchfc · 04-13-2004, 11:59 PM

I wouldn't buy a Dodge on a bet, but my brother loves his 4 door with the V8 in it..not a Hemi.
My research while looking for a new tow vehicle disclosed that your tow mileage will be in the 7-8 range with the Hemi...and about 15 solo.
Buddy of mine has the 3/4 ton with the Cummins and 5 speed in it, the Dodge Automatics are the weak link.... and he gets 21 solo and about 15 towing horse trailers with 2-3 horses....about same weight as an Airstream about the same wind drag.
Personally, I bought the Duramax/Allison and get 20 solo and 12 towing 70-75 mph.
Go diesel of your choice, and you will not regret the increased power and fuel economy.

**85MH325** · 04-14-2004, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctdair

Love Dodges , have heard reports of poor mileage on the hemi. VERY partial to the Cummins Diesel in the Dodge , You would have to go 3/4 ton and its more expensive but it will pay of in resale , if you need to sell some day , will more than pay off in power . Milage on my Cummins has been 10-12 while pulling 30 foot slide out. Sounds low but try that with a v-10 or hemi and it would be abut 4-6 i bet.

This isn't on-topic for the Dodge issue, but for the record, I get a solid 10.5-11mpg with my 2000 Excursion V-10 3.73s pulling our 34' tri-axle. Several other V10 owners report similar experiences....

Here's a thread regarding this issue; however the three posts that deal with Dodge are all the Cummins Turbo Diesels, including ctdair's.

http://www.airforums.com/forum...ht=gas+mileage

I'd have to echo everyone else's sentiments here... although you're pulling a relatively light Caravel, you're probably still better off going with the Cummins if you can.

Roger

sander17 · 04-14-2004, 05:59 AM

We have the 2003 1500 4x4 quad cab with the HEMI. Tows great. Lots of
power. The new transmission (5 sp) is smooth as silk. I would suggest you reconsider the reg. cab and short box. When I was trading trucks, my reg cab long box 4x4 was completely ignored by the people reading classifieds. The quad cab is much more saleable later. The truck redesign really increased the back seat room and the rear doors are the same as on a "crew cab". The big 17" wheels and 4-wheel big disk brakes give me a lot of confidence when towing. The new truck is also more stable than the previous (98 Dodge 5.9 4x4) when the breeze starts trying to push the trailer around. GO FOR IT!

Big Dee · 04-14-2004, 08:52 AM

My boss just picked up a 2004 2500 Quadcab Hemi. Boy is it nice! Lots of power and handles great towing. He claims to be getting 20 MPG around town and the diesel is so much quieter now. Dodge has a nice product!

87MH · 04-14-2004, 09:30 AM

I practically lived out of vehicles about 20 years ago, so I have some experience (and opinion) in this matter.

Go with the full "crew" cab.

Don't even consider the regular cab.

My highly opinionated recommendation.

Janet's Husband · 04-14-2004, 02:07 PM

I could get used to Dodge if the bodies would hold together. But until they get that together I will stick with SOB.

overlander63 · 04-14-2004, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whistler

I searched the forums but didn't get the answer I wanted. I am looking at getting a new truck. In searching the forums I see most of you use Chevy or Fords. I am partial to Dodge myself. I am looking at the new Dodge Rams w/ the Hemi engine. 1/2 ton regular cab SWB. Since my A/S is small I know this truck won't pose a problem towing. My question is does anyone have any experince with the new Dodge trucks with the hemi motor? I have been driving a Dodge Caravan since they came out in '84 and have never had a problem with any of them. I drove them all over 100k miles before getting rid of them. For work I drive 60k a year so only keep the vans about 18 months. (maybe that's why they last).
I was wondering how the new Dodge Rams handle? What MPG is realistic? What's the best gear ratio for the rear? It will be used to tow about 3000 miles/year and maybe 2000 solo. Don't plan of using it for work. (I want it to last)
Any input would be helpful -- $32K is alot of money to spend on the wrong truck.

whistler

Hemi is a good engine, but they drink gas like it is going out of style. A coworker had a Hemi-powered 2500 club cab, towing his 3500 pound SOB he got 7 MPG, 9 empty. My Dakota gets 14 empty, and a little over 10 pulling our trailer. Dodge seems to be about the worst for fuel economy right now, for whatever reason.
Terry

Mariner · 04-14-2004, 07:07 PM

Hi,

I am biased - like most of us. I would go with the biggest vehicle you can afford. If van, go with the 1 ton. If pickup again, go with the 1 ton.

I have had 1/2 ton (not very good), 3/4 ton - ok, but somewhat limited. Now have a newer 1 ton and for my needs, more truck than I will probably need. Gets good mileage (diesel).

You really can't have to much vehicle for towiing especially when you are 30ft or bigger.

Your needs dictate what you need rather than what you would like to do(now or later). Go with what you can afford, but don't skimp - safety is a big concern here. It is not a;ways someone else that gets in an accident towing their trailer.

JMO for what it is worth.

Good luck with your choice.

Mariner