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Foiled Again · 10-09-2007, 01:01 PM

Quick, you tow gurus out there... I've spotted a nice 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel - dark gray. GWCR says 9000 lbs? That sounds low... Think it's robust enough to consider for a 25 FB SE?

Paula

Coastalview · 10-09-2007, 01:27 PM

More than suitable. What other info can you provide? 4WD or 2WD, longbed or short,automatic or 6 speed manual. What kind of price are they asking?
Jeff

Wayward · 10-09-2007, 01:56 PM

Paula, I am not sure about GWCR - maybe GVWR or maybe GCWR?

Is the 9000 lb number you quoted the GCWR ! ? i.e. the Gross Combined Weight rating of the truck plus trailer. If so you need to see why it is so low (maybe gearing).

If it is GVWR - you likely have more than enough truck but you still should double check the specified towing capacity and/or GCWR.

...........Scott

malett · 10-09-2007, 02:26 PM

My 2003 2500 with the small cummins diesel is rated 10,800 towing capacity.
2w drive, auto,quad cab, short bed, 3.73 rearend.

Pulls my 34' classic very well.

If you go to the dodge web site they have a page that will give you all the towing capacities for their trucks.

ticki2 · 10-09-2007, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

Quick, you tow gurus out there... I've spotted a nice 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel - dark gray. GWCR says 9000 lbs? That sounds low... Think it's robust enough to consider for a 25 FB SE?

Paula

Somebody has the letters mixed up , that should be the GVWR , The GCWR ( truck and trailer) should be up around 16-20,000 . A 2500 diesel is plenty of truck for a 25 FB SE or any other AS

pmclemore · 10-09-2007, 04:14 PM

Paula, Wayward-Scott has a very good point. You never know when an original owner may have ordered a one-off and the 9000 could be correct.

If it's a really good deal, I'd want to understand all the specs just to be sure.

Good hunting!

Pat

RBolton · 10-09-2007, 04:44 PM

9000 lbs sounds like the towing capacity for the 2500 gas truck. The 2500 diesel will be fine in any available configuration for your 25 FB. As for an owner ordering a one-off, there are no one-offs from Dodge. It would take a major modification after production to cause this truck to not be able to handle your trailer. Roger

thecatsandi · 10-09-2007, 04:53 PM

Paula,
That sounds like the max weight for the truck only. A 2500 diesel should be rated to tow around 15,000 lbs.

Melody Ranch · 10-09-2007, 05:24 PM

Is it HD? LT? Diesel? Crew cab? 4 x 4?. extras? Leather? Lear cap? Tow kit? Banks equiped? I just got one for 30,000. (plus Texas tax)
It WILL haul it.

Just got this one and sent it to Calif. to haul a Caravel. Overkill at its best.

Foiled Again · 10-09-2007, 05:34 PM

Sorry I was at the dealer's computer and in a hurry. It's 2WD, quad cab, long bed - and only has 13,500 miles on it. The rear end is a 373 and it has a limited slip differential. According to the car fax it was originally sold in Florida in 03/05 and that title was renewed until 08/06... it went to auction several times before it was recently bought by the dealership I'm working with. No wrecks, water damage, other warning bells. Hitch receiver looks like it's never been used.

Dark gray, not silver.

Seems to have all the bells and whistles, running boards, electric heated seats, electric windows & locks, electric towing mirrors, automatic transmission, leather interior. They are asking just under $32K... and it's a one price dealership... Drivers World.

Should I jump... Hm... any service issues that you know about? My Suburban is about to need brakes and shocks... but I just put four new tires on him.

Paula

ticki2 · 10-09-2007, 06:43 PM

I think it's time to do some homework . Not sure if that'a a good price or not . Many dealers are now offering 0% financing , that could be worth thousnads depending on your situation , buying used you won't get that . The truck in question is 3 model years old , depreciation . Warranties are 3 years used up . Is it the truck you would buy new if given the choice . Not trying to dicourage you , it might be the right one for you , these are just some tests you should put it through . Also , no one has snapped it up in almost 2 years .

RDM16CCD · 10-09-2007, 07:01 PM

I have a very similar truck - 2005, 2500 Cummin turbo diesel, quad - mine is the shortbed and 4WD. It is a nice truck and seems happier when towing.

But, I would work with the dealer for a lower price. Dodge was selling these trucks for a LOT less than sticker back in the summer of 2005. Mine is pretty well loaded except for the leather seats (sounds like the one you are looking at has leather & seat heaters)?. The MSRP on mine was about $43,000, and I bought it new for about $34,000 (not including sales taxes, etc) . If the one you are looking at has been sitting at the auction, you may be able to get a lot better price than the initial asking price.

Or if the quoted price doesn't put you off, go to a dealer and see what you can do on a new one, before deciding. There may not be much difference in price if they won't come down on the used one.

I don't think you can go wrong with this set up, in terms of towing ability.

Good Luck!
Bob

RIstream'n · 10-09-2007, 07:18 PM

Time in inventory isn't an indication of a vehicles worth or condition. Vehicles hang for a bunch of different reasons and most have nothing to do with a problem. As far as low rate financing on new vs a used purchase generally the finance savings can't bridge the gap in savings with buying a low mileage 2-3 year old vehicle. Rates on used vehicles have recently come down so if you cut a nice deal on the truck and get a great rate you'll save money. Taxes will be less and overall $ spent will be less. As far as warranty you still have room to include an extended service contract and get 5-6 years of bumper to bumper coverage and have more warranty then if you bought new. At our dealership we often find that many people shopping new vs used trucks do not compare pkgs and levels on an apples to apples comparison. Most people look at a bombed out used truck and compare it a new truck with much less equipment. Compare apples to apples on the truck,pkg and equipment and you'll save money. I watch Dodge, Ford and Chev dealers at auctions stand there and pay all the money for the right truck so the market for the right truck is strong. To ensure you've found a great truck ask the dealer if you can have it checked at 2 places. First a dealer for an independent inspection and a bodyshop to ensure body integrity. It will be money well spent. If the dealer won't let you, move on but my guess is if he's confident in his truck he'll have no problem with it.
Brian

thecatsandi · 10-09-2007, 08:11 PM

I would be interested in knowing how long it has sat. The fuel goes bad over time much faster than gasoline. Has it had regular maintanence? Fuel filters are critical.

elolson · 10-09-2007, 09:18 PM

a 2005 dodge 2500 diesel quad cab is my TV. It will pull anything out there. I tow my 34' excella with it and have had no problems at all.

I am sure Ford and Chevy are great but go check out what the most dominant engine design there is for the class 8 diesel category. It's a straight 6 either from mack, cummins, DD, mb, or kitty cat. Just can't beat the design and the longevity.

Hold out for a better deal. 2005 was the year of employee pricing for the big 3 and they were going for *way* less than sticker.

Brad Hunt · 10-09-2007, 11:37 PM

In 2005 the Dodge 2500 Cummins had 300 horses & 600 pds of torque. All Dodges in that year were High Output engines. Prior to 04' there was a detuned engine mated to a mediocre automatic transmission; the HO engine was for the much tougher manual. By 2005 all engines were HO and the auto transmission was the 48RE and its a good one. 2500 will tow anything AS makes. By the way I get 14.0 mpg with the new 15 ppm fuel and better than 15 mpg with the old 500 ppm fuel towing my 25 footer and 21 or so unloaded at 60-65 mph and 19 at 75 mph. Mine's a 3500 dually and a 2500 should do a bit better.

Safari-Rick · 10-10-2007, 12:08 AM

Paula, I just sent you a private message. but after reading the above post and what you are willing to pay I must say that I bought my 2007 Dodge HD 2500 6.7L Turbo Diesel for $34,059 plus tax and license here in California.

I have 650 torque lbs, 350 hp. 3.73 rearend with non-slip diff. etc,etc,etc,

I got it through CarsDirect.com -- America's #1 way to buy cars online! They are an online broker who has agreements with dealerships throughout the US. Check them out. You can build a truck online and see what the cost will be.

R/
Rick

HiHoAgRV · 10-10-2007, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Safari-Rick

... I bought my 2007 Dodge HD 2500 6.7L Turbo Diesel for $34,059 plus tax and license here in California.
R/
Rick

I bought my '06 new for about the same price. Got employee pricing, 0% and one of the Option packages with several upgrades. It stickered a little over $40k
It's an Airstream hauling bugger!

sander17 · 10-10-2007, 07:54 AM

Sounds to me like someone at that dealership wants a new boat and expects you to buy it for him! With only 2WD, that truck should be in the mid-20's. Around here, lots of dealerships try to pass off "program" cars and trucks at almost the same price as new. These are vehicles driven by execs in the car companies for a year and discarded. They have no incentive to take care of the vehicle since it will be gone soon.

As far as towing ability, I agree with everyone else. This beast will TOW!
The one advantage of the 2WD vs. the 4WD is if one day you want to put a truck bed camper on it. The 4WD is not rated for one due to the extreme height causing tippiness going around curves.

BillTex · 10-10-2007, 08:22 AM

I don’t know a lot about the Dodge’s but there was an issue with their big cab and very low weight ratings.
Is it mega cab or something like that?
This might be the problem.
It precluded lots of folks from buying this configuration for towing as the big cab took up to much of the weight capacity…

Just a thought.

Bill