4500/5500 Update!

[MCummings]

Found this on another website... .

I was on DealerConnect a few minutes ago and was checking the list of vehicles that are not available for the Employee Choice program for a customer. As I read through the list, I get to the bottom and see "2007 DC 3500 Chassis cab" as one of the vehicles restricted from the program. This didn't suprise me but the next one did. It said "2007 DM 4500/5500 chassis cab. They sure are being quiet about it, but if it made this list it can't be too far away??? As this list is updated every two months or so.

And this farther down...

"DM" is the first two letters of the new Body model. Like the 3500 Cab & chasis's are "DC", as in DC8L63, or how a 3500 quad cab long bed SLT 4x4 is a D18H42. Making sense?

This too...

According to several sources the 4500/5500 trucks are being co developed by Dodge and Sterling not Freightliner. They do exist because a Dodge dealer who is heavy in commercial Dodge trucks in Ohio called me and told me the engineers were testing these and wanted to know if the dealer's back lot was concealed enough to hide these while they performed their checks. He was not even allowed to take pics but said 16000 and 19000 were the approximate GVW specs. 19. 5 wheels etc pretty heavy duty stuff. Sterling is also going to sell a version of this truck called the Bullet. They will use a Sterling frame etc with a Dodge cab at least on the Ram models.

What's the word from the TDR insiders?

Am I getting worked? or Jerked?



Merrick

 

[rashwor]

It will happen.

 

[Coalsmoke]

You have no idea how badly some of us want/need this to happen. Although, with after seeing the underhood of the new cummins and seing it looks a lot like the new ford powerstroke, maybe the ford 6. 4l isn't so bad. One way or the other I'll be in a 5500 / 550 this summer/fall 2007. I wonder if it would be wise to buy a truck chassis that new on the market. I also wish Freightliner was building them, and I don't see why the Ford Sterling company would be building for Dodges I have been told that Frightliner builds a better chassis and I've heard many complaints about Sterlings, but haven't had a Sterling myself. Also, Ford's kick *** 5 year warranty will be hard to ignore. Still, I think the Dodge/Cummins would win out, IF they make it directly competitive with the F-550.

 

[betterthanstock]

I also wish Freightliner was building them, and I don't see why the Ford Sterling company would be building for Dodges I have been told that Frightliner builds a better chassis and I've heard many complaints about Sterlings, but haven't had a Sterling myself. Also, Ford's kick *** 5 year warranty will be hard to ignore. Still, I think the Dodge/Cummins would win out, IF they make it directly competitive with the F-550.

Sterling is a DC company. Click here:

http://www.freightliner.com/brands/sterling-trucks.aspx

 

[gonzo2]

Sterling is no longer Ford, they are Freightliner/ DC.

 

[Coalsmoke]

Sorry guys, I didn't know they changed. Well, maybe there's truth to all this after all. Oo.

 

[10.5 Dave]

If they build a Mega cab 5500 4x4 with a 60" cab to axle I'll buy one.

 

[MCummings]

Although, with after seeing the underhood of the new cummins and seing it looks a lot like the new ford powerstroke, maybe the ford 6. 4l isn't so bad.

Yes, it is that bad.



Although the Cummins looks more cluttered under the hood, it really isn't.



Remember, it's an inline 6. It can only take up so much space.



Anyway. Does it really matter how cluttered it is? As long as teh oil and air filters are easy to get to it ain't that bad. It's in warrenty for 5 years and 100k...





I think the concept might be similar to the Dodge Sprinter... Built by freightliner at first, and now labeled as Dodge... ?



Merrick

 

[Coalsmoke]

hmm, right again. I heard someone complaining about dodge's 3year 60K warranty and thought it was a powertrain warranty they were talking about. Called local Dodge, found out on the Cummins internal block warranty is 5years / 160K, 5years / 100K on rest of powertrain, 3years / 60K on bumper to bumper, and 5 years / 160k on paint defects.

 

[Hercules130]

paint defects????? i may have to look into that

 

[Scrappy]

If they build a Mega cab 5500 4x4 with a 60" cab to axle I'll buy one.

Me Too! that would be nice even though I really don't need it just yet!

 

[BHolm]

This is a little OT but today I saw three new Fords doing some testing. At first I thought it was a group of hunters that had camo'ed thier trucks. Turns out it was the 2008 F-250,350 and an F450 with a regualr dually box and 19. 5s. I poked my head in the 450, the new interior looks almost identical to todays F-150, very carlike with big round chrome dash vents. Nice looking truck except the new headlights :{ There were all labled as 6. 4s and each one had its own aux fuel tank in the bed for the ULSD I would assume. The 450 also wore nice looking aluminum 19. 5s. Maybe this time they will fit the truck with a decent engine Chances are though, the Cummins is a much better gamble.

 

[Smokin_Monster]

If Sterling builds them for Dodge I hope they do a better job than their own trucks. I drive a 07 Sterling for work and within 5,000 miles it has been in for warranty work twice (Mercedes Engine though) But you can tell the people who designed the truck doesn't drive it. It is not set up well. Maybe with a medium duty they will pay closer attention to detail. I hope.

 

[FATCAT]

If they build a Mega cab 5500 4x4 with a 60" cab to axle I'll buy one.

Make that 144" cab to axle ... that would be much better.

 

[Coalsmoke]

Make that 144" cab to axle ... that would be much better.

IMO, 60-84" cab to axles will be the best sellers. why would you want a 16'-18' frame rails behind the cab?

 

[JBlock]

144 inch?

Make that 144" cab to axle ... that would be much better.

My Packar Limo is only 148 inch wheel base 144 inch cab to wheel that thing will be huge. 12 feet, you looing at a 16 foot bed or Box

 

[FATCAT]

IMO, 60-84" cab to axles will be the best sellers. why would you want a 16'-18' frame rails behind the cab?

For a nice roll back 16' flatbed. ... It would be a great combo for towing the new Fords back to the dealership with the families that were in them.

 

[FATCAT]

My Packar Limo is only 148 inch wheel base 144 inch cab to wheel that thing will be huge. 12 feet, you looing at a 16 foot bed or Box

I tell ya, the first time I saw the new Sterling Crew Cab I said ... "man thats one nice looking setup" ( http://www.sterlingtrucks.com/Core/Pdf/CrewCab.pdf )



So, if the Freightliner or Sterling is making the 5500's for Dodge ... maybe they'll look something along the lines of their CC's (but with 4X4).

 

[Hendricks]

while i cant speek for the new 6. 7 I know that our new sterling with an 8. 3 just went back to the dealer with 1200 miles on it for a new motor. Pourus casting in the block. It was actually leaking oil out of the block. Can anyone say 53 block all over again.

 

[TWilkening]

Thank god ford doesn't build airplanes.

:-laf I just noticed that. So funny, yet so true. :-laf