Buying a new 5500, any tips

[JCasper]

I don't know much about these, but my Father-in-law needs to add to the fleet. They have a F550 now, but I recommended the dodge this time around



It has to be bought by the end of the year, My problem is I don't have much time and neither does he.



I'm going to call a couple local dealers and Dave Smith tomorrow.



We will be looking for a 5500, 4X2, Standard cab with the longest wheelbase. An ST model without A/C and all that is fine. It's a company truck so it doesn't need a lot of junk on it.



If Dave Smith has the best deal will I be able to fly in to Spokane and get back out of there or are the roads to screwed up?



Any tips on options we should or should not get would be great.

 

[burnin oil]

Check EBAY or commercial truck trader. There were some awsome deals in either place not to long ago. Especially with in auto. I am talking 25 to 30k!

 

[continentaldrifter]

Definitely check ebay before you buy anything as you can shave off $13-$15,000 just for going with an 08 leftover than an 09. Work the salesman with a "Fly me in and pay for fuel" pitch to them and 99 outta 100 they're gonna do it. These dealers have to pay DODGE $$ each month when a truck stays on their lot, so nows the time, they're starvin.

 

[RBROOKS]

i happen to live close to you, between cornelius and hywy 26, i bought a 5500 from raineer dodge in olympia wash. last spring. they beat everyones price and i did a lot of shopping. i was in arizona and had a lot of time. i bought a 98 from dave smith but they havent come close since, i shopped them in 03 and ended up buying cheaper here . you are going to have to buy from a bussiness link dealer as they are the onely ones that can sell 45 5500s and there arent many around, if i can help you give me a call rich @ 503-648-2938

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Joe I'd definitely check out Dishman Dodge in Spokane, be sure and mention you are a TDR member and ask if they are still doing the TDR deals.

The roads were pretty screwed up in Spokane but I think things are OK now. I think the weather is going to finally moderate a little, if the forecast holds true we are supposed to get above freezing for the first time in ~10 days (and may actually get up to average next weekend . . . low 40s).

 

[JCasper]

Joe I'd definitely check out Dishman Dodge in Spokane, be sure and mention you are a TDR member and ask if they are still doing the TDR deals.



The roads were pretty screwed up in Spokane but I think things are OK now. I think the weather is going to finally moderate a little, if the forecast holds true we are supposed to get above freezing for the first time in ~10 days (and may actually get up to average next weekend . . . low 40s).

Thanks Vaughn, I was going to give them a chance.



I tried with the dually a few months ago but they didn't have what we wanted.



Do you know which Josh I need to talk to. There is more then one there.

 

[JCasper]

What do you guys know about the sterling trucks?



Pretty much the same thing as the dodge, right?



I'm going to call Northside Ford and talk with them tomorrow.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I heard Sterling is gone. . . not sure if that's true.

I think I spoke too soon on the weather, said there is a lot more snow on the way, and the temp here in Tri Cities just hit 0F at 9:30 this AM

 

[JCasper]

I heard Sterling is gone. . . not sure if that's true.



I think I spoke too soon on the weather, said there is a lot more snow on the way, and the temp here in Tri Cities just hit 0F at 9:30 this AM

Mike at Dave Smith said Sterling will be gone next year.



I have him and Josh at Dishman on it right now.



We don't need to pick it up right away, we just have to pay for it by 12/31.



I can fly up later and get it.

 

[continentaldrifter]

This seems to be the best truck for the money, unless you want the basic Standard SL package which will get you into the high 20's. good luck



eBay Motors: Dodge : Other Pickups (item 290284289653 end time Dec-27-08 12:50:06 PST)

 

[JCasper]

This seems to be the best truck for the money, unless you want the basic Standard SL package which will get you into the high 20's. good luck



eBay Motors: Dodge : Other Pickups (item 290284289653 end time Dec-27-08 12:50:06 PST)

That's all right but we are not getting a 4WD truck. I have found some closer for a lesser price already and they will upfit it with a bed and we'll be done when we pick it up.

 

[JCasper]

I am currently leaning towards a 5500 that Dishman has with a custom 14' bed from



TREX Technology - Air Ride Truck Suspensions



Seems to be a damn good deal. I'm just waiting to clear it with my Father in law since it's for his company.

 

[Bob V]

Joe, what business is you FIL in?

 

[CumminsWill82]

sorry to highjack the thread,but is 36,XXX a good price on a 4x2,4500,60 ca,slt,6. 7,aisin,4. 44. I'm alos working with a local dealer to see how much is a Knapheide hauler bed.

 

[JCasper]

CumminsWill82, You can get them cheaper then that

 

[JCasper]

sorry to highjack the thread,but is 36,XXX a good price on a 4x2,4500,60 ca,slt,6. 7,aisin,4. 44. I'm alos working with a local dealer to see how much is a Knapheide hauler bed.

Call up Rob Crosswhite at Dishman Dodge.



He is hooking me up as we speak.

 

[FATCAT]

I don't know much about these, but my Father-in-law needs to add to the fleet. They have a F550 now, but I recommended the dodge this time around



It has to be bought by the end of the year, My problem is I don't have much time and neither does he.



I'm going to call a couple local dealers and Dave Smith tomorrow.



We will be looking for a 5500, 4X2, Standard cab with the longest wheelbase. An ST model without A/C and all that is fine. It's a company truck so it doesn't need a lot of junk on it.



If Dave Smith has the best deal will I be able to fly in to Spokane and get back out of there or are the roads to screwed up?



Any tips on options we should or should not get would be great.

- PTO Option ... GET IT!!! Its cheap money (I think less than $100), but if you don't and want to run a PTO driven accessory, you are screwed.

- If you'll be using it in the snow a lot, get all 6 All Terain tires, and not just 4 AT tires and 2 steer tires on the front.



The other main thing to think of ... is there a good dealer near you for repairs? One who can work on the 4500/5500 trucks? Not all Dodge dealers can work on these trucks. You must find a Business Link dealer.

 

[JCasper]

- PTO Option ... GET IT!!! Its cheap money (I think less than $100), but if you don't and want to run a PTO driven accessory, you are screwed.

- If you'll be using it in the snow a lot, get all 6 All Terain tires, and not just 4 AT tires and 2 steer tires on the front.



The other main thing to think of ... is there a good dealer near you for repairs? One who can work on the 4500/5500 trucks? Not all Dodge dealers can work on these trucks. You must find a Business Link dealer.

The truck is ordered



It has these tires on it: · 225/70R19. 5F All Position Tires



And it does have the PTO option: Power Take-Off Prep $ 195



I hope we don't regret the 4. 88 gears. I don't think we will. This truck is used to haul heavy so I'm sure it will work good.



Hopefully it will run 70ish on the freeway so I can drive it home in a decent time.



Yes there are dealers around us that can work on it. Hopefully they wont' have to much

 

[JCasper]

So it looks like I will be picking this one up on the 16th. Roads around here have been closed due to snow and floods.



I've been reading about MPG with these due to the low gears. What are you all getting with them?

 

[FFeiller]

i'm getting from 12. 5-14. 5 mostly city driving empty. alot of traffic in sf bay area