buying new 04.5 have ??

[rdanley]

i am going to buy a new 04. 5 real soon like in a week i am having a hard time deciding on 4x4 or 4x2 i really like the look of the 4x4 but i am worried i will not be able to get my 36 triple slide level. how is everyone else getting along with this setup. my next ? is thoughts on auto or stick i see i get more tow weight with auto but i have been driving a stick for so long now and i know how my 99 handles with a stick which i just installed a southbend (now that is a clutch) .

 

[Cryppie]

Had similar situation

I've had my 04. 5 about a month and a half now, my last rig was a 99 like yours, but an auto. I was worried about height but for a different reason, I couldn't go with a 4X4 because my wife was in a car accident and it's real hard for her to jump up in now. Anyway, I went with my truck (see sig) because although my old 2500 could pull and handle OK with my 37' toyhauler, I wanted the peace of mind of the dually. On my old rig I had a DTT transmission, and couldn't have been more pleased with it, but I went with the 6-speed because I felt it was better suited for my 5er. I've got just over 6500 miles (yep in 45 days, still working for the Navy full time!) and I'm quite happy with the manual trans and 2wd. As far as pin height goes, I got a Reese Signature 18K (underbed mount) and had to set it as high as it will go to get level. With a 4X4, my only concern would be bed clearance, I'm sure you could get the hitch where it needed to be for level travelling, but you might have a problem with clearance... I didn't with my 99 (4X4), but just keep it in mind. Good luck and post pics when you get it!

 

[EBottema]

Hey-



Get a 4x4, better resale value and if you do any offroading, our heavy trucks become worthless in the dirt or sand. I think it is like buying a Mustang with a v6, whats the point???

The only reasons a 4x2 is good is for a work truck or getting a dually for towing all the time.

Stay away from the Auto, stick is fun and will last much longer!



Good luck

Erik

 

[BRuppel]

i think the only person that can honestly answer this question is yourself. you need to see what fits your lifestyle better.

 

[GFritsch]

I like the 4x4 for the solid front axle, and the extra ability off-road, or snow/ice. I also decided on the stick for better milage and durability. I see people all the time with 5th wheel trailers and 4x4s, but it looks they have to lift the trailer.

 

[PJ]

get the 4x4 automatic. I just bought a new trailer and will be picking it up tomorrow. I had a 30 foot trailer that I was going to buy at the end of my vacation a few weeks ago from the classified section, but the guy couldnt wait another 24 hours for me to arrive. I even had full price cash in hand!. Oh well, I actually bought a much better trailer and got a great deal last Saturday and it was only 5 miles from home. Wont have to drag it 450 miles home from Nevada! It will be ready by noon tomorrow.

Like I said, buy the automatic. Life is too short to have to sit in traffic and mess with a clutch and shifter. If you break it, Dodge buys the new one for the first 100k miles. I have the 7/100k zero deduct warranty.

In my opinion, stick shifts, non factory gauges, and oversize tires are just not needed. I left high school 35 years ago. I also have a Corvette if feel the need for speed. I might add that my Vette is an automatic also!

Good luck with the new truck! Oo.

 

[frankb12345]

04.5

I got 04. 5 4x4 SWR and 36' Open Road 5th wheel (13,000lbs. ). Be sure to back the truck under the trailer before you make any changes. I had to have trailer raised by lift kit as many give no clearance. Had 1" clearance now have 8" clearance. Heard of someone leave dealer with 3" clearance and new 04. Not a pretty sight as tail gate and bed got smashed.



Dodge did not want me to change the truck. Many 5th wheel mfrs are getting the same requests as 4x4 are higher in all big 3. Some rumor has it that they will lower them next year.



Needed 4x4 in sand backing 5er up to site in Florida and twice on its own. Great when you need it and resale is better. Also dually on wet campground grass and in snow is not as secure as weight has greater area to lose traction.



Best

Frank

 

[DPelletier]

RDanley,



I will go "against the grain" on this one;

2wd offers several advantages, including;

- lower height/more clearance for 5ers. Yes, you can raise your 5th wheel, but that has an adverse effect on wind resistance and stability.

- No posibility of Death Wobble

- cheaper to buy and less systems to repair once off warranty

- better fuel economy.

- more payload (same GCWR, less truck curb weight)



some disadvantages;

- I do believe 4x4's have better resale value

- 4x4's are way harder to get stuck and have enhanced control in slippery conditions



You can see by my sig, that despite the above contentions, I have a 4x4. That is because with my truck camper I often travel on poor gravel roads and camp in rough spots. I also require one for my use in the winter. We get lots of snow here. I believe that a strong argument can be made for a 2wd 5er hauler, especially as the 5th wheel gets to be a large one. Like anything else, you need to buy what is best based on your useage.



As far as the trannies go, again its personal preference. I bought the NV-5600 for the additional two gears and the fact that it is very strong and reliable. Stronger and more reliable than any automatic. If I lived in the big city and spent alot of time in traffic, I may have gotten an automatic instead.



Hope this helps,

Dave



ps. The auto and stick both have the same GCWR (21,000 or 23,000 depending on rear end ratios). The auto does weigh a couple of hundred pounds less, though.

 

[ropinfool2]

With the stick you can "legally" have an exhaust brake, and with a trailer that size you should have one. John