Help with 03

[ralphr]

:--) Ok, I've heard enough, I am seriously thinking of getting a new 03, (I think I would like an ETH 4x4 with the 6 speed). I currently have a 99 3500 which has been great, but now is the time to move on.



Can any of you give me some tips on what to look for (or more importantly what to avoid) when shopping for the new 03. I bought the 99 with every intention of getting a 5th wheel and towing a travel trailer around the country, (other than my sons 16' trailer I towed when he moved I have not pulled anything, ( things change!). however, I like the diesel since I do some cross country and at times have to load her down with the lap top, ha ha ha.



seriously, any thought's???

 

[smartineau]

I'm not sure if you are asking about what options to get or not to get? Or something else?



I'l take it that you want options, I like the rear fold flat tray thing!! The HO and 6-speed. The Lariat is very nice with all the bells and whistles, if you don't go that route, the above mentioned items, premium cloth seats, dually's are awesome, some of those laptops can get heavy. Even with your once in a blue moon towing the tow mirrors for $70 is a real good deal, IMO.



steve

 

[ralphr]

options

thanks smartineau, thats kind of what I am looking for, I'll check out the Lariat I've currently have leather seats etc. . one question, I heard they did away with the passenger side lighted vanity?



also, any "downer's" anyone has experience???

 

[CKimball]

Ralphr:... you do mean "Laramie" right??..... just checkin... . and Duallys are AWESOME..... and Dodge has the best looking butt in the Dually Dept. . IMHO

Cameron

 

[ladyjaine]

There is a lights option that gives you the underhood light and lighted vanity mirrors. I checked yesterday and got bummed out that I didn't get it. It wasn't available when I ordered.



Jean

 

[John_M]

ralphr, I'll answer your query from the perspective of "Or something else?" posed by smartineau. In the very near future I will be purchasing a late model 2003 or early 2004 2500, Laramie, 4X4, HO, 48RE, etc. I will seldom, if ever tow another trailer of any weight, any distance. So, I do not "need" a powerful puller in my future.



I have been driving my '96 Chevy 4X2 for the last 7. 5 years and it is still in great shape. Looks and runs good and burns no oil. Averaged 19. 06 mpg on a recent 5900 mile cross country trip. So, I "need" a new truck like I need another hole in my head. However, I really believe in the Diesel technology and the durability of the Cummins engine. The entire Dodge "package" impresses me so I "want" this truck.



My attitude is: To heck with what I need. I'll buy what I want. In my opinion, the need to carry a laptop as part of your home office on the road is an excellent reason to purchase a new Dodge HO Cummins. As a matter of fact, you have given me a great idea. I purchased a cell phone just prior to my recent cross country trip. When my friends ask why I purchased the new HO Cummins, 4X4, 48RE, I'll tell them "... because I now carry a cell phone for emergencies while I am on the road. " They will shake their heads in disbelief and talk about how dumb I am. Then we'll laugh a lot and have another brewski. You can bet they will also call me when they need to tow or haul something in the future.



The Laramie package, towing mirrors, trailer towing group, protection group, lighting group, limited slip differential, hood protection, running boards, spray-in bed liner, heated front seats, mud flaps, 6 disc CD changer, etc. are all important options to me so I will get them. We seldom read in these pages that someone has purchased too many options for his/her new truck. However, we frequently read about someone wishing they had purchased such-and-such an option after using the truck for a while(Unfortunately, the lighting package ladyjaine now wants was not available when she ordered her Dodge). If you are undecided about an option when making the purchasing decision, I would recommend adding it to your list. Chances are, you'll be happy you did.



I've said quite a bit in response to your post. I hope these miscellaneous ramblings help your decision making at least a little bit.



Best Wishes,



John_M

 

[ralphr]

Thanks John_M that is what I am looking for. Your comment's on the cell phone has helped me make up my mind! I will order/purchase a new 03 3500 dually 4x4 and double check the options, then I can justify both the laptop and the cell phone!!!!



also, thanks ladyjaine I'll check out the option for the lighted vanity mirror!

 

[Dean Upson]

I have to agree with everything posted so far. The Laramie package gives you a bunch of nice goodies and the dually is a real sweet truck (see signautre). Be sure to get what you want from the factory, when you go to add on the things you wish you got, it costs a whole lot more.



Dean

 

[Fireman]

Ditto

Fireman

 

[sdbelt]

You might read my web site of my truck. I've got a Q&A for why I chose some of the things I did. Even if you don't agree, it will give you a few questions and answers to consider.



BTW, I would seriously consider at least getting a 3500 SRW over a 2500. That would be my strongest recommendation of all of your option choices.

 

[John_M]

Dean, Fireman, ralphr and others

I notice that you guys have the 3500. I have not considered the 3500 SRW because If I Recall Correctly, I read somewhere within these pages that the 3500 is automatically considered a commercial (not passenger) vehicle in some states. Consequently, insurance rates, registration fees, tolls and other "cost" items can be two to ten times as expensive as a 2500, which is considered to be a passenger vehicle unless specifically registered as a commercial vehicle. Have any of you (or others) encountered this problem during your travels?



Best Wishes,



John_M

 

[SRadke]

I can't speak for other states or insurance companies but my insurance agent told me my rates would have been about 10% cheaper if I had gotten the 3500 SRW. I wish I had, then I would have cab lights and overload springs. Hindsight truely is 20/20.

 

[ralphr]

Insurance rates etc

That may be a point, my current 99' is considered "commercial" I need to renew the registration in Dec. not on my birth month. Also, I have been pricing both the 3500 and the 2500 on line and the 3500 is about $5,000 more with all the same options.



I really enjoy the on road ride I get with my current 3500, will I miss that if I looked at a 2500? I know I probably need to do a test ride on both, but in the 15 - 20 min on the test ride I am not sure I will pick up on all the nuances of both. any comments?Oo.

 

[Shooter]

Re: Insurance rates etc

Originally posted by ralphr

That may be a point, my current 99' is considered "commercial" I need to renew the registration in Dec. not on my birth month. Also, I have been pricing both the 3500 and the 2500 on line and the 3500 is about $5,000 more with all the same options.

About $1600 diff invoice and $2000 list diff between the 2500 and drw 3500 for a 4x4 SLT.



You had better find a different STEALER



www.kbb.com



www.thenewdodge.com



Near as I can tell all the trim options are the same price and so are the hardware prices and if you opt for the single rear wheels on the 3500 deduct $1078 from invoice and $1235 from list on above numbers which will put them about $500 invoice and $ 800 list difference between the 2500 and srw 3500.



JM $. 02

 

[dnitzel]

I'm not real impressed with the preimum cloth seats, but they are OK at best. They just don't seem to be as comfortable as they should be for the price to me. I liked the standard seats in my '98 the BEST. I really like the new limited slip, 48RE on the HO, steering, fog lamps and tow mirrors. And the doors close SO nice!

 

[Dean Upson]

I'm not real impressed with the preimum cloth seats, but they are OK at best.



My son just bought a 1500 SLT Sport 4x4 HEMI and it has the standard cloth seating and is very comfortable, I think more so than the premium cloth seating that I have ridden in. I like the leather more than cloth, but that is just a matter of personal preference.



Dean

 

[krabman]

I would go 3. 73's since you are not expecting to tow heavy and you are getting the 6-speed. Dont forget to check the little box for limited slip, towing mirrors, tow package, lamp group and heated seats. Even if you dont expect to tow the two towing options are good to have at resell, arnt too expensive and you never know as you said yourself. A call to your insurance agent and the local licenseing place will tell you what kind of premium you can expect to pay for the 2500 vs the 3500. Here in Washingto the extra dollars are negligable so the 3500 srw is pretty much a no brainer since it has the same ride character as the 2500.

 

[ralphr]

pardon my ignorance, but isn't a srw 3500 pretty much the same as a 2500? only diff I can see is both the 2500 and the srw 3500 have no flares?! somebody steer me right should I look at a srw 3500 or not.

 

[Dean Upson]

Big difference is the larger brake calipers and overload springs on the 3500's.



Dean

 

[krabman]

Dont forget the roof marker lights and the little things on the side saying 3500. The thing is if you can get the extra capacity without much in the way of and trade offs then why not. In this case they ride the same so unless your insurance or licensing is going to be a factor its more truck for not much more money.