long-bed? or short-bed? and other ??

[gbraden]

Getting close to ordering my retirement truck. I plan to get a 2003 Dodge Quadcab, 3500, SRW, HO, 4x4. It will be my primary vehicle and will be used for towing a mid-size trailer, probably about a 11,000 GVWR, 26 ft. 5th-wheel. I try to avoid driving in congested areas, but still there are occasional times when I have to drive to places with small parking spots.

Here's what I'm still undecided about:

1. short-bed or long-bed? I pretty much understand the pros and cons of each. For you long-bed owners, is it generally a pain to find a parking place and to actually park in suburban areas? For you short-bed owners, do you wish you had the extra storage room that a long-bed has? If you had it to do over again, which would you get?

2. I was planning to get the 6-speed manual . Perhaps I should at least consider the new 48RE auto. But it's a new transmission and we've all heard to stay away from new trannys until they've had a chance to get the bugs worked out. Also, I will want to get an exhaust brake and would want for Dodge to have approved the use of exhaust brakes with the new 48RE. I don't think that has happened. Any opinions? (I know -- this question really belongs in the engine-drive train forum. Hope you don't mind. )

3. Any preferences on which steps or bars to get so that those not as tall as some of us guys can get in and out without too much trouble. I suppose I should consider the occasional rear seat passengers, too. Your opinion?



I almost forgot -- I don't have experience in purchasing new vehicles. It appears that a lots of people now know the Dealer Invoice Price and strike a deal based on that price. I assume the way to do that is to not talk to the floor sales staff, but instead ask to speak to the Fleet Sales Dept. Then talk to them about a price based around the Dealer Invoice $. Is that how to do it?

Has anyone gone through COSTCO to make a vehicle purchase? I see that COSTCO advertises a vehicle purchase service.

Thanks for your advice.

Glenn

 

[Fireman]

I opine

Glenn,



That is a tough decision. I had to make the same one 3 yrs ago, here's what I did. I bought a short bed, automatic, srw to tow a trailer. I opted for the short bed and srw for ease of maneuvering in close quarters and an auto because I would spend the majority of my time not towing.



This past September I corrected all of these mistakes and bought a lwb QC, 6 spd, drw. I can park the long bed just as easily as the short, and eventhough the extra width presents a new set of problems, they aren't that difficult to overcome. There are some good sliding hitches out there, but if you intend to pull a 5th wheel the long bed is the way to go.



The six speed is nice, and don't judge it by the first time you drive one, it takes time to get used to the pattern, and it will get much smoother with some miles. You just have to decide if you want to shift gears, but it is the best option for towing (my opinion).



I'm sure that you'll get alot more answers, and alot of different answers. Good luck and wllcome to the TDR



Been der done dat,

Fireman

 

[Fireman]

A case for a manual

I just thought of this. If you get 6 spd you can ignore all of those long threads about automatics where all they do is :-{} and nothing is ever resolved. You can read for hours and leave with no clear idea of what you might need to do to your trans.



That is what finally swung me to the manual.



Fireman

 

[Casey Balvert]

Glenn,



I agree completely with Fireman on the long bed as well as the six speed transmission. He sounds like one smart cookie.



Yes, it does occasionally pose a bit of a problem parking but I have never NOT been able to find a spot. My better half might ask in her usual condescending tone "Does the bus stop out here too?" but I see it as a minor inconvenience compared to the advantages. A few extra yards walking is good excercise anyway and everyone will not be bashing their doors into your new truck.



I note that this is your retirement truck. You will want to consider any trailer purchase you may make in the future. We always seem to go bigger and heavier with the next one. While I would have been fine with the SRW 3500 for my current trailer we are planning on buying a bigger unit prior to our retirement so I opted for the DRW on mine.



I put J&J polished stainless steel boards on mine. Good quality overall, heavy hardware that fits the cab right and I like the polished stainless on my black sport. All depends on your preference.



Hope that helps you at least a little.



Casey

 

[Dean Upson]

Glenn,



I also agree with Fireman and Casey. If you have no problem with the length, get the 8 foot bed. A good sliding hitch (PullRite) isn't inexpensive. I have towed with the auto and the standard and I didn't like the auto at all. This six speed is actually fun to drive and, as Fireman says, once it "breaks in" and you get used to the pattern, you will love it. I suggest that you be sure of what trailer you are going to buy before you purchase the truck. If you buy the trailer you are mentioning, no problems with the SRW and 3. 73's, if you are going over 12K (empty), I'd consider a 3500 DRW and 4. 10's, just my own opinion, others differ. I doubt that I'd buy an auto the first year out, again, just a personal opinion.

Good Luck .



Dean

 

[JohndeereG]

My bother and I both have 03 4-door CTD. Mine is the short box and his is the long bed. Parking is not that bid of an issue in my opinion. Ride is not enough to make any kind of issue. Price between the trucks isn't a factor. Parking in a garage is somewhat a factor. The biggest issue I have is the need for a toolbox. I dabble with farm pulling tractors and I need the toolbox space on the trailer and truck. I have just cut my useable space down by adding a toolbox. However, I don't plan on using this truck like I have in the past with the company trucks. I think it will work out.

BTW, I'm sure you are aware that they make 5th wheel slider hitches to accomodate the short bed 5th wheel campers

 

[loncray]

LB vs SB

I've got the QC SB, and I'm glad I did. With the big cap on the back, it's sometimes hard to park (I back into spaces about 95% of the time) - I'd have a helluva time parking a LB. Mind you, I'm driving in the city most of the time, I'm not towing anything, and I moved into this truck from 11 years in an Integra. My recommendation is to go on a looooong test drive with an LB and see what you think.

 

[davidclark]

I got the QC LB, my fishing partner lives in a cul-de-sac, and so do I. No one in my cul-de-sac parks on the street, so it's no problem, but his neighbors do, I can't turn around due to the length of the truck and boat (24 foot trailer). In my 98 QC SB I could turn around no problem. And I've had a couple tight squeezes at some ramps. But I don't suppose those towing 5th wheels even put themsleves into places like that...

I went with the LB becasue I got a deal on a truck already on the lot. I'd have preferred SB, but now I'm used to the LB, I like it!



The best thing I found is the passenger side mirror makes things seem so BIG it's actually eaisier to put the boat in the garage. I have a piece of white duct tape on the floor of the garage where the passenger side trailer wheels should be. Point that mirror down and all I see is two trailer wheels and a white line and BOOM it's in! But in traffic the mirror took some getting used to...



I almost forgot, in Austin "compacts only" spaces are everywhere, even though a DODGE TRUCK is the offical vehicle of Texas, )well it should be, it's "Truck Month" at the dealer 15 times a year... ) Anyways, it's sometimes a tour around the lot to find a space for my baby. But it's turbo cool down time and a healthy walk, right?

 

[Wiredawg]

Making the Same Choice(s)

GBRADEN:



I'm going thru the same thing you are with picking my wife's 03 Ram. We've decided on the 3500 4X4 SRW QC LB w/ the 48RE. The only part that wasn't realy a choice is the auto because she doesn't drive a stick.



We decided on the LWB vs the SWB as the LWB has much more flexibility: we will have 45 gal aux fueltank/toolbox combo, which doesn't leave much bed room in the SWB. We have a 5th wheel, which we could swap over to the LWB, but would have to buy the special 5th wheel hitch for the SWB. She drives a '96 gasser 1500 Ram Club Cab LWB so she's already used to manuevering it.

If you don't need a tool box or as much bed room, the SWB will work.



As for the 48RE: I would rather DC have the Allison transmission, but will settle for the 48RE. As I understand it, the 48RE is a 47RE with stronger components that make it hold up better.



Finally, as a precaution, I will not BOMB my wife's truck when I get it until the 3yr/36,000 mile warranty is up so there's no out for DC if warranty issues arise on the transmission.



Well, there's our insight. Good luck on picking what works best for you.



Wiredawg

 

[Casey Balvert]

Wiredawg,



I hate to break the news to ya but you have a 7 year warrantee on that 03 power train. No Bombing for 7 years. Can ya handle that?



Casey

 

[Dean Upson]

I think it's 5/100 on the engine.



Dean

 

[gthiessen]

The cummins engine now has a 7yr/100,000 mile warranty. But after 5yrs there is a $100 deductible. Greg

 

[Wiredawg]

Hmm, might reconsider BOMBing theory

Well guys:



My 02 got the 7yr/70,000mi warranty grandfathered. I have much more confidence in the ETH/DEE (HO/6spd) combo than I do the HO/auto combo. In fact, I did most of my BOMBing transfers on the back lot of the dealer from my 00 2500 to my 02 3500.



(I think) I will not BOMB the 03 until after I pull my 5th weel a few times and thoroughly test the auto. If nothing happens after the first 3yr/36,000 mi, I'll feel confident to do mild BOMBing.



Such as plans are made.



Wiredawg

 

[bmoeller]

If you decide to do alot of traveling and want to get a in-bed aux. fuel tank/toolbox combo, you will want a longbox. Especially if you get a 5er. As far as I know, they don't make one to fit in a short-box. But I may be wrong about that. Probably will want a man. trans. Lot less to go wrong. Wish I had one.

 

[VietDoc]

California and HO

Originally posted by gbraden

Getting close to ordering my retirement truck. I plan to get a 2003 Dodge Quadcab, 3500, SRW, HO, 4x4. ... .

Hi Glenn,

Noticed you are in San Diego, CA. I'm not an expert, but seem to remember others saying the HO is not available in CA and a state or two back east.



Regarding the balance or tour post, I too had the same decisions. We just sold our '99 2500 Quad SB 4x4 Auto. I have a son with a 1 ton SRW LB Ford and it is longer that the Dodge LB. But it is nearly impossible to park and turn around. We are in a culd-a-sac and he has to back up if one vehicle is parked. I can make it with 2 or 3 vehicles and garbage cans and have lots of room.



Auto-- May be wrong, but I don't think the 48RE is new, but rather a beefed up and improved 47RE. I will put an exhaust brake on it with or without DC OK.



SRW vs DRW. can't get DRW in SB and I can't stand the DRW look... my opinion.



Will use a slider hitch and add an extra fuel tank. Will pull an ATV trailer to go hunting as the '03 SB is 3 inches shorter and the older SB's. That was my other reason for the SB is I go hunting and need clearance and maneuverability of a SB.



I tried the Costco route and it was about $300 to $400 over invoice. I shopped around and got our truck for $500 UNDER and We get to keep all the rebates... .



Keep us informed on what you decide. All of us have our opinions, but your decision and opinion are the only ones that matter.



Our '03 is built and shipped. . . . . . . . just waiting :{ and waiting :{ and trying to be cool I only go to the dealership 4 times a week. Do you think that is too much ?

doc

 

[DBVZ]

We opted to get the regular cab long bed, so that we have the same wheel base as the QC short bed, but all the hauling and towing capability of the QC long bed - and more. The load capacity and tow capacity of the RC truck is more than the QC, because the weight of the rear cab area is available for cargo. The RC cab is big, with a lot of space behind the seats and big enough for us. For my retirement truck, I did not need room for kids. If they travel with us, they can come in their own trucks.



As for 6 speed vs 48re, you may want to check out the ATS Diesel Performance site, with the pictures and descriptions of all the improvements in the new transmission. If it will be a daily driver, and you and your wife need to both drive it, the auto makes that a lot easier. The 48re is rated to tow exactly the same weight as the 6 speed - up to a total combined weight of 23,000 with the 4. 10 axel ratio. For what I am pulling, the 3. 73 will have no trouble and should get a little better fuel mileage.



The bottom line is everyone's need are different, so they make some options available. Some options are not available, however. I would have prefered an RC 3500 SRW but it is not offered. That would have been as easy to park as a short bed QC 2500, but with a load capacity of about 3200 pounds - enough for a good size camper or a heavy 5er. You make the best choice you can from what is available, to fit your needs. I expect I will get used to the DRW, since it is no wider than the mirrors anyway.



The truck is in my driveway at home, but I have not driven it yet! My wife took delivery of it last Saturday, and I have not been home since then because of work. I will see it tomorrow night (finally) and leave for a trip the next morning with it.

 

[davidclark]

Re: California and HO

Originally posted by VietDoc

I only go to the dealership 4 times a week. Do you think that is too much ?

doc

No it's not how many times you go, it's how long you stay each time checking up and down the road for the car carrier...

 

[gbraden]

It was mentioned that since we live in Calif. we can not get the Cummins HO. Well, I think I lucked out. We (wife and I) have accepted employment in AZ and will start work there next month. To buy the HO version truck is not why we applied for the jobs, but it is a welcome bonus. Otherwise I was going to wait until used 2003 trucks become available. Calif. defines used vehicles as ones with over 7,500 miles. Used vehicles can be registered here. What a crappy state.

By the way, thanks very much for all the good information, suggestions, and opinions you folks are giving.

Glenn

 

[CROW]

1. Short Bed or Long Bed: Faced this dilemma last August when ordered my truck. Wound up getting a 3500 QC SB, installed a Pull Rite automatic slider fifth wheel hitch and all is well. You will pay more for the Pull Rite, but it allows you to pull a fifth wheel with a SB truck and it appears to be an excellent product. I would do the same thing again. There is room for a small auxillary fuel tank or took box between the front of the bed and the hitch. Camper's World has a combo box I am considering. My view is that the SB is much more practical in a metropolitan area; however, many seem to do just fine with the long beds. There are too many tight parking places in this area for me to worry about the additional 22' of length you get in the LB. The SB will easily fit in my garage, the LB would fit, but there would only be a couple of inches to spare.

2. Transmission Choice: This was an easy choice for me. I am one of those who think the more gears you have with a diesel motor the better. Got the HO six speed and would get it again. I have jokingly said that I wish mine had 10 speeds and could be shifted without the clutch. Also the manuals are less problem-prone (just my opinion) than the automatics especially when towing heavy. The fact that the 48RE is available would have no bearing on my decision.

3. Steps or Bars: Have none and won't until the wife complains (a lot).

 

[VietDoc]

Didn't used to be!

Originally posted by gbraden

cut . . . Calif. . . What a crappy state. . . cut Glenn

Glenn, that sounds more like a statement than a question

Actually I love California, but can't stand the masses of people, the politics, the fruits, nuts and zoo escapees, not to mention the native language is rapidly becoming Spanish (no offense nor racial bias intended).



I am the fourth generation born in California with ancestors arriving in 1852, 1857, 1884 and the late comers in 1900.



The state sure isn't what it used to be. Sad & glad I left many years ago. It is hard to go back to visit family to see how the state has been ruined.



btw... . advantage for the long bed is an ATV fits with lots of room. My ATV broke the rear window in the '99 (now I use large blocks) and won't fit in the '03 with the tail gate up.



I understand you will really enjoy your HO '03, which ever one you decide on. I'm still waiting, but the "DAY" is getting closerOo.

doc