My Employer's 04.5 Saved My Life Last Week

[Matt42]

I had never thought of a 3500 DRW Quad Cab 4X4 with a loaded Cargobody drop-in service body as an especially nimble vehicle. I now have cause to rethink that notion.



Last week, headed southbound on CA Route 49, up from the South Yuba River, a semi pulling a 40 foot trailer headed toward me entered a curve too fast and jackknifed straight head on into my lane. Neither of us were going very fast, maybe 35 or 40, but we were only about 30 feet apart. I didn't even think. I just snapped the steering wheel to the right, and swerved into the one dual wheel Dodge width of space left between the semi and the guard rail. No time for adrenaline rush, no time for fast heartbeat, no time even to get ****** off. There was some noise from the inside of the truck, but I found out later that it was my coworkers screaming and preparing to die. (They bought me dinner later. )



Passengers told me that we avoided the semi by several inches, maybe a foot, even.



Truck's name is Eeyore, has Michelin LTX tires and Rancho Shocks, for what it's worth. Still not a sports car, but I have a whole new respect!

 

[seafish]

Glad your ALL OK... do give credit where credit is due... it was quick (make that INSTANTANEOUS instincts on your part that saved the day AND your LIVES... you certainly deserved the dinner!!

That being said, I also agree with you about our trucks, when they are well kept and maintained... I do feel like I am driving a 8000# sports car in my 05 2500 with all the steering upgrades and excellent tires!!!

 

[HBarlow]

I take the handling of my Dodge dually for granted now but I remember how impressed I was when I test drove my first one in 2001. I went to a dealer and asked to drive a Ram 2500 HO 6spd. I had owned a Furd F250HD for about 155k miles and was planning to buy a new "3/4" ton, considering my first diesel.

The dealer only had a 3500 dually with HO six speed so I drove that instead expecting to drive something heavy feeling, slow handling, and rough riding. I was very impressed with everything about the Dodge dually. Now on my third one, 630,000 miles later, I am a devoted Dodge-Cummins fan. I wouldn't buy a new Government Motors or Furd at half of invoice price.

For the prospective buyer who just wants to own a diesel pickup, wants one to modify and drag race on the streets from stop light to stoplight, or wants one to tow his light weight trailer or boat, all three manufacturers build comparable competitive trucks.

For someone like myself (and many TDR members) who wants a hard working truck capable of easily hauling heavy RV or working trailers, 350,000 miles without overhaul, reliably with low operating costs and outstanding resale value, there are no competitors. A Cummins-powered Dodge dually is the only truck I will own.

 

[rscurtis]

I think resale value is a point overlooked by many Ford and Chevy buyers, espescially Ford's last two offerings and the earlier Duramax. The net cost of a 5. 9 could possibly approach zero when compared to a Hemi.

 

[AABEN]

I am a die hard DODGE man and I love my truck. I know there is not a brand of truck out there that will beat my DODGE.

 

[Spooled05]

Had a situation close to yours and could not beleive how good the truck handled! An old man pulled out in front of me and i had to hit brakes and swerve as hard as i could , my d/s mirror exploded on his campershell and d/s lug chewed his bumper all up. All in all everyone was ok all i needed was a mirror,centercap and alignment and all was well!