New Truck???

[RJOL]

I'm considering ordering a new CTD and would like some advice from this group.



I currently have a 2500 (see sig) 4X4 I will be ordering a DRW 3500 QC LB 6 spd. I tow an 10,000 lb 32' Alpenlite 5th wheel several times a year, but not full time. I like the 4 WD but rarely use it here in Western Washington. Here are my questions.



1. Can I get by with the 4 X 2 (or more accurately 6 X 2 DWR). How is the traction for the non 4 X 4 dually?



2. I currently have the 4:10 rear end, but I think I will go to the 3. 73 as I use this truck for every day driving and don't tow that much. How will the 6 speed 3. 73 work for this setup.



3. What kind of mileage are you 2004/5 3500 guys getting?



4. Is the Limited Slip Differential worth ordering, especially if I go with the 4 X 2?



5. Is the new built in GPS worth what they want for it?



6. What option do you wish you had ordered now that you have your CTD?



I will probably buy this at Dave Smith's or the dealer in Spokane (forgot salesman's name). Thanks for the help...

 

[abdiver]

RJOL,



I too am considering ordering a new CTD



My 2 cents worth of comments on this, sure that many more experianced than me will answer your questions,



4. Is the Limited Slip Differential worth ordering, especially if I go with the 4 X 2?

My Comment,

I would think limited slip would almost be required as Duallys have a tendency to spin easily on grass.

4x4 are great to have when it's needed, But costs more to run, mpg and wear & tear



5. Is the new built in GPS worth what they want for it?

My Comment, I hear via this site that it is better to go with a laptop with a road atlas software and $250 GPS. that if you already have a laptop or at least a good reason to buy a laptop. Dodge GPS not very good. Do a search on Navigation system on this site.



6. What option do you wish you had ordered now that you have your CTD?



I will probably buy this at Dave Smith's or the dealer in Spokane (forgot salesman's name).

My Comment, Was that Butch @ Dishman Dodge ? Best price I have found.

 

[RJOL]

Thanks for the info... I do have a laptop and have used it while crossing the US... . Just wondered what the built in one is like... I've been to Dave Smiths but I'd rather buy in Spokane, if it makes sense... I'll give Dishman a call, when I get more serious...

 

[klenger]

1) I debated whether to get the 4x2 or 4x4 and finally decided on the 4x4 in case I ever relocated back to CO. Now I sort of wish I had gotten the 4x2. 2WD has many advantages, especially towing a 5er. Of course, we never get snow here, but you probably do in WA.



2) I tow 10K with 3. 73's and it works fine. Others tow even more with them.



3) I'm getting around 20 MPG empty driving easy. Towing is 10 - 11.



4) Get the LSD.



5) I don't have a GPS in the truck (I do have a hand held that I use some time), but I would opt for the Garman StreetPilot as they seem to work better and are much cheaper. You can also use them in another vehicle.



6) I ordered mine with the chrome steel wheels. I wish I gotten the alloy ones. I also wish I'd ordered a different color, but that's personal preference.



Make sure you order the rear folding flat floor. It's a $100 option, but cost $1K to do it later. I also get the Dodge Sirius and love it. Consider the BrakeSmart brake controller. I also like the PullRite hitch.



Good luck.

 

[DiTrani]

1. Can I get by with the 4 X 2 (or more accurately 6 X 2 DWR). How is the traction for the non 4 X 4 dually?

With no weight in the rear, off-road and winter traction are bad. You have to be proactive. With good tires and weight, winter traction can be as good as a front-drive car. With a dually you need lots of weight though.

2. I currently have the 4:10 rear end, but I think I will go to the 3. 73 as I use this truck for every day driving and don't tow that much. How will the 6 speed 3. 73 work for this setup.

If you don't plan to run big tires, 3. 73. But ask yourself this: Have you ever had to use 4-low to get your trialer moving? You won't have that option with 2WD, so maybe 4. 10.

3. What kind of mileage are you 2004/5 3500 guys getting?

Can't answer specifically, but generally fuel usage should be only negligably greater with a dually vs. similar SRW truck.

4. Is the Limited Slip Differential worth ordering, especially if I go with the 4 X 2?

Yes. The LSD on the new trucks is IMO a much better design, even though I'm a Dana fan.

5. Is the new built in GPS worth what they want for it?

If you don't mind a unit sitting on top of the dash, the Garmin 2610 or 2620 for roughly $650 or $800 respectively are better and you won't be stuck with obsolete hardware built into your dash in 3 years.

6. What option do you wish you had ordered now that you have your CTD?

Next time I will get a fully loaded, leather-clad cowboy-pimp rod.







Regarding 4WD or not - on the 2G trucks, the 2WD drives much nicer than 4WD on the road, which is why I got it. But IMO, the 4WD 3G trucks drive nicer than my 2G 2WD truck. That, and 2WD being a serious drawback at re-sale time, I'd go 4WD.

 

[RustyJC]

I've pulled 5th wheels with 2WD Dodge duallies (6x4's, if you will) since 1996. All of my experience is not in the south - we were still living in Ohio when I bought my first truck, and it saw some usage in the snow. I've never been stuck in any of the trucks, but the limited slip differential is really a "must have" - my 1st truck that I bought off a lot in Columbus, Ohio had an open differential (why would they DO that? ).



Our 5th wheel is quite a bit heavier than yours, so I went with the 4. 10's when we ordered this truck. They're great for towing, but not so great when running empty on the Interstate - I'd go with the 3. 73's in a 3rd gen if they will provide the GCWR you need.



I second Ken's comment regarding the Garmin Streetpilot. I have the 2620 and like it as well as or better than the Alpine OEM navigation system in my Acura 3. 2TL-S.



Rusty

 

[tractorseller]

I'm considering ordering a new CTD and would like some advice from this group.



I currently have a 2500 (see sig) 4X4 I will be ordering a DRW 3500 QC LB 6 spd. I tow an 10,000 lb 32' Alpenlite 5th wheel several times a year, but not full time. I like the 4 WD but rarely use it here in Western Washington. Here are my questions.



1. Can I get by with the 4 X 2 (or more accurately 6 X 2 DWR). How is the traction for the non 4 X 4 dually?



2. I currently have the 4:10 rear end, but I think I will go to the 3. 73 as I use this truck for every day driving and don't tow that much. How will the 6 speed 3. 73 work for this setup.



3. What kind of mileage are you 2004/5 3500 guys getting?



4. Is the Limited Slip Differential worth ordering, especially if I go with the 4 X 2?



5. Is the new built in GPS worth what they want for it?



6. What option do you wish you had ordered now that you have your CTD?



I will probably buy this at Dave Smith's or the dealer in Spokane (forgot salesman's name). Thanks for the help...

1. Don't know. If you get stuck in a remote place you'll probably wish you had the 4WD .

2. My 6 spd with 3. 73s works great for hauling loads.

3. I'm getting 14 mpg hauling loads at 65 to 70 mph. Getting 20 empty at freeway speeds.

4. Limited slip definitely worth the money when you need it.

5. I wouldn't get factory GPS. I agree with the guy who made the comment about outdated hardware in your dash. I have a Magellan RoadMate. Cost me $1,300. You can easily move it from one vehicle to another (it attaches to the windshield with a large suction cup). I update it with my laptop via the internet. Gives great directions (audible), color graphics, nice screen, etc.

6. Satellite radio.

 

[RJOL]

Thanks for all the replies...



Went to the dealer to look at 3500's and they literally had over two dozen 4X4 3500 and not one 4X2.



Measured the 4X4 bed height at the back corner (QC, LB, Tow Pack, etc) and it measured 60" off the ground ...



I would definitely have to do an axle flip or "spring over" on my fifth wheel to use this setup. My 2001 4X4 is about 57" at the rail and I have just about 6" clearance when hitched. The 3500 4X2 was about 56" (had to measure a customers rig, due to no new ones at the dealer). An axle flip, with shocks, would run about $350 at the local shop.



Local dealer said he would beat any written price from any dealer, including Dave Smith and Dishman Dodge. If I get serious about ordering one, I will take him up on that challenge. I bet somehow it won't happen... :-laf

 

[FCecelin]

Last truck was a ford 2wd with limited slip. . I thought i would never need 4wd in a camping situation and I was wrong , at least in the area I live in . Wet grass and soft ground are no match for a 2wd . Yes most times you can get moving , but usually you tear up some sod or leave ruts . Hard on truck too. 4wd makes it way easy. . Only advantage to 2wd is bed height (IMHO) . My jayco has adjustable spring hangars so raising 5 wheel was easier. .

 

[cyborg]

You only have to need four-wheel drive once to pay for itself.

And you always get it back on the backside on trade-in or resale.

 

[macdaddy]

RJOL

I'm on my second. Get the 4X4 even living in western WA not much snow but you still get some!!!!. Your going to like the 3rd Gen it is light years away from the second gens.

 

[NStates]

RJOL

I just purchased my third Ram Diesel (2005) and do considerable towing. I pull a Teaton Fifth Wheel which maxes out the truck. I run the HO with the six speed transmission and love it. A limited slip differential is a must and I prefer the 3. 73 gear ratio. The Ram is our only vehicle as we travel about 6 months each year. Fuel mileage is 18 - 20 general driving and towing is 13 - 15 running with the traffic flow.

I use a Dell Notebook and the Delorme Street Atlas USA software. Have used their software for five years and it is great and updated frequently. We have found this a must in our travels. I purchase leather and all the upgrades possible. Run a Pac Brake exhaust brake and a 65 gal fuel/tool box combination. Dropped the 4x4 and 4. 10 gears which was in my first truck-don't really need them. Will work on performance options to make it run better. Love the Dodge/Cummins for heavy towing.



ROVOL

 

[RJOL]

Made the Plunge...

Thanks for all the inputs... Sometimes it helps just to sit back and let your fellow TDR guys do some of the thinking for you...



As you can see, by my sig, I ordered a new 3500 yesterday. Kind of hate to give up my 2001 (been a great ride) but I wanted something that would carry more trailer. Got two quotes. One from Dave Smith, and one from Butch in Spokane. Butch said $1000 below cost and I keep all the current rebates. Told Dave Smith what quotes I had, and there must have been a little confusion as he said he didn't think he could sell the one I wanted for that price. Later he came back and said that he would sell one for $1500 under cost, but he didn't have one in stock. I don't know why he just didn't give me a build price... but oh well.



I had been to my local dealer, here in Tacoma, WA, just to look. They had a $42K 3500 with a $4k second sticker on the window, that was close to what I wanted. When I went in and talked I could tell I wouldn't get anywhere with them without another dealers quote. So I came back with Butch's quote and after showing it to the sales manager and asking him if he could do better, he said he'd order one for me $1050 below dealer cost and I keep the rebates. Bottom line was an out the door price of $33929 (plus tax and license) unless the rebates change for the better. Maybe I could have done better somewhere else, but I don't think this deal was too shabby...

 

[cyborg]

Okay, what all did you get?

 

[RJOL]

Okay, what all did you get?

The signature lines only appear on the first post of a thread. Go to the top and it is there...

 

[abdiver]

RJOL, What options did you get on your

2005 3500 SLT 4X4 QC DRW LWB G56 6 Speed Deep Molten Red Pearl Coat with upgrades.



Did you get J pkg or H, diff ratio? etc, would like to know

Thanks and good luck with truck

 

[RJOL]

RJOL, What options did you get on your

2005 3500 SLT 4X4 QC DRW LWB G56 6 Speed Deep Molten Red Pearl Coat with upgrades.



Did you get J pkg or H, diff ratio? etc, would like to know

Thanks and good luck with truck

Did not get the J or H option as I don't want leather interior. Here is the list of options: Premium Cloth package (pwr drivers seat, center storage area under cushion); Deep Molten Red Pearl Coat - $133; engine block heater; power trailer tow mirrors, fold away; anti spin diff; folding flat load floor storage; side air bags; front hood protection shield; Quad Cab Big Horn Value Group (17" forged alum wheels, fog lights, tow package, leather wrap steering wheel, tow hooks, rear window slide); security group; protection group; light group.



It's pretty tricked out except for the leather, radio upgrade, and a few other things the J or H has... .

 

[tschwab]

RJOL - Congrats. I know you have already bought..... But here is my advice. Your fine in Western WA with 2WD, plus you get the benefit of better MPG, rack & pinion steering, less cost & you do not have to flip the axles on the 5'vr (But you would have had to probably order one like I did to get EXACTLY what you want).



I like lighter colors (White, silver, etc) much easier to maintain in our rainy area and much more forgiving (chips/scratches). I never had leather before this truck and absolutely love it with the heated seats. I would recomend against the Infinity/6 disc "premium" sound system, I am very displeased with the sound quality.

 

[RJOL]

RJOL - Congrats. I know you have already bought..... But here is my advice. Your fine in Western WA with 2WD, plus you get the benefit of better MPG, rack & pinion steering, less cost & you do not have to flip the axles on the 5'vr (But you would have had to probably order one like I did to get EXACTLY what you want).



I like lighter colors (White, silver, etc) much easier to maintain in our rainy area and much more forgiving (chips/scratches). I never had leather before this truck and absolutely love it with the heated seats. I would recomend against the Infinity/6 disc "premium" sound system, I am very displeased with the sound quality.

Well here is how I came to my decision:



1. I agree that 4WD is not an absolute requirement in Western WA. In the 4 1/2 years I've owned my 2500 I have used the 4WD rarely. But I have been stuck (not in snow) and the 4WD got me out. I don't do a lot of off road, but if you leave the paved surface and get on wet grass, loose dirt (especially if wet) or any soft stuff, these trucks are so heavy in the front, that they get stuck easily.



2. When I went to the dealer, I first tried looking for a 3500 dually 2WD. He had a dozen or more 3500 duallys and none of them where 2WD (either they sell like hot cakes, or they aren't as popular to the buyer). When the salesman went to his computer to see if he could find one for me, from another dealer, he had none that were even close to what I wanted ordered.



3. When we got down to negotiations he offered me more for my 2001 then NADA or Kelley book said was a fair price for trading it to the dealer. He said that 2500 SLT 4X4 were rare on any sales lot, and he could sell it quickly. In all my years of buying cars or trucks from a dealer, I have never had one offer me even "wholesale" trade in for my used car (unless he was cooking the deal on the sale price). This was a first.



4. Yes I would get better MPG with a 2WD, although I suspect this isn't a major advantage for better MPG. Driving type and style has a lot more to do with MPG then the 4X4. Yes I might have more maintenance (although I've had zero problems with my 2001). I do all my own fluid changes, including the transfer case, oil, filters, manual transmission, front and rear diffs, and coolent. Yes I may have to do a spring over on my 5th wheel (although when I talked to my local RV fab shop, they recommended that I wait and see how it sits on the truck. I have almost 6" of clearance, at the bed rails with my 2001 and more then one person has told me that even though the 3500 4X4 sits 3" higher at the rear, it will compress down to at least the same level as my 2001. Not sure what you mean by "... But you would have had to probably order one like I did to get EXACTLY what you want... because I did order exactly what I want.



5. You are absolutely correct about the white ones being easier to keep clean (or at least look cleaner). I've owned a white one for 4 1/2 years. I guess I just went crazy here... As far as leather, heated seats, etc. , That's a personal preference. My wife likes leather, I don't. She doesn't drive my truck. Your also absolutely correct about the Dodge/dealer marked up radios. If I want a better radio I could buy it at any outlet store, pay less for it, have them put it in, probably be better the OEM, and still save money. It comes with a stock AM/FM CD player with 4 speakers and that's all I need. I usually listen to AM radio when I travel.



Hope this tells you where I'm coming from, and why I ordered it the way I did. I know you really like you 05, and I will like mine just as much, maybe more...

 

[tschwab]

Sorry RJOL, I thought you bought it off the lot, didn't realize you ordered it. My last two CTD's I ordered as it was really hard to find the right combo on the lots. Don't get me wrong, I like the looks of the 4x4's but I don't take mine off-road ever and I don't tow a boat, so for me, a 2wd was a no-brainer. I also like the looks of darker colored vehicles and have owned two black vehicles, I just don't want all the extra upkeep a darker vehicle demands to keep it looking good, my uncle actually just bought the same color you ordered - nice choice! You will really like the 3g trucks, quite an improvement over the 2g's in several areas.