No 3500 QC SRW SWB? Please help...

[rbattelle]

Ok, I've been to a couple dealers now, and something is bothering me. I want a 3500 4X4 QC SHORT WHEELBASE (140. 5 inch), which gives me a 6'3" bed. This is order code DR8H41.



I have now had 2 dealers tell me that I can't get that model. They claim the 3500 QC SRW is available only in LONG WHEELBASE (160. 5 inch), which gives me an 8' bed. This is order code DR8H42.



The dealer today (who HAD A 3500 4X4 QC SWB SRW truck ON THE LOT!) claimed the computer would not let him order such a truck. He also claimed it was possible to order a short wheelbase 3500 QC only with dually rears.



Please, please, someone help me decipher this. Can anyone verify whether it is possible to order a 3500 QC with a short wheelbase and single rear wheels? If so, what do I tell the dealer to do in the computer to get me that model? This is so frustrating.

 

[ntenna]

You have us mystified on this as there have been quite a few made, so unless DC has decided to stop production, it can only be that the order system is screwed up.



As to a short-bed DRW 3500, no such thing.



Anybody else?

 

[Dean Upson]

He also claimed it was possible to order a short wheelbase 3500 QC only with dually rears.

There ain't no such critter



Dean

 

[Casey Balvert]

Go to dodge.com and build your truck. Print it up and take it to the dealer. A short wheel base dually? I don't think so.



Casey

 

[rbattelle]

This is what makes it so frustrating. I had printouts from KBB.com and dodge.com both showing that the SWB is available in quad-cab single-rear-wheel trucks. They refused to believe me.



So then, the salesman takes out his "official configurations book" and looks it up. 3500 QC SRW SWB WAS IN THE BOOK!! I pointed right to it, and he said "well, this book is a year old".



I know there's no such thing as a dually SWB, but according to this moron there sure was!



Now, let's say this dip is correct, and you can no longer get a DR8H41. Then I want a 2500 with everything same as the 3500 except the overload springs and clearance lights. What option to I have to ensure I get in order to be assured I have the 11. 5" rear axle?

 

[klenger]

Find another dealer or call the zone office. No wonder Dodge can't sell trucks.

 

[rbattelle]

There are lots of posts about the ETH/DEE 2500's having the 11. 5 inch rear axle. Does anyone know a website where I can go and find this information? It doesn't seem to appear on the official Dodge site.

 

[randyn]

I'm probably last guy that should chime in, but from recently doing lot of research the info I got is that the 11. 5 rear comes w/ the HO model.

 

[rbattelle]

I'm sorry, most of this thread is a repeat of this thread, which I just read:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=66942



Since others are experiencing this problem, is it possible that Dodge actually decided to stop making SWB SRW 3500s? If so, that's a really bad bad move on their part.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

That would suck in a major league sort of way. If I pull the trigger on a new truck it has to be the 3500 QC shortbed! That's what I have my heart set on. . .

 

[krabman]

Call Dave Smith Motors. They would certainly know if it was orderable cause when i bought my SB SRW 3500 QC they told me that configuration was moving briskly and they must of had near a dozen on the lot. As Dodges highest volume dealer they move 20-odd vehicles a day, seems like they would know.

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by rbattelle





The dealer today (who HAD A 3500 4X4 QC SWB SRW truck ON THE LOT!) claimed the computer would not let him order such a truck.

Sounds like you might want to go back and buy the one he has on the lot since they quit making them. It will become a collectors item I would tell the dealer that :-laf Lets see Dodge comes out with a new truck, makes it for 3-4 months and then decides not to make it anymore I would hate to see what you would get if they ordered you a truck. I agree call the high volume dealers around the country, like Melton sales, etc. and see if the have the truck you would be ordering in stock. If they do buy it and don't mess with ordering. Good luck.

 

[agoldbach]

Ryan,

Thanks for reading my thread. I neglected to mention that I was having the same problem with my local dealers here in New Hampshire. I was simply chalking it up to them being inept, but I did all the things you have and now I am starting to get a little concerned. Please let me know what the heck is going on! I want to order soon also, and there is no way in hell I intend to order a long bed or a dually. #@$%!

 

[Pit Bull]

Is this what your looking for? http://www.meltonsales.com/cgi-bin/melton.cgi?run=listproductdetailed&key=330291#



Call them up and buy it they have several.

 

[Dean Upson]

I'll bet that "SWB DRW" would give you a ride you'd never forget :--) :--) .



Dean

 

[rbattelle]

Revelation?

Ok gentlemen, I believe I know what's going on here. It came to me last night as my brain was buzzing trying to figure out why so many people are being told they cannot order a truck that many others are currently driving. Bear with me, this is long.



Order code DR8H41 is a 3500 SRW QC SWB. Dually is NOT an option on this vehicle (we knew that).



Order code DR8H42 is a 3500 QC LWB. This is available in BOTH dual and single rear wheels.



On both of the order printouts I got from the last two dealers, they had ordered DR8H42, and under options they had selected "single rear wheel group".



I believe what is happening is this: when a customer talks to the saleman and says "I want a 3500 QC SRW SWB", the dealer writes this informationa down and takes it to some meatball in the back who punches it in. He calls up a DR8H41, which ONLY COMES IN SRW. But - and here's the kicker - THEY DON'T KNOW THAT! They think a DR8H41 comes standard with dual rear wheels. So they also tell the computer to add option code AR9 (single rear wheels). Well, naturally DR8H41 already has single rear wheels, so this option can't be added. The computer burps and says the selected configuration is not valid, and forces the dealer to change the order code for the truck to DR8H42. Dealer then returns to customer and says "the computer won't let us give you a SWB and SRW". On a very basic level, this statement is 100% correct! The computer is doing exactly what it's supposed to do: you can't order a SRW truck WITH the SRW option. Since these dealers (and I don't mean ALL dealers) appear to be little more than mindless robots, unwilling to work an issue with the customer, they regurgitate what the computer spit out.



This MUST be what is going on. I will find out for sure when I go to the next dealership (on Monday). If they tell me I can't get a SWB SRW, I will ask them to please try ordering me a DR8H41 with no options, just to prove to them that it is possible. Then I will educate them on the fact that a DR8H41 is a single rear wheel truck ONLY, and there is no need to specify order code AR9 with it.



It is a shame that we live in a world where WE the customer has to teach the dealership how to operate their ordering system, and what options are/are not available with each order code. It angers and frustrates me that either of these dealers would have let me walk off the lot with an order for a truck I don't want. One of the dealers actually printed an invoice for a DR8H42, but told me it was a SWB model. Thank God for the TDR and places like KBB.com. Without these resources, I would have no idea what order codes I need.



If I am correct in my theory about why dealers are saying we can't get the SWB SRW 3500, it's clear that anyone who wants to place an order MUST become very familiar with the ordering codes to ensure the invoice he's handed is precisely what he wants. The importance of this cannot be stressed enough.



I will post what I find out tomorrow. Once again, thank God for the TDR.

 

[agoldbach]

Ryan,

That's a really good thought. Please keep us informed on what you find when you go to the dealer on Monday. I for one share the same sentiment you do about the TDR being invaluable in this process. Please post as soon as you can with the information. I am toying with the idea of buying from the dealer in Idaho and going on a road trip since the dealers around here can't seem to find their butts with both hands.

 

[EBarnes]

If you are still looking for the 3500/qc/srw/Ho/ I saw one on a dealer lot yesterday 39almost 40. I was looking to see if mine was in so did not pay that attention to sticker on window. This is where i ordered mine 12/26/02. Talked to dc this morn off rail car to truck transport so maybe a day or two and it should be in? This is a five star dealer so he should be able to order or at the very least help you in your quest. This would be:



Ross Motor Co. INC.

Senatobia, MS

Ph # is 1-800-6268234

Salesman Name is: Dick Oakley



Give him a call he has been terriffic so far. I could not buy local did auto-by-tel and called here in 15 minutes got a quote. Decided to buy and that is as long and as complicated as is was to get it ordered. Good Luck hope this helps. Let me know if he is helpful.



Ed

 

[DodgeSales]

Yes I agree, they are available!

I guess there are allot of unknowable sales people out there.

Just as a note I am a Fleet/Commercial Sales Manager for Dodge Trucks, Almost 10 years, Have owned three myself have bombed one and waiting to bomb my current one, as a service to TDR Members I can get you a great deal on a great truck just the way you want it. I will do everything I should to make the buying experience Great Too. I can not post prices as to the forum restrictions. PM me, or e-mail, or call toll free 1-800 382-1436 Please call me with any questions, or just to chat.

SWB Duel wheel is not an option.

All Dealers are not Stealer's!

We are straight up no BS

George Sellers

CVM Motors (Dodge)

Mechanicsburg, Pa 17050

Fleet/Commercial Sales Manager

TDR Member

NHRA Member (yes I race)

NRA Member

MDTDR Member

 

[gthiessen]

I'm the Fleet Manager also and we have four 3500 SRW SB on the lot. If you ever need any help I also have almost 10 yrs experience in this one dodge dealer. Have a great day Gre

Greg Thiessen

TS&S

2060 Ne Hwy 20

Bend OR 97701

888-783-3031

-- email address removed --