Attention: TDR Forum Junkies AfterBurner
TDR MEMBER
It's been about two months since I made the switch from an '11 C&C to a '14 P/U. The trucks were configured about as close as you can get, except the C&C was SLT where the P/U is Laramie.
The C&C: 2011 3500 SLT Crew Cab, 4x4, AS68RC, 4.10
The P/U: 2014 3500 Lrm Crew Cab, 4x4, AS69RC, 4.10
Why did I decide to move to a p/u? This really comes down to power. The C&C was unbelievably solid and stable pulling my trailer, but struggled to get up the easiest Texas hills. If the wind was blowing enough, we might as well have stayed home... running highway speed with a headwind was out of the question. Passing was a whole 'nother struggle; I needed lots of straight of way and had to time it perfect so I could drop back, build up a head of steam and slingshot around. And then there was the fuel mileage...mid 7's to mid 8's. As a comparison, my '02 would pull same trailer with mid 9 mpg. I can live with poor mpg or power, but not both. The new pickups are sporting 850tq compared to the '11 C&C's 610tq. Yes, the new C&C's have 750 tq and 325 hp, but that's still short of the p/u and I didn't want to risk it again!
So does the p/u pull better? Yes! On the first road trip I actually passed a vehicle while going UPHILL! When I pulled out to pass my wife got nervous, but once I started pouring on the coals and the truck began building speed she said, "I can't believe we were able to do that." The new truck pulls hills, passes and can run through a headwind...It's awesome. The challenge now is regulating the power. We pull livestock so gentle acceleration is the name of the game and we have to be cautious that we don't pull too hard. Hard to gauge mpg yet, but so far it's been about same.
What else does the p/u do better? The ride is a little smoother empty; about the same with a load. Insurance, parts and accessories are less confusing and more readily available since it's not a commercial vehicle. The spare tire mounts under the bed so I don't have to keep it in the trailer; although this is a trade-off for the smaller fuel tank on the p/u. Tow/Haul mode doesn't lock out 6th gear. Oh, did I already mention POWER?
What did the C&C do better? Much better fuel tank: 52 gal vs 32 gal, 8 gal DEF tank vs 5.5 gal (I think). The tea cup sized fuel tank is annoying... an aux tank is a must. More stable with the trailer: The p/u is plenty stout, but moves noticeably more than the C&C under a load. Hauling ability: This really comes down to flatbed vs p/u bed, but I could haul two large round bales and still have room to stuff small square bales or feed sacks on the C&C. Another factor to consider here, is if I get an aux tank I will have even less bed space. Didn't have to turn on the EB every time I started the truck.
So after two months of ownership there are several things that I miss from the C&C, but the power improvement hands down makes the p/u more satisfying. If the C&C was offered with 850 tq I wouldn't have even looked at the pickups. I need three things to tow happily
: Power, Braking, Stability. The p/u offers all three with an abundance in the power category.
This is the first stock truck that I think might be able to out pull my BOMB'd '02. My mom :-laf still drives that truck, so standby for a head to head comparison between the '02 and '14.
Forrest
The C&C: 2011 3500 SLT Crew Cab, 4x4, AS68RC, 4.10
The P/U: 2014 3500 Lrm Crew Cab, 4x4, AS69RC, 4.10
Why did I decide to move to a p/u? This really comes down to power. The C&C was unbelievably solid and stable pulling my trailer, but struggled to get up the easiest Texas hills. If the wind was blowing enough, we might as well have stayed home... running highway speed with a headwind was out of the question. Passing was a whole 'nother struggle; I needed lots of straight of way and had to time it perfect so I could drop back, build up a head of steam and slingshot around. And then there was the fuel mileage...mid 7's to mid 8's. As a comparison, my '02 would pull same trailer with mid 9 mpg. I can live with poor mpg or power, but not both. The new pickups are sporting 850tq compared to the '11 C&C's 610tq. Yes, the new C&C's have 750 tq and 325 hp, but that's still short of the p/u and I didn't want to risk it again!
So does the p/u pull better? Yes! On the first road trip I actually passed a vehicle while going UPHILL! When I pulled out to pass my wife got nervous, but once I started pouring on the coals and the truck began building speed she said, "I can't believe we were able to do that." The new truck pulls hills, passes and can run through a headwind...It's awesome. The challenge now is regulating the power. We pull livestock so gentle acceleration is the name of the game and we have to be cautious that we don't pull too hard. Hard to gauge mpg yet, but so far it's been about same.
What else does the p/u do better? The ride is a little smoother empty; about the same with a load. Insurance, parts and accessories are less confusing and more readily available since it's not a commercial vehicle. The spare tire mounts under the bed so I don't have to keep it in the trailer; although this is a trade-off for the smaller fuel tank on the p/u. Tow/Haul mode doesn't lock out 6th gear. Oh, did I already mention POWER?
What did the C&C do better? Much better fuel tank: 52 gal vs 32 gal, 8 gal DEF tank vs 5.5 gal (I think). The tea cup sized fuel tank is annoying... an aux tank is a must. More stable with the trailer: The p/u is plenty stout, but moves noticeably more than the C&C under a load. Hauling ability: This really comes down to flatbed vs p/u bed, but I could haul two large round bales and still have room to stuff small square bales or feed sacks on the C&C. Another factor to consider here, is if I get an aux tank I will have even less bed space. Didn't have to turn on the EB every time I started the truck.
So after two months of ownership there are several things that I miss from the C&C, but the power improvement hands down makes the p/u more satisfying. If the C&C was offered with 850 tq I wouldn't have even looked at the pickups. I need three things to tow happily
: Power, Braking, Stability. The p/u offers all three with an abundance in the power category. This is the first stock truck that I think might be able to out pull my BOMB'd '02. My mom :-laf still drives that truck, so standby for a head to head comparison between the '02 and '14.
Forrest
