Oh What Shall I Do?

[mbaston]

I am confused as to what I should do.



I have a 2000 2500 5 speed with 119,000 miles. I use it as a daily commuter (50 miles each way) as well as for recreational use. No hardcore off road use. It is a great truck.



I recently bought a 9 foot camper that weighs about 2800 pounds dry. I know, I know, my truck is overloaded (dealer said it would be fine... . ). Once the camper was on, the rocking was unbearable (it has the camper package).

I installed the airlifts and rancho 9000x shocks. I was not happy with how the airlifts had to be installed. To get the minimum 5 inch from top to bottom of the bag, I could only use the two bottom bolt holes on each side to mount to the frame. The top hole is above the frame rail. The instructions say this is acceptable, but this just doesn't seem right. However, with the airlifts and ranchos, the rocking is minimal.



However, I am still overweight (the truck, not me). Truly, this doesn't really bother me. The truck can handle it and drives great. But there is still some concern.



Now I am considering just trading it in on a 03. With the one ton, I wont have the weight problem and will also have the 6 speed and HO engine. By the time I bomb my current truck and make the additional mods I would like, I will be in to it a few thousand dollars.



I know the engine will last for a long time, but I am concerned about everything falling apart around it and pennying me to death. By the time I bomb, repair, and make other mods, given the miles I drive and the situation I am in, would I just be better off buying a new 03?

 

[SilverFox]

I was in somewhat the same situation. My '99 F-250 PowerStroke has 108,000 miles and can handle my 30 ft. Travel Trailer but by the time I load everything I'm overweight. My truck is better now than when it was new and I really hate to sell it but decided in the interest of safety, I should stay within factory load limits, so I ordered a new truck. See signature.

 

[mberry]

IMHO, trading it in would solve many of the problems you described. With a camper that size I would go with a dually for the extra stability. I would also go with the HO 6 speed but stay with the 3. 73 gears. You would also have a warranty on the truck.



Again, this is just my humble opinion but I have had many truck campers in the past and the 1 ton dually was the best by far.

 

[Task125]

get the new one I did got sick of replacing parts on my 98. 5. all minor but with 110000 on it ,it was always something. and I love the new one.

 

[truckstom]

I wish I had a excuse that good to get a NEW one... . go for it

 

[CATCRACKER]

my 99 is sitting in my drive way with a dead lift pump. go figure what my opinion will be... . oh yea my sig. will give my opinion also. go with the 3. 73. i did and when i put some 285 street tires on it i will get over 20mpg (commute) have you seen the price of diesel?

 

[mbaston]

Thanks

Thanks for the replies. I think I just needed that little extra push. It gives me more to convince my wife too. I have put in a call to Dave Smith Motors. The prices up here are too high. If you know of another good place to buy, let me know.

 

[Big MAK]

Push... Shove...



Have Fun

 

[CATCRACKER]

best way to finance(if you are disciplined enough to pay back) is to take out a home equity loan(if you have enough equity) and you can write off all of the interest paid make sure it is simple interest and that you can pay it back early. You can also drag this loan out for 6 years if you need to! sweet! go to a bank with that has no closing cost! best deal going. WARNING! THESE LOANS ARE CALLED HEL(HOME EQUITY LOANS) BETTER KNOW AS HELL (AS IN THE PLACE WHERE BAD PEOPLE GO) B/C THEY CAN MESS YOU OVER IF YOU DONT PAY BACK! but they can also be awsome. check it out. Hey,... . what can i say, i would love to see all my TDR buddies in a new CTD any questions just call you banker this is what it might take to get you into a new ram.



I knew those books about financing that i studied would pay off one day.

 

[mbaston]

Yes

I did it. Drove my new 03 home last night.



3500 DRW. HO w/6spd. Laramie. 3:73, and I think every option available. Wow, what a nice truck. Smooth, quiet, handles well and those brakes. What a difference :--) . My fuel mileage is a little lower but should go up after the engine gets broken in. Should gain a little power also. I can't wait to get the camper on it and see the difference.



I loved my old truck. I think I am going to like this one even more. This is my third CTD truck.



Thanks for all the encouragement guys. The heated seats sold my wife!!!

 

[Task125]

I knew you would love it. you only live once

 

[TBOB]

'03 AT HOME

TRADED '99 IN FOR '03. TOOK POSSESSION 12-17-02. IT NOW HAS AN EDGE EZ, PYRO AND BOOST GAGES, PACBRAKE, 4" DOWN PIPE AND 5" FROM THERE TO REAR BUMPER, THE LAST 2 FEET BEING CHROME, BRITE DIAMOND PLATE MUD FLAPS, 5ER HITCH, AIR HORN FROM BIG TRUCK, 3500 FLAME RED LARAMIE PACKAGE, SLT, 6 SPD. '99 NWAS OVER LOADED WITH 15K 5ER. I SURE LIKE THE NEW STOPPING POWER, MUCH NEEDED SAFETY FACTER. TBOB

 

[MMeier]

TBOB, doesn't your computer keyboard have a "caps lock" key on it? Should be on the left side 'bout half way down!! Read replys to your previous posts!!

 

[Fireman]

mbatson,



Your really gonna love it when you put a load on it. Like so many have alread ststed "this truck was born to tow".



Fireman