Ordering a new truck

[Kirwin]

I am getting ready to order (probably September) a new 3500, Quad Cab, dually, set up for towing my 11,500 GVW travel trailer. I've looked at the brochure (pretty disapointed in how little the one they gave me talks about the things that really matter in a tow vehicle) but I am more interested in what the TDR members think. I'm Considering the 3. 73 ratio with the HO 6 speed combination. I know that according to Dodge this reduces my GCWR to 21K. Has anyone actually weighed there Quad cab 4X4 dually by itself? if I take 11,500 from 21,000 that leaves me 9,500. Heck my 97 2500 weighs that much when its loaded for a trip with the trailer and I don't have that 100 gallon fuel tank I want yet!

My other concern is that my trailer is a pull behind (vice a 5th wheel) and the hitch receiver I imagine is only rated for 10K. I got around this on my 97 by installing a 12K hitch. Does anyone know if there is an after market receiver style hitch for the 03 Ram that rated at 12K or more? I've looked under a few of them and the hitch appears to just bolt on. Also looked at a friends that the Dodge dealer had welded the 5th wheel hitch brackets to the frame. I thought that welding to the frame was a no-no. But then I looked at a single rear wheel 3500 which as I understand it is the only way you can get the extra helper springs and low an behold the spring pads that the helper springs hit on are welded to the frame at the factory!!! So confusing! I am also interested in what options you have on your truck that you like or thought were a waste of money. Thanks Ken Irwin.

 

[Peter Campbell]

I have also been looking at the specs. The 4. 10 with a manual will have you at around 2500 RPM at 70-75 MPH ( Those who actually have this configuration should correct me if necessary) If you want the 3. 73 you lose 2,000 of GCWR to get 250 RPM slower. A tank that hold 700 Lbs of fuel plus itself is a consideration in this decision. Is it 4X4- that adds a few hundred pounds- I don't live without it but some can- especially for a mostly tow vehicle.

About welding- you can weld almost anything. You just have to be right. The factory you know is right. The welders who do high pressure steam mains can do it right. Joe's trailer hitches and weld while you wait shop may not do it right. IMHO, If an aftermarket hitch is rated for 12,000Lbs with the bolts supplied that would be better than Cooter welding on your frame. If you even think you will bump up against 21,000 you should go the next gear ratio up for the 23,000. Ending up overweight is something a lot of us have run into Planning on it does not seem prudent. My dream truck 2004 prior to EGR Laramie, HO, SRW,6 Speed, 4. 10- everything except bed liner and cover and sport

 

[dkok]

I have run a Torklift Superhitch for a few years now for its superior weight ratings and extendability (for towing with a camper on). I have already ordered one for the 03 that is on the way, so I know they are making a hitch for the 03's. They are rated at 15,000 pounds and 1,500 tongue weight. You can even maintain a good weight and tongue rating while extended by using a weight distributing hitch. You can visit their website at: www.torklift.com. Look under "camper packages" and then "superhitch".

 

[livetodrive]

Ken,



My 2003 4x4 QC dually scaled at 8,080 lbs, driver on, with not much gear onboard, before addition of accessories. 9,500 allows quite a bit of gear or passengers.



I recall South West Fabricators rates their receivers (option on replacement bumper) at 15,000 GTW. Their dually wrap-around bumper is sweet! I went for the 12" drop with lights and receiver.



Happy towing!



Alan.

 

[Bill Littlefield]

Superhitch? Stock Hitch?

I too am planning to order soon. I'm wondering about ordering without the trailer package because I'm planning on adding a Superhitch. I too have a slide in camper and will need to extend the hitch. Should I order the new truck without trailer package and then add superhitch and wiring after I get it? Anyone think this is a bad idea?

 

[Blakers]

For the little more you pay for the towing package, you get the wiring, including relays, etc. plus the hitch itself. I think I would order it and then take the hitch off if you want. I think you'll save a lot of work in the long run.



Blake

 

[kompressor]

If you are ordering a 04 soon where are you getting the specs and option list, or are you just going off the 03 options? My dealer says he can put the order in now to reserve build date, but won't have the prices till mid July????????????

 

[Kirwin]

Bought new truck

Well I was going to order an 04 HO 3500 dually Ram ... . but they kept increasing the rebates, and the new 03s look so pretty!! Finally at a total rebate of $4750 and with the dealer offering to sell me the truck at invoice and throw in a Dodge bed liner I just couldn't take any more. SO I BOUGHT IT!!!! Its white, 6 speed, 4X4, 3500, dually, SLT, trailer tow mirrors, flat load floor, why it even has the light group. It had 14 miles on it and was built on my wifes birthday so I'm sure it was made for me! Now let me get back to putting the diamond tread "steps" on so I can actually get up into it! I guess I will have to change my signature! I am so lucky, now I have to perfect trucks!