Sampling of Tow Vehicles Being Used

[Silver Ratler]

I have read comments on this forum about the "majority of tow vehicles seen on the road being Dodge CTDs" and I have friends who own Ford and GMC products that have had similar observation on their respective forums.



Making observations in RV Parks as we travel around the country, I have always felt that the Fords out numbered the Dodges significantly. I never actually counted, just kind of seat of the pants impression. This feeling bothered me, as I could understand why more people weren't using Dodges as their tow vehicle of choice.



Another observation I have made, is that whatever products site or forum you happen to be on... ... . They have the greatest product since sliced bread. So knowing that the people who participate in brand forums are extremely biased, myself included, I wanted to try and find out what people were towing with... ... Without the built in bias of the forums.



I placed a survey on a forum for owners of a particular brand of RVs (Heartland ) which covers everything from small lite weight tow behinds to large luxury fifth wheels. There have been 109 answers to the survey and the results follow. Take them for what they are... ... . But I feel that the bias of the truck owners forums was removed.



This survey in no way takes all truck owners into account and was only done to answer my own personal questions.

 

[S.Morris]

In my area, what seemed like the majority of working duallies on the road were Dodges, has changed to primarily newer GM's. Never driven one so cant really comment, but lifting the hood is enough to turn me off!

That said, the dodge emission system on the 6. 7 has the same effect... ... . I believe this is why the switch to newer GM's. The 6. 7 dodge reputation , from what I have heard on the road is not great. The GM spanks it badly in the mpg dept apparently. I cant comment one way or the other as have never had first hand experience with either.



My son has a mobile mechanical repair business for Class 8 trucks. He has 97,99, 04. 5,05 3500's all DRW that pull trailers 24-7 and he is talking Duramax for the next replacement.

 

[crispyboy]

In my local area of northern KY - it seems that I see mostly Fords, GM's, Toyota's and Dodge bringing up the rear. I also see this at campgrounds throughout KY.

I think Dodge hurt themselves when they did not have a crew cab truck for such a long time - everywhere I looked I saw people who traded in the family car/mini-van for a 4 door pickup whether it be 1/2 or 3/4 ton. The Dodge marketing folks couldn't see the forest for the trees by not providing a 4 door crew cab truck 15 years ago. The other problems are the legacy issues with the steering/suspension components and transmissions. My brother owns an 05 Ford 6. 0 CC and brother-in-law owns a 03 GM Duramax CC. Both are nice trucks but I still like my Dodge.

 

[Bob4x4]

I think here in Cali the Dodges are still the most used but I see the Duramax gaining ground.

I have had an 09 4x4 Duramax to drive for the last few weeks. I have to say for a bone stock truck it handles my Airstream nicely in mountain towing. The trans is very smooth and up shifts and down shifts in tow haul the way it should. I am very unimpressed with the way the power hits,it is almost like a ported 2 stroke. Nothing on the bottom but it hits hard when the rpm comes up. The mileage is about 14. 2 combined commuting driving. That puts it at least 4-5 behind my Dodges. The Chevy front buckets are more comfortable than my Dodge also.

Overall I prefer driving the Dodge,but they could pick up a few hints from Chevy

 

[EGroeneveld]

I see a lot of Dodge's hauling heavy loads and being used in pretty good percentages. But many Dodge owners are really Cummins owners 1st. They have used Cummins in over the road or offroad applications and wanted the 5. 9 in their truck. I feel the bottom line is Dodge/Cummins trucks get USED.



Not to stereo type but show me the following:



Large Company Fleet Truck likely equals Superduty

'Older' person wants a comfy ride equals GM/Chevy

Self Employed needs a dependable truck equals Cummins

A person with no need for diesel power but likes the looks I believe equaled Superduty for many many years but I'm seeing a lot more GMs now.

Work truck with 300,000 miles equals Cummins!

 

[ejmesser]

I see a lot of Dodge's hauling heavy loads and being used in pretty good percentages. But many Dodge owners are really Cummins owners 1st. They have used Cummins in over the road or offroad applications and wanted the 5. 9 in their truck. I feel the bottom line is Dodge/Cummins trucks get USED.



Not to stereo type but show me the following:



Large Company Fleet Truck likely equals Superduty

'Older' person wants a comfy ride equals GM/Chevy

Self Employed needs a dependable truck equals Cummins

A person with no need for diesel power but likes the looks I believe equaled Superduty for many many years but I'm seeing a lot more GMs now.

Work truck with 300,000 miles equals Cummins!

Very well put.

 

[Bigiron]

My two cents. I've traveled the country a little bit while Drag Racing from Vegas to Florida and it looks to me almost more of an area preferance than anything. Kinda like following parents brand loyality by area. I personally will stick with tried and true Cummins power.