Seeking advice on right truck

[AHarris]

In Summer '08 I am returning to the States with my wife and kids and need to buy a new truck. Want to keep the cost under $40K. Have a 5000# TT we will tow about 1,500 miles total per year (which my old '99 Ram did just a marginal job of towing), 2 growing 9/10 year old kids (and my wife's SUV), and about 15,000/year of mostly commuter driving.



When I was in the States a couple weeks ago on TDY, I test drove a '07 Toyota Tundra Crewmax gasser with a 5. 7L V-8 and a '07 Quad Cab/Mega Cab (leftover 5. 9L CTD). The Tundra was impressive, takes off like a rocket, gets 18mpg, and felt like it was just the right size for what I need--with a 10,500lb towing capacity. Both the Cummins trucks blew me away--I am impressed with that Cummins! The Mega Cab feels like a land yacht, though and the Quad Cab seems about right. Don't get me wrong--I like the room in the Mega Cab but it just seems so darn LONG!!



In a few months I'm going order a truck for Summer '08 delivery. I'm leaning towards a Quad Cab Cummins 2500 4 X 4 with the 6. 7/68RFE. It's about 4,000 more than a comparable Toyota. I'm looking for a reliable every day truck that will stay with me for 10 years... don't care much about resale value.



As much as I like the Cummins, is it really the right choice or should I take a sanity pill and get the Toyota? Looking for unbiased advice, based on the expected usage above, on the best way to spend my money. Should I follow my heart and get the Cummins for be practical and just get the Toyota gasser?



Appreciate your advice...

 

[dberry]

Unbiased gas vs. diesel advice on the TDR! Comparing the Toy to the Cummins is like digging footers for a new house by hand or with a big trackhoe. You'll get the job done either way. Go with the Cummins, and laugh at the empty Toy as you pass him with your t/t in tow!

 

[Missouri Mule]

The Toy would just make the 165,000 miles you would be putting on. The Dodge/CTD would just be broken in and have plenty left.



The toy would equal or better the Dodge/CTD in mileage for regular driving, but in pulling 5000 lb. trailer I think the Dodge/CTD would be better.



Since I'm biased I will have to vote for the Dodge Quad CAb 2500 4x4 6. 7/68re.

With the added horse power of the 6. 7 we don't know what the mileage will be but the six speed trans should help out with the mileage.



Stayed tuned to the 3rd generation 6. 7 forum.

 

[AMink]

Depending on the age of your kids and how long you'll keep the truck, I'd go with the Megacab. It's no longer than a QCLB. Yes, the CTD is overkill for a 5000# trailer, but, if you're like a lot of others, you will be moving to a bigger trailer sooner than later. Get the CTD and be ready for what might happen. Also, if you're getting the 5. 9, get the exhaust brake. Worth the $$$! Personally, I think the new Toys look weird. It's like the roof was squashed down into the body. JMHO

 

[Foil Freak 1211]

18 MPG in a gasser truck sounds optimistic to me. Wouldn't a more accurate comparison be between the Tundra and a half-ton Hemi? Any of the three would be a good match for towing 5000lbs, but the Cummins will outlast and outhaul both the others combined.

 

[AHarris]

For you guys with Megacabs, how are they in a parking lot? What kind of fuel mileage are you getting in normal everyday driving?

Thanks for the advice so far--it's helping. My wife says I'm obsessing about the new truck. Truth is, it's just one of many things I look forward to about moving back to the States next year. It's fun to look forward to things!

 

[DGoyer]

From what I have seen the toys don't get nearly what they say, especially
towing a trailer.

 

[AMink]

Parking lots with a Mega are easy. You just don't park real close. Backing into the spot is easier than pulling in frontwards. They are big trucks, but I think some people get scared and shouldn't. The turning radius is good. Mileage is about 12mpg pulling a 8500-9000# trailer (lots of hills), 15-16 around town. I haven't really had the opportunity to drive a long way on a freeway w/out the trailer. I'm guessing 18. That's with an auto and 3. 73's.

 

[Grizzly]

You say now that you don't care much about resale value and want it for 10 years. Well you will care in 10 years. A Dodge/Cummins will be worth about half of what you pay for it now. Would a Toyota gasser be worth that much? How do I know what a 10 year old Dodge is worth? I sold my 95 Dodge/Cummins 2 years ago for one half of what I paid for it. I really like Toyota. My wife and I each have 03 Toyota Avalon cars, but for a towing machine, I'd go with a Dodge/Cummins.