Sold my Dodge

[glav]

It is with great sadness that I had to sell my Dodge yesterday. I feel like I have given away my first-born son. We are full RVer and with my current trailer and the Dodge 1 ton, I was "comfortably" overweight (1500 lbs). This was a number that I could live with and not be afraid of any possible accidents. But with the "Sue Crazy" people and "Junk Yard Lawyers", I did not feel comfortable with a new trailer that overweighs my Dodge by maybe 6000 lbs. So I sold my Dodge and bought an MDT!

I just don't see why Dodge will not make a 4500/5500 like Ford and Chev. I would think there is enough market out there that they could particpate in. I loved the Dodge/Cummins relationship. The new release of Dodge's Chassis Cab is for a 3500 only with the rumors of a possible 4500/5500 being release, who knows when.

 

[klenger]

So, what did you buy?

 

[glav]

Email Contact at Dodge

Does anyone know of a email address to Dodge, I have searched their website and cannot find a address to send them a message directly

Thanks

 

[glav]

What did I Buy?

Hi klenger, I bought a 2000 Stalick International, with an DT530E-8. 7 liter, 300 HP, 860 lb-ft, 6 speed Allison automatic transmission, Front GAW 8000 lbs, Rear GAW 12000 lbs, GVW 20000 lbs and a GCW 33000-40000 lbs. This is probable a little overkill, but the Dodge 1 ton at 11500 GVW and GCW of 23000 was too light. Although the Dodge would have probably handled the weight OK, but the heavier trailer would eventuly beat it to death. One accident at no matter if I was not at fault, could have ruined my dream (traveling around and seeing this country). A Dodge 4500/5500 would have been the idea choice with a GCW of 26000/33000.

 

[litespeed]

glav,



Did you consider something like this?



http://turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146113&page=8&pp=15



Scroll down to post #117



Ford F550 Cummins conversion.



We pull a Travel Supreme and we are in the same boat. Camper alone is 17,500 wet. The Dodge 2001. 5 3500/6spd. pulls it very well. It stops good too (because of decent trailer braking). But I'm like you..... We are over the limit and I am not comfortable. We have been shopping MDT's for close to 6 months.



This is another option that I have just realized... .



Best Regards,



AJ

 

[PatrickCampbell]

People seem to be weary of the 3500 chassis cabs but they will be a step above the regular 3500's and I would say even more so above the 2nd gen 3500s. The frame is straight and much stronger. Front end on 2WD is stronger (solid) as well. These trucks will have a REAL LIFE gcwr of 26,000 lbs. 12,500 GVWR leaves 4500 lbs pin weight on a 8000 lbs truck.



litespeed have you looked into International 4200/4300 trucks? I beleive what glav got is a 4300 or so. It would be pretty simple to throw on a 5th wheel to a cab/chassis. I imagine they are not too much more than a 3500.

 

[litespeed]

Patrick,



Yea... ... We have looked at those.



Personally, I like the Freightliner's.



I would like to stick with the "pick up truck theme" for one reason. My wife can't stand the larger trucks. Even though they are the same dimensions as ours (foot print). It is just too intimidating for her. The Freightliner is about the same dimensions as our old F350 Crew Cab. I guess I'll be doing all the driving and we'll be going half as far...



It must be the height?



We share the driving. So, it's important.



You know..... You're right. The new cab and chasis is a much better rig. That is another option. But the camper is still too heavy.



Changing campers is not an option. So, it has to be the truck. We even considered going back to a newer (lighter) Royals International. But, we have outgrown that. This is a much nicer camper.



And now we are considering selling the 36' and going to a 40'. So, that is another problem.



I dont know? The confusion and frustration is the only delay in our purchase.



Regards,



AJ

 

[GWBourne]

glav,



Did you consider something like this?



http://turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146113&page=8&pp=15



Scroll down to post #117



Ford F550 Cummins conversion.



We pull a Travel Supreme and we are in the same boat. Camper alone is 17,500 wet. The Dodge 2001. 5 3500/6spd. pulls it very well. It stops good too (because of decent trailer braking). But I'm like you..... We are over the limit and I am not comfortable. We have been shopping MDT's for close to 6 months.



This is another option that I have just realized... .



Best Regards,



AJ

why buy a conversion at all when you can buy an F-650 with a cummins in it... thats one of the options i have been looking at. its either that or an older international 4700 with a 6 plus one and 19. 5's in a low boy.



Grant

 

[PatrickCampbell]

How much does an F650 cost though?

 

[MRosinski]

Less than a F550 thats gonna go throught a $15K+ conversion. And w/ the 650 you will atleast have a warranty, bigger brakes, bigger truck IMO.

 

[GWBourne]

i priced one out at 49k with no bed. brand new, with air brakes and a crew cab. throw another 5 to 10k on there for a NICE flat bed or hauler bed and you are still under the cost of most of the competative trucks out there in the brand new section for a medium duty.

 

[MRosinski]

Found this, looks perfect for me.



2002 INT'L. 4300. 44,000 mi. , DT466 230 hp. , Fuller 6 sp. trans. , dual 50 gal. tanks, flatbed, set up for gooseneck/5th wh. bumper hitches, 8,000# front, 15,500# rear, PW, PL, CC, CD. $32,500.

 

[GWBourne]

Found this, looks perfect for me.



2002 INT'L. 4300. 44,000 mi. , DT466 230 hp. , Fuller 6 sp. trans. , dual 50 gal. tanks, flatbed, set up for gooseneck/5th wh. bumper hitches, 8,000# front, 15,500# rear, PW, PL, CC, CD. $32,500.

not a bad ride at all, the only thing i would change is a extended or crew cab. that price is nice as well.



i have been looking at trucks, new and used for a few months. soem day ill end up buying a new to me rig... .

Grant