thinking of going from '05 3500 SRW to '12 3500 CC: pros/ cons...?

[fkovalski]

Tossing this out to see if there can be a conversation to help me decide if I want to go for a new 2012 3500 SRW C/C.



My biggest "con" is not fully understanding all the new emissions stuff... and all the issues of which I have briefly read about. I have not kept up with all the finer points of the new emissions problems, but have they been mostly solved?



A big concern is driving a new one at high altitude: 9,300+ feet. This causes a LOT of smoke on my current model, will altitude be an issue on a new one?



My primary use for the present and possible new on is to haul my camper as listed in the sig. I am very much on the fence.



Current truck has 96K miles with noisy injectors (dealer blames poor fuel), I anticipate needing a new clutch in another 30K miles (I would do it around then for peace of mind if I keep it. ) Will need new tires in another 10k or so. The type of person I am says to do reasonable "preventative maintenance" before issues come up: I will install new belts, hoses and water pump shortly as a result of this mindset.



I guess I am doing the quick math of the above stated items (granted, some are still far off) but am trying to weight the options a;long with the fact that my existing one has some decent resell value.



Opinions?

 

[AABEN]

I would look at the new 2013 before I jump on a 2012.

 

[Bob4x4]

Agreed,the 13 looks to be worth waiting for. I was looking at the parts book this morning. Not much is listed yet.

 

[HBarlow]

The cab and chassis, whether '12 or '13 model, will use DEF and have less emissions crap on it than the pickup versions. My '08 cab and chassis does have a DPF but a lot less emissions crap than the Gen III 6. 7 pickups. My truck has 120,000 trouble free miles. Never any problems with any of the emissions crap. The Aisin six speed automatic with 4. 10 gears is a great combination and has worked perfectly.

I don't have any idea what a Northstar Arrow is but if you plan to haul a heavy slide-in camper I recommend a Ram 4500 cab and chassis.

 

[Bob4x4]

The 13'will be more alike(pick up. C/c) then they are now

 

[fkovalski]

Thanks folks. I posted this while waiting on the dealer to install a new driveshaft that finally came in after some 6 months back order. I am having drivability issues and was considering other options. But as posted in anther thread, I am looking into a diesel specialty shop to assist in diagnosing those problems. I think I am going to follow through on that route in resolving the problems as opposed to looking into new at this time.

I was just venting... (but the CC did look real tempting!)

 

[jgillott]

I think you've made a good choice. The new trucks are very nice. But, with reading your other thread, I don't think you would even want to consider a new truck from that dealer. If they can't figure out your '05, just imagine what they would be like with a '12 or '13 with all the added emissions equipment.



Get this one figured out at a good independent shop and then find yourself a new dealer when you are going to start your new truck search.

 

[Bob4x4]

It sounds like you had an aftermarket service contract. That complicates everything

 

[RVTRKN]

Because you have decided not to purchase a new C&C, this will be a mute point, but for those that are reading this and are considering one, my advise is to check into your states DMV and see what the registration issues are. I found out the hard way, in California they treat my C&C as a true commercial vehicle and I have to declare what my GCVW/GVW, and is doesn't matter what the combination is. It requires a 3" square tag stuck to my door of the truck what the declared weight is. The regular pickup does not require this tag, so your weight is not declared. So to compare the registration fee's is where the big difference is when the reg pickup is a set fee regardless of what you tow or haul for non commercial use. If I go over the declared weight, its heavy fines.



Just food for thought.

BTW, I'm also required to enter all scales, even though I don't.

 

[jgillott]

Because you have decided not to purchase a new C&C, this will be a mute point, but for those that are reading this and are considering one, my advise is to check into your states DMV and see what the registration issues are. I found out the hard way, in California they treat my C&C as a true commercial vehicle and I have to declare what my GCVW/GVW, and is doesn't matter what the combination is. It requires a 3" square tag stuck to my door of the truck what the declared weight is. The regular pickup does not require this tag, so your weight is not declared. So to compare the registration fee's is where the big difference is when the reg pickup is a set fee regardless of what you tow or haul for non commercial use. If I go over the declared weight, its heavy fines.

Just food for thought.
BTW, I'm also required to enter all scales, even though I don't.

Many states require the same type of GVWR/GCWR sticker as part of the registration. Here in PA, our weight class sticker is placed on the windshield next to the annual state inspection sticker and emissions sticker (if applicable... . emissions are based on county not state here).

PA's annual registration fee is based on the registered weight/combination weight rating of the truck. The state does not designate personal or commercial for the sake of annual plate registration alone. There are different requirements for insurance, etc. , but that wouldn't be applicable in this circumstance.

 

[RVTRKN]

It varies between the States, but definitely look into your states requirements. An example of this in Ca, would be a 3500 reg pickup with a combined weight of somewhere around 20K, but has the registraion of the pickup only with the standard weight fee, when related with taxes on the GVW. If I were to tow that same weight at my declared weight of 15K GVW/GCVW it would be a heavy fine, but also I'm required to go through the scales. Notice it is not GCVWR, ratings have nothing to do with it. It is what is declared, and its a grey area when it pertains to me towing privately owned RV's and driving past the scales. I have never entered the scales towing private and unless I'm pulled over will not, and so far have not.



It was a new law in 07, I think that was enacted, I took delivery in April 07, and the dealer registered it, after the bed was installed for weight purposes, so the finished vehicle weight could be determined. When I was re-registering it in 08 for a declared weight of 26K for commercial hauling, I was told by the Ca. DMV it had not been registered properly and I had to go through a DMV inspection and to have a certified weight ticket. Lucky for me the dealer kept the original weight certificate. I also learned at that time about the declared weight of the registration regardless of the purpose of the truck.



BTW, I had a hard time insuring it once I took it out of commercial use. The VIN would not allow the insurance company to insure it as a regular pickup. At that time I threatened my insurance company I would go to another company with all of my insurance needs. So I was told to remove any graphics on the truck, and have my agent take pictures and they would consider it on an appeal. I won/got the appeal and saved almost $1500 on the policy.

 

[fkovalski]

Good info! When I was looking at the CC I noticed the placard on the B pillar not filled out. The salesman said that the new info will need to be added once outfitted. I did not think to look into the DMV regs. But moot as you say since I did not opt for it.



The major reason I did not opt for it was that there is a lot more stuff that hangs down from the new models. It would fit lengthwise in my garage with the camper off which was a concern even though it is slightly longer than my current one...



In side buy side comparisons, the rear fuel tank while seemingly well protected with the skid plate did hang lower. I would need to figure out where to mount the spare. There was a lot of hardware for all the DEF schmutz under the cab which I would have needed to be aware of if doing any off-roading.



It was a nice truck and I could have made it work for me, but in looking at it closer I determined it was not quite right at this time.

... my advise is to check into your states DMV and see what the registration issues are. I found out the hard way, in California they treat my C&C as a true commercial vehicle and I have to declare what my GCVW/GVW, and is doesn't matter what the combination is. It requires a 3" square tag stuck to my door of the truck what the declared weight is. The regular pickup does not require this tag, so your weight is not declared. So to compare the registration fee's is where the big difference is when the reg pickup is a set fee regardless of what you tow or haul for non commercial use. If I go over the declared weight, its heavy fines.



Just food for thought.

BTW, I'm also required to enter all scales, even though I don't.

 

[HBarlow]

Yeah, cab and chassis trucks are delivered as "incomplete vehicles. " Generally the buyer has to complete them with some type of bed, often a flat bed or tow bed, then have them weighed before even applying for registration and title.

 

[KB0OU]

In Missouri you have to register any Pickup or Commercial vehicle for Combined wieght, Truck and Trailer Total. The wieght used to be embossed on the tag or tags, now it is not, just on the registration. I know some have been stopped and found to be overwieght and paid hefty fines. YMMV