Truck buying selection?

[VBarker]

I need assistance. I'm getting ready to go into business for myself and will be pulling a 32', gooseneck cargo trailer weighing approximately 13,000 pounds. Most towing will be local to my home, Tulsa, Oklahoma, with only occasional trips to neighboring states. A new '03 is outside my budget. I will be targeting trucks in the '01 - '02 vintage. I've read enough to believe the following:



- Dodge 3500 Cummins is ahead of either Ford or GM diesels in dependability, power, towing capacity.

- Avoid the Dodge automatics like the plague! That doesn't bother me, I'm comfortable with either the 5 or 6 speed.

- Generally, Dodge dealer service has a lousy reputation!



Beyond that, are there specific models / features I should look for within the confines of the pre-owned truck market?

Are my previous beliefs realistic by most accounts?

What other advice do you have regarding my questions?

Of those of you who might use Tulsa Dodge dealers for service, are there preferences of who I should consider for service?



Any help is appreciated.

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by VBarker

I need assistance. I'm getting ready to go into business for myself and will be pulling a 32', gooseneck cargo trailer weighing approximately 13,000 pounds.

This chart should help in your selection http://www.klenger.net/dodge/towing-charts.html



[/QUOTE] - Dodge 3500 Cummins is ahead of either Ford or GM diesels in dependability, power, towing capacity. [/B][/QUOTE]



We like to think this is true



[/QUOTE] - Avoid the Dodge automatics like the plague! That doesn't bother me, I'm comfortable with either the 5 or 6 speed. [/B][/QUOTE]



I would get a ETH/DEE for what your going to be doing.



[/QUOTE] - Generally, Dodge dealer service has a lousy reputation![/B][/QUOTE]



I have a great dealer



[/QUOTE] Beyond that, are there specific models / features I should look for within the confines of the pre-owned truck market? [/B][/QUOTE]



Again ETH/DEE and look at the tow chart.

 

[VBarker]

ETH/DEE

Thanks Pit Bull:



One more question - what's ETH/DEE? I don't see that on the chart you sent me.



Thank you!

 

[Prairie Dog]

Re: ETH/DEE

Originally posted by VBarker

Thanks Pit Bull:



One more question - what's ETH/DEE? I don't see that on the chart you sent me.



Thank you!

ETH/DEE = H. O. /6 spd manual

 

[VBarker]

Pit Bull:



Your help is definitely appreciated. Thanks again. I understand HO 6!

 

[Pit Bull]

You might want to check out Melton Sales there in Tulsa OKla. You might be able to buy a new 03 for what you would normally pay for a used truck www.meltonsales.com

 

[klenger]

Get the 6 speed. Don't even look at the 5 speed with those loads. It's not the power difference, it's the gears. Also look for 4. 10's.



Here are the towing charts for the 01, but should be about the same for the 02's.



http://www.klenger.net/dodge/towing-charts.html

 

[Steve M]

I drove this truck and wanted it bad! They should be ready to come down in price some by now.

http://www.gainesvilledodge.com/?dc_pid=&dc_adid=&dc_rid=&redir=1&dc=1

That didn't work as planned. Look at new inventory, 2002, Ram 3500, bright white. It's a HO/6spd dually.

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Steve M

I drove this truck and wanted it bad! They should be ready to come down in price some by now.

http://www.gainesvilledodge.com/?dc_pid=&dc_adid=&dc_rid=&redir=1&dc=1

That didn't work as planned. Look at new inventory, 2002, Ram 3500, bright white. It's a HO/6spd dually.

You should be able to by that truck for $26,500 based on it's list price. I bought my 2002 3500 4x4 ETH/DEE that listed for $37,000 for $28,500 the end of October 2002. That truck is killing them



By the way make sure you join the Farm Bureau it will save you $500 if you have been a member for a least 90 day's. There is also additional discounts if you have a business license.

 

[FD5]

My 01

I just bought my 01 off eBay from this place. Excellent people to deal with. They have an 01 3500 set up for towing on eBay right now.

Go to http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31831&item=2412786139 for details.

 

[ewcmr2]

Get the 6 speed. Don't even look at the 5 speed with those loads. It's not the power difference, it's the gears. Also look for 4. 10's.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



My '97 5-speed with 3. 54's does just fine with my 36' 13k race trailer. Personally I wouldn't touch 4. 10's with a 10' pole, 80mph would be how many RPM's?



Eric