Tow Vehicle, what should I get?

[jimbbski]

Not my trucks but here's my experience.

I've driven 95-96 Ford F450's with the 7.3L Power Stroke with 6 speed and couldn't kill them. I pulled loads up to 26K gross and while slow it pulled the load.

I don't remember the year (Somewhere between 2000-2003) but have also driven a Dodge with the Cummings and 6 speed pulling a 45ft 5th wheels trailer. This truck impressed me, I was able to maintain 65 mph up hill with the trailer lightly loaded. I also drove the Dodge empty at highway speeds (60-80 mph) and got 20 mpg!

I prefer a Ford overall but for the price I just might buy a Dodge if and when I am in the market for a newer tow vehicle.

[JeffYoung]

Ram/Cummins fuel mileage is pretty good. I get 18-19 mpg without the trailer. 13-14 with depending on how fast I tow. They are decent trucks with a great motor.

Ditto on the stuck in the paddock stuff. If you just pay attention, at least at VIR/CMP/Roebling, you won't get in trouble.

The big thing about my truck and 4x4 that I truly HATE is the damn bed is like 5 feet in the air. Hard to get stuff in and out of it.

You can find 2500/3500 Ram/Cummins trucks without 4X4 pretty easily. Guys who are serious about towing like them and that same crowd likes the 2x4 for the fifth wheel since it lowers the bed down.

[THawkbh]

How are the transmissions in the Dodges? Chrysler isn't exactly known for their long lasting trannys.
Do you burn through clutches towing with a manual? I feel like I would go through a clutch pretty quick.

[JeffYoung]

As I understand it, the older 5 speeds (pre 98) are pretty weak. Then, the NV5600 (New Venture) came on line in 98 and had some input shaft issues that were corrected in 00. Dodge used this tranny until 2005 and it has a good reputation for reliability.

In 06, they switched to a Mercedes unit that is bulletproof. I've got nearly 50k miles of towing with no issues. The Cummins Ram boards have plenty of guys who went 150k on the stock clutch.

The automatics are actually weak up until 06 or 07, I can't remember which, and are to be avoided. They are the units that gave Mopar that bad name as far as trannies go.

[JeffYoung]

Scratch all of that. I have made a disovery. Voila....the perfect tow vehicle:

http://www.seriouswheels.com/cars/19...West-Group.htm

[Greg Amy]

Here's one I came across today, very interesting. F-350 DRW, 7.3L diesel, , bed work boxes...

http://longisland.craigslist.org/ctd/1505662855.html

[Eagle7]

Here's one I came across today, very interesting. F-350 DRW, 7.3L diesel, , bed work boxes...

http://longisland.craigslist.org/ctd/1505662855.html

Strangest truck I've ever seen - 7.3L V8 diesel/6.8L V10 gas, auto/manual trans, bench/bucket seats. Amazing how they fit it all into one package.