BIGDADDY650R
OVERBROOK, KANSAS
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Joined: 06/10/2002
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Just got back from a 6 day Colorado trip, my" Chevy" was awesome!
Got to love that "allison tranny" !
2004 CHEV.2500 225/70R/19.5 , BD exhaust, and other goody's.
2004 40' KZ 3-SLIDE TOYHAULER
2007 RINCON
2008 RINCON
2011 RZR 800 LE. YELLOW(WHEN SHE LETS ME DRIVE IT!)
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gpshemi
Lapeer, Michigan
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Joined: 10/27/2004
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I will say that. The Allison has a really good rep. The Dodge 48RE I have isn't so hot, but if you build them, they are more bullet proof then even a built Allison I'm told. I'm limited to 4 speeds. The newer Dodge Aisin's are a 6 speed, and suppose to be on par with the Allison from what I read. I read they're WAY better than the 48RE.
Take a look at most bombers and sled pullers. More often then not the big guys are running Cummins.
GPSHEMI
06' 3500 Dodge Ram Megacab 4x4 w/ bombed 5.9L
18K Pullrite SuperGlide w/super rails
2010 Heartland Cyclone 3612
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JFJ
TN
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Joined: 05/27/2008
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I have a 2007.5 Dodge Megacab 2500 and pull the rig in my signature. This is a big trailer and the truck will pull it with ease. I second the comments on the diesel...if you are pulling anything with any weight at all, it will be a huge improvement. I went with the Dodge because of the cab configuration---it is incredibly roomy on the inside for your backseat passengers. Both trucks offer diesels that will be a huge improvement over a gasser.
If you are considering buying a used truck (either model), the pre-2007 models do not have all of the emissions plumbing (diesel particulate filters) that dramatically reduce their gas mileage. For example, when I was researching my truck purchase in 2006, I spoke w/a number of Dodge owners who had the 5.9 liter Cummins and said that they would get in excess of 25 mpg (unloaded of course). That motor put out 325 HP and 625 lb-ft of torque. From mid 2007 forward, the new Cummins is a 6.7 liter putting out 350 HP and 650 lb-ft of torque. The power increase at that level is negligible because of all the added restrictive plumbing required to burn off the exhaust (black soot) so common with diesel engines. The new ones don't smoke, but you pay a hefty premium in gas mileage. My truck--unloaded--only gets around 17 mpg. So it may be worth considering a used, pre-2007 model if gas mileage is any consideration at all.
Again, you can't go wrong with either a Ford or Dodge diesel. You will be amazed at how powerful and capable both motors really are when pulling. Not to mention the benefits of either of their heavier suspension systems. Good luck w/your purchase. Let us know what you decide to do and which factors played the most important role in your decision making process.
2007 Dodge Megacab 2500 4X4 SRW
6.7 Cummins w/6 Speed Auto
2005 Raptor 3612ds
Pacbrake Air Bags
Prodigy Brake Controller
Pullrite Superglide 24K
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ColoradoJim
Aurora, Colorado
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Joined: 04/16/2010
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Could not agree more on the diesel. Been all over the mountains in Colorado and have had no problem what so ever. Have the newer Dodge and as much as I like the power plant with the diesel and 6 speed auto, I sure like having the factory exhaust brake. Not only do I go up the mountains no problem but am in full control going down them as well. Having gone down a 6-10 % grade with and without a exhaust brake, I would never want to do it without one again.
2009 Dodge 2500 Mega, 3.73 Firestone Air Bags 16k Reese
2010 Fuzion 322 TE II
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nayther
Burbank, CA
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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per my sig. I'm a GM man, 140k on the clock and not a single issue. Looking forward to my next one in 2012 when they get the bugs worked out of the new bigger motors. No question get a diesel, you'll be real unhappy with the mileage and performance of a gasser. Dodge vs. Ford vs. Chevy has been debated to death here. As I said, love my Chevy. If you're doing a daily driver/tow vehicle consider a short bed since they're tough to park, etc. I have a slider for my 5er and it works out just fine for me, the truck is my daily driver to the tune of 30k+ per year combined commuting/towing.
One drawback with the short bed is a small fuel tank, I remedied that with an aux. tank in the bed.
DIRT BIKES RULE
'05 Duramax CC short bed
'06 3005 Rage'n Falcon
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Arcamper
Fayetteville, AR
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Joined: 08/05/2007
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As the owner of a Ford and Dodge I can tell you the Ford is more comfortable but the Dodge pulls better. Both have been trouble free and are great trucks. I would drive both and form your own opinion.
2007 Keystone Laredo 29RL 5th
2008 Dodge 2500 Quad Cab SLT HD 4x4 6.7 Cummins with EB,6 speed auto
2003 Ford F-250 SD Crew Cab 4x4 6.0 Diesel
1994 Chevy 1500 5.7 extended cab PU
Pullrite 16k Superglide with Super Rail kit
Brakesmart & Prodigy P3
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Cimriver
Colorado
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Joined: 01/05/2002
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The Ford guys are going to say Ford. The Chevy guys are going to say Chevy, the Dodge guys are going to say Dodge.
All three are fine trucks. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.
If you are ever going to pull in the mountains - go with a diesel.
I'm a Ford guy - so you guessed it - Go With the Ford!
Gordon & Patti
2008 F-350, 6.4L. Power Stroke, CrewCab
2012 Dutchmen Komfort 3130FRL Fifth-Wheel
Be Safe!!!!!
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gpshemi
Lapeer, Michigan
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Joined: 10/27/2004
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Not really. I loved his new Ford. LOL....
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dreeder
Castle Rock, Co
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Joined: 08/07/2010
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Like others have said get a diesel, doesn't matter which make just get a diesel it takes the excitement out of towing, no more gear hunting, no more thinking I have to get a run to make this grade.
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OlderThanSand
Tollhouse, Ca
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Joined: 12/09/2007
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Cimriver not really ..
In a Dodge vs Ford diesel I'd take the Dodge. In a gas scenario I'd take the Ford .. and I own a Ford diesel. I bought used and was shopping for the first Dodge or Ford diesel that came up. I think the Cummins is better but I prefer the ride and the styling of the Ford.
But back to the OP I'd keep the 5.4 and put some gears in it. Way cheaper than a new truck and I think you'd be happy pulling that 18' er.
2011 Ford F 150 FX4 SuperCrew
2006 22' Carson Titan
2009 Polaris RZR
2007 Honda TRX 250EX
1995 model dune crazed granddaughter
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