campNride
Lemoore, CA
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When towing like everyone else has said go with the diesel. I am partiel with the dodge but love mine. Upgraded from an older diesel to a 07.5 with the 6.7 motor. So far no problems and it tows by big trailer with ease. The built in exhaust brake is amazing.... Whichever truck you get you will enjoy towing alot more.
2007.5 Dodge Ram 2500
2004 Wanderer Wagon Toyhauler
1997 XR400R Plated
2003 Polaris Trailboss 330
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surveyorjp
Missouri
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Joined: 09/05/2005
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gpshemi wrote: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.
I just want to attempt to clarify the transmission issue on Dodges/Rams. There are 2 different 6 speed autos in RAM trucks. The pickup versions have the 6 speed 68RFE, and the cab/chassis trucks have the AISIN 6 speed auto. The 68RFE is built in house by Chrysler, and the AISIN is built by an outside transmission company (AISIN) that builds industrial duty transmissions. They are 2 different units altogether, but both have an excellent reputation since introduction back in 2007.
I also have always read that the 48RE has a good reputation as well, so long as you do not put too much power in front of it (with a bombed Cummins), or overload it. From what I've heard, it is very durable with factory power from the Cummins, and can be built to withstand a great deal of power by aftermarket companies. The 68RFE is better than the 48RE because it offers more control, and has all the tow haul features of the competition. It's not better because the 48RE is inherently weak, it's because the 48RE is only a 4 speed.
The 47RE used previous to 2003.5 was the weak transmission according to most. But I know from experience even the 47RE can last over 100,000 miles with proper maintenance.
To the OP, I recommend you check out all 3 brands, Ford, GM, and RAM, and decide which one you prefer.
2005 Surveyor SV-291
1995 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie SLT 4x4 5.9L V8 (88,000 miles)
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FarmerDill
California
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Joined: 01/03/2008
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Dodge, . . . You either own one or you wished ya did.
Close thread please!
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smokster
costa mesa, ca
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Joined: 04/25/2010
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OlderThanSand wrote: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.
Interesting thought on putting new gears or transmission in the
2001 F-150. What would I get if I did?
Just came back today with the truck and hauler. pulling 6000 lbs w/ot the toys. The tranny was searching for gears. Got 7 mpg for 300 miles...pretty sad
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Fortkentdad
Alberta Canada
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Joined: 07/12/2008
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I had a similar issue, had a Dodge 1500 with the hemi and it pulled my trailer "ok" but hills were a bother and don't expect to pass anything, well except a gas station.
Did a lot of research and test drove Ford, Dodge & GM.
All are nice, and since we were looking for a luxury truck, all could deliver, I love the leather in the King Ranch. Got a loaded Laramie and it is very comfortable.
We went to a Dodge.
The engine - nobody does diesel like Cummin's does diesel.
The engine - the Ford Diesel is Version 1.0 - not interested in being the guinea pig.
The transmission, Dodge has six speed auto in the 2500, very smooth. Now if I could have had an Allison in the Dodge that would be real sweet but the Dodge tranny will do just fine thank you.
The cab - nobody but Dodge offers the Mega, reclining back seats, actually more leg room in the rear than in the front. And fold the seats down and you have more cubic feet of cargo space than all of the others. We live 3 hours from the nearest city, when we go down and get stuff - we get stuff.
The price - Dodge was less costly than the others, and they had a 2.5% over 84 months - lowest monthly payment by far. It is variable and at the end of the 84 months I will owe the difference, so if interest rates go up (and they will) I will have to count on a payout at the end. Did some senerios and this was by a long shot the best financial deal out there.
Dealership - the Dodge & the Ford are great dealerships in our town so that was a saw off. My experience has been with Dodge trucks and they have served me well. I did have a few ford vehicles but never a truck.
And the look - I like the look, ... and the jake brakes, gotta have them jake brakes
and for 2010 it is Motor Trends Truck of the Year.
Fort Kent Dad aka FKD
Fort Kent, Alberta Canada
09 Rockwell 8319SS
2010 Dodge 2500 CTD Mega Cab, 4x4, Loaded Laramie
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OlderThanSand
Tollhouse, Ca
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Joined: 12/09/2007
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smokster I reread your post and you have a 16' TH .. and it weighs 6K with no toys??? That sounds really heavy to me. Did you run it across the scale? My 22'er weighs 6350 empty and I thought that was on the heavy side.
I think you'd be surprised what 4.10 gears would do for you. Do you know what gearing you have now? That would give you an idea of the difference.
Put some 4.10s behind that 5.4 and drive away happy.
btw, if I had it to do over again I'd go the route I'm suggesting to you. 95% of my driving is not towing. imo for a small trailer a diesel is overkill and way more expensive to buy/maintain than a gasser. Now the flamers will get me for sure hahaha
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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smokster
costa mesa, ca
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OlderThanSand wrote:smokster I reread your post and you have a 16' TH .. and it weighs 6K with no toys??? That sounds really heavy to me. Did you run it across the scale? My 22'er weighs 6350 empty and I thought that was on the heavy side.
I think you'd be surprised what 4.10 gears would do for you. Do you know what gearing you have now? That would give you an idea of the difference.
Put some 4.10s behind that 5.4 and drive away happy.
btw, if I had it to do over again I'd go the route I'm suggesting to you. 95% of my driving is not towing. imo for a small trailer a diesel is overkill and way more expensive to buy/maintain than a gasser. Now the flamers will get me for sure hahaha
I like your suggestion, at what cost though?
I believe my gears are 3.55
I took it to the Oneal scales, 5700 with 50 gal water, about 10 gal gas. I made the floors 1" thick and the unit is 6" taller than most.
4.10 gears sounds good.
Searching for new vehicles (diesel) with the new epa, mileage really is not that great. Been comparing the 6.4 Ford and the 6.7 Dodge...mileage is a bit depressing, not to mention the prices
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JimG
Phoenix, AZ
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Joined: 11/24/2001
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Smokster – 5700 lbs should not be too much for your truck. What is telling you that you have a problem? Is it just that you have to pull mountain grades in a lower gear?
Jim
2003 Dodge Ram 2500, 4x4, Quad Cab, Cummins HO, 48RE trans, 3.73 ratio
2006 Rampage 327 Toy Hauler
2009 Polaris RZR-S
2004 Kawasaki KFX-700
2005 Suzuki LT-Z400
Phoenix, Arizona
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gpshemi
Lapeer, Michigan
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Joined: 10/27/2004
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Saw a Sterling (Dodge) pulling a Ford still attached to his 5vr this weekend INTO the resort. I felt bad for them. They dropped the 5vr off and towed the Ford out of the park. Sorry for the bad photos..I was at the pool. LOL.
* This post was
edited 08/10/10 10:32am by an administrator/moderator *
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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JimG
Phoenix, AZ
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JFJ wrote:...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...
I just recently sold my 2003 Ram (in my signature). I had the 5.9 Cummins HO and I averaged @ 16.5 mpg (calculated) driving around Phoenix. I usually did @ 60% highway and 40% city streets. LOL - the computer used to read about 19.5 mpg - so I would say it read @ 3 mpg high. IMO, the only way a 5.9 Cummins would see @ 25 mpg, is on a flat highway with the cruise control set @ 55 mph. You need to keep the RPM's below 1800 to achieve decent fuel economy. Also, it had better have all-season tires on it. I had stock size BFG All-Terrains on my Ram and my fuel economy dropped @ 8%. I was surprised that the all-terrains had so much rolling resistance.
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