norfla71
Middleburg
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Joined: 10/24/2011
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Since the last time I was on here I have had many changes happen in my life, the main one being more capacity due to having horses now. I haul them, bales of hay and whatever else. Also, pulling that heavy fiver will cause much wear and tear on a normal HD that I really don't want to deal with. Finally, the cost of what I originally wanted (Longhorn)was more than I wanted to spend due to the updgrades I want, which will push that price up more than I feel comfortable with.
Figured if I was going to replace my current T/R with a dually, might as well be something I'll never have to upgrade or replace. Way overkill for what I haul, but I like the comfort factor knowing I still have a lot in reserve.
I just contacted my local dealer who will be looking for a 4500 ST crew, 197" 4x2 with the following equipment:
G56
4.44
TRACTION TIRES
SNOW PLOW PREP
22 GALLON MIDSHIP TANK
FULL SIZE SPARE
A/C (mandatory in FL; all trucks will have it)
Some PREFERRED equipment (nice, but not needed):
FORGED ALLOYS
BATTERY MINDER
ENGINE SHUTDOWN TIMER
15K GVW
KEYLESS ENTRY
BLUETOOTH
SAT RADIO
Colors: gray, silver or True Blue
Dont' want carpet or the factory brake control; will be looking at a wireless setup.
He will contact me when the search starts, hopefully giving me good news. With that out of the way:
I'll need a bed. Any recommendations? I don't mind a simple steel flatbed, since I haul hay bales for the horses and tow a toy hauler fiver. I might even consider a used one if the price is right (PM me if you have one for under $1,000 if you live anywhere within 75 miles of Jacksonville, FL). I eventually plan on either a pickup conversion or toter bed at some point, so no point going overboard at this stage. Will the added weight smooth out the ride some? I'm also guessing a headache rack is a wise investment.
Also concerning the bed: what sort of storage would everyone recommend? How many, and what size underbed boxes? We need luggage space and a box for the air tank, compressor and controller (plan on putting a Kelderman 4 link rear in at some point).
After deletes, what sort of milege and range are you seeing? Not being an economy car to begin with, I believe nearly 80 gallons will do much to alleviate this concern, just nice to know ahead of time.
Long distance seat comfort vinyl v/s cloth.
B&W v/s any other hitch: should I even compare? I also want the Companion, just didn't know what else there might be.
Any special issues dealing with this class of truck, such as driving dynamics comparred to a regular HD?
What about front hubs/bearings? Going with a 4x2 to alleviate maintenance issues; how long do front bearings last and are they serviceable or, like the 4x4, a unit design?
Lots, lots, lots of questions, and maybe lots more comming. This will be my first 4500 (slowly moving up the Dodge food chain from a 2500, 3500 and now the big boy). One final question:
Do you enjoy driving your truck and how is it as a DD? Only asking because mine will be. Thanks.
2008 Ram 3500 SRW
2006 Salem 32SRV
***looking for a better truck this fall***
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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I know it is a way away, but give Dave Smith Motors in Kellogg,ID a call. They are the worlds largest Dodge dealer and offer some fantastic fly/drive deals.
Donn,Lorri,Max (rescued Lab)
Saigon International Airport 1966/67
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norfla71
Middleburg
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Joined: 10/24/2011
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donn0128 wrote:I know it is a way away, but give Dave Smith Motors in Kellogg,ID a call. They are the worlds largest Dodge dealer and offer some fantastic fly/drive deals.
Thanks for the info, but I have a good relationship with my chosen dealer; familie's been buying from them for years. Might get a quote, though, to use as leverage.
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mkirsch
Rochester, NY
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Joined: 04/09/2004
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Curious, why do you want/need the "plow prep" package with a 4x2 truck?
2002 Chevy 3500 DRW 8.1L/Allison
2000 Palomino B1500
...and the reason why I need a DRW to haul a Palomino:
2004 United 7x14 tandem axle enclosed toy trailer
2011 PJ 8x20 7-ton deckover equipment trailer
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KD4UPL
Swoope, VA
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Joined: 03/16/2008
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I've been researching Dodge 4500's for a year or two. I want one bad but my Chevy 3500 isn't worn out yet.
Two things in your option list look odd too me. The 22 gallon fuel tank and the 15k GVW.
As I understand it, and I'm pretty sure I'm right, the 22 gallon fuel tank is in place of the normal 52 gallon tank, not in addition too. I would love to have them both for 74 gallons of storage but that is not an option. If I were you I would keep the large tank.
The truck's standard GVW rating is 16k. Why would you want to reduce that? It would normally be done if you were trying to stay under a combined truck/trailer rating of 26,000 pounds to avoid CDL complications. However, RV use makes a CDL irrelevant. Really, I don't think the rating changes the truck any, it's just for legal maneuvering with tags and licensing. I would still want the 16k rating. I always figure more is better.
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norfla71
Middleburg
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Joined: 10/24/2011
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I want the snow plow package for the skid plates and heavier alternator (200 amp)
I'm trying to get confirmation on the tank. I read a 4500 review on one of the truck.com type websites, and his test truck had both.
Not sure, but I'm guessing the 15k would ride better unoaded, and I don't think I'll ever close to 15k GVW since I don't haul hay or heavy equipment. Saying that, though, I do plan on putting a Kelderman 4 link rear and bag front conversion in, so that would take care of the ride issue. Might keep the 16k rating (or go higher).
Got a response from Marty at Dave Smith so we'll see what they have to say. Unfortunatly, they only have 2, and both are automatics.
Looking at doing a Lazarsmith build the 56 along with a Valair clutch and all the upgrades.
Basically, I want a bulletproof truck that I never have to trade or upgrade for capacity. I was always taught to go bigger and heavier than needed, and this is overkill. Every mod will have a purpose, and I'm spending the money once.
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The Mad Norsky
Yankton, South Dakota
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Joined: 04/14/2003
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I would certainly consider an air ride type hitch for fifth wheel pulling.
Considering the somewhat stiffer suspension that truck is going to have, the air ride will certainly be kinder to any fifth wheel you pull.
The Mad Norsky, Doll, Logan, Korey & Rocky
2011 Ford F350 Power Stroke dually
RV'ing since 1991
We never know where we're going till we get there!
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bucky
Eastern Shore of MD
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Joined: 05/07/2003
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And at the end of the day, we are going to go in a different direction, and take it to the next level. Sorry, couldn't resist  .
99 Chev 7.4 crew dually and a Coachmen TT.
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norfla71
Middleburg
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Joined: 10/24/2011
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Guys,
A slight snag; there are no trucks in the country set up how I want, and none of the dealers I've contacted can give me an idea of how long  
Maybe the man upstairs is trying to tell me something...
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