Tow Rig Decision

[conny3737]

I am going to finally bite the bullet and buy a tow rig. Just wanted to see is anyone has/has experience with the new F350, Ram 3500 or Chevy/GMC 3500. I will more than likely be going the dually route. Nowadays I don't think that there is a bad decision to be made with the three new trucks. This rig will replace the H3 for my daily driver yet will also see tow duties to drag around the big Hummer. As always there are +/- to each of the three.

Ford
+Tons of power
+ Straight axle
+Great fit/finish in the cab with tons of room
+ Super quiet cabin
- Unproven motor and trans although it is looking to be a very formidable drivetrain
- Have to add exhaust fluid
-Everyone and their mother has a Ford around here (I like to be unique )
-Somewhat ugly half-dually fenders

Chevy/GMC
+ Tons of power
+ Has a proven reliable drivetrain
- Worst interior of the three
- Cab smaller than the other two trucks
- IFS on a one ton truck
- Most expensive of the three
- Have to add exhaust fluid

Dodge (Mega Cab most likely)
+ Best exterior/interior styling
+ Cheapest option of the three
+ Best exhaust brake by far
+ Sound of a Cummins motor
+ Only one of all three to not need exhaust fluid
+ Don't see a whole lot of these running around (Mega Cab Dually)
- Lots of Headgasket issues (or so it appears from what I've been reading--any thoughts Mojo?)
- Weakest tranny of all three
- Worst mileage
- Underpowered compared to the others

Any additional thoughts would be appreciated!!

-Josh

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Dodge still hasn't fixed their tranny problems yet after all these years? i love my Ford, but it's an older model.

[Puddin]

2010 Dodge here, 1 ton dually. Fuel Milagros is my only complaint, haven't had any troubles with this truck. Pulls a gooseneck with 2 full-size rigs on it at 85mph all day long no sweat. I wouldn't call it underpowered.

[conny3737]

None of the rigs are underpowered, I completely agree. How can you be with 800ftlbs?! However, both the Chevy and Ford are hotrods compared to the get-up-and-go of the Dodge. Not an issue really, just an observation. From what I've been reading, the trannys are a little stouter nowadays but still have problems managing any increase in power. I suppose the same can be said about the longevity of an Allison behind a turned up Duramax.

[RubiconAg]

From what I understand, a couple mods on a dodge gets you increased performance AND mileage. I may be mistaken, but I believe EGR delete and DPF delete really wake that Cummins up.

Sent from my Atrix 4G using Tapatalk 2

[jam0o0]

From what I understand, a couple mods on a dodge gets you increased performance AND mileage. I may be mistaken, but I believe EGR delete and DPF delete really wake that Cummins up.

Sent from my Atrix 4G using Tapatalk 2

what are the rules on removing emissions stuff from a new truck? i thought the last three years have emissions inspections?

[uppidycon]

from what i understand, a couple mods on a dodge gets you increased performance and mileage. I may be mistaken, but i believe egr delete and dpf delete really wake that cummins up.

Sent from my atrix 4g using tapatalk 2

that's what i'll be doing here soon on my 2009 6.7l.. Then i'm going to run 4 or 5" exhaust from the turbo.. My 3/4 ton 4x4 dodge pulls my jeep great..

[PondSkum]

what are the rules on removing emissions stuff from a new truck? i thought the last three years have emissions inspections?

I wanna say that diesel's are exempt... but I could be wrong... but I do know that out in the country (outside Harris County), emissions aren't required...

[Puddin]

Diesels are still exempt right now. The egr delete will wake the Cummins up, at the cost of your warranty. I went to a tractor pull this past year and out of 20 pulling trucks, one was a Chevy and the rest were Dodges, consensus was that the Dodge was the cheapest and easiest to make power with. Personally I just like the look better, it's more about comfort and looks today, as they are all darn nice trucks that can get the job done.

[Stouttrout]

I used to drive nothing but Dodges. Two things they still need to work on. There paint sucks. It fades and flakes. Their interiors suck. They break down, rattle and squeak. If you buy a Dodge truck, your buying the cummins only. My 96 F350 ford is tight inside with no rattle and squeaks. Paint is still good. Engine is strong as hell. My other three Fords are the same. 2002 Excursion and 2006 F250.

Now, out of the new ones, I would probably buy a Ford or a Chevy but I never buy new so...... Ask me again about this years models in about 5 years.