Ford or Dodge ?

[Spoiled Daddy]

This may have been discussed over and over, but... I am in the market for a new 3/4 ton truck. I have driven both the 2003 Ford F250 w/ the 6L V8 Diesel and the Dodge 2500 with the turbo diesel engine.

Our intention is to put a camper on it and pull our 18' alum boat.

Any suggestions. I have had Fords and Dodges off and on for years and Chev is not a consideration.

Thanks for your help. SD

[WaterDog]

If your going to haul a camper, get a 1 ton. There are very few campers you can hual on a 3/4 ton that won't put you over the GVWR. The price difference in small on the Ford. If you want to do it right get a dually. Also do NOT believe the weights that the camper manufactures publish or what the salesman tell you. You will be surprised once its loaded.

I have a F350 dually and love it. Some will tell you that the new 6.0 is having problems. Some are, but not everyone. I'm looking at campers as well. HERE is a pretty good place to get info on campers.

Nothing wrong with a Dodge. Trucks are like boats, get what fits you. :smile:

edit: HERE WAS THE LAST TRUCK DISCUSSION

[ 06-03-2003, 10:53 AM: Message edited by: WaterDog ]

[Wyndknot]

S-Dad, Waterdog offers good advice, I dont know of anybody thats complained about having to much
truck. The one ton is the way to go, both ford and
dodge offer it in single rear wheel if the width
of a duelly bothers you or the missus. The stability of the rear duals is nice with a heavy
camper on board though. I've towed identical loads
with both the ford and dodge and I think the dodge has more torque available at higher rpm's,
but that is just my seat-o-pants meter (also my
truck). Here are a couple of web sites to check-out. You can read about trucks till your eyes start to bleed. Which ever you chose you are gonna
love. www,thedieselstop.com (ford site) and
wwwthedieselregister.com (dodge site) Good Luck.

[pdxkevin]

Compare the 2500 Avalanche with other vehicles in its class. Check out the independant side-by-side comparison. It is interesting to see how it stacks up to the F250. I haven't checked the Dodge yet. The first two seem to go back and forth on several issues.

One thing not listed is comfort and the ride. I won't trade my 1500 for the world.

[Tilla]

From what I have actually seen purchased new it's Dodge or Chevys. I have seen 6 new diesel trucks bought by aquaintances in the last 12 weeks. 3 Chevys, 3 Dodges. The purchasers were very selective. They did their homework and comparisons. Many are ex-Ford owners (3) even since I've known them.
I would like a new truck, sniff sniff!

[ 06-03-2003, 07:17 PM: Message edited by: Tilla ]

[Mofish]

This is my 03 F350 6.0 with a torkshift transmission and it will kick butt on any Dodge or Chev out.

ink frog

[speyfly]

If you step up to the Ford F550 you can get a Cummis in it. Hmmmm, whats up with that?

[Mr. Carp]

Go with the Ford!!! I think you need to go to the F-650 to get the Cummins Diesel. My dad had a 2001 F-550 and it came with a hopped up Power Stroke. Just my opinion. Chevrolets just don't hold up to any kind of abuse. Ask any logger and he'll tell you the same thing. I have heard that on the new dodges that if your in the woods and park so the frame is twisted slightly, you can't get the dang doors open.

[Mr. Carp]

Mofish: Sweet Truck!!! What brand is that Grille you have. I have seen them and they look soo sweet. Have you looked to see if they offer a chip for that thing yet?? Those chips are awesome.

[Spoiled Daddy]

Thanks to all and to posting the older link. We are not in a rush and are going to shop around.

SD

[Mofish]

Ha Mr Carp

The grille I got from NW Running Boards in Clackamas see Les.

I bought in 2000 and it was on my old truck.

I think its stull Grill Bittet Alum.

NW Running Boards Can get you anything you want, and the prices are good.

If you go in there tell them Todd sent you and they might give you a better deal.

Todd

[fish assassin]

Spoiled Daddy,

It's too bad that you've ruled out a GM product. When I was shopping for
my diesel I looked at all three (dodge, ford, chevy). I ended up with
the chevy 3/4 ton Heavy Duty 'cause it has the same weight rating (9600 lbs)
as a one ton and has the highest towing weight in a 3/4 ton class vehicle at
15,800 lbs. Works real well for pulling my boat ... all 7 tons of her!!

As a caveate to this discussion: I only have 10k miles on the truck right
now (it's a 2003 that I bought in Jan.) and I have had two problems with it.
1) the sensor in the transfer case was screwy and kept telling me to "service
4 wheel drive", and 2) a switch in the air conditioning was faulty and my air
con didn't work yesterday when it was 80 degrees out!

It took the mechanic at Doran Chevy out in McMinville about 1 1/2 hours to
fix the 4x4 sensor issue and about 10 minutes to replace the switch on the air-con.

Disclaimer: Over the years I have owned trucks built by all of the big
three ... Ford, Dodge, Chevy. Dodge bothers me 'cause the drive lines are weak.
Fords bother me 'cause of the little stuff that breaks in them, like door
handles and window rollers. Chevys bug me 'cause every chevy I've ever owned
has required me to go in at least once in the first year for some sort of warantee
work ... just little stuff, but it bugs me!!

-assAssin-

[WaterDog]

If your not in a hurry you might think about used. I can’t stand to pay the new price. In a diesel 40k to 60K miles is nothing. I’d rather let someone else eat the depreciation and save my money. Most will have a 100K warranty on the engine which is transferable so you still have some protection. There are a ton of used rigs on the market. If you like the power numbers of the new motors keep in mind that the 7.3L and Cummins can be easily modified. Mine is a 2000 with about 300hp and around 650lb-ft of torque. It’s an 8200lb hot rod. :grin:

While I have no doubt a 1500 will ride very nice, my 350 is by no means rough. It rides as good or better than most cars I’ve ridden in. A 450/550 on the other hand rides like a dump truck.

Mofish – sweet!

Here's mine

[BonkBonkBonk]

go ford! :grin:
i wouldnt get a new dodge, but more cuz they are so darn ugly than they arnt good

the only reason id go for a chevy is the duramax is made by isuzu...

[HOGGEMIN]

For 2003 the one ton Dodge has a new frame and a whopping 12,000 GVW, 305 hp, 555 fpt , stock so is there any other choice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Gus Orviston]

If you are going with one of the new big campers, eg 4000lbs, think seriously about a dually. My brother has a big Lance and on his '90 Ford 1 ton w/duals it is stable. However, my neighbor, who has the exact same model Lance on his '99 Ford 1 ton with SRW, the load feels sloppy.

gus

[Firedog]

I have a 00' F-350 and love it. Has more power than I would probably ever use. Pulls a sled like it isn't even back there. I have loaded over 2000lbs of dirt in the back and it just rides a little softer.

Here is a link with a lot of great info on Ford Diesel's The Diesel stop.com, used to be ford Diesel.com

A buddy of mine has a 01' F-350 Extended cab for Sale. It has very very low miles on it. I don't think it is over 12000. It is black Great looking truck. His wife Just had twins so they need something they can get two care seats in. Let me know if your interested and I will get you his number.

[pdxkevin]

Don't forget the 2003 Silverado 3500 Big Dooley LS 4x4 Crew Cab Long Box

Car&Driver's "Best Pickup" 3 years in a row now.

Trailers up to 15,500 lbs.

Big Block Vortec 8100 V8 SFI or Duramax Diesel 6600 V8 SFI engines. Available Allison 1000 Series five-speed automatic transmission and ZF six-speed transmission...

More truck that I need. I never was a Chevy-man until I tried one ~ then bought one.

[ 06-04-2003, 01:07 PM: Message edited by: pdxkevin ]

[Mr. Carp]

Thanks Mofish!!!

The only concern about buying a used diesel is that a lot of people that are now buying diesels now don't have any experience with them or don't know how to properly maintain them. I would be scared that they would start having internal problems at a low mmiles. Just my opinion!!

[Stz ll]

Ford or Dodge that is an easy question. CHEVY!! :smile:

[BonkBonkBonk]

Originally posted by HOGGEMIN:
For 2003 the one ton Dodge has a new frame and a whopping 12,000 GVW, 305 hp, 555 fpt , stock so is there any other choice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">the powerstroke has 325hp and 560

[Jeffhead]

MC,
Whats to maintain on a diesel??? Oil change every 3 to 5000, maintain the right additive levels in the coolant and drive it!!! I have a 2WD 3/4 ton single rear wheel 95 PSD Ford and love it. I also have 9 1/2 Lance camper (2500 lbs dry weight) that when its on makes the truck ride much better. With the camper and boat in tow still just keeps on rockin'. With all the after market stuff out you can make an older motor just as powerful as a new one. For 3 grand mine could have 300HP and 650 ft/lbs of torque to. Mine is straight stock and still has plenty of power. For the money you will save I'd buy used. Lots of good trucks out there. I personally hate the dieselstop.com web site ....every time I read there discussion board I want to spend money!!!!
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff :grin: :grin:

[WaterDog]

Jeffhead,

You don't have to spend 3 grand to get that power. Not even close. Some of those guys upgrade their parts more than some change underwear. That means good deals can be had on slightly used stuff like a SCMT programmer. I added gages to my 2000 because I wanted a programmer so that was an little extra. However, the pre superduties (94.5 – 97) have a couple of mods that cost less than a $1 (10k and regulator shim), do a downpipe for $130 and better air filter for $60 and you’ll be amazed. Plus your fuel milage goes up. :smile:

[Jeffhead]

I hear ya on the DP install and tymar air filter WD. I was talkin' the whole ball o' wax, regulator shim, air intake, DP, new exhaust (minus the kitty), superchip, modified injectors and I'm sure there are some other things I have missed here too!!! One I am going to have to do soon is replace the clutch and flywheel, my dual mass is headed south. Planning on putting in a LUK replacement. To many good mods and not enough time or money to do them right now as I am in the middle of remodeling our house. Oh well in due time.
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff

[Spoiled Daddy]

Well... I have decided to go with the Ford F250 XLT Supercab with the add on camper package, V8 diesel 6L. It will have to do, as that is as far as the pocket book will stretch (and I mean stretch!)

Now... what color should I order???? Hmmm....

SD

[STGRule]

SD: It has to match your boat.

[WaterDog]

SD - You do know a f350 exactly optioned as your f250 is only a few hundred dollars more. A few hundred dollars in $32K is not much of a difference.

F250 GVWR - 8800lbs
F350 GVWR - 9900lbs

[ 06-06-2003, 07:40 AM: Message edited by: WaterDog ]

[Big Willie]

Spoiled...I would look at an F350 if you are going to get a diesel. I would assume you want a 4x4, so your new truck will weigh in the neighborhood of 7500 lbs. A 250's gvw is 8800, which leaves 1300 lbs payload, where a 350's (srw) gvw is 9900, or 1100lbs more payload. You can go over the gvwr as much as you are comfortable, but don't go over the axle ratings.

Btw...my 2003 F250 (Gas, 4x4, SC, LB) is Sonic Blue, looks great. If you're looking at ordering an 04 there are some new colors though.
Gary

[ 06-06-2003, 07:41 AM: Message edited by: Big Willie ]

[Birdnest]

Oh man, this looks like another Ford vs Dodge kinda post.

Birdnest

[Big Willie]

Nah...just an issue between 3/4 and 1 tons. My personal opinion is if you get a diesel to haul a camper or 5th wheel, it should be a 1 ton because diesel engines are heavy and take away payload capacity.
I'm a Ford guy myself. Dodge has a great platform with the 305hp Cummins if you can stand the interior. :shocked:
I don't think anybody was hacking Ford or Dodge...yet...

[blast and cast]

On the new Ford and Dodge trucks the difference between a 3/4 and 1 ton is the bolt thru plate on the springs. Any ford dealership, les schwab, etc can change a 3/4 to 1 ton for less than 200 dollars. They are the exact same truck with the new Super Duty lines.

[ICHTHYDEMON]

Get a 1 ton and get the dually. The dually is way more stable,and the 1 ton has a higher GVWR. If you get a camper of any real size,you'll be over the GVWR of a 3/4 ton in a hurry. Before you go and buy any of them,take them to a truck scale and get an "actual" weight. Don't go by the "curb" weight or what a salesman says. The "curb" weight is from a bone stock truck with a 150lb driver.Any options you add or any other weight is gonna eat into your payload capacity in a hurry. My brother weighed his stock F-250 Super-Duty,it's a CC with the 8' bed and 4x4. He came back from the scales in shock. His super duper diesel that can haul any camper made weighs right at 7000lbs. With a GVWR of 8800lbs,it means he can legally have 1800lbs of payload. How many campers weigh 1800lbs loaded and ready to camp?

Now what about this....Say you're in an accident,when you have your camper on and boat in tow. Your insurance guy finds out how overloaded you were,do you think they have to cover you?

It's amazing how many people buy a camper or travel that's way to much for their truck.

Now about Ford or Dodge.I'd buy a Ford if they would put the 5.9 Cummins in a truck and it didn't have to be a MDT. The Cummins has been around as a marine diesel for about 50 years. It'll run 500K or more with good maintanance. The truck may fall apart,but the motor is bulletproof. The Powerstroke is good also,but you can't get the 7.3 for much longer,it'll be the 6.0. I'd wait awhile before buying the 6.0 it's not proven yet. I think the Ford has better build quality as far as the rest of the truck goes.

[WaterDog]

ICHTHYDEMON, - While your argument about getting into an accident "overloaded" is somewhat valid, it really isn't an issue. This has been discussed at nausium at rv.net, irv2.com, and at the dieselstop.com. The lawyers on these sites find it difficult at best to prove an overloaded condition. Not to say that it couldn't be proven and that someone could become the "test" case.

While adding springs and airbags can help stabilty to a 3/4 ton it will not change the GVWR on the sticker that is on the drivers door. There has been a ton of debate as to the difference between a 250 and 350. Most of the components are the same but there has to be some difference to gain an extra 1100#. On a DRW these are bigger differeneces like a dana 80 rearend. :grin: Must be the engineer in me but I have to trust the engineers that figure out these numbers.

A gasser will have a higher payload. You lose a lot due to the wieght of the motor with a diesel. As an exapmle my 2000 DRW CC PSD wieghs 8200#'s full of fuel and just me in it. GVWR is 11,200#. This leaves me with only 3000# of payload. My truck will be overloaded with most campers. So you need to ask yourself do you want to be a few hundered pounds over the GVWR or a maybe as much as 1200# to 1500# over the GVWR?

Just some more food for thought. :smile:

[Firedog]

Go to Auto Trader.com if you are looking for a used one. There are quite a few on there. Auto Trader.com/F350

[Spoiled Daddy]

Well... If I can get the paperwork done, I am hopefully going to get the dark metallic gray.

Thanks all to your help!

SD