Which TV to buy?

[RKR]

My only regret with buying my 3/4 ton oil burner is not buying the 1 ton for just a little more. IMHO you can never have too much truck and it leaves you room to upgrade to bigger RV down the road if you want to.

[bitNine]

Chevy guy or not, you should be looking at all 3 brands. I hate Ford, but I found myself at the Ford dealer really liking the F250 interior. I looked at the Chevy/GMC trucks, and couldn't stop laughing every time I got in one. It was like the 1990's threw up inside, and nobody ever cleaned it up. They were way behind until the 2015 model Silverado. I swore I would never again purchase a Chrysler vehicle after issues I had with a Chrysler about 10 years ago, but once I sat in the Ram, I was sold. Not only by the Cummins engine, which will physically outlast either of the other 2 diesels simply because it's a straight 6 vs. V8, but the interior is absolutely awesome. The Ford was priced cheaper than the rest, but the GM trucks were priced the same as the Ram, and still had the junk interior. The GM trucks were the first to be crossed off my list. Plus, Ram is the only truck that has the mega cab, which is a big deal for us. Down side is that you can't get it with a long bed. The Ford is a great truck, but I just couldn't do it. I chose the Ram mainly for the Cummins engine, mega cab, and bench seat allowing for 6 passengers. If I could do it all again, I'd go for the 3500 instead of the 2500, and get the Aisin transmission over the Mopar one.

Not trying to sway your loyalty, but you really should go sit in and drive all of them before allowing your loyalty to suck you into the truck that is technically the farthest behind (especially the 2014). The Silverado 2500 max bumper tow is 13k pounds. The F250 is 14k and the Ram is 17k. Identical for the Sierra. I think the new Silverado looks great, but it was too little too late for me to consider it.

[irishrv]

As a fellow gm guy I can tell you the difference in the gm world between 2500hd and 3500hd srw is one leaf spring and the tire and wheel package. That's it. If I was shopping new Id be shopping all brands. They are all that good. Quiet clean diesels are the only tow rig I would consider.

[jevanb]

look at a used 06-07 2500HD with the LBZ vin code D, only thing that can go wrong is cracked piston in high HP applications over 600HP.. other then that it is just about bullet proof and can be had from 13-26k depending on the milage. know lots of friends that have well over 500k and still going strong without any issues, mine has 98k and not one single issue that was not caused by me and my quest for 700hp at the wheels

[pwrstroke2012]

I went from a F150 to a F350 diesel and haven't regretted a minute. I went with 1 ton diesel just because I didn't want to wish I had a bigger truck later on. You can't pry me out of a Ford with a crow bar but to answer your main question, diesel was worth it to me. It is my daily driver, usually 8 miles to and from work every third day. Get more than what you need in a truck and you won't have to worry.

[dwaynerz]

another one to consider

2014 Ram 1500 is Motor Trend's 2014 Truck of the Year

not a gm, but an option anyway.

[BigBaron]

Originally Posted by irishrv

As a fellow gm guy I can tell you the difference in the gm world between 2500hd and 3500hd srw is one leaf spring and the tire and wheel package. That's it. If I was shopping new Id be shopping all brands. They are all that good. Quiet clean diesels are the only tow rig I would consider.

And different rear axle mounting widths, different spring spacers, different frame parts,... The actual list of differences is very big, but if you add a diesel engine, the list explodes!

[golfmedik]

With the towing capacities of the 150/1500 series trucks nowadays, a 250/2500 truck is basically a half ton with a diesel(or bigger motor). Before you 3/4 ton guys lash out, let me explain. When you look at towing capacities for the half tons, then the 3/4s, you will notice very similar 'towing' capacities. What is different is the payload capacity! That really shines over a half ton. However, when towing, especially 5th wheels where you are really carrying weight and pulling it, the 3/4 ton trucks run out of payload capacity quickly when 3 or 4 adults are in the cab. Again, the 350/3500 single rear wheel trucks do have more payload capacity due to more leaf springs and depending on which manufacturer, bigger brakes. Now, everybody knows that dual rear wheel trucks have a HUGE payload capacity, but in looking at their 'tow' ratings, they are not much different than the single rear wheels. All that being said, if you ever 'think' you might be in for a 5th wheel or larger TT, then I believe the 350/3500 SRW trucks are what you are looking for. Everyone's take on this is going to be different. I have friends that I camp with that pull 37 foot 5ht wheels with 3/4 ton truck and they do just fine. They have never looked at what it is rated to pull. Also, they complain about the rear squat of the trucks and have added airbags to stop it and the rigs sit level now, but an extra expense that a 350/3500 could've stopped. I own two DRW trucks and am not saying everyone should pull with a DRW because at most times, they aren't that practical around town. Can it be done? YEP! But they aren't for everyone. As another poster has stated, the cost difference between a 3/4 and 1 ton SRW is negligible in the grand scheme of things and are the best BANG for the buck in the truck market for those who tow heavy. Just my observations and .02 cents. It is ultimately up to you and which ever you can afford and mostly, what you want. Good luck in your decision and let us know what you buy. Then post up a pic of the new ride because of the "no pic-didn't happen" attitude of all of us! We love pics!!
Monty

[jevanb]

Originally Posted by BigBaron

And different rear axle mounting widths, different spring spacers, different frame parts,... The actual list of differences is very big, but if you add a diesel engine, the list explodes!

no, 1 spring and 265 tires. as I used to have one they use the same axles 11.5, and same frame. the only diff is the LD model or 3500 vs 3500HD in the SRW. and my fatherinlaw builds them in the flint assy plant (truck and bus)

[golfmedik]

Originally Posted by jevanb

no, 1 spring and 265 tires. as I used to have one they use the same axles 11.5, and same frame. the only diff is the LD model or 3500 vs 3500HD in the SRW.

That's what I've always found too...thought I had missed something!

[BigBaron]

Interesting. Several mechanics say otherwise. Oh well. It' just a curiosity to me. They're too darn big for Korea!! LOL

[Mtelkman]

The difference between my year F250 and a same year SRW F350 was just an extra leaf spring and slightly taller axle mount block. About $200 in parts. I did the swap myself.