Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-22-2019, 11:58 PM   #41
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 578
Quote:
Originally Posted by AlaskaErik View Post
The term is "bullet proofing". If you want a 6.0, get one that's been bullet proofed. Otherwise, expect to have to bullet proof it yourself. That can get into the five figures to get it done completely and correctly.
I've pulled my 5er 14,000 miles with a 2006 6.0 and it's still going great at 110,000 mi., not high mileage by most standards. However, my experience and research says that if you understand the issues, you can make some minor mods (Gages, Coolant Filter & Cat Spec Coolant!) and get some serious miles before the need to "bullet proof."

I know what needs to be done, but I will only do it when necessary. Proper monitoring should give plenty of warning when the time comes. As for the cost, I'm estimating $6K, maybe $8K or a tad over, but never have I heard it could be $10K.

Are you citing Alaskan prices when you say it can get into the five figures?
Slow Moon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2019, 03:13 AM   #42
Senior Member
 
DouglasReid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Maurice, LA
Posts: 4,095
Quote:
Originally Posted by pokey View Post
I'm thinking strongly of going full time on the road. I've been looking at trucks and having mixed reviews of what truck's are the best for pulling my fiver. I'm looking at a 2004 Ford F -350 Super duty and a 2006 Dodge 3500 5.9L Cummings both long bed SRW at the moment. The weight of my 2006 Forest River Cardinal 29LE shows 9,730 lbs. Just curious which of these two would be the best and also what others are using to pull their fivers would really help. Thanks in advance for any info provided!
We pull a 12,100 5er with an 08 Silverado 2500 with the Duramax/Allison combo.

Could not be happier!

Any of the trucks you mentioned will do the job easily.

If you are pulling much IMHO you will be MUCH happier with a diesel instead of a gasser. just my .02
__________________
2012 Wildcat Sterling 32RL, Gladiator Qr35 ST235/85R16 Load rating G, TST 507 TPMS w/ Flow-thru Sensors & Repeater, Reese Sidewinder 16K Pin Box, PI EMS HW50C
2009 Chevy Silverado 2500HD CCSB LTZ Diesel, Fumoto Oil Drain Valve, Turbo Brake activated, 39 gal Aux Tank W/ Fuel Pump transfer, Air Lift Loadlifter 5000 air bags.
DouglasReid is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2019, 03:24 AM   #43
Senior Member
 
DouglasReid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Maurice, LA
Posts: 4,095
Quote:
Originally Posted by 007matman View Post
Everyone's journey is a little different so I'm not going to get into a fight with anyone over this. .

People can get really passionate about the things they spend money on.

I was pulling my Rockwood with an Escalade and eventually, I realized it was too much. We have 4 kids so I knew I needed lots of interior room. I looked at some of the full size 3/4 ton SUV's and even some vans but decided that wasn't really for me. We also might go to a 5th wheel at some point.

Here is what I found..

The full size Super duty has the widest and most comfortable cab in the 2004-2007 range (this is the range I was looking at). The Chevy isn't bad but finding one with a bench in the front was nearly impossible at the time in my area. The Dodge was just plain cramped in the rear. Mega-Cabs help by giving you more leg room, but nothing is done to address how narrow those trucks are. The kids also hated the back seat.

Lots of GM and Dodge trucks I looked at were either 25k plus and flawless with over 200k on the clock or someone's beat up POS.

So, I looked at the powertrains available. From what I saw at the time, Dodge trucks have transmission issues (witnessed by 2-3 trucks I test drove.. one of which I didn't know if I was going to make it back to the dealership). The GM trucks were nice with the Allison tranny. However, I kept seeing all these folks complaining about injector issues.. some going to through several sets in 100k.

The Powerstroke 6.0 has had issues, but the aftermarket has really stepped up with this particular platform. Solutions are out there for this truck to address the weaker points.

For this platform, the main issues seem to be with head gaskets, EGR's and the oil cooler. I was able to find a clean, low mileage (118k) 2007 F350 LWB King Ranch Dually for $19k, but then was able to negotiate down a bit to 16k because it hadn't been bulletproofed. For reference, the beat up Ram I drove that barely made it back to the dealership was 17k and they wouldn't budge on price.

I did have some issues with the oil cooler right away (I suspect that's why the PO sold it to begin with). However, about 6k later it was fully bulletproofed with the head studs, new head gaskets, Fire Ringed heads, improved oil cooler, new HPOP, rebuilt turbo, EGR delete, new water pump, injector service, coolant bypass filter, blue spring upgrade, tuner, etc.. the works.

The truck is an absolute beast. Hauls like a freight train. Tons of power and is very roomy. I took the center console out and added a jump seat so we can fit 3 in the front and 4 in the rear in a pinch if needed.

Do your own research. A bulletproofed 6.0 can easily be in the 5-600k range with very minimal work needed to get it there.. Transmissions are generally very reliable too. I fully expect to drive this truck 10 years or more. I'll get my money out of it.

At the end of the day I feel the truck was the best choice for our family and hasn't left us stranded yet.. it has almost 156k now.
It sounds as if you did your research and came up with the best solution for you and your family.

Im curious, you paid 16K for the truck + 6K for mods is a 22K truck.

You are correct, maintain it will and you will easily drive it for 10 years or more.
__________________
2012 Wildcat Sterling 32RL, Gladiator Qr35 ST235/85R16 Load rating G, TST 507 TPMS w/ Flow-thru Sensors & Repeater, Reese Sidewinder 16K Pin Box, PI EMS HW50C
2009 Chevy Silverado 2500HD CCSB LTZ Diesel, Fumoto Oil Drain Valve, Turbo Brake activated, 39 gal Aux Tank W/ Fuel Pump transfer, Air Lift Loadlifter 5000 air bags.
DouglasReid is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2019, 05:44 AM   #44
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 41
Pokey, add Ford 6.4 to you "do not buy" list. We ran them for several years in our service trucks and had repeated turbo problems. If you can afford to buy a few years newer, I would highly recommend the Ford 6.7 diesel. I have it in a 2012 F350. It is much quieter and smoother than my 7.3 that I use on the ranch and it has more power than you will ever need. I pull a 43' and my only problem is staying below 75 mph.
RogerD is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2019, 10:32 AM   #45
Grammar Pedant
 
67L48's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Frederick, CO
Posts: 1,580
The best truck to pull any type of trailer is one that:
  • has proper payload to contain the hitch/pin weight of your loaded trailer and another 800 - 1,000 lbs for you, passengers, and gear.
  • (I've never actually seen a case where payload was within spec and some other rating was over spec ... but, yes, GVWR, GCWR, and at least GAWR ratings must not be exceeded, either).
  • The truck should also have the proper pulling power for the terrain you traverse.
  • The truck should have the structural integrity to pull, control, and stop your intended load
That might be a 1/2 ton. It might be a 1-ton dually diesel. Who knows.
__________________
Every time you use an apostrophe to make a word plural, a puppy dies.

TV: 2019 F-350 Lariat 4WD CCSB 6.7 PSD 3.55, 3,591 lb payload
Former RV: 2018 Rockwood Mini Lite 2504S
Former RV: 2007 Fleetwood/Coleman Utah
Former TV: 2005 F-150 King Ranch 4WD SCrew 5.4L Tow Package
67L48 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2019, 11:27 AM   #46
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Quebec Canada
Posts: 86
Quote:
Originally Posted by pokey View Post
The Cummings has 147,300 miles on it. That's not too bad being a diesel is it?
It's Cummins.
__________________
2016 Ram Longhorn 3500 CCLB DRW Cummins HO 4:10s
2018 Heartland Big Country 3950FB
Dan50 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2019, 01:41 PM   #47
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 112
Best truck for pulling a 5er

Quote:
Originally Posted by pokey View Post
I'm thinking strongly of going full time on the road. I've been looking at trucks and having mixed reviews of what truck's are the best for pulling my fiver. I'm looking at a 2004 Ford F -350 Super duty and a 2006 Dodge 3500 5.9L Cummings both long bed SRW at the moment. The weight of my 2006 Forest River Cardinal 29LE shows 9,730 lbs. Just curious which of these two would be the best and also what others are using to pull their fivers would really help. Thanks in advance for any info provided!
Everybody will give their preference based on brand loyalty. I have had very few issues with my Dodge 3500. Currently at 160,000 KM and no plans to change! Mind you, not all of those KM’s were towing . Cummins Diesels are excellent and have a great reputation. I have never regretted the decision to go SRW. Also, Keep in mind, that the best part of having a little bit of an older Diesel is NO DEF required!
__________________
Dave
2011 Ram 3500 Laramie Cummins. SRW
2014 Columbus F320 RS. 5th
2007 Corsair. 246 RKS. 5th
dnicoll is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2019, 08:25 PM   #48
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: West Texas
Posts: 146
I'll admit, I didn't read all 5 pages. If you are going to a fifth wheel, go diesel. DO NOT buy a 2500. Go on up to a 3500. SRW or DRW you choose. Avoid the 6.0 Fords. I am brand loyal to the GM Duramax. I like my 2006 tuned up with no emissions crap. Next truck will be a 2017+ 3500 Dmax. You absolutely cannot buy too much truck. You certainly can buy too little and have to upgrade later. That's the position I am in right now with my 2500.
__________________
2018 Chevrolet 3500HD CCSBSRW
Duramax/Allison

Demco 18k Autoslide
2012 Puma Unleashed 356QLB toy hauler
Toys - CRF250X, CRF250R, CRF450R, TTR230, TRX250EX, STX-1500 jet ski
rmoore0852 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2019, 09:48 PM   #49
Senior Member
 
007matman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 2,481
Quote:
Originally Posted by rmoore0852 View Post
I'll admit, I didn't read all 5 pages. If you are going to a fifth wheel, go diesel. DO NOT buy a 2500. Go on up to a 3500. SRW or DRW you choose. Avoid the 6.0 Fords. I am brand loyal to the GM Duramax. I like my 2006 tuned up with no emissions crap. Next truck will be a 2017+ 3500 Dmax. You absolutely cannot buy too much truck. You certainly can buy too little and have to upgrade later. That's the position I am in right now with my 2500.
Pretty much every manufacturer was having issues with their Diesel engines and all this emissions equipment that was imposed on them. It's funny that you'd single out the 6.0 Ford while at the same time bragging about how you run a deleted and tuned DMax.

Nobody is recommending the OP purchase a stock.6.0.

Deleted and tuned 6.0's (along with head studs) can be very reliable. Arguably just as reliable as your DMax.
007matman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2019, 11:02 PM   #50
Senior Member
 
Airdale's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,839
Diesel powered!
__________________
A Trailer Tire Poster
Airdale is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2019, 11:21 PM   #51
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 578
Quote:
Originally Posted by 007matman View Post
Pretty much every manufacturer was having issues with their Diesel engines and all this emissions equipment that was imposed on them. It's funny that you'd single out the 6.0 Ford while at the same time bragging about how you run a deleted and tuned DMax.

Nobody is recommending the OP purchase a stock.6.0.

Deleted and tuned 6.0's (along with head studs) can be very reliable. Arguably just as reliable as your DMax.
X2
Slow Moon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2019, 07:10 AM   #52
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Warsaw,NC
Posts: 7,184
How many miles can you reasonably expect to get from a Duramax engine?
spock123 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2019, 07:11 AM   #53
Senior Member
 
frank4711's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: North Port Florida
Posts: 2,050
The one pulling mine
__________________
Frank & Cindy--- (SOB) 5th Wheel ---2019 Ram 3500 Cummins 6.7 SRW 4x4 8' bed--- Payload 4394------Remi & Sage camping pups---TST 507 TPMS ... B&W Patriot 18K---3.73 axle ... Predator 3500---2019 48 days ---2020 28 days Camping
frank4711 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2019, 07:12 AM   #54
Senior Member
 
robbiels7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: New port Richey FL
Posts: 1,464
Quote:
Originally Posted by spock123 View Post
How many miles can you reasonably expect to get from a Duramax engine?
I have seen them and the two other brands over 300k and still very strong. But sometimes the truck around it is beat to death. The truck as a unit must be cared for just as much as the engine.
robbiels7 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2019, 07:17 AM   #55
Senior Member
 
W5CI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Carlisle, Arkansas
Posts: 1,387
For me the only TV for a heavy 5er is the RAM 3500 DRW with the Cummins Engine.
__________________
2005 Cedar Creek 30RLBS/TrailAir Hitch/ MORryde 7K IS/Disc Brakes/ PI PT-50 EMS/ RV Flex Armor Roof
2015 RAM 3500 DRW 6.7 Cummins 3.42/ Garmin 760RV
40 Gal TransferFlow fuel tank/ TST 507
Amateur Radio W5CI 2019 Days Camping 25
2020 Days Camping 7
W5CI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2019, 08:08 AM   #56
Senior Member
 
007matman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 2,481
Finding a truck in the 2004-2007 range that hasn't been beat to heck can be a little bit of a challenge at this point.

True story.. last year prior to purchasing mine I saw a '06 F350 (6.0. powerstroke) with 598k for $9k. I passed on it due to the mileage. However, the truck was pretty much flawless. I saw the price and pulled over immediately to take a look. It was gone a couple of days later.

I called the guy to inquire about it. He said he'd owned it since it had 70k. Original motor and transmission.

I also saw DMax and Cummins in that range too. Crazy what they can still go for if they're in good shape.
007matman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2019, 08:30 AM   #57
Senior Member
 
robbiels7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: New port Richey FL
Posts: 1,464
Quote:
Originally Posted by 007matman View Post
Finding a truck in the 2004-2007 range that hasn't been beat to heck can be a little bit of a challenge at this point.

True story.. last year prior to purchasing mine I saw a '06 F350 (6.0. powerstroke) with 598k for $9k. I passed on it due to the mileage. However, the truck was pretty much flawless. I saw the price and pulled over immediately to take a look. It was gone a couple of days later.

I called the guy to inquire about it. He said he'd owned it since it had 70k. Original motor and transmission.

I also saw DMax and Cummins in that range too. Crazy what they can still go for if they're in good shape.
15000 all day long with 200k on the clock. When I start looking I will probably try to find something with 75,000 on it they seem to be between 30 and 35k.
robbiels7 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2019, 12:22 PM   #58
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 578
Quote:
Originally Posted by 007matman View Post
I saw a '06 F350 (6.0. powerstroke) with 598k for $9k….pretty much flawless…[after it was sold, I called the owner and he] said he'd owned it since it had 70k. Original motor and transmission.
I’ve seen similar stories on the Powerstroke forums. The 6.0 has unusual faults and maintenance requirements and WILL fail prematurely IF NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED. However, the 6.0 has strong points and the rest of the truck is as good or better than competitors, especially the transmission, which may be the best.

Most drivers do not understand the unique maintenance requirements, but a properly maintained and monitored stock 6.0 might go 300-500K miles. A properly “bullet-proofed” 6.0 is as good as any, better than most. I prefer it over any new engines.

The foregoing can make a used 6.0 the best truck for your money. But it’s better for folks who understand the technical requirements; NOT best for the less technically adept.
Slow Moon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2019, 12:54 PM   #59
Senior Member
 
pokey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Anywhere I roam
Posts: 407
Quote:
Originally Posted by robbiels7 View Post
If you go Ford do not get the 6.0 diesel. Step back a year or two and get the 6.7. Other than that I am a gm guy. I like the duramax. Currently I am towing our 29rl silverback with a 2008 GMC Sierra 6.0. It does a great job but if I was traveling all the time I would go with a 3500 duramax. I will probably be upgrading In A year or so.
I've found a truck. 2004 Chevy Silverado 2500HD LT Crew Cab. Duramax diesel with the Allison trans, 123,129 miles in great shape inside and out.
__________________
Pokey
Permanent RV'er
2006 Cardinal 29LE

Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow.
Retirement life........
pokey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2019, 12:56 PM   #60
Senior Member
 
007matman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 2,481
Sounds great. Post up a pic!
007matman is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
truck

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:34 AM.