partsman01
Poco British Columbia
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Joined: 07/22/2005
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Good input, I run dual fuel in my truck, I have both gas and propane.
I just figured to get an idea of the minimum so I would not go too small, have been looking at dealers and found used vehicles, one a 1999 DODGE RAM 2500 TRUCK ST 4DR EXT CAB with a 5.9 gas engine and auto trans with 150404 km on it, but they do not seem to want to deal on it.
They did have a 1996 ford with the 460 engine, but appeared to have been in an accident due to the front bumper being in a bit and the box closer to the cab on one side compared to the other, but did not show any major accidents on a check on it.
But passed it up due to not knowing how or what had been damaged.
I figure it is time for a newer truck, but don't want to spend too much, as the wife wants to go a little bigger on the fifth wheel too, so have to have money for both.
P.S. meant to say a fellow at work says just going from a carb to fuel injection will make a big difference, so I gather that alone will make a newer truck a good choice and more efficient than my carb truck.
I also should have asked about a 1/2 ton, like a F-150 or GMC 1500, don't mind if it is a 4X4 but do want an extended cab and long box, like have a full size box and daughter is going to be twelve, so think extended cab will do better for the three of us.
Any down side to 1/2 tons, within say max length of 25 foot fifth wheels.
this is a sticker from current one, so I don't think present unit is that heavy, although the wife loads it up way too much.
* This post was
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edited 08/04/08 08:29pm by partsman01 *
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wilber1
Abbotsford B.C. Canada
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Joined: 12/16/2002
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I tow a 10K 5er over the same roads you do with a 2001 Dodge CTD auto. The even with the diesel I wasn't real happy with the 3.55's in the mountains with that weight so I switched to 4.10's. Glad I did. I don't know if that is any help but if you are looking to do a ratio change These Guys do good work. At least they did a few years ago when I had mine done.
"Never trust a man who has not a single redeeming vice" WSC
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hpage3
Seabrook,New Hampshire USA
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Joined: 09/18/2003
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Has anyone changed their gears in a 04 Ram 1500 5.7 hemi shortbed quadcab with 3.53 gears and 4x4,auto transmission? I don't know anything about motors,gears... I've been looking at new trucks and the prices are good but trade-ins are low right now so I want to keep mine. The weight of my Rockwood 8314ss trailer is 7543 GVWR,dry wt. 5971,hitch wt.543lbs. I definately know it's there and was thinking about a Ram 2500 but feel that maybe I can improve mine for easier towing. I've heard that even though I use the 4x4 system maybe 5-10 minutes total during the winter, because I have it It will cost me double to go to 4.10? What about my gas consumption better or worse?What would a changeout cost and just how complicated is it?
Howard Page
Seabrook,NH
07 Rockwood 8314SS travel trailer
08 Dodge Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 5.7L Hemi v8 quadcab
Tekonsha Prodigy Brake Controller
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SoCalDesertRider
SanDiego, CA, USA
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Joined: 12/14/2003
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That's a very good old Ford you have there, and it's a supercab too. I would be hesitant to give that up.
92F350 CrewCab 4x4 351/C6
LoadNGo service body
69Bronco ATC250R CR500
20' BigTex flatbed carhauler
B&W TurnoverBall g-neck Curt Magnum rr DrawTite ft
HD springs Rancho9000s Bilsteins poly sway bushings
285/75-16E BFG AT on 16x8 Stocktons
4.56's & Lock-Rite rear
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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The body looks in decent shape. How about a paint job, rebuilt motor and different rear end ratio? Even throwing in new upholstery for the interior and a rebuilt transmission I doubt you would be over about 5000 dollars and the old girl would carry you down the road in comfort for many more years. Lots cheaper than making payments for 5 years on a newer truck.
Donn
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BruceStarkey
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 05/02/2004
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Fabguy: Good catch! I didn't pick up on that length thingy  Although now that it has been mentioned, there is one fellow with a Volvo 610 towing an under 30' airstream which kinda fits that ballpark.  He claims he's getting better mileage with his Volvo than he was with his previous gasser TV.
partsman01: I join others who've said they'd keep that truck. While the 1/2 ton rating would be a concern if you're going heavier on a trailer, you could address that with a rework of the rear axle with deeper gears and those axles were noted for their longevity with the heavy hubs. Find an engine tranny combo from a service vehicle and truck on.
* This post was
edited 08/05/08 02:52pm by BruceStarkey *
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