MTBob
Montana
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Joined: 07/17/2008
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Ok folks, I've finally taken the plunge. Bought a 2002 Northern Lite 10 2000 RR. Tag dry weight 2425#. I've intended to put it on my 1998 Dodge 2500, 12 valve diesel, 4WD, SRW, GVW 8800#, heavy duty suspension (upper leaf springs), 118,000 miles. I planned on putting on airbags, new high load rated tires. This Dodge is in good shape, good body, etc. Uses about 1 Qt of oil every 3000 miles.
Rather than upgrading this Dodge to handle the weight I'm considering buying the truck that the NL camper is on - a 2008 Chev 3500, SRW, 4WD, GVW 9800. It may cost around $35,000.
Given the mileage of the Dodge, and the need to likely put several more thousand into it and perhaps facing increasing maintenance costs, am I better off buying the heavier Chevy or staying with the Dodge?
What do you folks think?
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jponder
Atlanta & Louisiana
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Joined: 10/05/2004
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Can I buy your dodge?
SPACE SHUTTLE
2001 4X4 ETH/DEE Reg Cab
Ricksons 285/70R19.5
US Gear Ex Brake
*NO CRUISE CONTROL!!! *
*MANUAL THROTTLE CABLE for 21.3MPG!*
*DRW WORST NIGHTMARE MONSTER TRUCK!*
Camper:
94 Lance EU2000
11700 gw tc+t.
Soon:
Cat Heat& MO BATTERIES!!
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d3500ram
colorado
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Joined: 07/31/2006
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Do you have a place where you can weigh your stuff? Perhaps you put the camper on (dry and empty) and get it weighed with and without the TC. Find out what the data comes back as. This will help you asses better the items you may want to upgrade.
My biggest concern would be the tire and wheel ratings.
I would stick with the Dodge. The ole 12V with the p7100 are practically indestructible. Have you done the KDP yet?
2005 Dodge 3500 SRW, Qcab, NV-5600, diesel, 4WD, Helwig sway bar, 9000XL
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SoCalDesertRider
SanDiego, CA, USA
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Joined: 12/14/2003
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I would keep the Dodge. You'll be over the GVWR, but if you put 265/75-16E tires on it and 16x7 wheels rated to match the tires, you'll have plenty of rear tire load capacity to carry the camper. If your Dodge has the camper package, the springs and rear axle are same as what came on the 3500 dually (Dana 80 with overload springs). All should be well.
05E350 6.0PSD
98Ranger
69Bronco ATC250R CR500
20' BigTex flatbed carhauler
Callen Camper
92F350 CrewCab 4x4 351/C6
LoadNGo service body
B&W TurnoverBall, Curt Magnum V
HD Springs Bilsteins, EnergySuspension
285/75-16E BFG AT on 16x8 Stocktons
4.56's & LockRite rear
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bitster98
south texas
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Joined: 01/28/2009
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Man I would keep the 12 valve;In my opinion those were some of the best trucks ever built. I really would not be concerned about the weight.Put the e rated tires/heavy sway bar/and shock's like rancho's rs 5000. And save yourself 35000. If you decide to go with the gm let me know.
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BENT ARROW
CO.
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Joined: 02/02/2003
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Since the Chevy is over priced and you have 2 members willing to make an offer on the Dodge take the hint and keep the Dodge, it could haul twice the weight of the camper.
Bent Arrow
99 PACE ARROW 35'
Chevy 4x4
4 Wheel Pop-Up
S10 Blazer ZR-2
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trapperdick
Bridgton,Me.
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Joined: 03/26/2007
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I'd buy the new GM if you can afford to do it.....It sounds like a nice truck and it would haul you camper for years to come, but that's a decision that you have to make..........TD
OLDER AND BOLDER,,,,,N1ATF
Ford F-350 Dually Diesel, Lance 9SC, Harley Davidson Heritage Softail, 12 ft Hallmark trailer and Skeeter the camping beagle  .........
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cewillis
Tucson, az, usa
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Joined: 01/24/2005
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Does the Chevy have a Duramax and Allison? How many miles? $35,500 is (or was in 2006) a very good price for a new (essentially) truck.
Cal
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FF1063
NY
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Joined: 08/04/2004
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*
* This post was
edited 06/15/09 06:05pm by FF1063 *
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Catch This
Ashburn VA
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Joined: 12/23/2008
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I too would keep the dodge. You know that truck inside and out and have confidence in it. Given the current truck market, the chevy sounds like it might be overpriced. Make the modifications to the dodge.
'06 Lance 845 on '03 F250 4X4 used for surf fishing.
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