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08-23-2015, 03:06 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Okanogan
Posts: 57
Washington
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Looking at new truck
I'm hoping to not open a can of worms here but................I'm looking at getting a new truck. I have 3 dodges all 5.9 and would like to stick with the dodge. I tow right now with a 2005 5.9. I don't even want to weigh my Voltage because I cant even imagine what it weighs completely loaded. I have a buddy with a Voltage and a......I can't even hardly get it out Chevy ......and if he passes me one more time on a hill I'm never going to hear the end of it. I have looked at the 3500,4500 and 5500 with different transmission and am having a hard time understanding what package to put together. I have a flatbed right now and like that and I like the idea of the Aisin transmission. Anybody have one? And what chassis do you have it on. Thanks for your help!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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08-23-2015, 05:15 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Cody
Posts: 1,764
Wyoming
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My opinion... for what it's worth:
If you don't know the weight you're going to be pulling (or, at least, want to be able to pull)... then you can't make an informed decision, and we can't begin to help you.
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Tom
2013 VOLTAGE 3200 (EPIC I & II)
2014 Ford F-450 PLATINUM
2018 BMW R1200GS RALLYE
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08-23-2015, 12:10 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Lancaster
Posts: 263
Pennsylvania
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I found a 2014 leftover in April and am very happy with it. The Aisin transmission is an improvement over the 68rfe without question, and worth every bit of the extra $3K having already towed this trailer with a 68rfe. Do a web search for the “Ram trucks towing capacity chart”, there’s a drop down selection of models and set-ups that show payload and towing capacity. You can get a vin number off one of the on-line window stickers and enter it into the “Look up my vehicle” section that allows you to enter your pin weight then adjusts for max trailer weight and shows GCVW. Ram trucks are using the newly adopted industry standards for tow ratings. It’s a pretty slick tool. The Aisin transmission will increase max trailer weights as does the lower gearing. As stated before you need your trailer weights first, or at least the rated weights for the sake of discussion.
My forth Cummins truck is a 3500, 4X4 crew cab dually, Aisin, 3:42 gears. Rated for 5,600lbs max payload, and a max trailer weight of 20,500lbs. The 4:10 gears will increase your max trailer weight up to around 29,000lbs give or take a few. Using the on-line capacity chart with my VIN, I can verify that I’m well within the max pin weight, max trailer weight and gross combined weight.
I’m very happy so far and have absolutely no complaints. Not sure if it will keep your buddy from passing you but it will make it much harder for him at the very least.
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2015 Voltage 3305, Gone for Good !
2014 Ram 3500 dually, Aisin, Gone but not Forgotten.
2018 Winnebago Sunstar 32YE
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08-23-2015, 06:20 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Okanogan
Posts: 57
Washington
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Sorry I didn't even say what unit I had. Its a 3950 and I think they have the UVW at like 16800. I Haven't been around a scale with it yet but I'm sure with water, side x side and dirt bikes it's every bit of 20,000.
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08-23-2015, 07:14 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Canon City
Posts: 860
Colorado
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Well...the can of worms is open...so I'll give you my thoughts.
My first diesel truck was a 1998 extended cab, short bed 24 valve. My second a 2005 four door, short bed. Both manual transmission, both SRW. I think I liked the 98 a little more than the 05. Due to the 5 speed vs 6 speed manual.
Then we began looking to upgrade in preparation for towing a TH. That's when we started learning....and the choice would be a 2011 model.
The 6.7 Cummins is a great powertrain.
The 6.6 Duramax is also a great powertrain.
Then we started looking at the interior comforts for long hauls.
Unfortunately for 2011, the Dodges simply had nothing to compare with the Silverado. Not even close.
Transmissions...I drive my truck with the Allison in "tow" mode all the time. Makes it drive like my first two with a manual and exhaust brake. I really like the "feel of control" it gives me whether I have the TH hooked up or not.
So...my suggestion, don't get hung up on the brand. Make a list of the things you want the truck to have, and go shop for those things on the list. That should lead you a truck the meets your needs, both from a mechanical and environment (comfort) perspective.
We wound up with a 2011 Silverado LTZ, duramax, Allison, DRW with just about every option, except the GPS. I then added a Highway Products aluminum bed with plenty of toolboxes and my Polaris RZR will fit in the bed. (I modified their design to make it a few inches longer for the RZR to fit).
The DEF issue is a non-issue for me. I get the oil changed at my Chevy dealership and have them fill the DEF tank. No labor and usually takes a 2.5 gallon jug.
So there you have my thoughts...and I could go on and on....
Pirate
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08-23-2015, 07:37 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Smith
Posts: 489
Nevada
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I have pulled different toy haulers a minimum of 22,000 miles a year for the last 7 years. Most of my trips include traveling over the Sierra, cascades, Rockies, wasatch and Sanger de cristos. I cannot imagine hauling without the exhaust brake utilized by Dodge Ram. Given different driving conditions including steep climbs, steep descents, snow, rain, wind and ice you can set up different systems to accommodate those scenarios. I believe in other brands the exhaust brake they use if they have can only be used in tow/haul mode which is not a good option in snow and ice. Nothing like having your truck downshift in snowy/icy conditions without knowing when that will happen. With Dodge Ram you can use it without tow/haul mode or with it. Also know what a brake saver it is. On my 09 I changed rotors and pads at 88,000 miles. The brake pads still had more than half of pad material. I use my truck 99% time for towing. Other trucks maybe faster and quieter but remember the 6..7 is a medium duty truck engine in a pick up. My latest is a 12 Laramie has every creature comfort. I live in cold country and I can't imagine life without a heated steering wheel. Lol
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Bill gran
2014 v3005 voltage
Dodge Ram 2500 bagged stock
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08-23-2015, 07:55 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Lancaster
Posts: 263
Pennsylvania
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With that much trailer weight, should you choose go with a Ram, you would absolutely need the Aisin transmission and probably the 4:10 gears. That would put you right around 5,600 lbs max cargo weight, and max trailer weight of around 29,000 lbs on a 3500 crew cab dually. The 68rfe transmission takes that down to a max trailer weight of around 21,500 with the 4:10 gears. The quality of the big three trucks these days has come a long way, all are good trucks, just make sure the load ratings are adequate and enjoy.
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2015 Voltage 3305, Gone for Good !
2014 Ram 3500 dually, Aisin, Gone but not Forgotten.
2018 Winnebago Sunstar 32YE
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08-23-2015, 08:19 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Quartzsite
Posts: 682
Arizona
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I can't really be much help, but here is what I think.
I have a 1998.5 D3500 DRW 4x4 and love the truck. But it is not the truck I use to tow my Voltage 3905. Love the Cummins and Exhaust Brake. It's and old truck with tons of mods and you really have to know how to drive it. I mean it has a ton of mods.
I have a 2013 F350 DRW 4x4 for the Voltage. Before I bought the Ford F350 I was shopping to a Dodge D3500 but Dodge was in a model transition period and I could not even order one. So I bought the Ford. I didn't bother to look at GMC trucks as I have never liked the way they look. Nothing personal to you GMC owners.
I believe all of them are good vehicles.
I love the look of the Ford and the interior is awesome. Especially compared to the (2013) Dodge.
But the Dodge with the Cummins, Aisin and Exhaust Brake could be the deciding factor if I had it to over again. I have not seen the newest Dodge out there so the interior comfort and styling could be different.
I have 3.73 gears in my F350 and they are OK but lower gearing would be better.
I really wish my F350 had an Exhaust Brake.
Arlan
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2013 Voltage 3905
2013 F350 4x4 DRW
2013 RZR XP 900
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08-23-2015, 08:41 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Smith
Posts: 489
Nevada
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My ram is a 12 and the interior is quite nice. Heated and cooled seats 10 way adjustable seats, 800 watt stereo with 40 gig hard drive for storing music, remote start so on cold mornings you start and when you get in seats and steering nice and warm. I understand they are even nicer now. Spend a lot of time in there very nice!!
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Bill gran
2014 v3005 voltage
Dodge Ram 2500 bagged stock
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08-23-2015, 09:49 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Durango
Posts: 127
Colorado
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Dodge...Dodge......Dodge? How about a Ford. I've had (2) F250 SD CC 4X4 trucks and now have a 2015 F350 DRW CC 4X4 with 0% APR financing from Ford.. That saved me over $8,500 in finance charges. . I own 6 different trailers. Bumper pulls , Horse trailers, Dump trailers, a 25,000# goose neck flatbed, and a 2950 Voltage Fifth Wheel. I have to admit that I missed big time on the weight of the Voltage. So, after about 3000 miles towing the Voltage with my 2012 F250 (with no problems), we just bought the F350 to "get legal with the weight issues".
I live in SW Colorado and travel Wolf Creek Pass, Red Mountain Pass and others all the time without any issues. My wife and I always take the Ford on trips even without a trailer because it is more comfortable that her Honda Accord! My Adult son & daughter both have 2012 F250 CC 4X4 SD trucks and have no problems or issues in the mountains with any of the trailers.
Just Say'n........
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2017 Voltage 3970, Epic, Full Paint
2015 Ford F350 DRW CC 4X4
2016 Kawasaki Teryx 4
4 grandkids, 1 Yellow Lab, 1 Kubota Tractor
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08-23-2015, 10:24 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Mead
Posts: 147
Washington
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I have a 2010 Ram 3500 dually that I tow my V3305 with. Up and down Lookout pass I am running about 2600 RPM at 45 MPH when I get to the top loaded. Not real impressed with the U-joints on the Dodge....replaced rear and both front axle U-joints with less than 63,000. Love the creature comforts of the Dodge though. Traded a 2008 Chevy Duramax and they don't even compare. Currently looking at F-350 duallys.
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2015 Voltage 3305
2007 Freightliner M2 Business Class
Happiness is an old pickup truck, a good dog and an understanding woman....
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08-23-2015, 10:56 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Sparta
Posts: 1,726
Tennessee
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Is your friends truck for sale? That eliminates the competition. Get a bowtie ftw.
.
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2014 Aerolite 213 RBSL
2016 Chevrolet Colorado
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08-23-2015, 10:56 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Smith
Posts: 489
Nevada
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Yep the HO 11.5 and 12's have a little more zip. I don't tow as much weight as my trailer sits north of 14,000 but I tow a bunch. Don't know how much faster even a new ford would do maybe 50.
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Bill gran
2014 v3005 voltage
Dodge Ram 2500 bagged stock
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08-23-2015, 11:36 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Youngstown
Posts: 712
Florida
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Yep, I would definately get a 6.7, but with the ford emblem on it. I towed my 3950 round trip from Fl to NY this summer without any pulling power issues. Mine is a 2011 LB (build 1 for fords 6.7) ultra Lariet and worked like a champ. They have improved on the exhaust brake (no issue on mine) HP, and the turning radious since mine was made. It a very comfy towing machine!
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08-23-2015, 11:42 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Okanogan
Posts: 57
Washington
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Thanks everybody...I Love hearing about all of them. My buddies Chevy is something else but a lot of mods. I could buy a ford 4500 or 5500 from my local dealer which is huge to me. I like the exhaust brake and transmission on the Dodge drove a used one last week. After Thompwil gave me the site to go to I don't understand something and think somebody on here can explain it (because there not trying to get my money). If you go with the cab and cassis 4500 it has less towing capacity then the 3500 with the bed ( both with aisin and 4:10 Gears). Hey Tomw what made you go with the 3500 over the 4500?
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08-23-2015, 11:51 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Okanogan
Posts: 57
Washington
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dawniewest
Is your friends truck for sale? That eliminates the competition. Get a bowtie ftw.
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I have been die hard dodge or ford so I'm guessing if I told him I wanted to buy it he would sell it to me. I just cant give in.........it cant just be all Chevy right . But I'm starting to wonder!!!!!!!!!!!!
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08-23-2015, 11:52 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Smith
Posts: 489
Nevada
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Yeah I tow the equivalent of Florida to New York every month 12 months a year. Have a little more time on the road.
__________________
Bill gran
2014 v3005 voltage
Dodge Ram 2500 bagged stock
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08-24-2015, 12:47 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Lancaster
Posts: 263
Pennsylvania
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I wonder if the extra payload capacity of the 4500 takes away from the towing capacity? That is pretty strange.
I went with the 3500 with the 3:42's because it was all I needed. I'm well within specs towing the Voltage 3305 and this thing doesn't even break a sweat doing it. My pin weight is just over 3000 lbs and the truck will sit slightly above dead level while I still have over 2500 lbs of payload headroom. My 3305 maxes out at only 16,500 lbs so I have 4,000 lbs of headroom there. I average 10 mpg towing with the best logged at 12 on flat terrain with no wind at 65mph. Daily driving i'm averaging 17 mpg. It works for me.
EDIT: Curious what year used one did you drive? The engine power has been increasing lately as well. Mine is a mere 385 Hp, 865 ftlb torque. You really cant tell there is that much power until it's hitched up to a load, then it gets very noticable. The new ones are 900 ftlb. I wonder where it goes after that?
__________________
2015 Voltage 3305, Gone for Good !
2014 Ram 3500 dually, Aisin, Gone but not Forgotten.
2018 Winnebago Sunstar 32YE
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08-24-2015, 03:27 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Durango
Posts: 127
Colorado
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Catdog, I went with the F350 for several reasons. It's also my daily driver. A friend had a F450 and hated it. rough ride etc. The F350 has much the same dimensions as the F250. mirrors are wider than the "Dually hips" so I knew it would fit in my garage etc. I was concerned about a rougher ride than the F250 but it's equally as smooth. The 2015 F350 has an exhaust brake in addition to the "tow-haul" mode. The Lariat package and 14,000#
GVW upgrade gave me the capacity and goodies I Wanted. ZERO APR financing was the icing on the cake. Lastly, Several members of this site are towing with F350's and give them high marks. I've owned Dodges in the distant past and while the drive train is good. The cab finish never impressed me.
__________________
2017 Voltage 3970, Epic, Full Paint
2015 Ford F350 DRW CC 4X4
2016 Kawasaki Teryx 4
4 grandkids, 1 Yellow Lab, 1 Kubota Tractor
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08-24-2015, 10:29 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Smith
Posts: 489
Nevada
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Obviously you have missed reviews for the last several years Dodge Ram interiors have received highest marks!
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Bill gran
2014 v3005 voltage
Dodge Ram 2500 bagged stock
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