RE: I don't know WHAT to think -- may lose my trailer!!!
I feel sorry for the OP. Not for the circumstances that she finds herself in with the problems with the dealer, but with the "holier than thou" attitudes from certain posters.
Being a senior member, the OP should have known that those attitudes would shine through like the beacon from a lighthouse on a foggy night, but that doesn't make it right. Not a single one of you knows the entire story. It's completely impossible to cover every single little detail in such a complex matter in a post on an RV forum. For those of you who think that you know what you're talking about, guess what? YOU DON'T! You only know a small piece of the puzzle. Unless you are the OP, you don't know squat.
The attitudes of some folks on this forum never cease to amaze me.There are two FACTS that are undisputed. The OP is trying to short sell a property and the OP is trying to buy an RV. That is all the information I need. It is morally and ethically wrong to say you cannot pay your debts in full (which is what a short sale is) and buy a recreational vehicle at the same time. I would love to hear the justification of anyone who feels otherwise.
bigdogger, as Banker I don't believe we have enough information to paint the OP as morally and ethically wrong. I deal with problem loans everyday and I certainly couldn't make an ethical judgment based on these meager facts. IMHO lay off the personal attacks because we're running the risk of getting this thread closed and I'd like to see how this all plays. Also, I appreciate the OP keeping us informed of the progress she is making to get this resolved.
Agree with McZippie. We do not know the entire story and surely do not have enough details to judge someone's morals and ethics.
bigdogger, you've made your feelings quite clear. Let it rest now. The rest of us want to see how this turns out.
RE: 4wd characteristics
I do agree. No reason to use 4WD in just rain. However. DO yes I said DO put it in 4WD from time to time in order to keep everything up front all lubed up and ready. I mean like every 7500-10,000 miles or so. Lock it in an go for a slow ride (in grass , mud, or sand if possible) or at least a nice slow ride in a open parking lot. You only need to go a few hundred feet. Then go back to 2WD high.
Good point. That's not an issue for me as my truck is in 4x4 enough when I actually need it that it gets plenty of exercise. The OP may indeed need to exercise his from time to time.
RE: 4wd characteristics
Don't use 4wd on merely wet pavement from rain. That will cause it to bind for sure. Ok to use in sand, mud, snow, ice, gravel and loose dirt, but not wet pavement or hard pack dirt. Too much traction on wet pavement or hard pack dirt.
I second the above advice. Wet pavement from rain is not slick enough to allow your tires to break loose and prevent binding.
Save your 4 wheel drive button for snow, ice, gravel (if absolutely necessary), loose dirt, and mud/wet grass etc.
RE: Who will sell more in 2009? Chrysler or Toyota?
I would say Toyota unless Chrysler gets better news as a profitible corporation. A lot a farmers, and oil field workers in our area are switiching from the big 3 to Toyota.
I guess those guys are switching to Tacomas? Tundra sales are much less than the Dodge/Ram. The only reason Toyota is close to Dodge/Ram in over all truck sales is because the Tacoma is a good seller and the Dakota is not. Comparing Ram versus Tundra, the sales numbers aren't even close.
Having said all that, I'm not sure how it will come out. Last year Toyota sold more "trucks" (Tacomas, Tundras, etc.). Dodge/Ram had a lead going into December this year, but many dealers are still waiting on 2010 HD Rams. That, without a doubt, hurt Ram sales in December. Lots of potential Ram buyers waiting on that new HD Ram.
RE: Failed Inspection
Some of you oil cops need to move to Kalifornia; you'd fit right in. :R
Some of you with bed plates better watch out, the oil cops are here.
:B
RE: New Ram not recommended for slide in?
It's no secret that trying to talk to Dodge truck owners is extremely hard and starts forum wars as many tend to act more like a cult with closed minds. Again, I'm not bashing but rather attempting to answer the OP's thread question with the known and 'documented' facts....
...Notice, the forum cracking issues basically were always on Dodge Rams not Ford's or GM's.
Having already been potentially profiled a Ram owning closed minded cult member, I hope you'll bare with me a bit and entertain a few reasoned follow-ups to your affirmed conclusions.
1) Unfortunately, your lenghty explination does nothing to explain why of Rams built to the apparent identical build configuration, frame, wheelbase, cab-config, bed box and year of manufacture, some will bare the advisory label yet others will not. In fact, some of the apparent identical build even provide instructions on how to load a slide-in camper!!...How do I know this?? Because I have seen this for myself. I have inspected and crawled underneath these same & like trucks at length (at my local DC dealer) with a tape measure to try and determine a difference...
2) You state that this problem "has existed for a decade or more", yet of all the previous threads (via a search, and as I recall at that time) relating to a frame issue, these post pointed to only the 3d generation Ram with the new boxed hydroformed frame, shortly after they were introduced in 2003. As with any new concept (e.g. frame), it was accompanied with a bit of consumer trepidation. However, of these many varied post, none offered any 'documented' or 'factual' (to borrow your strident terms) information and/or photographs about the alledged frame flex problem.
3) You infer that this issue is limited to Dodge alone implying that this alledged frame flex (meaning, still yet to be evidenced) does not occur with Ford or GM. This may or may not be true, but on it's face seems somewhat dubious to me.
I've worked for many a year around military and civilian cargo aircraft, the "Heavy Lifters" carring similar and far greater weight (10k lbs per 88" x 108" pallet and far heavier munitions, rolling stock, et. al.) & high C/G loads, distribuited somewhat randomly (based on proper weight & balance) upon their cargo floors. I can assure you that these aircraft built mostly of aluminum (a far less nobel material than the steel found in a Ford or GM frame) will flex 'extensively' under the extreme forces and weight of these loads.
3 tons, from the show-me state.
A very good rebuttal 3 tons.
I admire Travelnutz trying to keep the peace, but I do find what he is saying potentially dubious as well.
I have yet to read of any frame related failure on a Dodge/Ram truck from any camper stresses. There were some frame issues in Cummins Dodges, about 20 years ago I believe.
I may be wrong, but lets just ask the drivers of Dodge/Ram trucks here in the TC forum. Any of you guys ever hear about any of this info posted by Travelnutz or have you even heard or seen anything like this firsthand? I personally have not.
I am quite sure, if one wants to carry a slide in TC in a Dodge/Ram pickup, all one has to do is check a box marked "Camper Package" or something similar when he/she orders it new. If buying one sitting on the lot, it might be hard to find one outfitted with the camper package, unless you have a good dealer.
Now then, I return the gesture asking Travelnutz to "relax" as well. Just as Dodge cult followers will defend their brand ferociously, You sir, have a history of defending your opinions just as ferociously and you usually don't or won't take the time to confirm your statements with any resources to back it up. It makes it hard to take you at your word, when your words don't seem to coincide with the actual experiences of truck owners and folks like 3 tons above who have gone to great lengths to determine what the difference is between a Dodge truck that is recommended and one that isn't. What you say may be true, but I need to see some proof if it's not too much trouble.
So I ask again, Dodge/Ram TC folks out there, please respond with your experiences. Thanks.
RE: GM 6.5 Diesel
Check out this link for lots of info.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Diesel_V8_engine
According to the article, the power figures were
"Power / Torque (lowest): 180 hp (134 kW) @ 3,400 rpm / 360 lb·ft (488 N·m) @ 1,700 rpm
Power / Torque (highest): 215 hp (160 kW) @ 3,200 rpm / 440 lb·ft (597 N·m) @ 1,800 rpm"
I would assume a 99 would be at or near the "highest" rating.
RE: When would you walk away
I like to stay under 100K miles on purchase of used gas vehicles.
Same here, though I will make exceptions when a vehicle has obviously been meticulously maintained, or is just priced to low to pass up.
RE: Failed Inspection
LOL At Don!!:S
Sorry Don, I can't agree with that line of thinking. If we suddenly started mandating that every drip on every car be fixed or else you couldn't drive, the country would completely shut down. I mean let's get real here, I bet 1/2 the vehicles on the road today have fluid leaks, including some new ones. To force folks to fix all leaks or junk their only means of transportation would cripple an already crumbling economy. It's just not even close to being feasible, at least not on the broad scale.
And for the record, no my old Ram doesn't have any leaks that I know of. :W
RE: My block heater normal?
It was the same way on the 03 Cummins Ram I used to have. I kept it plugged in when temps got below 20 at night, and the air from the heat/defrost vents was only just lukewarm when first started. Completely normal.
RE: Best SUV v6 for towing?
Not knocking the Durango intentionally, but I have seen here more than once where it wasn't regarded as a very stable towing platform. Plenty of power though.
You've seen it here more than once? On RV.net? Oh man, it has to be true then!!! :R
And don't even try to claim your are "not knocking the Durango intentionally". You are ALWAYS knocking Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep products every single chance you get. It seems to be your mission in life. :W
To the OP, I would also consider a 3.0L turbo diesel Grand Cherokee for the size and weight of trailer you mention. Or better yet, like has been said, a 1/2 ton crew cab pickup. They can get around 20 mpg empty now, and will put you in a much nicer TT to fulltime in. Good luck!!
RE: i think i am keeping this one
I struggled with the same problem a couple of years ago. At the time I had a 1986 chevy dually crew cab setup pretty well to tow our 5th wheel. It was comfortable and did an OK job towing the 5ht wheel except for stopping.
So I was at the point where I was going to spend about $10,000 to fix a few mechanical problems and then do the interior, paint and have disc brakes added to the 5th wheel.
Only problem was it seemed like everytime we went somewhere in the truck something would break. First it was one of the bushing on the front A-Arm broke while backing the truck up to hitch up. I replaced the A-Arm after borrowing a friends truck to get the 5th wheel to the RV resort.
Then we went on a short trip towing about 150 miles and the A/C compressor died on the way.
So in my mind, I started looking at whether I wanted to take a chance on the old truck holding together for a few more years after spending $10,000 on it which I would never be able to re-coup since the truck is only worth $6000 in showroom condition. If it continued to fall apart did I want to have to work on it all the time instead of having fun.
I ended up buying a new truck. We tend to keep our trucks for over 6 years, so I'll get my use out of it.
And it sure is nice knowing if I go somewhere it shouldn't breakdown. Plus it stops the trailer on a dime compared to my old truck.
With all due respect, you are comparing apples and oranges.
The OP is talking about a 4 to 5 year old truck with only 60,000 miles on a 350,000 mile rated medium duty diesel engine. You are talking about a 20+ year old truck with who knows how many miles on a 150,000 mile engine likely.
You probably NEEDED a new truck, the OP does not.
RE: GM discontinues Duramax diesels?
The best thing to believe is that the I6(Cummins) engine is going to be around when the V-8's have passed into oblivion. 70+ yrs and still going.
MMM yes, no competition is certainly good for all:h
I agree with your sarcasm.
I have to agree as well. If it weren't for the power boosts of the PSD and quietness and power of the Duramax, we would still be driving 160 hp and 400 lb/ft. torque loud Cummins engines. Nothing at all against those old gems, they last forever and just sip the fuel, but really they did need a bit of a power boost.
Competition is a good thing. We need GM, Ford, and Ram to continue trying to one up each other, so we the consumer benefit with great products to choose from.
RE: GM discontinues Duramax diesels?
I can't believe this would be true, but I do know an article from pickuptrucks.com was posted a few days ago stating something to that effect. Folks in the know, keep us posted!
Duramax has been very successful for GM for the most part.
The engine assembly plant was shut down for retooling for the LML until April-May. Because of this there is a shortage of LMM engines for 2010 models with the non emission compliant LMM. Same thing happened in 2007.
Obviously, no I don't think so. That's why I clearly stated, "I can't believe this would be true."
RE: Chipping your engine?
I think the biggest problems people has had with the 6.0 is because Ford was in the learning curve. It wouldn't surprise me if the 6.0 ends up being one of the best diesel engines Ford ever built including the 7.3.
I have to politely and respectfully disagree with the above. Sorry Charlie.
First of all, Ford didn't build it, Navistar did. It is my understanding that the Navistar version that is not used in Ford trucks is a pretty good engine. However, Ford tinkered with it to try to keep up in the torque wars and that reduced reliability, especially in the early years.
Secondly, it just seems highly unlikely that the 6.0L PSD would ever be considered one of the best diesel engines in a Ford truck given the fact it has cost Ford hundreds of millions in warranty claims, and caused the relationship between Ford and Navistar to come to an end. But that's JMO.
To the OP, go to www.powerstrokehelp.com for a lesson on the potential issues the 6.0L PSD has. And, that guy is a Ford enthusiast. No brand bashing, just honest knowledge.
RE: GM discontinues Duramax diesels?
I can't believe this would be true, but I do know an article from pickuptrucks.com was posted a few days ago stating something to that effect. Folks in the know, keep us posted!
Duramax has been very successful for GM for the most part.
RE: i think i am keeping this one
Keep the truck, and do the upgrades if you like. Your truck should still have many years and many miles of service left on it.
RE: Ford Motors to avoid?
We are entering a period in time where the used market is going to be flooded with folks trading these trucks in or trying to sell them privately. Buyer beware!!
Hmmm, I remember you saying this would happen when these trucks started to run out of warranty. Many of them, including my 2003 have been off warranty for almost 2 years and we still haven't seen this. Good try, though!
Actually, it is happening already. You want me to provide links to these trucks on dealer lots and on Ebay, Craigslist etc.? I will if you so desire. It's not a slam against Ford, it's just a fact that they sold so many of these, and now folks are getting ready to sell or trade them for newer trucks. Some are wanting to dump them before problems arise, and some are just ready for something newer. Sure a few of you are keeping them, and that's fine. I've been known to keep an old reliable truck myself. :W
You get my point, nice try though!
RE: What is Chevy and Dodge's Comparable Truck to the F450?
Yep, I think most folks who put working miles on their trucks daily would rather have the Ford V10 ;)
Not exactly, nice try though! :W
The guys and gals who put hard working miles on their trucks want reliability, longevity, and fuel economy. When the v10 is worn out, the Cummins is just broke in.
And, I like the v10!
