Raptor 2008
Aguilar, Colorado
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Joined: 04/15/2009
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We tested our new Dodge 4500 4x4 this weekend and I can't say enough how well and pleased I am so far. The pulling power over LaVeta Pass was fantastic! (4.44 gears) This truck doesn't know it has a 12,000# 5ver on the back.
Now, I'm not knocking any other trucks here, and to be honest, I don't care if you tow with a golf cart or the biggest of the semi's. I'm sure Ford and GM trucks in the same class do just as well, but I am a Cummins Guy for sure as you can tell from my signature. My 3500 DRW 4x4 5.9L I have does very well, but the 4500 has me feeling safer, has more pulling power, and I am actually liking the auto tranny (6 speed). I was always a manual trans guy. The Auto trans with engine brake in Tow/Haul mode was super! I was concern about that issue with auto tranny, but worked perfectly on the mountain pass. I installed a Pac Brake on my 3500 with Manual 6 speed and loved it too. (Took me all day to install BTW)
Places I was downshifting in my 3500 and going 45mph on the steep parts of the pass, the 4500 was pulling at 55mph and I wasn't even pushing it that hard, or at least I didn't have it pegged. Places on the interstate that I was downshifting to 5th and going 55 mph (hills)
the 4500 was just stayed 65 mph with the cruise on. I suppose this is mainly with the gear ratio it has. Estimated fuel mileage has dropped between the 2 trucks and I will report actual calculated soon, not from the computer. Just wanted to mention how impressed I am with this class of truck. (Medium Duty) Just a huge difference between my 3500 and 4500.
Happy 4th of July!!!!
Camped out for the weekend in South Fork, Colorado 
Steve
2008 Keystone Raptor 299MP
2009 Dodge 4500 HD 4X4, 6 Speed Auto, 6.7 Cummins, 4.44 Ratio
2000 Dodge 3500 4x4, 6 SPD Man. 5.9 Cummins,(My Old Puller)
1990 Dodge 2500 4x4 5.9 Cummins (Stock)
Love the Cummins!!!
2007 Harley Davidson Softtail Custom (Money Pit)
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Gunship Guy
Florida
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Joined: 08/09/2003
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It's always a good feeling being happy with something you've purchased.
PICS OF STUFF
A grizzly bear with a chainsaw...now there's a killing machine!
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SoCalDesertRider
SanDiego, CA, USA
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Joined: 12/14/2003
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GREAT!
I'm sure the more powerful new engine and much lower axle ratio together have everything to do with how well your new truck pulls and I'm sure the much stronger suspension and tires have everything to do with how it handles the trailer.
Always great to have more than enough truck for the job, rather than just barely squeaking by. 
92F350 CrewCab 4x4 351/C6
LoadNGo service body
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20' BigTex flatbed carhauler
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HD springs Rancho9000s Bilsteins poly sway bushings
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4.56's & Lock-Rite rear
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coolbreeze01
Redding, Ca
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Joined: 08/24/2006
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Excellent report and glad you are enjoying the new truck 
2008 Dodge 3500 CTD LB SRW 4X4 6-Speed Auto
P3 Blue Ox Sway Pro
2007 Komfort 212
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ib516
Up here!
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Joined: 04/18/2003
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Nice truck.
2004 Cougar 301 BHS
"MEGACASPER" 2007 Dodge/5.9L Cummins/3500 SRW Megacab/48RE/4x4/3.73/10,100# GVWR
RV and truck weight = ~20,000#
Hypertech Max Energy
CLICK FOR NEW PICTURES
ELIM 3000 Generator
GO #88!
BOOOOOOOOOO 55 & 44!
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Turbo Diesel Dude
Green Mountain, NC
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Joined: 01/10/2005
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I believe you also have the nisan (?) six speed which is somewhat different from my 2500 six speed auto. Don't know what the difference is except for builder.
charles weidman
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Turbo Diesel Dude
Green Mountain, NC
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Joined: 01/10/2005
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Correction, that would ne the aisan(?) tranny.
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SkiDood
Peoples Republic of Minnesota
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Joined: 10/18/2002
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Turbo Diesel Dude wrote:I believe you also have the nisan (?) six speed which is somewhat different from my 2500 six speed auto. Don't know what the difference is except for builder.
I know the Aisan has a PTO. Not sure what I'd use it for, but it has one. I also think its more HD all around.
Late model wife
2002 Daughter
2005 Daughter
2007 Ram 3500srw 5.9L Cummins Laramie. QC Short bed.
2008 Crossroads Zinger 30RB 5th wheel.
18k Reese signature series slide hitch
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hamilton71801
L.A. (Lower Arkansas)
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Joined: 04/14/2004
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SkiDood wrote:Turbo Diesel Dude wrote:I believe you also have the nisan (?) six speed which is somewhat different from my 2500 six speed auto. Don't know what the difference is except for builder.
I know the Aisan has a PTO. Not sure what I'd use it for, but it has one. I also think its more HD all around.
I'd love to have a PTO onboard generator that you could just plug the camper up to when dry camping. That would be slick.
2003 299 TB Coachman SOA TT
2001.5 Dodge QC Shortbox 4x4 Auto Cummins
Quadzilla XZT+, Stage 3 Jammer Nozzles, BD J Hook
HTS Trans
Full Gauges
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1978 17' Glastron Carlson (115 Mercury, Hotfoot, completely restored)
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larry barnhart
wenatchee. wa usa
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Joined: 03/30/2001
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My neighbor has a 2000 3500 dually souped up to pull his tractor but the engine blew so he bought what the poster has and he agrees it is much better than the 3500 and it should be.
chevman
chevman
2001 35 ft avalon alpenlite RK
2005 3500 2wd duramax CC dually
prodigy
easyrider/reese airhitch
trailair center point suspension
JT Strong Arm Stabilizers
KSH 55 inbed fuel tank
Garmin 2720
scanguage II
TD-EOC
Induction Overhaul Kit
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