Hey folks we're getting ready to get back in the game. In a couple months we'll be in the market to start shopping for our hauler. The set-up we have decided on is a 2500/F250 with a Lance 825 (dry wt 1800 lbs). We're buying used & cash...NO financing! Most traveling will be around home since we're weekenders (not retired). I'm green and sucking up all the info I can get. So....
Tell me about the Chevy 2500HD. The good & the bad. Gas vs. Diesel? Tranny? Is there anything or years I should avoid?? I know there's tailgate issues...what other hidden secrets??
Ford folks same with you. Tell me what to avoid on the F250 & the goods.
Dodge peeps nothing personal I know it's a great truck but I just prefer the look of Chevy & Ford.
On a used Ford I would not buy diesel, come to think of it I would not buy diesel new either but thats just me. A late model F-250/350 with a V-10 would be sweet.
fla-gypsy wrote: On a used Ford I would not buy diesel, come to think of it I would not buy diesel new either but thats just me. A late model F-250/350 with a V-10 would be sweet.
fla-gypsy what years are you suggesting? My common sense tells me gas for our usage but I sure like the sound & power of diesel, LOL!
One thing very key is your budget of course. Gas is a lot cheaper than diesel, but then you pay that back in fuel cost.
fla-gypsy wrote: On a used Ford I would not buy diesel, come to think of it I would not buy diesel new either but thats just me.
Why? I love my truck. It's 10+ years old, still looks and runs great. A diesel will outlive, outhaul, and get better MPG than a gas engine. If picking at the negatives on the Fords, the '04s are the most twitchy because it was the first year of the 6.0L diesel.
And Chevy didn't get into the diesel game until long after Ford and Dodge had a proven track record.
And now we start the gas vs. diesel wars again....
Boatycall wrote: One thing very key is your budget of course. Gas is a lot cheaper than diesel, but then you pay that back in fuel cost.
fla-gypsy wrote: On a used Ford I would not buy diesel, come to think of it I would not buy diesel new either but thats just me.
Why? I love my truck. It's 10+ years old, still looks and runs great. A diesel will outlive, outhaul, and get better MPG than a gas engine. If picking at the negatives on the Fords, the '04s are the most twitchy because it was the first year of the 6.0L diesel.
And Chevy didn't get into the diesel game until long after Ford and Dodge had a proven track record.
And now we start the gas vs. diesel wars again....
And this is why I have no problem buying a used truck. As for gas vs diesel, that's just a matter of what's available when I pull the trigger. The camper won't come until next spring so I have plenty of time to wait for a good deal. The more the truck costs the further it pushes the camper back but I'm open to a point.
I'm really leaning towards a gasser and just want to know what years to avoid because of issues.
Forget a 3/4 ton from anybody! Get a 1 ton SRW. That 1800 "dry" number will blossom to 24-2500 pounds in a hurry and there is no way a 3/4 ton can handle that much without a lot of work.
Donn,Lorri,Max (The Rescued Lab)
Resident Know It All
That's true. A F350/3500 would be ideal. I'd still suggest a used Diesel truck, but if you are set on gas, then look for a Chevy 3500 with the 6.0 V8 or the 8.1 V8. Mileage will suck with either one, but that's the price to pay for having a large gas motor instead of a diesel.
I'm not a Ford guy, but you would also be happy with a 1999-2003 F350 with the 7.3 Powerstroke Diesel, or a 2005-2007 Chevrolet 3500 with the Duramax.
donn0128 wrote: Forget a 3/4 ton from anybody! Get a 1 ton SRW. That 1800 "dry" number will blossom to 24-2500 pounds in a hurry and there is no way a 3/4 ton can handle that much without a lot of work.
Seriously? So you're saying one of the lightest hard side TC's out there still needs to be on a One Ton truck? So how are all the rest of the folks here carrying a 4000# plus camper on their one ton? No sarcasm, just trying to understand the logic.
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