georgia peach

After researching IIHS crash test results and doing some looking over engine power and mileage results...I think I want a diesel. I'm also pretty positive I want a Dodge. It did much better on crash tests...I will sometimes haul 2 horses, but mainly drive around as a family vehicle. Here are my questions...<br><br>*Are there different choices with the Dodge diesel engine? <br>Which would haul two horses, but get the best gas mileage?<br><br>*Just what kind of mileage are we talking here?<br><br>*Anything else I really need to know? Thanks!!

GrandpasRam

You want to buy new or used? Do you need 4-wheel drive for any of the places you take your horses (2wd gets better mileage)?

georgia peach

I need a 4 WD for those times I get stuck out in the pasture...and I'll probably get a 2002 or 2003 Thanks

dodgeman01

if its going to be a family car then the 03 has more room in the back for the kids and adults to sit. I figure family truck means AUTO tranny. The 03/04 trucks have the 48re tranny which so far has held up better than the 47re. I think what would be great for you would be a 03 quad cab auto 4x4 with the HO engine. That comes with the 48re. I think a 2500 or maybe even a SRW 3500 would work good and still not be too big to drive in the city streets if need be.<br>DM01

GrandpasRam

Since I forgot a moment ago, Welcome to this site. I would recommend the 2003, in HO (high output). The HO costs a little more than the SO (standard output), but is well worth the money when towing. If you can drive a standard, the HO comes with a 6 speed, which I like very much pulling my 5th wheel RV trailer. If you can't do the standard shift, the 48RE transmission can be gotten with the HO. I went on a test drive of one the other day and was very impressed with how the auto operated, and have seen good comments on it here on this site. The 2500 will get better mileage than the 3500, but I have seen several people here getting very good mileage with the 3500 in both dually and single rear wheel options. One thing I would recommend after buying one is to put in the fuel pressure guage and pyrometer (boost guage is really optional but nice). I believe there is a local chapter of DTR in the Atlanta area, some of them are usually gald to help another CTD owner with such tasks. You can ask Larry Ellis (Top) or Jack Thorpe for the name and contact information of the local chapter president nearest you, then contact for assistance. One other thing I have found very useful is the Ebrake, but I don't think they have released them yet for the automatic transmissions. Hope this helps, Georgia Peach. Kepp us posted with what you finally end up with. You will be very pleased with these Cummins powered trucks. 8)

georgia peach

Hmmm....I'm only familiar with the chevy gear ratio...hauling two horses...sometimes but practically never three...with my suburban using a 3.7 ratio has never been a problem. Considered the 4.10, but the gas mileage took a beating. So if I go with the 2003 4WD 2500 48re (what is that?) and want the best mileage..where do I go from there?

GrandpasRam

In my signature you will see that I have a 3.73 diff ratio as well, and have no problem pulling my 5th wheel at all. I have seen that there is some, but not a lot, of difference in mileage on the 3.73 versus the 4.10 on these diesel engines, probably because they have enough torque to really drive the 3.73 far better than a gasoline engine. The 48RE is the automatic transmission that Dodge came out with for use with the HO diesel engine. I would say that the 2500 with the HO Cummins and 48RE transmission is a good match for what you are looking to do. Two horses should run about 3500-3800 #, and the trailer, I'm guessing here, about 4000 - 5000#, so you would run maybe 8500# tops. You can contact a local dealer, or some of the dealer sponsors on this site. Cummins Luke is one of them, located in Missouri if I recall correctly, and may have what you are looking for in stock. Several people here have bought that way, flying out to the dealership they bought from to take delivery. <br><br>Just be sure to get the towing package and trailer tow mirrors with the truck, like most folks here have done. You can PM (private message) Luke (Cummins Luke), but have to know the person's real name to do so, or look at his signature in some of the other posts (he used to be Luke S), and he has his dealership info in his signature, since his dealership is a site sponsor. Contact him by phone and he can steer you right. I have been impressed with the honesty of his posts on this site, and think he would be a good starting point.

georgia peach

Heh heh heh....ok, truth be told....my husband's been travelling quite a bit and I'm getting bored...so I'm selling all the cars. That's right ....all the cars. The '01 chevy suburban, the '94 ford f150 (with only 55k miles ) and the real kicker....the '97 red convertible hubbie bought before he married this lil' southern gal three years ago. (Don't worry...he agreed to the last one...reluctantly) He just doesn't know about the truck.... Seems to me an older ford for a TOO COOL diesel is a pretty good upgrade...right??? <br><br><br>I'll be doing this truck purchase on my own, most likely...what color do yall think looks good....and are there any must-have options?<br>

GrandpasRam

The trailering package and towing mirrors are a definite must! A bed liner is very nice (I prefer the spray-in type that shed moisture like the Line-x or Rhino). Yes, and older ford for a new Cummins is VERY COOL! 8) A few other options very desirable in the south: A/C, premium cloth seats (they breath better in the hot summer than leather does), SLT or Laramie packages that will include a lot of creature comforts and help retain resale value, tow hooks and &quot;protection&quot; package for 4 wheel drive, Ebrake for towing if it is available yet, remote keyless entry (I think this is one of the included things with the Laramie), cruise control is very nice.. overhead trip console is handy but not necessary.<br><br>As for color, my wife's favorite is pink, but I'm glad Dodge does not offer that . I think the Garnett Red is one of the prettiest, patriot blue is very nice as well. I have white because it does not show brush scratches from 4 wheeling off road like the darker colors will. Just do some looking around and see which color you like best and go from there. Good luck, and keep us posted. When hubby sees the new truck, he better have a big ;D ;D, or he just doesn't understand something essential??<br><br>Enjoy whatever one you decide on, and good luck.