lyvwire

My husband and I are going to be purchasing a used Dodge soon. I have read many posts on here and they have been very helpful however, some of the Abbreviations are harder to decifer. I was hoping that any one with something relatively close to what we want could let me know how their rig is running, mileage, how it tows, etc. We will also be purchasing a 35' approximate length, 5th wheel. We already know that we want a 3500 QC ETH/DEE, 2000 or newer. Are there years that were better than others? I only want to purchase this once (until I upgrade) so I am hoping to get this right the first time. The rig we purchase will be used for my husbands transportation to and from work and when we camp which won't be all that often (6x per year). ANY information given will be greatly appreciated.<br><br>Thanks!!<br><br>Tina in Oregon

Shovelhead

First off welcome. 8)

This might help with the abbreviations
from our Tech Facts section at the top of the page.
Definition of Terms

KATOOM

Welcome. I have a 2001 2500 and I love it. I have been reading that on newer years ('02 4x4 and '03 4x4) they changed some front driveline stuff which caused a vibration around 65 mph and also eliminated some features. Not sure why? Empty I get around 20 mpg. I towed around 10,000 lbs of wood last winter and got around 15 mpg. But I havent pulled the TT long enough to get a figure. From what I have read if you are going to pull big loads I would stay away from an auto, unless you want to put money into making it stronger. Hope you get one and good luck.

lyvwire

I know you guys have more information than this! Let me know what you think or offer information with regard to my previous post. I know there are alot of duallie lovers out there, I need your opinions.<br><br>Thanks,<br>Tina

ARAcummins

Welcome, good hunting, and watch out for that bombing bug, it well catch you sooner or later. I have a 01 one ton with a five speed. Love it. I run the wheels off of mine, loaded and emptey, had it for five monthes and put thirty thousand on it. I get about 20 mpg if your nice to her on the highway and about 15-16 in town. Depending on load and where I am at I can usually average about 15-17 pulling. Don't think you'll go wrong with one of these CTD.<br>Heath

rich

i've had an 01 and put over a 100k on it in a year all i had was the infamous 5th gear problem and the lift pump. it was a 4x4 3500 and it avg about 17 but i ran it around 75 or more . i have a 98.5 now it has a 161k on it and it has the 53 block. its the one that is 6mm thick instead 12mm and is supposed to be prone to cracking. If you are gonna tow i suggest on getting a std. a 4x4 is nicer to have then 2x4 my first was 2wheel drive and it got stuck a lot the 01 seems to be pretty good year. put alittle bit power mod to the motor and i believe you will be happy

mymaur

If you don't want or can't afford an 03, then get an 02, dually, extended cab and a manual tranny. Mileage will depend on rear gearing. 3.54 can expect around 20-23 highway, nor tow. Between 10-13 when towing.<br><br>I advise a dually when towing a 5 wheel because if you blow a rear tire, you don't loose the whole load. The 2nd wheel will save your bacon.<br><br>The only real grief I have with the 24 valvers are the noise. They are, in my opinion, pretty annoying. And I like a lot of turbo whine. But those 24's are just obnoxious. Not a good turbo whine. Just engine noise. My 2 cents.<br><br>Now the 03's are extremely quiet, will cost you about what a good 02 will cost, has bookoo power, over 300 HP with the High Output Motor. Also offers a 3.73 rear gear. Try and stay away from the 4.10 gear if your mileage conscious when not towing.<br><br>Hope this is of some help.<br>Gary<br><br>

mymaur

Thought of one other thing, just to give you a comparison. THere is an 02 Dually extended cab diesel at the local dealer with 25K on it. It's loaded to include leather. They can't give it away. They want $37K for it. You can buy an 03 dually, 4 door, diesel loaded for less with all their current incentives.<br><br>Food for thought.<br><br>Gary

PHONSE

[quote author=mymaur link=board=5;threadid=12380;start=0#118247 date=1048131051]<br>If you don't want or can't afford an 03, then get an 02, dually, extended cab and a manual tranny. Mileage will depend on rear gearing. 3.54 can expect around 20-23 highway, nor tow. Between 10-13 when towing.<br><br>I advise a dually when towing a 5 wheel because if you blow a rear tire, you don't loose the whole load. The 2nd wheel will save your bacon.<br><br>The only real grief I have with the 24 valvers are the noise. They are, in my opinion, pretty annoying. And I like a lot of turbo whine. But those 24's are just obnoxious. Not a good turbo whine. Just engine noise. My 2 cents.<br><br>Now the 03's are extremely quiet, will cost you about what a good 02 will cost, has bookoo power, over 300 HP with the High Output Motor. Also offers a 3.73 rear gear. Try and stay away from the 4.10 gear if your mileage conscious when not towing.<br><br>Hope this is of some help.<br>Gary<br><br><br>[/quote Dually may be good for towing but everyday driving, PARKING, I'll take the SRW, fuel mileage is better TOWING or not towing. The 410 is the only way to go with the 48re tranny just have to bite the bullet on the fuel daily driving, towing mileage is about the same towing, SRW, DUALLY,373 OR 410[/quote]