Just thought I'd let you guys know that I was looking for a vechicle for a customer this morning and when using the vehicle locate feature on DealerConnect I noticed the 2008 model headings were just posted this morning. It showed the various differnt models that will be in the 4500/5500 series. In the regular cab there will be 60", 84", 108", and 120" cab to axles in both two and 4 wheel drive in either the 4500 or 5500. On the quad cab only the 60" and 84" cab to axle will be available in either two or four wheel drive in either 4500 or 5500. The six digit model code for the 4500 4x2 starts with DM4, and the 4500 4x4 starts with DM9. On the 5500 the 4x2 starts with DM5 and the 4x4 starts with DM0. The last three numbers vary depending on cab size and cab to axle.

 

Cool. Can't wait to see one.

 

What I don't understand is why Dodge is not promoting the release of the 4500/5500 trucks like its the end of the world? You would think they would really be driving at fords market share by touting the cummins over the Power Stroke....

I guess "Big" business just doesn't make sense to me.

Mike

 

I cant understand it either...when 4500/5500's hit the showroom floor, i'll be standing in line for trade.

 

As far as I understand they set the reveal date for March-1-07. Dodge and most all other manufacturers like to keep pretty tight liped about stuff until they get ready to do it. And besides, as much as all of us are interested in the 4500/5500 it is not going to be Dodge's bread and butter. It will be a fairly low volume model in Dodge's grand scheme of things.

 

I think Dodge might be surprised at the market size. 5th wheels keep getting heavier and heavier, and I think there are likely quite a few people who need more than a 3500 but want something that can also do non-towing errands easier than a big MDT.

There was a nice article in Trailer Life about Ford's F450 and I can see the attraction: Huge towing and payload capacity, factory gauges for boost EGT and tranny temp... After the 6.0, though, I think a lot of folks will be leery of that twin turbo cooled EGR particulate filter motor until it establishes a record of reliability.

GMC/Chevy's 4500 and 5500 are really cool, but they don't offer the creature comforts that most folks looking for an RV puller are looking for...

If Dodge does the 4500/5500 right, I think they will get a big market.

 

MAYBE WE'LL GET FLASH BACK!!! YAY


seriously, this is real good news. I do think dodge is scared this could go the way it did last time with the large truck industy plumting to nothing

Mike

 

This drawing popped up on TDR, but no article. It's a Sterling version of the 4500/5500. I didn't know until now that Sterling is under Freightliner, which is a DaimlerChrysler company.

I highly doubt that Sterling AND Dodge would release the virtually the same vehicle. Maybe so if the Sterling had a Detroit or some other diesel in it???

 

There isn't really an article that goes with the picture... it's more of a presentation http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/Proje..._patterson.pdf

 

That "Sterling Bullet" is SHARP, and would probably have a Mercedes in the engine bay...which after driving our 230hp version in out new M2, would suite me fine!

Chris

 

I think that grill looks awesome on that truck. I would have waited to buy this 07 knowing a 4500 was coming out. I want one bad.

 

Thanks for posting the Freightliner presentation. It takes on a different meaning when you see it from the source.

 

Did anyone else notice that the Sterling had a pickup bed on it? So, maybe the 4500 and 5500 won't be just a C&C but will have a pickup option as well to compete with the Ford?? Hmmmm....now if they would only do a Megacab long bed. I'd have my next 5th wheel toter.

Rusty

 

That was what I was thinking when I saw that picture.
Man I hate to say this, But I thought Sterling was owned by Ford

 

Here's part of the article way back in 1998 announcing the Daimler-Benz/Chrysler merger:
Ford sold its heavy truck business, which was rebranded as Sterling.

Rusty