Hey all,

Brand new in the diesel world, but I need some real help in selecting a diesel truck. From all my research, I've decided on buying a Dodge CTD 2500 4WD. In retirement, I plan on towing a 30-34 foot 5th wheel and see some of this country before I check out of Hotel Earth. I'd also like to install an auxiliary tank and system to burn WVO to help on the fuel costs (Please no discussion about WVO). With all that said, I doubt if my wallet is going to let me pop for a new one; can anyone steer me to a good year range of Dodge CTD truck, with auto trans so my wife can share the driving duties, to purchase. And let me know what to stay away from.

Thanks in advance,
Tellicorick
Huntsville, AL

 

Hi and welcome to the forum. I don't know what your budget is, but you might consider a new one with all the promotions going right now, employee discounts etc. I am sure you will be happy with whatever truck you choose. Since you are talking about pulling a fairly heavy 5th wheel you might consider a Single Rear Wheel 3500 truck for the extra GVW rating. The 2003 and up trucks have a 9900 GVW rating vs. 8800 on the 2500 trucks. That may come into play depending on the tongue weight of your 5th wheel. The pulling power would be the same regardless. Good luck and happy hunting for your new Cummins powered Ram.

 

If you are going to be pulling that big 'ol trailer, have you considered a dually? I think you will be happier with the way it handles the big 5er.

But then again, what the hell do I know?

 

Guys,

Thanks for your quick response! I think I'll begin my search on the 3500 single axle CTD and see what I can find. Budget- well, mama is certainly going to have a great deal of input to this and maybe we need to look at a smaller 5th; but absolutely no bumper pulls.

 

Look in the hertz used car lots. I bought my 03 in one with 175 miles on it. I got a great deal. The truck was manufactured 10/02 and i bought it 12 /02. I think what happened (i was told this) the dodge dealer let someone take the truck on a weekend and the financing didn,t go through. They took the truck back on monday, its now a used truck. The hertz dealer told me to give him a week and he could find any vehicle i wanted, price ,color ,miles. Last year my daughter needed a car, i called him told him she had 7000 and wanted a low mileage mid size car. He called back with a 2002 ford escort 22,000 miles . It still had warranty untill 36,000. The heartz dealer i have done bussiness with is in twin falls idaho. I am sattisfied with there service. Hope you find what your looking for.

 

You better look for a dually with all the weight you may have. That trailer with all the trimmings and your plan for aux tank will make you heavy. You need to be able to hold the pin weight of the trailer. Even with a SRW 3500 you will only have a payload of about 2500lbs depending on your options

 

if you dont mind taking a little drive to look,,,james oneal dodge in bremen georgia(bremens right across the state line on i-20) is gonna be your biggest selection of new and used dodge diesels.they have the cheapest prices in the southeast that i could find.i couldnt find anybody else anywhere in alabama that would touch their price......just remember you will have to pay taxes on the truck here when you get a tag for it.you will not pay any taxes on it at purchase out of state..........bama

 

My dream truck is a crew cab short bed 4X4. However, there's nothing worse than being in heavy wind while being passed by big rigs on a sweeping freeway turn. Scarey!! Your going into retirement and you don't want to wish you'd have bought the dually.

p.s. The 4.10 increases GCWR by 1000 lbs

 

Actually, having a 4:10 gear instead of the 3:73 increases it by 2000lbs, from 21,000 GCWR to 23,000 GCWR. Those figures are the same whether you have a 2500, SRW 3500 or a dually.

The GVWR is 8800 on the 2500 truck, 9900 on the SRW 3500, and I think 12,200 or so on the Dually. The spring packs and frame are the same, but the SRW 3500 is limited against the dually because of the tire weight ratings. 2 vs. 4

And the only difference between the 2500 and the SRW 3500 is the overload springs which up the GVWR by 1100lbs.....but not more than that because of tire limitations.

Anyway, your truck will weigh in the neighborhood of 7500-8000lbs. Just subtract that from GVWR to see what your max pin weight is to be in legal limits. JKitterman is right.............if your pin weight is going to exceed 2500lbs, then you may need to look at duallys. Otherwise, the SRW 3500 should do fine. Good luck.