Hello everyone,
I am new to your site and I am looking to buy a newer truck this spring. I have been looking at what you guys refer to at the 3rd generation trucks, I have a few question I would like to see if I can get answered if possible. I have heard that the long wheel base trucks ride and tow better than the short will base trucks do. Any truth to this? Also what should I be looking for with these trucks, I have heard that the 5.9 liter engine gets good mileage, is this true?
I have noticed that some of the people have modified their trucks and while that is great, I am just looking for a good solid, reliable rig to tow with and do what i want to do with it. What is the reasons for all these modification? Any input you guys my have will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

Hi and welcome!

Yes - the longer and wider the wheelbase, the more stable/smooth the ride will be. In my experience, the newer the truck, the worse the mileage (this seems to vary from truck to truck). The cummins seems to be the best choice as far as all-around reliablity, mileage, and power. My 06 gets 16-17 empty and 12ish when I pull. Modifications are mostly for fun. You can greatly increase the power pretty easily. You can also gain some mpg's.

 

I am far from being a good source of info. However, I had scanned this site prior to buying my truck knowing that I was going to be using it primarily for towing a medium sized trailer long distances. Armed with info from these guys I purchased the truck in my signature (long wheel base, standard tranny, 4wd etc) and have never regretted it. I would have gone with an auto trans because city driving kills me but with the long highway runs I make, the standard was a better choice (slightly better mpg/less maint). On the occasions where I do wind up in a city without the trailer, parking the long wheel base can be a real pain.

 

Thanks guys, is there any years of trucks that are better then the others?
I am going with an automatic, I know the standard trasmission has a big following but I have not drove one in 20 years and no one else in the family can drive one at all. Is there any special place you guy have work done on the autos and are they really that bad?

 

Sounds like you listed this as a downside.

 

well most guys would consider this a good thing, just not for me.

Keep the infromation coming guys I need your help.

 

I would ask questions about this one in Lubbock, TX. (good price)

 

thank you sir, I will do that

 

Both of my trucks in my signature came from Dave Smith in Kellogg, Idaho (www.davesmith.com). They have some pretty good deals and their used trucks are incredible for being used.

My wife's '06 2500 QCSB rides way better than my '03 3500 QCSB did, and my '08 3500 QCLB SRW rides better than the '06 ..... so it really depends on what you're getting and how you want to use it.

I'm guessing you're at either Arifjan or Ali Al Salem ...... I'm just north of you at the deep water port in Umm Qasr.




Kris