Chev 8,1 GAS or Dodge 5,9 Cummins diesel
#1
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Hi guys!! I need a new tow truck as I work with boats. I am looking at many different truck right now. Following is of interest:
2002 Chevrolet crew cab non-dually short bed with 340 hp 8,1 l gas engine converted to run on LPG (cheapest to run)
or
2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad cab non-dually with 5,9 Cummins in-line 6. 305 hp.
I need to tow boats up to 42 ft Fountains. What should I go for? I am a little tempted to go with gas as this is the big block. What is your opinion? I have tried the Dodge and I think that engine is superb with LOTS of power and is quiet and has a great and precise steering. Great for everyday driving without a trailer.
Also is a Dodge Ram 1500 2003 suitable for bigger trailers? What is the difference?
I have driven a 47 Fountain in USA with a trailer with a regular 2" 5/16 hitch and electric over hydraulic brakes. Is this safe with a F-550 Dually? What about a F-350?
THANK you!
Erik,
Norway
2002 Chevrolet crew cab non-dually short bed with 340 hp 8,1 l gas engine converted to run on LPG (cheapest to run)
or
2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad cab non-dually with 5,9 Cummins in-line 6. 305 hp.
I need to tow boats up to 42 ft Fountains. What should I go for? I am a little tempted to go with gas as this is the big block. What is your opinion? I have tried the Dodge and I think that engine is superb with LOTS of power and is quiet and has a great and precise steering. Great for everyday driving without a trailer.
Also is a Dodge Ram 1500 2003 suitable for bigger trailers? What is the difference?
I have driven a 47 Fountain in USA with a trailer with a regular 2" 5/16 hitch and electric over hydraulic brakes. Is this safe with a F-550 Dually? What about a F-350?
THANK you!
Erik,
Norway
#3
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dodge cummins....no other way around it. The gas BB will be ok for large boats, but will not pull like the the diesel. Nothing short of a 3/4 ton will do.
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8.1.
not even more thursty than the 5.9 but lots more power. I pulled a 12000lbs fifth wheel while someone followed with the dodge pulling 6-7000 lbs. same road, same day, same speed, except going up hill, I was faster. Ended the day with 115$ of fuel while dodge was 112$ but with half load and could not follow... simple and clear for me!
not even more thursty than the 5.9 but lots more power. I pulled a 12000lbs fifth wheel while someone followed with the dodge pulling 6-7000 lbs. same road, same day, same speed, except going up hill, I was faster. Ended the day with 115$ of fuel while dodge was 112$ but with half load and could not follow... simple and clear for me!
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8.1.
not even more thursty than the 5.9 but lots more power. I pulled a 12000lbs fifth wheel while someone followed with the dodge pulling 6-7000 lbs. same road, same day, same speed, except going up hill, I was faster. Ended the day with 115$ of fuel while dodge was 112$ but with half load and could not follow... simple and clear for me!
not even more thursty than the 5.9 but lots more power. I pulled a 12000lbs fifth wheel while someone followed with the dodge pulling 6-7000 lbs. same road, same day, same speed, except going up hill, I was faster. Ended the day with 115$ of fuel while dodge was 112$ but with half load and could not follow... simple and clear for me!
GO WITH THE DIESEL, unless you want to stop every 50 miles to fill up the 8.1!
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for dodge trucks check out www.cumminsforum.com classifieds/forum will get you all the info you need.
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I have an 2003 8.1 Yukon XL 2500 and a 2003 Dodge 2500 CTD 2500. The 8.1 is not a slug at all. I never towed the boat with the Dodge but I can say that everything about the truck except the engine is a complete piece of ****t. If you tow for a living, a diesel is probably the best choice, but I could never recommend a Mopar.