What size truck will be needed?
#31
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True, but Ford's are different. They have had complete evolution changes of their engines several times since 1999. Dodge has only had 1. GM has only had 1. The several evolutions of Ford's has put a lot of used ones on the diesels on the streets as folks move to the "better" diesel offering by Ford.
And, diesel price fluctuations as well as more powerfully rated gas engines have affected diesel truck prices over the past 4 years or so quite a bit; more than any other time I can remember.
And, diesel price fluctuations as well as more powerfully rated gas engines have affected diesel truck prices over the past 4 years or so quite a bit; more than any other time I can remember.
#32
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If you keep searching and stay patient, you'll find a killer deal. Several years ago ('09) I did the same and eventually found an '08 Silverado 2500 LT, with custom wheels, 6" lift and only 4000 miles for $34K. I bought it on the spot! I now have j73K miles on her and she's been a pleasure. The Duramax is incredible and the Fabtech lift is top notch. I drive her as a DD and I have never had a single issue. Drives great! With the Fords, you just have to be careful with the 6.0 Powerstroke. They have some issues that need to be addressed. But again, the deals are out there if you stay patient and keep searching.
#37
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Nate,
As others have said.... you never wish you bought a smaller truck. Driving a dually as a daily driver isn't that bad unless you live in a very densely populated area with lots of narrow streets. I have had several fords, one dodge and currently a 2011 GMC 3500 dually denali which is by far the nicest ride of the bunch. Its been dpf deleted, bigger exhaust, and tuner but I rarely put it above the mild setting and towing 15,000lbs from east coast to Colorado never went below 5th gear on the biggest of hills and averaged 14mpg.
Bought it with 33k on it in Dec for 45,000 (sticker is 66K) there are definitely some good deals to be had on diesel trucks right now especially in Texas and other midwest states where they are abundant.
I would stay away from the ford 6.0, if you go newer ford, be prepared for crappy mileage, The dodge 5.9 03-06 is an awesome motor but the auto tranny is weak, The duramax with some minor mods is hands down the best choice but also the most expensive.
Like I said... I have had every ford diesel from 7.3 on up, the dodge dually with 5.9, and would never go back.
I average 19 in town 23 empty on the highway, and 13-16 towing depending on load,wind,and terrain.
Good luck with boat and truck purchase!!
As others have said.... you never wish you bought a smaller truck. Driving a dually as a daily driver isn't that bad unless you live in a very densely populated area with lots of narrow streets. I have had several fords, one dodge and currently a 2011 GMC 3500 dually denali which is by far the nicest ride of the bunch. Its been dpf deleted, bigger exhaust, and tuner but I rarely put it above the mild setting and towing 15,000lbs from east coast to Colorado never went below 5th gear on the biggest of hills and averaged 14mpg.
Bought it with 33k on it in Dec for 45,000 (sticker is 66K) there are definitely some good deals to be had on diesel trucks right now especially in Texas and other midwest states where they are abundant.
I would stay away from the ford 6.0, if you go newer ford, be prepared for crappy mileage, The dodge 5.9 03-06 is an awesome motor but the auto tranny is weak, The duramax with some minor mods is hands down the best choice but also the most expensive.
Like I said... I have had every ford diesel from 7.3 on up, the dodge dually with 5.9, and would never go back.
I average 19 in town 23 empty on the highway, and 13-16 towing depending on load,wind,and terrain.
Good luck with boat and truck purchase!!
#38
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oh yeah, forgot to mention it rides like a car, has black leather interior with heated and COOLED seats, heated steering wheel, nav, ipod dock and control, manual override tranny, and on and on and on..
and your girl will love it too. It's like an escalade that can actually haul something.
and your girl will love it too. It's like an escalade that can actually haul something.
#39
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Nate,
As others have said.... you never wish you bought a smaller truck. Driving a dually as a daily driver isn't that bad unless you live in a very densely populated area with lots of narrow streets. I have had several fords, one dodge and currently a 2011 GMC 3500 dually denali which is by far the nicest ride of the bunch. Its been dpf deleted, bigger exhaust, and tuner but I rarely put it above the mild setting and towing 15,000lbs from east coast to Colorado never went below 5th gear on the biggest of hills and averaged 14mpg.
Bought it with 33k on it in Dec for 45,000 (sticker is 66K) there are definitely some good deals to be had on diesel trucks right now especially in Texas and other midwest states where they are abundant.
I would stay away from the ford 6.0, if you go newer ford, be prepared for crappy mileage, The dodge 5.9 03-06 is an awesome motor but the auto tranny is weak, The duramax with some minor mods is hands down the best choice but also the most expensive.
Like I said... I have had every ford diesel from 7.3 on up, the dodge dually with 5.9, and would never go back.
I average 19 in town 23 empty on the highway, and 13-16 towing depending on load,wind,and terrain.
Good luck with boat and truck purchase!!
As others have said.... you never wish you bought a smaller truck. Driving a dually as a daily driver isn't that bad unless you live in a very densely populated area with lots of narrow streets. I have had several fords, one dodge and currently a 2011 GMC 3500 dually denali which is by far the nicest ride of the bunch. Its been dpf deleted, bigger exhaust, and tuner but I rarely put it above the mild setting and towing 15,000lbs from east coast to Colorado never went below 5th gear on the biggest of hills and averaged 14mpg.
Bought it with 33k on it in Dec for 45,000 (sticker is 66K) there are definitely some good deals to be had on diesel trucks right now especially in Texas and other midwest states where they are abundant.
I would stay away from the ford 6.0, if you go newer ford, be prepared for crappy mileage, The dodge 5.9 03-06 is an awesome motor but the auto tranny is weak, The duramax with some minor mods is hands down the best choice but also the most expensive.
Like I said... I have had every ford diesel from 7.3 on up, the dodge dually with 5.9, and would never go back.
I average 19 in town 23 empty on the highway, and 13-16 towing depending on load,wind,and terrain.
Good luck with boat and truck purchase!!
I really do think a dually would be over kill in this area and for it's use. I am looking at loaded up GMC 2500's though. Found a few more good deals....I would have to say that is the current front runner.
We have talked though and since everything is happening at once (buying. A boat, truck, and a new house) we think we are going to pay for a few months of high and dry while we get our new home search done and settled. Not really what I want but prob what's best for the time.
Last edited by Nate5.0; 04-24-2013 at 07:27 AM.
#40
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Well Nate, if High and dry is an option, really look hard at the numbers. It just may not be worth the cost of a diesel boat-pulling truck. It is amazing what they really cost to buy and own, and the truck may be the most expensive get-the-boat-to-the-water option you have. That being said, I just can't stand the thought of not being able to pull my boat across the country if I want to, so I own one even though it is kind of foolish.
Another point: I can drive to my lake condo from my house in 2.5 hours. But it takes 5 hours if I have to stop and hook up the boat from storage, "pre flight" the trailer, tow it at reasonable speeds, launch it, park the trailer, etc., and boat to the condo from the ramp. You may find that rack storing your boat makes boating more fun and actually gives you more time and fewer tensions with the wife.
Another point: I can drive to my lake condo from my house in 2.5 hours. But it takes 5 hours if I have to stop and hook up the boat from storage, "pre flight" the trailer, tow it at reasonable speeds, launch it, park the trailer, etc., and boat to the condo from the ramp. You may find that rack storing your boat makes boating more fun and actually gives you more time and fewer tensions with the wife.