New Diesel Opinion

[Retiredsorta]

I have decided to upgrade to a 3/4 ton diesel 4 wheel drive (will also upgrade to a 5th wheel soon). After numerous hours of internet searching, it seems all of the big 3 are about the same price in the Houston area. Currently I have no opinion of which is best. Dodge Cummings is proven, Ford Power Stroke is very popular, Chevy Duramax highly recommended. So now I want to hear from the RV world. Please give your opinion and why (let the reply's begin!!!). Thanks in advance.

[mr.windows1]

I have a 2011 Ford F350 with the new 6.7 Powerstroke 62,000 on it since new pulling a 2012 Montana 3750fl, pulls like a dream and tons of power! No issues at all! Came over from a 2006 Chev Duramax, love the new truck and would recommend to anyone. Just my 2 cents, Good luck in your decision

[hankpage]

All three make good trucks. It comes down to which one YOU like best. This question gets asked more times than I can count. Go test drive all three. Don't stop just because you like the first one because you will ... be sure to drive all three then GO HOME and think about which one you like best and then buy any one of them. I have never owned a GM but have driven many for work, The last Ford I owned was in '76 and you can see my signature. I have to admit I like Cummins ... that is my story and I'm sticking to it. They all have their good and bad points. Good luck in YOUR search, Hank

[Dhuhn]

I have a 2012 2500 duromax. I really love it. The reason I went with Chevy is it seems a quieter diesel which I like, It has plenty of power for towing my 5er and I like the looks of the truck. I believe they are all good truck and you wont go wrong with what you decide to go with. Good luck with your decision.

[Festus2]

Originally Posted by Retiredsorta

Currently I have no opinion of which is best. Dodge Cummings is proven, Ford Power Stroke is very popular, Chevy Duramax highly recommended. So now I want to hear from the RV world. Please give your opinion and why (let the reply's begin!!!). Thanks in advance.

Retiredsorta -

Your question is pretty much the same as others who have asked exactly the same thing and the opinions you will get will probably be no different.
I am confident that you will get a variety of opinions each one expressing a recommendation that you should get X, Y or Z.

I would guess that, because of the number of members who have a Dodge or Ford, those two will come out as number 1 or number 2 followed by GMC.

To be quite honest, even though I have the GMC Duramax diesel, I would probably be just as satisfied with a Ford or Dodge. They are all good at what they do. There are also folks who, for all their RVing lives, have had nothing else but a Cummins and wouldn't look at a Ford or GMC. You will hear from them. Others are loyal to Ford or GMC.

At the end of all the this, I am not sure whether or not you will be any further ahead than before but good luck in trying to make sense of what will follow.

[Quad]

I agree drive all three, it really comes to preference. What you like best about them. All 3 in general will do the same work and do it well. There are things you'll like and dislike about all three. My preference is GM. The Duramax and Allison is a strong proven Combo for me. But the doesn't mean it doesn't have it's quirks. They all do. So happy driving!!! Don't give the sales guy your number till your ready to buy lol

[KanTC]

We own a Chevy, and have family (& friends) who own Ford & Dodge... and I agree with Hank & Festus:

All three make good trucks..... They all have their good and bad points.

At the end of all the this, I am not sure whether or not you will be any further ahead.....

Yes, there's even a previous discussion on the forum where some of us agreed, "IF we could combine features from all 3, it would be *the ultimate truck*".

Test drive all 3, and then buy what suits YOU best - you're the one paying for it!!

Terri, the Chevy co-pilot

[LittleJoe]

What year of truck you are buying has a bearing on what the issues Big or Small are with that particular model.
Also the length of time and mileage you expect to put on the vehicle as its owner.
If you are buying brand new and are likely to trade truck at or before you reach its warranty time and mileage limits then take your pick of the big 3.

If you are buying a used truck and will be your own warranty station then there is a lot more research needed into getting the best truck with the least cost of ownership over the long haul. Whether you do your own work or pay to have it done is also a large factor in overall costs.
If you are unable to keep and open mind while doing this, then buy the brand you like and good luck

[gearhead]

I have a strong preference for the GM seats! They have longer seat cushions and more leg support. Fords are like sitting on a milking stool to me.
Otherwise, they all have their good points and bad.

[KenBob]

Why did you choose the 2011 Bullet 278RLS over the other makes and models? Did it have the right floorplan? Did it have plenty of storage? The best deal?

Same with choosing a new truck if you have no brand preference. The only opinion that matters is yours.

[michol02]

I went with a Chevy simply because they made me a better deal than the other 2.

[Ken / Claudia]

Why a 3/4 and not 1 ton. Check out the price and what is different beween the two. Any 5th wheel will be carried better on the 1 ton and some you should not pull with a 3/4 unless you put tires that carry more wt. add springs or and air bags and than you have a 1 ton anyway.

[muddynoll]

Personally I would be looking at a 1 ton dually to tow a Fifth Wheel, but JMHO. I have had all three ,Ford ,Dodge , and GMC. I have liked them all, and all have had their own issues like anything else. When you pick out your new Fifth Wheel you will be looking for the floor plan and features that fit your needs and wants the most. Use the same approach to picking out a tow vehicle.

[SAABDOCTOR]

HI THERE! I have my helmet and flak jacket on! I do agree with others you really should look at a one ton. one day the DW will fall in love with a bigger camper,Trust me I know! As for which brand well like others have said they are all good and all have some issues. so have fun go road test them all. The one main reason i picked my Dodge is the straight six cummins. but when the time comes to replace it, well lets say i don't want to think about it. the v8's and the new emissions make them a project to fix down the road. I like simple. Good luck with what ever you buy and enjoy the camping!!

[mhs4771]

I agree with others, pick your brand. All three newer brands are much quieter than former years. I also agree to look at least the SRW 1 tons and if possible move up to a dually. When we decided to move up to a 5er we looked to upgrade our 1500 to a 2500 but couldn't find a 2500 with all the towing options, so was planning to order, then the Dealer offered a great deal on a new 3500 Dually they had on the lot with all the options we wanted for a better deal than ordering a 2500. Didn't really plan on a Dually, but really glad we did. Made looking for a 5er much easier as we could pull just about any except for the biggest/heaviest which were out of our price range anyway. You don't want to fall into the trap of spending hundreds, even thousands trying to make an undersized TV work with too much 5er.

[fred]

Think all 3 are good went with duramax because of allison trans. can`t be beat imo

Agree with everyone with going with dually only reason i did not truck is my everyday driver makes a difference imo.

[Drew Waller]

On my first 5er I used a 6.0 chevy long bed and my 5th wheel was 27' it was OK, but a gas hog. next I went to the 3/4 Ton HD Duramax short bed. Traded the 27' in for a 37' 5er. It pulled it fine but I couldn't stop the load quick enough. I traded for a new dually 1 ton in 2006 and I have been happy ever since. Rides better, Stops when I want to stop, no sway from semis passing me. I'm a happy camper. I only use this truck for pulling my Raptor 38'Toy Hauler. I have driven it on occasions to work or down town and I don't put myself in confined areas with it, but for pulling it's great. I like all 3 brands but I espically like a dually for my 38' Toy Hauler.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by Ken / Claudia

Why a 3/4 and not 1 ton. Check out the price and what is different beween the two. Any 5th wheel will be carried better on the 1 ton and some you should not pull with a 3/4 unless you put tires that carry more wt. add springs or and air bags and than you have a 1 ton anyway.

X2

If looking for a 5er in the future, look to a one ton (350/3500) at least SRW, if not DRW.
It is all about payload with a 5er.

[Jim W]

I would first decide on your 5er and then pick a truck to match your 5er needs. This may mean a 1 ton SRW or a DRW depending on trailer weight and king pin loading. When you start looking for your truck I would consider all three pick-up trucks and drive them first. See how they drive and how the ride feels, is the instrument layout what you like. Are the steering wheel control layout to your liking, all of the cab ergonomics may make a difference in your buying decision since you will be spending several hours a day in one as you tow the 5er and for daily driving.

Now I personnel would lean towards the Cummins/Ram trucks for several reasons. One the engine is a proven design has been around since the mid-80’s in one form or another of the “B” series engine. The Cummins makes it torque down low and the new torque curve on the 6.7L 2013 engine is amazing. These engines will develop full torque at 850 LB-FT @ 1600 RPM’s, the max HP is 385@2800 RPM’s with the AS69RC Aisisn (auto) transmission. The 3500HD has a new redesigned frame which allows a greater pay load rating and includes mounting for a goose neck/ 5er hitch also as standard there is a 7 pin connector in the bed when the tow package is ordered with a true brake controller.
Another reason is the cab ergonomics of the RAM I have driven the 2013 model and by far this is the best pick-up truck on the road today.
Jim W.

[GMcKenzie]

Originally Posted by fred

Think all 3 are good went with duramax because of allison trans. can`t be beat imo

I also think the Ally is the strongest of the three. But any one of them (except getting a Ford 6.0L) will do the job and keep you happy.