Decisions on new 4x4 dullay diesel truck

[B3Dcampers]

We currently have a 2008 Chevy 3500 diesel, 2wd dually. We are wanting to get a new dually as my husband will soon be retiring and we will hit the open road ! We are considering Dodge Ram, never owned a Dodge before! Please tell us what diesel dually you use and your fuel mileage. Thanks in advance.

[notanlines]

Any of the big three will serve you well. The Ram will likely come in best price. But if you’re concerned about mileage you might think three or four times about what you’re doing. They will all be in the area of 9-11 towing and 17-19 open road non-towing. On occasion some might break 20 but in real time they aren’t running 75.

[travelin texans]

I've owned 2 GMC Duramax/a Allison's driving 300k+ between them & towing approximately 150k between them with no major issues other than a couple recalls.
My son has had a couple Rams & had no issues with either.
Not a Ford fan, but I'm definitely in the minority as every rv forum they all suggest FXXX, driving & towing with them for 30 years at work & never won me over, I would have to say stay with another GM, the Duramax/Allison is tough to beat or go with the Ram.
Doubt there's enough difference in mpg between any of the big 3 to be noticable, towing or empty. My recommendation is to sit in all 3 & which feels the best to your cheeks & has whatever equipment you want/need is the one to buy or the one the DW likes the color of the best.
Always been a GM guy, but to be honest if I were to go looking today my 1st stop would be the Ram dually mega cab short box with the air assist rear axle & 3:73 gears. My neighbor has one & it's a great looking truck.

[dutchmensport]

I love my truck. See my signature block below. I get 10 mpg towing, about 15-16 not towing. I use tow mode and exhaust brake when towing, no matter the terrain, flat or mountains.

[jasin1]

Love my new Ram...and the mileage with a 6.7 diesel is between 9-11 towing...can’t remember mileage while driving because it sits most of the time....you can’t go wrong on any of the big three..all gonna have similar fuel mileage ...Ford and Chevy have the 10 speed transmission now I believe ..possibly a little better mileage

[gearhead]

I wanted the Cummins engine so I got a RAM. it's a good truck. I have a bit over 40,000 miles on it, no problems.
I would definitely get the optional 55? gallon fuel tank.
I wanted, and got, the 3.73 rear end ratio. Then later we up sized to the Landmark. I sometimes think the 4.10 rear end may have been a bit better.

[rhagfo]

Well we had a 2001 Ram for eight years purchased after being a Ford guy for about 45 years, wanted the Cummins. Well the wrapper was as good as the engine, bought used at 234,000 miles sold at 315,000. Now have 2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW CTD 6.7 HO, Aisin with 3.73’s get about 11 mpg towing 13,000# and up to 18 mpg empty. Bought used at the end of 2018 with 27,000 miles, and now at 60,000 miles. Like the trucks.

[jfk69]

Take them all for a test drive and buy the one that suits you best. They will all do a great job. There isn’t a diesel out there by the Big 3 that won’t be up to the task. I’ve always said, the best Frankenmobile would be a Cummins motor with a Ford body and Chevy’s Allison transmission. But since Ford and GM are now jointly producing the 10 speed transmission, and it’s only “certified” by Allison, I’d say it’s a GM/Ford transmission. So....I’ll disagree with Danny and say that a Ford or Ram are my top choices. I have more “firm” preferences, but they are just that. Yours may be different.

[cynnich]

We loved our Chevy but when we had to replace it was hard to find a dually. Currently have an F450 and it tows great. 4 years old. So far so good.

[Wing-in-it]

I have the Ram with the HO, Aisin and 410 rear. Get 8-9 mpg towing a 14k Toyhauler. And 13.5 empty. Came from an ‘08 Duramax 2500 got 9mpg towing and 17 empty. To me the stability and unbelievable torque of the Ram is worth it. Great truck for sure!

[BookPaul74]

As I expected to a friend that has a Ford C-Max Hybrid you don’t drive a one ton diesel crew cab dually King Ranch and worry about fuel mileage. It’s about it doing the job and being reliable. Mine’s a 2013 and gets around 9-11 towing.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by Wing-in-it

I have the Ram with the HO, Aisin and 410 rear. Get 8-9 mpg towing a 14k Toyhauler. And 13.5 empty. Came from an ‘08 Duramax 2500 got 9mpg towing and 17 empty. To me the stability and unbelievable torque of the Ram is worth it. Great truck for sure!

X2
Yes get the Ram with the HO/Aisin package.

[Jim2366]

I would get a Ram! Be sure to get the Aisin transmission. The payload on mine is 5455 lbs and 1,000 torque. When pulling the mpg has averaged 10. I picked the 4.10 gear ratio.

I saved money by getting a tradesman and used the savings to get what makes it pull the 5th wheel. Kind of regret not getting the Bighorn.

[E Rod]

Originally Posted by B3Dcampers

We currently have a 2008 Chevy 3500 diesel, 2wd dually. We are wanting to get a new dually as my husband will soon be retiring and we will hit the open road ! We are considering Dodge Ram, never owned a Dodge before! Please tell us what diesel dually you use and your fuel mileage. Thanks in advance.

I have a 2021 F350 Lariat FX4 diesel with the 4.10. Just pulled my 40ft ,6 slide, Alpine from El Paso,TX to Tucson, AZ. Got 13 mpg at 67 mph. Crazy thing truck never down shifted from 10th gear even when going uphill. Never even missed a beat. I've owned Chevy, GMC,RAM,and FORDS. Ford has been good for me. 2002,2011,2013, (2)2016,2018,2019,2021,and now 2021 with the 10 speed tranny.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by Jim2366

I would get a Ram! Be sure to get the Aisin transmission. The payload on mine is 5455 lbs and 1,000 torque. When pulling the mpg has averaged 10. I picked the 4.10 gear ratio.

I saved money by getting a tradesman and used the savings to get what makes it pull the 5th wheel. Kind of regret not getting the Bighorn.

Well we have creature comforts, we full time our Ram is our only vehicle. Our Laramie 3500 DRW 3.73's has leather, heated and cooled seats, it also came with a sunroof, payload 5,411#, sorry for 44#, I will take the comforts.

Ours has a towing capacity of 25,211#, that is a lot of pulling power. We may look at a small DVR in the future, 20,000# GVWR.

It isn't that a Tradesman is that bare bones any more, I just wanted a drives power seat. We ended up with both drivers and passenger power seat.

[wiredgeorge]

I drive a clunker Ford which gets 43 mpg over tall mountains and think Ford trucks enhance the good looks of the driver! Seriously, you are just taking a poll of what everyone drives because everyone thinks their truck is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I think someone told you off the bat that all of the big three produce competent duallies. Every year each OEM tries to outdo the others with "best in class" this or that and touts features no serious owner would really base a buying decision on.... Chevy has the best rear cameras in class; Ford has a truck that backs itself up; and Ram... well most macho in class.

[Jim2366]

It is good that Chevrolet, Ford and Ram compete. We get a better and better trucks. Honestly I and happy for people that have the best of the best. Especially if it's a Ram. Lol.

[ACJCF2]

My second RAM Diesel is a 2018 3500 DRW, ect. I wouldn't have it any other way. I get about 9 mpg towing and 18 mpg light.

[Sokcap48]

We bought a 2014 Ram dually SB in 2016 with 10K on it. Travel 3-5 months a year have had zero problems. I agree check out all of them, then you will know you made the right decision for you. If I could have found one I would have bought a 2 wheel drive. MPG. Real mileage pulling average 10-12 mpg.
We live in the west and do mountain and Deseret driving.

[jamtracy]

We have a 2021 GMC Denali Dually. It is absolutely beautiful. The 15 camera views are awesome.
We ordered it so we can have the options we wanted.
Good luck with whatever you decide.