Moving up from a Frontier.

[js9234]

I read it perfectly. I would absolutely recommend the truck I previously stated. Mid $30K's can get you a new truck. Not sure where you're getting your info from. Diesel and 3/4 ton makes perfect sense. The 6.4 is a good motor too so that's a choice if he wants to go gas. The factory tires on the new Rams are 33's so going up two tire sizes isn't gonna hurt anything. They look like they should've came from the factory that way and fill the wheel wells perfectly.

I'm not sure if you misread the guy's post, but would you really recommend a 3/4 ton diesel on 35's for someone that only needs to survive beach trips and logging roads? Mid $30k's will get you a diesel with 100k+ miles. Mid $20k, you've got a gas truck with 40k miles. $10k difference. He'd wear out both trucks before he broke even. Diesel and 3/4 ton just doesn't make sense to me in this scenario.
_
He did mention "camper" and shows pictures of some DIY lightweight set up. That's what I assume he meant. If he's talking Alaskan or something else of that size/weight, then a 3/4 ton makes sense.

 

[p nut]

I read it perfectly. I would absolutely recommend the truck I previously stated. Mid $30K's can get you a new truck. Not sure where you're getting your info from. Diesel and 3/4 ton makes perfect sense. The 6.4 is a good motor too so that's a choice if he wants to go gas. The factory tires on the new Rams are 33's so going up two tire sizes isn't gonna hurt anything. They look like they should've came from the factory that way and fill the wheel wells perfectly.

When I was shopping for a new truck last year, I was just browsing the diesel section. I couldn't find anything under $45k new--for a Tradesman, crewcab, 4x4 (which is barebones base model, which may not be the best thing for this guy's driving needs). Maybe that's changed now.
_
Regardless, what tangible benefit would there be in a 3/4 ton/diesel platform for this guy? You've yet to explain WHY you would recommend a rig that would be more expensive to acquire and more expensive to operate, other than it would look good.

 

[plainjaneFJC]

If the OP isn't stuck on a 3/4 ton, I wonder if an F150 with the 2.7 ecoboost wouldn't be the best choice. I imagine it would be much cheaper to operate on the highway.

 

[Comanche Scott]

This is all subjective, but I've not been in a modern day full-size truck that wasn't comfortable. 3/4 tons may ride rougher than 1/2 tons, and diesels had more cabin noise than gas, but they were all trucks I could drive all day in comfort. There were definite differences in seats, driving position/dynamics, etc. (in full disclosure, I am pretty tolerant and can be comfortable driving a Civic across country), but that has nothing to do with the type of engine.

Totally agree, it is all subjective.
I've found the vehicle that lasts in my fleet the longest is the one that puts a smile on my face every time I see it.

 

[js9234]

You can get good deals at Dennis Dillon. They're one of the biggest Ram dealers in the country. They have some for internet sale price around $39K before you talk them down and get rebates. Tangible benefit? If he's driving over 35K a yr with a load or trailer, a diesel would be a good choice for longevity and mpg depending on what he's pulling or how heavy he's loaded down. Not saying gas trucks cant reach high miles at all. I know the modern ones last a very long time as well. He originally asked about a 3/4 ton diesel and I gave my opinion on them. You're asking a silly question. The op asked the original question and wanting a 3/4 ton with a Cummins and I answered him. You act like I'm saying he HAS to get one.

When I was shopping for a new truck last year, I was just browsing the diesel section. I couldn't find anything under $45k new--for a Tradesman, crewcab, 4x4 (which is barebones base model, which may not be the best thing for this guy's driving needs). Maybe that's changed now.
_
Regardless, what tangible benefit would there be in a 3/4 ton/diesel platform for this guy? You've yet to explain WHY you would recommend a rig that would be more expensive to acquire and more expensive to operate, other than it would look good.

 

[js9234]

They are both good platforms. The big thing is if you want to go with a bigger tire at anytime in the future. In a 3/4 ton with a Ram you can get away with a much larger tire without a lift. With Chevy and their square wheel wells you would need a decent sized lift and they sit lower to the ground. In a 1/2 ton you can't go wrong with the old 5.3 in the Chevy. That motor lasts a very long time. I would probably go Chevy if I chose a 1/2 ton. Too bad they don't put the 6.2 in more trucks. That thing is a beast.

Alright alright. I surrender. No diesel for me. Chevy vs Dodge 1/2 or 3/4 ton debate anyone? That Chevy mileage is pretty enticing but the Dodge.... Looks pretty.

 

[p nut]

If the OP isn't stuck on a 3/4 ton, I wonder if an F150 with the 2.7 ecoboost wouldn't be the best choice. I imagine it would be much cheaper to operate on the highway.

Hey, I'm not going to disagree with you there. The only thing I would change is adding a payload package that takes the GVWR to 7k lbs (mine's at 6.5k lbs), which typically results in a payload at 2k lbs. But as far as operating costs go, an N/A 3.5L V6 would be cheaper and do everything this guy needs. But I will say the twin turbo's make the high elevation mountain passes and freeway merges a joy.

 

[justbecause]

I read it perfectly. I would absolutely recommend the truck I previously stated. Mid $30K's can get you a new truck. Not sure where you're getting your info from. Diesel and 3/4 ton makes perfect sense. The 6.4 is a good motor too so that's a choice if he wants to go gas. The factory tires on the new Rams are 33's so going up two tire sizes isn't gonna hurt anything. They look like they should've came from the factory that way and fill the wheel wells perfectly.

Ram trucks dot com. build a price

"2016 RAM 2500 TRADESMAN CREW CAB 4X4 6'4" BOX" add a diesel and your sticker is $48,800 and there are currently 4500 dollars in "factory cash back" available.

base price on the $38500, then you add 4x4, then almost 9 thousand more dollars to get a diesel. After you fork out almost nine thousand dollars for the oil burner you get the opportunity to fill the DPF tank and pay more per gallon at the pump.

 

[p nut]

Totally agree, it is all subjective.
I've found the vehicle that lasts in my fleet the longest is the one that puts a smile on my face every time I see it.

Very true! I'm sure that JKUR is easy on the eyes.

 

[Nathaniel0712]

I paid 7k for my rust free 7.3 manual 4x4 2001 super duty. It had 250K miles on it and ran like a top. It looked nearly new. I had to fly to texas to get it but it was on cl. I have put about 4K into it however the suspension, steering, brakes, tires, glow plugs, batteries etc have all been replaced with top quality parts. I have had it about a year now and it has 270K miles and I have no regrets as the truck is still worth what I have into it consider the condition and geographical location. I'd recommend sticking with an older diesel otherwise the ford/chevy gassers can't be beat.

 

[F350joe]

I agree with Nathaniel. Look for a pre 2003, low use, 7.3 Ford or 5.9 dodge diesel and be done. 190k on my 7.3 and she purrs, gets 17mpg cruising at 75 with a lot of gear. I can put my camper on, hook up the boat, and pass people going up mountains, while still getting double digit gas milage.

Sure, a eco boost could do it but not like a diesel, not even close. Another VERY important thing to consider is re sale value. You will sell the truck one day. One will get you scrape metal prices the other (pre smog) diesel could be worth more. Diesel fuel is always the cheapest stuff at the station here in the West.

 

[5HUB]

Ford Excursion 7.3 or 6.0 4x4

 

[p nut]

 

[js9234]

Maybe you should look at dealerships like Dennis Dillon instead of using a Ram website because you CAN get them for mid $30K's. And you don't fill the DPF tank, you fill the DEF tank which gets around 1000 mpg. A Ford 7.3 is a good choice too as long as it hasn't been abused and are getting harder to come by and a Dodge 5.9 is a good choice as well but people want an arm and leg for them right now. I'm not brand loyal and have likes and dislikes for all of them.

Ram trucks dot com. build a price

"2016 RAM 2500 TRADESMAN CREW CAB 4X4 6'4" BOX" add a diesel and your sticker is $48,800 and there are currently 4500 dollars in "factory cash back" available.

base price on the $38500, then you add 4x4, then almost 9 thousand more dollars to get a diesel. After you fork out almost nine thousand dollars for the oil burner you get the opportunity to fill the DPF tank and pay more per gallon at the pump.

 

[gtbensley]

Fords 2.7 Ecoboost would be a great fit in the F150. Gets good mileage, wicked smooth and quite with decent fuel economy and can have a decent payload. If the guy has been using a frontier but wants more space he probably doesn't need a 3/4 diesel truck to accomplish this.

The F150 will pull a car easily when needed and they are very reliable. Plenty of the 3.5 ecoboosts with 350K + miles on them and no issues and I imagine the 2.7 will not be any different.