Nuclear Redneck
Adventurist
Not bad advice. Do you know of a place in San Diego that rents heavy duty trucks? I've seen the Home Depot trucks and U-Haul, but nothing else.
Seeing the Hawk sitting on Dave's Torque Wagon build is causing me to head down an alternate path. It looks to me that a Grandby Flatbed would fit on that flatbed. There would be no room for a tunnel box, but the advantage of having a 44 foot turning radius (crew cab shortbed) versus a 54 foot turning radius (crew cab chassis cab) is very appealing to me. If I stayed with the 6.4 Hemi, then I'd have 1000 lbs more payload available in the 2500 as compared to the Cummings. Might even be able to find a slightly used gas truck and save even more money.
Going with the Cummins would drive me to get the 3500 for payload reasons. Cost is about the same between the 2500 and 3500. I will admit to a real desire to have the Cummins. I'm just not sure if I will drive it enough to justify the money. Of course, this whole build is not strictly necessary, but whatever.True. But you will sacrifice fuel efficiency as well as lose the all important (IMHO) exhaust brake. A major need considering the loaded weight of these going down a steep grade.
Choices are fun
We'll see how the next promotion board goes. If I pick up the next rank, this build maybe my reward. Then again, if I don't pick it up, then it could be my consolation prize.
I will say this.. when I bought my 04 2500 cummins 12 years ago, brand new off the dealer lot, I didn't NEED a diesel. I had plans to tow maybe once a month.. but I wanted a diesel, so I ponied up for it. Sure it was more money to purchase and costs more to maintain, but the giant grin I still get from driving it after 12 years of ownership has made the extra costs 100% worth it. I say, don't settle for something just because it might be cheaper, and you can get by with it. Buy what you want, and be happy. If you want a diesel, buy one. I know I've never regretted my purchase in the last 12 years of ownership. I will own my truck probably until i die.
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Look at it as a retirement plan
Thanks. I'll get them a look.Try Enterprise Rent a Truck.
You've got valid points for the Hemi.
I really think you're going to tax the drivetrain with a heavy truck 24/7. From the GMC dealership side of the fence, I tell my customers if they're going to tow once a month or so, a gas engine will meet their needs perfectly. If they are towing once a week or better, diesel is the way to go. If I was you I'd look into renting one of each for a week. Figure out a way to load them with 1500#'s in the bed, and drive them like you plan on using your dream truck, see what you think.
Hey Nuc,
I'm not a dodge guy anymore (and would really be thrilled if I am wrong about this), but when I look at the Ram website you only get about 2,600lb payload on the Cummins-SRW, and you have to go to the dually to get above that. The SRW only has a GVR of 10K or so depending on the cab selected, and it's a lot of truck to have 4,480 left over.
All that said, I still need to go to a dealership and take a look at the stickers on the door jamb so I can see with my own eyes what they are leaving the factory with for payloads. Also, I'd really like to test drive a long bed with the air suspension right after test driving one with out it. I want to see how much of a difference there really is.Good enough. It sounds like you're getting better information than I am. I was using the "build and price" function on the website, and they often miss the mark. 4,670 is a hefty payload for a SRW truck. I'm jealous. That with a Cummins, a 52-gallon tank and a manual transmission would keep a grin on my face for a long time.