Noob tow rig questions

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
Ok, I think I found one. I can probably talk him into trading me straight across for my taco, I just need some guidance as to whether or not that's a good idea:

2002 Ram 2500. 6 speed cummins, 4x4, extended cab, 115k, no chip, no lift, just stock stuff. It's super clean. What do y'all think? Anyone want to take a look at it with me tonight? It's in Payson. I wish it were a short bed, but it's so clean that I can live with it. I'm sure I'll just have to get used to not making U-turns in it.

Oh, and it has cloth seats, so no bun warmers Chandler :(

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SmokinCamel

Went from 80" to 125" :)
Location
Salt Lake City
You can make U turns. It just take a few tries lol. I never thought I would use a long bed, But I was wrong. And the long bed is alittle more stable when towing. A friend of mine used mine and then used another friend's short bed. Towing the same thing, and ther was alittle difference. Ehh just fart a few times, it will warm your bum :p
 

redneckbronco

Active Member
Location
Provo
Thats to bad, bcuz thats the truck you want man. Cummins is the only way, I could pull my dump trailor over full with 4ft side racks on it filld to the hilt with roofing and have more power than id ever use.
 

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
I don't know if "cummins is the only way", but it seems like a good option. It just goes to show that people aren't loyal to dodge, they're loyal to cummins. I'd like that truck up above, i think it'd work out nicely. one minute he says he'd be interested in trading, the next minute he decides he has to pull his horses behind.
 

LT.

Well-Known Member
That is a great canidate for a tow rig. One that has not been modified with items that would bring up the EGT's or cause damage to the motor. Low miles, no lift, long bed, and the manual tranny all make it a winner as well. When you go to look at a tow rig take a close look at a few things. First, the brake pedal. This will tell you how the miles were racked up. Lots of wear on the brake pedal pad would show that the truck was driven in town a lot. Little wear would show more high way driving. Check out the bed. See if there has ever been a fifth wheel hitch or goose neck hitch. Are there scratches in the bed? If so then how deep and how many? This would also go a ways to show how the truck was used. This will tell you, to some degree, how heavy the truck has hauled. Check the wear in the receiver hitch. This would show how much the truck has had a hitch installed, and possibly how often it has been used. If the hitch has some scratches inside but is maybe a little rusty then it may not have been used much lately. If the insides are polished then it may have been used frequently. Also check for dents in the rear bumper above the hitch. This may show that who ever was using the truck as a tow rig may have done so very sloppy. Did not know how to back up to the trailer or may have forgotten to latch said trailer. Do a cold start on the truck. See how well she turns over cold. Of course check the usual stuff as well.

LT.
 

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
I'm going to look at it tomorrow. He claims he's still interested in trading, but I think he's just trying to get me down there to look at it.
 

BCGPER

Starting Another Thread
Location
Sunny Arizona
Excellent tow rig, and probably the worst commuter rig you could ever purchase..

So, what is it you want? Tow rig, or commuter? The two are NOT the same. You're paying a premium for that truck, and may never "use" it. Hell, a half ton Chebby will tow your Toyota just fine, and you'll get twice the truck. You just wont get to beat on your chest like a "real" truck owner...
 

jentzschman

Well-Known Member
Location
Sandy, Utah
Steve, that is a sexy truck!

The only other thing I would say is look for one with 4 doors, full side doors.

I know you dont have kids, but it still so useful.

Just saying.

But other then that, that is a great truck. You get my vote for it.
 

BCGPER

Starting Another Thread
Location
Sunny Arizona
I would NEVER recommend a half ton, but it "would" do what you need and I have done as have many have done it fine. My thing is, you've been all over the place with this. A diesel that sees one mile a day is going to kill you on maintainance. A gasser, less. A diesel seeing 1 mile a day will get worse mileage than a gasser, and you'll be paying more for that fuel. So, which is it you want?

Sell the Toyota, then TEST some trucks instead of asking for oppinons and web-wishing. Remember, oppinions are like assholes, eveybody has one.
 
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sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
I would NEVER recommend a half ton, but it "would" do what you need and I have done as have many have done it fine. My thing is, you've been all over the place with this. A diesel that sees one mile a day is going to kill you on maintainance. A gasser, less. A diesel seeing 1 mile a day will get worse mileage than a gasser, and you'll be paying more for that fuel. So, which is it you want?

Sell the Toyota, then TEST some trucks instead of asking for oppinons and web-wishing. Remember, oppinions are like assholes, eveybody has one.


Yes, I've been all over the place with this, I'm learning. I obviously don't know what I want, but I'm getting closer. I'm trying to find out what I want, give me a break. I will TEST some trucks, but it can't hurt to do some research first. A week ago I had no clue what I needed. I'm still not 100% set on which vehicle will be best for me, but I'm definitely learning. If my "web wishing" is bother you, stay out of this thread. No need to jump down my throat for asking questions in my own thread.
 
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BCGPER

Starting Another Thread
Location
Sunny Arizona
If you took it as me jumping down your throat, I'm sorry about my internet persona. What I'm say is only YOU can decide what YOU need. Forget the "want" part. We all want to smoke the tires at evey light, get 45 MPG while towing, and spend no money keeping it together.


So, after 14 pages it's in your court. What do you want? What do you need?

(And as you requested, I'm out, good luck)
 

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
I think I'd be happy with any of the following:

'01-'04 Dodge cummins diesel 2500 with manual tranny
'01-07 4-door chevy duramax (extended cab ok)
'07 and up 5.7 tundra
2001-2007 Chevy/GMC with the 8.1L motor (suburbans ok too)

I'll just be looking for the right one that's clean.
 
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