Buying a new tow vechicle, 2wd of 4wd?

[red68prostreet]

I feel like adding my 2 cents worth. I have owned a Dodge, Ford and presently a 2010 GMC Sierra. All have been 4x4's. The GMC has been the best truck I have ever owned to date with 45,000 miles. My Ford was a 2003 F-250 7.3L Diesel which was a great truck I sold to my son. We use that truck when making long trips as there is nothing like a Diesel for towing. I would like to forget about the Dodge as it was a money pit on repairs.
My son is a mechanic and he specializes in suspensions. The most costly truck to repair is a Dodge followed by Ford then GM. I love the look of the Dodge Ram. If you could put the body on a GM frame and still keep the price in line sign me up.
The only thing I would do differently of my GMC would be to have gone with the 6.0L vs the 5.3L I have now. My buddy has the same truck as mine but has the bigger engine. He gets the same mileage pulling his boat as I do but has a bit more power which helps on hills, etc. Maybe i'll run into a few of you at the show. I'm going thurs at 3:00 PM but my go again on sat. Later

[Rodz]

I can't imagine being without 4wd. I don't need it often but there have been times when 2wd just wouldn't do it. I started buying Fords in 1987. I've had several and I've never had a trans problem or any driveline problem and many miles were pulling heavy loads. And, I drive the crap out of them. Hard to beat Fords durability.
Bob

[LGMOUTH]

4 wheel drive, you wont regret it.

[djkimmel]

The 4 wheel drive part seems like a frontrunner anyway.

[Redbone]

I thought about this post this morning when I hit the button. 

[Waterfoul]

Exactly... I thought of this post too as I was just driving to work thru snow and ice without a care in the world.  Point and shoot driving!!  4x4 rocks!!

[Jay-MadWags]

I'd rather have a bicycle than a Dodge...      ....but if you must buy one of those get 4x4.  Doubt that weak stinkin motor can pull a boat anyway, but you may as well look good with 4x4 when the Chevy pulls you out.   

You warned me Dan! lol

I will warn you too.  Dodge Ram is one of the easiest trucks to steal.  My Uncle Dave (MadWags) had two stolen right out of his driveway in Grosse Pointe Woods.  If you still want a Ram 1500 (and not a bicycle) get a 4x4.

[peters_skeeter]

Well, took the plunge and traded the dakota in. Got a 2012 ram 1500 4x4 express. Black. Super excited, can't wait to see how much better it tows than the dakota. All the Ram hatters have to admit the power of a hemi is a big step up from a dakota. With the majority of you guys dead set on 4wd, I took your advice, I'm sure now i'll be in a situation that calls for it. thanks! Happy towing!

[Mojo]

I'd rather have a bicycle than a Dodge...     ....but if you must buy one of those get 4x4.  Doubt that weak stinkin motor can pull a boat anyway, but you may as well look good with 4x4 when the Chevy pulls you out.  

I went to cars.com and read the reviews of all Full size trucks. Seems the RAM was rated highest 2 years in a row now (4.9 of 5.0) with 26 of 26 recommending it to a friend, and those 11 awards the truck won last year must not count for much either. Cant figure out why 2011 and 2012 reviews have Fords and GMC trailing RAM ? I dont know what they put in the water over there at Chrysler, but the product is just outstanding now. Love ya Seth, and after a RAM, I'd definitely take a GMC over the fake foreign box buggys or a Found On Roadside.... Anyone who went to the BFL regionals in KY in 2010 will remmember my Found On Roadside lost its tranny at 140,000 miles and I babied it, so I dont want to hear anyone bark about the reliability of the Dearborn Dino.

Congrats on buying your RAM. A GM would have been great too, except they are $3000 higher price for same equipment.

PS: The one winter my Ford had its 4x4 fork broke, I was stuck with 2wd. Found 3 ditches that winter .... them extra wheels turning up front will make you feel like you made the right decision at least 2 times a year and I guarantee that.

Mojo

[Mojo]

I will warn you too.  Dodge Ram is one of the easiest trucks to steal.  My Uncle Dave (MadWags) had two stolen right out of his driveway in Grosse Pointe Woods.  If you still want a Ram 1500  get a 4x4.

Thanks Jay - now I leave the outside lights on all night .....  .   

[Rodz]

Well, took the plunge and traded the dakota in. Got a 2012 ram 1500 4x4 express. Black. Super excited, can't wait to see how much better it tows than the dakota. All the Ram hatters have to admit the power of a hemi is a big step up from a dakota. With the majority of you guys dead set on 4wd, I took your advice, I'm sure now i'll be in a situation that calls for it. thanks! Happy towing!

Congratulations. That's a good looking truck. Don't try to compare it to a Dakota. It's not even from the same planet as far as towing. Ford, Chevy or Dodge, they're all good trucks and they've all had their issues. You won't regret getting the 4x4. Mine has been getting a lot of use with all this snow.

[djkimmel]

Congratulations on 4 wheel drive. I loved it when I had it!

[Waterfoul]

The first time you tow with your new Dodge you will think you were towing with a Volkswagen Beetle before!  The Hemi will get you down the road like nothing else you've towed with.

[peters_skeeter]

I'd rather have a bicycle than a Dodge...      ....but if you must buy one of those get 4x4.  Doubt that weak stinkin motor can pull a boat anyway, but you may as well look good with 4x4 when the Chevy pulls you out.   

You warned me Dan! lol

I will warn you too.  Dodge Ram is one of the easiest trucks to steal.  My Uncle Dave (MadWags) had two stolen right out of his driveway in Grosse Pointe Woods.  If you still want a Ram 1500 (and not a bicycle) get a 4x4.

Picked her up this morning and WOW! What a truck! The key is a fob. I don't see how someone can steal the truck with out the key. I'm guessing there is an electric signal in it.

[Skulley]

Thanks for buying a Dodge.     We employees of Chrysler, LLC appreciate your patronage.  Enjoy your new truck and if there is anything that I can help you with concerning your truck, please don't hesitate to PM me.  I work in the ride and handling group at Chrysler Engineering.  Thanks again.  

I have got 156000 miles on my 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 and it still pulls like the day I bought it.  The transmission is still humming as is the motor.  I got a 4.7L small V8 in mine and I still get about 16 mpg city\highway combination.  Mine still purrs.  I plan on driving it until the wheels fall off.  I love that truck.  Planning on getting rid of my 2002 Dodge Ram Van 1500 and getting a Dodge Ram 2500 truck to pull my travel trailer and eventually a 5th wheel.  That will be the start of my truck fleet.  I can see the marquee now.........UAWBigDog Ram Truck Fleet of 2.   


BD                                    

[djkimmel]

Better see if that domain is still available and buy it!

[stackenem]

BD, do you have access to doors for a 2000 ram 1500 ext cab? Mine are about rusted off my truck. Turning 200k on it soon and runs like a champ.

[Skulley]

Unfortunately Stack, doors for a 2000 Ram may just be a junk yard item. However, I will ask some of the guys I work with. You never know what maybe lying around someone's garage.



BD.