Dodges have a percieved reputation to have a tranny prone to failure.  However I've never witnessed ne fail.  All the chevvys I have owned (4) , have had great trannies until about 150,000 miles when the either failed (2) or were ready to fail. 
The cab was comfortable and the ride was good.  Parts for repair are easily found.

Smitty

I would say for your use, I think you would be happier with the gas and an automatic. Just make sure you get the tow package this should include an additional oil cooler, a bigger radiator and should also include an additional Trans cooler. It also helps to have 4x4 
The Alison Transmissions are pretty bullet proof provided (a) regular maintenance has been done (b) it's never been over filled and (c) the proper fluid has been used. (D) It has never been abused. But that goes with any transmission. 

Also, the best place to find out about transmission quality is a reputable transmission shop. They see everything

I would go the gas....with an automatic....and since you are getting a dodge or chevy.....get your own tow strap as my Ford will be busy this year!





I had to.......

Well, I know I implied that I was done asking until I got some money together, but I am reading more and talking to more people and now I have more questions that I would like your opinions on...

On paper, I am getting more interested in the Chevy and Dodge 2500s, and am now researching the diesels about equal to the gas. (I'll get out and drive some actual trucks over the next few weekends, too).

Here are my new questions:

1. Gas or diesel? It seems like most people in the club have gas. I know Wolsky has that big a-- diesel, but he's out working the marshes during duck season, so I can't ask him. I've read up on the pro's and con's on-line, but has anyone had any real problems from one or the other?

2. Manual or automatic transsmissions? It seems like it could be a lot of work shifting a Ram diesel all, day, but are there strong advantages?

3. Has anyone heard anything solid on the trannies for the Dodge and Chevy? The Allisons are supposed to be awesome on the Chevys, but back in 1999 or 2000, I think they were not the norm? And on the Dodges, I was on a web site board last night for 5th wheel owners, and many of them were saying that the Dodges transmissions were not very good(?).

Thanks for keeping me informed!

Stu

Thanks, everyone! I'll let you know if/when I come up with the money (and then I'll ask you if you know anybody who is selling...).

Andrea, I appreciate your family-related advice!

Thanks,
Stu

Nice, Andrea! That was pretty funny! 

Hey Stu, don't be affraid to check out the dodges. Esspecially in the year your looking at. And the price. I know a guy who's had his for ten years without any major problems. He tows a camper and a 24' trophy with it without a problem. He has 3/4 ton though. They get good gas mileage to. He says 17mi without the boat.

Smitty,

I agree completely 

Let's see here -- hummm . . .
New 2004 ZX225 Skeeter $40,000. +

New lower unit for 6 week old 2004 Skeeter $3000.+

Overnight shipping to get lower unit by next day so not to miss the Jamboree $250. +

Husband learning a lesson in total humility PRICELESS

Being able to quiz husband about which side of a green buoy to run on PRICELESS

Having a husband that can take the ribbing PRICELESS

May you all have safe travels up the Snake 

Andrea

Stu...I currently have a F-150 and I have been fine with it and even at times have towed other vehicles and their boats at tournaments after break downs....but now that I have been looking at campers....I definitley see where an F-250 would have been the better choice.....as it can handle the weight and power for the new load.
Now that I am almost paid for I have to look at a pop-up camper....which is fine but still limits abilities.
Something to ponder.
Larry.

Now we're getting into best drivers....

My dad's Chevy 1500 did alright with the camper and SKEETER behind it. Slower up the passes. Right on with what Andrea said. The 2500 is probably much better.

Andrea,
I always thought that the best boat is the one that you can be in fishing at the time.   Of course it has to be able to get you back and forth from the fishing hole and be able to retain it's lower unit.   Hmmmm?

Smitty

Hi Stu,

From our experience in bringing the family along to the events,  the crew cab on our Chevy 2500HD has been awesome -- tons more room than the extended cab on our Chevy 1500.  Comfort & reliability is a huge when bringing the kids along (especially on the 6+ hour trek to Banks Lake).  The Duramax Diesel with Allison trans. has awesome power and great fuel mileage with or without the camper & boat, but as you've seen in other posts there's lots of great makes & models out there. (I grew up in a Ford family and married a Chevy one!) 

A 3/4 ton or better is probably best if you're going to be putting a camper on, our 1500 did OK but we had it beefed up a bit when we ordered it.  Our 2500HD hauls it much more easily, and we also added the air shocks to the back end for even more stability.  Our camper is a "light" series (2000 Fleetwood Angler 8C) and has been fine for our family of 4.  After doing the tourney thing now for 4 years with a family my recommended features that are sometimes optional are bathroom, air-conditioner, heater, no front window, and the very important automatic/power jacks.  Spend time looking at all the different brands, features and floorplans--there's lots of good models out there. (If you want to dream a little -- check out the Big Foot camper)

Now for the recommended boat . . . just kidding . . . we all know what the best boat is . . .

Looking forward to seeing your family at the events.

Andrea       

Thanks guys for your advice!

Anyone else who wants to add on, please do.

Anyone have any advice to add specifically about campers and what is best/needed?

Thanks,
Stu

Major problems with the newer 6.0 liter Powerstrokes is oil leaks.  I've seen cracks in the blocks, and just oil leaks in general.  I've done maintence work on a few with 10k miles or less and its like an oil slick under that engine.  Still shouldn't shy you away from Ford, they are good trucks. Good thing about the 6.0 is its very quiet, I thought my ears were plugged up after starting my first one after years of the 7.3.

All good advice - 'cept I would get a pickup with a tow package since it comes with heavy duty suspension and oil/transmission coolers plus the wiring is already done.  Some have beefier brakes too.

Personally, I love my '99 F250 crew cab w/8' bed.  The V10 is certainly powerful and the 4-wheel disc brakes gives me comfort knowing I have extra contol for those panic stops while towing.  Turning radious hasn't been a problem.  In fact, I never thought about it until Jim mentioned it.

That said, my next truck definitely will be a 4x4, and I'll probably get a diesel.  Those '99 and newer diesel Fords have a beefier tranny that's worked so well, Ford switched all it's trucks to it for the 2005 models.  Plus I haven't heard of any issues with the power strokes.

Again, just my opinion.  I can't speak about chevy's or dodges because I've never owned one.  I'm sure others will chime in with their recommendations.  All good information to consider.