Anyhoo... I hope Ford's new engine works out. Their F450 pickup might sell better than they expect, with the way 5th wheel and other RV trailers keep getting fancier, bigger and heavier.
Dodge's 4500 and 5500 cab and chassis could be pretty cool, too, but you would have to come up with your own bed. I do wish they would rate either above 26000 combined, even if it would mean having to have a CDL.
I know the Duramax isnt all that reliable, but i still question the Powerstroke.... I think they have improved a lot over the last couple of yrs. (dont mention '03) But i still think there is a steep hill they have to climb.
I work at a Ford dealer and we got 2 new 6.4s last week. They look like a nightmare to work on, but man are they ever quiet. I was standing beside the 6.4 and there was a 6.0 running about 15 feet away and I could hear the 6.0 over the 6.4! Now you can't see the valve covers unless you look at the drivers rear of the motor. The EGR system is already a problem. In the cold (-30C) if you don't let the engine warm up before you shut it off, the EGR valve will freeze and the engine light will come on. The 6.0 had problem with the high pressure oil system blowing o-rings and fittings (7.3 too) and the 6.4 has a high pressure fuel system with it's own cooling system (I think) Now as far as the truck itself, the outside looks a little funky with the headlights but the inside IMO is UGLY. It look really out there like its futuristic, almost out of a movie. I'll keep you posted as I learn more about them (I don't work on diesels but I like to have some idea) and if you have any questions I'll try to answer them if I know the answers lol
Todd
I must say, though, that I like what I've seen about the F450. 26,000 GCWR, factory boost gauge, factory EGT pyrometer, factory tranny temp gauge, and a factory brake controller proportional to hydraulic pressure...
I wish Dodge had something like that from the factory. At least a 4500 and 5500 cab and chassis are coming, but then you would have to add some sort of bed, gauges and stuff to get it ready to use.
We have an '07 550. It's only got one trip on it so far (Fresno to Bakersfield). It has the factory boost (inside tach) as well and tranny (since '03 on tranny temp), IIRC. From what I've heard Ford's tranny gauges suck. Basically they let you know when it's done, like a pop-up turkey thermometer. The Tow Command system has been a feature since '05, as well as the upfitter switches (with pass through to the engine bay...NICE TOUCH.) Supposedly it will pulse the trailer brakes if the anti-lock kicks in. That would be a nice feature to see them "pass down" to the 150s as well. Though we've only got one electric braked trailer at work and nobody can actually tow it who works for us. LOL Everything else is hydraulic surge.
From what I saw of pics of the inside, the truck looks a lot like the '04 and newer 150s and Expeditions. The outside is already growing on me. Or maybe I've just accepted it. At least it isn't as ugly as the Chevy HDs. I guess "funky" is a good way to describe it. The nav system is supposed to be pretty cool. But then, what nav system isn't?
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Working for a living is a highly overrated way to spend your time. -MWQ
Ive never liked the Chevy fronts. Idunno, just something about it.
If Dodge came out with 4500,5500 megacabs with a decent payload for the box, that would be a goldmine. Rite now the megacabs boxes cant hold a whole lot weight-wise
Fords newfound twins!
