Re: [ihc] Question on tow rig***DIESEL***

["Jim or Ginger Aos" <jaos@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Fleck" <john@domain.elided>
To: <ihc@domain.elided>
Sent: Saturday, November 20, 2004 11:49 AM
Subject: Re: [ihc] Question on tow rig***DIESEL***


> I just found out that the 04's and up no longer have the extended cab
> option. Only 4 door club cab or Standard. They wanted the B-pillar for
side
> impact strength so they deleted the suicide door extended version.
>
> That being said I am thinking what would be ideal is a 2wd 3500 Dodge
dullie
> with the 4 doors and long bed. Remember i am used to a Travelette already.
I
> found a 98 1 ton SLT Dullie with 86,000 miles 4x4 Black with Trailer brake
> setup already installed. Looks pretty good at $23,000 asking price but its
> Extended cab and 4x4 :(. I will not wheel this so i don't foresee needing
> 4x4 weight/reduced mileage and added price as a bennie. BTW is the front
> axle live in those or does it have locking hubs? I missed that on my
> inspection.  I having sold cars could easily get them to drop 2-$3000 off
> the price. So i am thinking of holding out over the winter and locating a
> 2wd version.
>
John,  I haul an11.5 foot Western Wilderness camper on my 4x4 F350 crew cab.
With an AC on top and all the extras fully loaded the gross wt. is 12,300
lbs. There is very little lean and no swaying.  I run 265/75 r 16 with 85
psi.  It's a 94 pre Power Stroke ( IDI ), with factory Garrett turbo 7.3
liter.  This one met the requirements and fit the budget.

In hindsight I would get a Powerstroke or a newer Dodge, with a 6 speed
transmission. I like my 5 speed manual over an automatic.

If you cross any mountain passes in possible snow weather that 4x4 sure
prevents a lot of chain use.  you also get a more equal braking front to
fear in FWD.

Along with all the other problems with duals, the tires are more prone to
wear on uneven roads and turning.

Jim Aos
Okanogan, WA

1972  IH 1310 pickup 4x4             245000 miles
1983  Goldwing  mcy                     205000 miles
1994  F350 Turbo Diesel   4x4      192000 miles
2001  Blazer 4x4                             80000  miles