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Old 11-20-2015, 12:20 PM   #1
pmwoodward
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bulletproof diesel?

Hi, I have been doing a fair amount of research on 1 ton diesel trucks, specifically the F350. It seems that the 'experts' are all saying that every powerstroke diesel is horrible in its stock form. And, it costs about $12-13K in aftermarket alterations to make them right. As I am not married to the idea of Ford, is there a 1 ton diesel (dually) that is right from the factory? I am guessing I will be full timing and pulling 14-16K lbs. That is a significant load. I am sure that opinions will vary widely. Do the majority of 5th haulers pull with a stock truck with issues? Thanks
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Old 11-20-2015, 06:30 PM   #2
netjam
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In yr 9 fulltiming. Started in 07 with an 08 f-450 with a 6.4. The motor was no end of problems being rebuilt completely 3 times (all warranty). In 2012 got a2012 F-350 and it has been trouble free. Pulled a 20000# 5er for 1st 4 years and 16000# since then. The 2012 f-350 has only pulled the 16000# but I would say its far better than the f-450 of 2008.
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Old 11-20-2015, 10:07 PM   #3
wingnut60
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Hang around, Cummins12V98 will notice this post.....

2009 F450--207K miles relatively trouble free; at 207781, #8 cylinder lost compression, probably from dropping a valve. Too expensive to fix, sold for $9500 and bought a '10 just like it. Running just fine for now, at 77k miles.

I think all the new trucks are 'relatively' trouble-free----a 'fair amount of research' should include the owners' forums for all 3 to see what complaints pop up. From 2011, they all have the DEF fluid, and the other emissions stuff. Just google "GM/Ford/Dodge,Ram owners forums" and the links should come up. Read them all in depth and try to figure out which ones are literal comments, and which ones are just comments/opinions.
TheDieselStop.com is one for Fords
TDR for Cummins
Don't know what the Duramax owners is
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Old 11-21-2015, 08:18 PM   #4
pmwoodward
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thanks for the replies. Is it safe to assume that the majority of 5th's are pulled by stock or almost stock diesel trucks? Specifically, I was on youtube watching videos posted by www.powerstrokehelp.com . He was more or less saying that the 6.0/6.4/6.7/7.3 are all more or less terrible in their stock form. And, it is about $13K to make them right. I will do some more research as suggested on the Dodge/Chevy forums to see what comes up there. I think I might be inclined to do a few of the simpler (less $$) mods that can make a real difference, but $13K is a lot of money for most anyone. Cheers
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Old 11-21-2015, 09:05 PM   #5
Walt
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Depends what state you are registered in. If your state does emissions checks you can not delete the emissions stuff. I have a 2011 GMC Duramax DRW with plenty of power, stock, to pull a 16,000lbs 5th wheel.
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Old 11-22-2015, 06:48 PM   #6
netjam
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Mine is stock. Talked to a bunch of fulltimers and most (95%+) are bone stock. A few had chips or other mods but not many.
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Old 11-22-2015, 07:45 PM   #7
wingnut60
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Have run a tuner for several years, wouldn't go back unless with a truck under warranty.
New trucks have so much power now, no need for one.
Joe
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Old 11-30-2015, 07:24 PM   #8
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Look at the New RAMS! You can't beat the Cummins Diesel. They have the time tested engine.Ford hasn't made a good diesel yet.
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Old 12-01-2015, 06:04 AM   #9
Chandler
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Yes the Cummins is a very good engine no doubt. But I sure like my Ford with the 7.3 too.
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Old 12-01-2015, 09:00 AM   #10
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7.3?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chandler View Post
Yes the Cummins is a very good engine no doubt. But I sure like my Ford with the 7.3 too.

What year is your 7.3? I know the 7.3 could not meet stringent emissions standards and that's one reason they dropped it.
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Old 12-01-2015, 09:13 AM   #11
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It is a 2000 model. It has only 91,000 miles on it and is in like new condition.
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Old 12-01-2015, 03:22 PM   #12
pmwoodward
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It seems that the reality is that most RV hauler are not having any unusual problems in general. After doing some research, it appears that the following are true: 7.3 is an overall good low tech engine that has virtually no emissions. The 6.0 is a very high tech engine that has problems due to being so complex to meet emissions. The 6.4 has horrible fuel economy. The 6.7 has great power and a better reliability record. Buying a new, or almost new truck is not an option for me. I am starting to lean towards the Cummins now.
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Old 12-01-2015, 10:15 PM   #13
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I think they dropped the 7.3 because ford and Navistar were not seeing eye to eye.If you have a late 7.3 1999 to 2002 i.m.h.o those are some awesome engines.Respond well to banks kits with higher m.p.g.'s lower e.g.t.'s and more torque and horsepower.Its a win,win,win.All iron engine.Ford went out on their own after the 7.3 international engine and to say they had (have) a learning curve would be a huge understatement.I own a 2001 f350 4 door 7.3 with a banks super stinger kit and am happy with it.Bought it new went back to dealer for recall on cam chain sensor.No other trouble.Jim
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Old 12-04-2015, 07:12 AM   #14
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No, the 6.0 and 6.4 are also International engines like the 7.3.
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Old 12-04-2015, 09:34 PM   #15
wingnut60
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Oh, so true...
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Old 12-07-2015, 06:42 AM   #16
Stevencoles
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Smile Ford F-350 deisel dually is the ticket.

We've been running around the Midwest and South for over a year pulling close to 20k ...not one issue with our 2015. We don't have CA emissions stuff, not sure if that is what causes problems.
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Old 12-09-2015, 10:22 AM   #17
pmwoodward
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I have done some extensive searches on the Dodge Cummins in particular. The general consensus is that the Cummins is hands down the best pickup diesel out there. Even the Dodge owners all seem to prefer the Ford cab itself. I am not sure why I was so fixated on the Ford. Especially when my worst owned vehicle by a mile was a 1990 Ford Bronco II. What a money pit! I swore I would never by a Ford again. I guess all the F-150 being the most popular vehicle got me thinking that way. Besides much better reliability on the Cummins, what also stands out is the fact that the Cummins has its max torque at a much lower RPM where it is useful.
Thanks for all your input! Cheers, Paul
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Old 12-25-2015, 07:54 PM   #18
GlennWest
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Where you located? Got a 2012 Silverado dually cc hauler bed with air ride hitch, paid $6k for bed installed and $2400 for air ride hitch. Has 55k miles. Not a dent on it. $34K. I have bought a Freightliner Century to tow my camper
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Old 01-06-2016, 03:15 PM   #19
pmwoodward
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Hi Glenn, I live outside of Boston. I am thinking of initially getting a small lightweight TT initially and will use a half ton for that. The Dodge Ecodiesel is looking good to me right now. My thinking is, I want to do a few years of 6-7 month trip and go to Alaska and some other remote places that I would be hesitant about going to in a fulltime type 5th. I see that you have a Freightliner TV now. Perhaps a short recap of how it compares to a one tone diesel dually? thanks
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Old 01-06-2016, 03:21 PM   #20
GlennWest
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The dually with my 6k pin was very rough ride unless road was smooth. Rode like a sled. The Century should be a comfortable ride. Full air suspension, cab and seat. Actually should get better mpg. Easier to back. Trails correctly unlike a dually. My hitch wiil be mounted at farthest end of bed. Tow a Smart on deck back of cab. That is my daily commute. The safety aspect also. Wished we had done this years ago. My truck is still waiting on hitch. Will get around the 20th. Then bed goes on. Take possession around end of January. Even then we likely not move Teton for a few months.
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