View Single Post
  #35  
Old 12-09-2004, 07:20 PM
Pantera Pantera is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Tulsa OKLA
Posts: 1,337
Thanks: 0
Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Default Re: Opinions needed on Tow truck - Diesel or Gas?

I did a great deal of checking around before deciding to go with the Dodge Diesel. I have a 36' Chapparal gooseneck trailer that we used to pull with a 454 Chev dually. it was not too bad on level ground, but when we hit the hills the speed would drop quite a bit.

On a trip to Calif one time, I will never forget the dam thing was down to 32 mph with my foot on the floor on one of those looooong up grades going over the rockies. I had to stop 3 times and let it cool down because I was afraid it would damage something.

This Dodge has twice the low end power the Chev had. Mileage is about twice what I would get with the Chev.

The only mistake I made was not getting a 2001 or newer with the extra valves and power. Mine is a '97 and it is good but I have drove the newer ones and they are just a little bit better. They also offer a 6 speed with them.

I think the Cummings is one of the best motors you can get in this size truck. I have yet to find anyone that has had a major failure with one of these motors and you can find them with 2 hundred and 3 hundred thousand miles on them that have had nothing but the top end freshened up.

I must echo what has been warned against the Ford Diesel's. I encountered too many that had had problems with them. Even when they were almost new.

You can't afford to be broke down on the road with a load behind you. I think most that have one of these trucks will echo how good they are?

Pantera
__________________
70 BM Phase III GT Vette
69 BM SS427 GT vette?
69 L78 Nova 7k mi
73 Pantera
69 Vette B/P SCCA
Reply With Quote