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keymastr · 07-01-2017, 05:35 PM

Have about $30,000 for a budget. Trade will take care of the tax, etc. Each of the big 3 have capable trucks. Would prefer crew cab and not willing to go stripped down vinyl seat models but don't need ALL the options either.

Must be capable of comfortably pulling 9000 pounds. Prefer 4x4. Is there one that stands out?

drittal · 07-01-2017, 06:17 PM

I think the new Ford 6.2 combined with their trans and 4.30 gears is the most capable for towing. The Ram is let down by poor gear spacing in the transmission. Still capable, for 9k, same with the GM 6.0.

lynnmor · 07-01-2017, 06:20 PM

Since you understand that any of the big three will work, then the most important thing is condition. Laying out 30 grand, you want a low mileage cream puff with the tow ratings that you need.

Normal_Dave · 07-01-2017, 06:36 PM

Seems difficult to find good used HD trucks at reasonable prices. While the Ram does seem to have a cavernous gap between 1st and 2nd, I think they offer a lot for the money when you get the properly optioned Tradesman crew cab.

Example:
https://www.chrysler.com/hostd/windo...UR5CJ6HG732205
Dealer near us has these for about $ 35K after rebates and incentives.
New 2017 Ram 2500 Tradesman For Sale in Bremen GA | 3C6UR5CJ6HG732205 | Serving Atlanta, Douglasville a & Carrollton

Here's a fun trick if looking for used Rams. copy and paste this link into your address box, then copy and paste the VIN of the truck you are looking at right after the "=" sign, and you'll get the original window sticker if it is still available. Also note the Ford Etis system is similar in that you'll get a build sheet.
https://www.chrysler.com/hostd/windo...kerPdf.do?vin=

Ford fans unite, here's a couple of real nice older used F-250 and F-350s I posted in a response to a towing question. Especially like the V10 Lariat.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f45/findi...ml#post3674681

Parks · 07-01-2017, 07:28 PM

Ram and Ford would be my choices. However I don't see you getting anything but the most stripped down F250 in the $30K Range. While the F250 gassers are nice the prices reflect how proud dealers and owners are of their trucks.

While the trans in the Ram 2500 6.4 L Hemi could be better it is still a solid truck and you tend to stretch your dollar a lot further with the Ram product. Here is a very similar truck to what Dave posted. THe biggest difference is that the one i posted has 4.10 gears. The other link does not say so it may be 3.73. GO with the 4.10 minimum. The photo is a stock pic so not sure if the wheels are an upgrade or not but both show same wheel tire combo.

Also, you are an easy day's drive or less from Dennis Dillon in Caldwell, ID. THey are one of the largest Ram dealers in the country. There is also Dave Smith up the road which is another High Volume dealer. DD tends to get the nod with happy customers and lowest price around. I flew and drove the 1000 miles to get mine from DD.

New 2017 Ram 2500 Tradesman For Sale in Caldwell Near Boise, Nampa, ID | Vin:3C6UR5CJ9HG733817

marcham · 07-01-2017, 11:00 PM

$30 000 would probably get you 1 yr old f250 xlt crew cab 6.2 L. Most have a 3.73 tranny which is fine, you'll find yourself towing in 5th gear.

Any hills where you live? If so, seriously reconsider for a diesel.

09 harley · 07-01-2017, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcham

$30 000 would probably get you 1 yr old f250 xlt crew cab 6.2 L. Most have a 3.73 tranny which is fine, you'll find yourself towing in 5th gear.

Any hills where you live? If so, seriously reconsider for a diesel.

I'm assuming you mean a 3.73 rear end. Fifth gear with a 3.73 is not the same as a 4.30 in 5th or 6th. What you are after is an increase in torque and that comes with a higher numerical rear end.
Your comment is a common misconception.

keymastr · 07-02-2017, 11:17 AM

Most likely looking at 1 or 2 year olds with low miles. Seems like they don't put diesels in lightly optioned trucks so most are out of my price range. If they are in my range it is because they have very high miles.

KD4UPL · 07-03-2017, 09:00 PM

To start with I'd skip the "3/4 ton" and get a SRW 3500. After you put all your family, pets, gear, etc. into a 4x4 crew cab you will probably find you don't have as much payload as you think. That 9,000 pound trailer will likely have around 1,300 pounds on tongue weight.
I certainly wouldn't get a 2500 Ram because of the rear coil springs. Going to a 3500 gets you leaf springs. Of the gas engines I think the 6.4 Hemi is the one to get. It felt like it had a lot more pep when I drove one back to back with a Chevy 6.0.

JIMNLIN · 07-03-2017, 09:21 PM

The new gen 250/2500 trucks have 6200-6500 RAWR and are good for around 3000-3200 lb of payload in the bed.

The 2500 Ram can have the 6500 RAWR for more payload. One owner say his new 2500 6.4 hemi carries the load and his 34' 5th wheel trailer just as easy as his old '07 3500 srw did.

For a 9000 lb trailer any of the "white" 3/4 ton gazz trucks/4.10 gears will work fine.

Kyleb100 · 07-03-2017, 09:42 PM

I bought a 2015 chevy 2500 LT with convenience package and 38k miles on the clock for 32,000 a couple months ago. Felt I got a decent deal based on what hey gave me on trade for my 2007 5.9 mega cab. The 6.0 with 4.10s definitely doesn't pull effortlessly like the Cummins did but it pulls my ~8000 lb trailer just fine. I have zero complaints in about 1000 miles of towing and feel confident behind the wheel. All the GM vehicles I owned have treated me well and I really appreciate the ride quality. When it comes to today's trucks it boils down to looks, price, and what you are confident in. You be the judge, any of the big 3 will do the job.