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cptgregger · 03-27-2014, 11:37 PM

I read they have 310 HP and 450 lb/ TQ.

I have a Dodge 3500 dually with the CTD but needed another tow vehicle. I just couldn't justify going new ($50,000-$60,000) since I already have a diesel rig so I bought this V10 on a really good deal. I don't plan to tow all that much so the MPG isn't relevant to me.

I'm curious as to how it will compare.

My 3500 has a 10" lift with 40" Michilen XML military tires and a just a couple of to the motor (chip, exhaust, AFE filter). I towed a 11,000 lb flybridge boat from NJ to TX with it (11' wide/ 14' high, 40' long incl trailer). It was almost like I never even knew it was behind me with that rig. That level of confidence on the road was better than a F450 I towed with years back. But I'm not sure how this V10 will stack up.

onechaddude · 03-28-2014, 05:07 AM

I drove one a seversl years ago and almost purchased it but decided to go diesel at the last minute. It was very powerful, although I did not tow with it. Buddy of mine had one along same time as work truck and although didn't tow much, he put 150,000+ miles on it with nary a problem. The few times he did pull something he said he had no problem with power. With that said, don't expect too high of mpg and I think you'll love it.

Chad

becken6 · 04-01-2014, 12:07 PM

I had a stock 2500 extended cab (V10) 5 speed, 3.73 gears, w/8' box. I sold it w/approx. 160,000 miles on it. Great truck. Plenty of power. Pulled TT, 5th wheel, bull dozer and everything in between. 13 mpg empty, 9 mpg towing. During that time it needed one injector and a complete brake job. Did I mention plenty of power?

caissiel · 04-02-2014, 11:16 AM

In the 90s they were the power house.
I heard many stories about these trucks hauling heavy units uphill at a speed no one could compare with diesels.
But the 90s are gone and so diesels have caught up.
Just my opinion.
They are great trucks if the price is right. Might have tranny problems with all that power though.

becken6 · 04-02-2014, 12:27 PM

I guess I left that out. Mine was a 1996 w/5 speed manual. Had the original clutch in it when I sold it and still strong as ever. I talked to a couple of other V10 owners who chipped them. They said they were getting 17 mpg empty. I never did chip it. Figured if it ain't broke, I wasn't going to "fix" it.

TXiceman · 04-02-2014, 08:05 PM

A real workhorse for a gasser, but it is rather fond of frequent visits to fuel stations.

Ken

becken6 · 04-03-2014, 10:43 AM

Yes it was. But back then fuel prices weren't what they are now either.

Mtn Dave · 04-03-2014, 12:01 PM

I have a 99 2500 V-10 Does a good job of pulling (Not as strong as new diesels) Bought new in 99 now have 64,000 on it with no problems.

JMonroe · 04-03-2014, 06:37 PM

We had a '96 dually, purchased to pull the 38' fifth wheel we owned for a number of years. When purchased new it had the highest tow rating of any pickup, including the diesels - (which was a $4400 option on the Dodge at the time). It pulled like a locomotive but as already mentioned, you had to know where all the gas stations where. With the standard fuel tank we had only a 150 mile range with the FW in tow. Solo I got 12 to 13 mpg.

cptgregger · 04-03-2014, 11:42 PM

Wow, all great responses.

I won the auction from Clear Choice motors (they sell a lot of used Class As on Ebay, lower end stuff). We just drove it back to TX from California (1700 miles). I was really surprised at the ride comfort. I have owned2 GMs 1 tons, 4 Dodge truck 1-tons, and one Ford F450 thus far. All rode pretty rough. Of course my present tow rig for the past 9 years, a Cummins-powered Ram 3500 4x4 dually, is on a 10" lift and 40" military tires so what else did I expect, right? This little guy, however, is a simple 2WD basic truck in a 3/4 package with that unsuspecting V10 under the hood. Maybe the combination of a lower ride to the ground, 2WD vs 4, and it being a lighter truck than the 1-ton contributing to that ride quality. Anyway, what I'm trying to say it that I am thoroughly satisfied. Now whether it will pull.

I'll probably get another diesel. But until I do, I'd love to see who much fun hauling I have have with this little truck.

BTW, we averaged 16 mpg at 65 mph. At 80 MPH the MPGs dropped to 12. Not great, I know.

poppatello · 04-05-2014, 06:38 PM

I searched high and low up to 500 miles for a 250 Ford, Dodge with a V10 and Chevy with the 8.0 gas. I really wanted a Ford though. I needed an auto because the wife doesn't drive a stick and will not learn. So I was concerned with the auto dodge trannys. They are weak. I love manual trans though. But anyhow, I ended up settling for a Chevy 2500 HD with the 6.0 gas. It's not as powerful as the chevy 8.0 I test drove but it does ok. If a Ford with a V10 or Chevy with a 8.0 pops up it's mine. I only drive my truck towing the camper so it's no issue for me.

But good luck with it. I've never driving a V10 but I can only imagine it's raw power...

cptgregger · 04-06-2014, 02:02 AM

I think the auto trannys are weak on all the brands, unless mated to an Allison. The NV5600 on my Dodge Cummins truck is supposedly "bulletproof" but I read on Dodge forums how it goes out on guys. I think a lot depends on how you tow. One guy was towing 30,000 lbs and complained that the NV5600 was crap. Well, yeah, if you exceed GCWR by 11,000 lbs, what do you expect? But I'm not sure which transmission this V10 truck has I haven't yet bothered to crawl under and look.

I plan to install a transmission temp guage and take it easy on the hills. But the ratings I looked up state it can tow up to 13,200 lbs. That's assuming zero payload in the truck so obviously the real tow limits are lower. GCWR is 19,000, which is quite respectable for a gasser 3/4 ton. We're still looking for out first TT or 5er so if I end up going too big there I may have to just trade this one in on a 1-ton diesel.

In the meantime, I'm going to buy a warranty for this truck. If the tranny does go, at least I'll limit my downside somewhat. Peace of mind, as it were.

BTW, I too looked high and low for the right big block Ford or GM setup. But people are either on crack at their asking price or the miles were way too high. Dontcha' just love it when someone selling a gasser with 260,000 miles claims that to be low. GMAB.

I think the Dodge V10 is still a unknown secret to most.

poppatello · 04-08-2014, 08:06 AM

I agree. Good luck with it though. Keep us posted on the progress...

jamesrxx951 · 04-08-2014, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cptgregger

I think the auto trannys are weak on all the brands, unless mated to an Allison. .

That is not true at all with the Ford transmissions in their Super Duties. The 5R110W that has been out since 2003 has been bullet proof compared to the shear amounts of them out there. Being that they were installed in every diesel truck since 2003 and diesel van starting with the 6.0L and then gassers in 05, there has to be way more of them out there than Allisons in the lighter duty GM diesel trucks. Even the 4R100's have a very strong track record in work trucks.