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I have a 99 Dodge 3500 with "go fast goodies" and the only truck around here I won't fool with is a D-Max... If you have one keep it. Diesels are like guns, you may not always need them, but they're hard to tear up, keep their value and invaluable when you need them!
Big R. Jr. Thanks for your input on the Ford trucks. I've been looking at the Platinum, and lariat 4x4 and two wheel drive. This is the first time I've look at a Ford since 1988. They are nice. I like the bed extender and the tail gate step. Based on many of the post, I guess I am crazy to think about giving up a duramax diesel for a gaser, but would like a softer ride around town and city. I may tow with a Ford in the next few days and see how it does pulling the 2200 Bay Ranger. I towed with a 1500 Chevrolet a few years ago and it was always in an out of overdrive on the interstates. Thats one thing I don't miss with the Duramax. It just goes and you never know the boat is back there. Thanks to all for your input. Rangerman
2200 Bay Ranger F-250 Yamaha
2500 HD GMC Duramax Diesel
I towed with a 1500 Chevrolet a few years ago and it was always in an out of overdrive on the interstates. Thats one thing I don't miss with the Duramax. It just goes and you never know the boat is back there. Thanks to all for your input. Rangerman
Stay with the diesel if that bothers you. On a gasser in order to have enough torque to not have to down shift, the motor has to turn at a higher rpm and may not feel normal to most drivers.
For example. My V10 has max torque at 3400 RPM. Revving at 3400 RPM - the admiral think the motor is working too hard and it gonna blow up. In actuality - that is just the sweet spot for a gasser. At 3400 RPM - I have pull my boat up steep monster hills (orlando area on US-27) at speed with no sweat.
When I am towing. I do turn off overdirve. Otherwise it does go in and out of overdrive on the interstates - especially on the incline.
Big R. Jr. Thanks for your input on the Ford trucks. I've been looking at the Platinum, and lariat 4x4 and two wheel drive. This is the first time I've look at a Ford since 1988. They are nice. I like the bed extender and the tail gate step. Based on many of the post, I guess I am crazy to think about giving up a duramax diesel for a gasser, but would like a softer ride around town and city. I may tow with a Ford in the next few days and see how it does pulling the 2200 Bay Ranger. I towed with a 1500 Chevrolet a few years ago and it was always in an out of overdrive on the interstates. That's one thing I don't miss with the Duramax. It just goes and you never know the boat is back there. Thanks to all for your input. Rangerman
2200 Bay Ranger F-250 Yamaha
2500 HD GMC Duramax Diesel
Well if the 6 speed in the F150 is anything like the 6 speed in my Sport Trac you will need to keep your foot into it and get ready for lots of shifting. My truck has the Mustang version of the 4.6 at 292hp. Lousy engine because it's torque is at 3800.. Engine has to be screaming to get any pull out of it, but once you've got her reving she'll move the truck. The 5.4 puts out 80% of it full torque at 1000rpms so it should act different with the 6 speed.
My 04 F150 Lariat 5.4/3.73LS with get 17.5mpg average on a 1000 mile trip to NC. figuring 750 miles pulling the 3000lb boat/trailer and the 250 miles running around there without the boat. It had the 4 sp..auto. Had no problem getting better than 19mpg on the Hwy..at 65-70mph.
Same exact trip with the Sport Trac, same boat behind it... averages 13.5-14mpg.. Gets 21-22mpg on the hwy, but it's worse than the F150 around town.
Every time I go to buy a new truck I think Diesel, but when it's get's down to it I just can't justify the expense..
My old 5.3L 06 Chevy Crew cab Z-71 1500 got 5mpg WORSE than my 6.6L 05 Duramax 4X4 and that's just daily driving, I'll never own another gas burning truck...and if it is size you're concerned with compare the dimensions...a crew cab is a crew cab no matter the tonnage.
If all you are towing is that 22' then yeah no question an F150 will tow it. Heck a V6 Dakota will tow it. The thing is that you have a very good truck already and your going to take a hit by trading it in on a lesser vehicle.
The Duramax will get better mileage in town and definatley better while towing. Plus in 2 years that F150 will be worth about the same as the Duramax that is 3 years older. I say if you don't like driving the truck around town get another car. Plenty of good deals on cars too. F150 isn't going to be a peach to drive in a congested parking lot either.
__________________ Boats:
96 26' Monza twin 250XS optimax
89 Scarab 302 (For SALE!) http://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sa...89-8000-a.html
"when I gun the engine I want it to sound like the world is coming to an end"
I own a Chevy dealership and a Ford dealership and I would go with the Ford for what you are towing. Better ride, easier parking, and will easily handle the weight. Even though I own a Chevy franchise Ford is making great improvements and without Government Money. I hear everyday that people will not buy another Chevy from me because of the bailout.
Is the GMC 4x4?Crew cab? If so,what are they going to give on trade? I may be interested on purchasing it from you. I currently have a 08 GMC crew 4x4 gasser and tow a 22'SH. At 9 miles to the gallon when towing sucks ass. PM me before you trade.
Location: Los Angeles, FL.or Georgia, depends. In Fl now.
Posts: 5,979
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flot
See if it does the job? You're looking at a truck with a tow rating of 9000+ lbs and you have a 3500 lb boat... I think it'll do.
I would not assume because the boat weights 3500# it will weight that much on a trailer.
My boat weights 2500# bare. Add motor 700#, trailer 1000# and about 100 gals of fuel @ about 650# and what have ye got? a 21 ft boat that weights 4850# without the wife's stuff. I tow with a 2500 HD and a 10K# hitch. Once in a while I tow 3500 miles. I put it on a scale one day, for the heck of it and it came out weighing 5200#.
I would keep the diesel. If you trade up (we all do) you may find an f150 lacking in power.
I tow a Ranger Z21i all over the gulf coast. Had a 2007 2wd Tahoe but just traded for a 2009 K1500 crew cab. Both do an excellent job. I only traded b/c the Tahoe didn't match the new boat. I will get a 3/4 ton when I get another large CC though.
__________________ 3 Fingers
2008 RANGER Z21 INTRACOASTAL
250 VMAX HPDI Series II
As far as the tow rating you should be fine with the F 150. Especially if you aren't going any real distance. I have an 04 Chevy 2500 HD and I hear you about not being very nimble around town. I have an everyday driver in addition to the truck. If you have reasonably low miles or have paid off your truck I would go the route of a daily driver for around town. There are some good deals out there on cars and SUVs and that deisel will last a long time. Just make sure if you go the other route you don't take a bath on your current truck. I hear the dealers aren't giving much on trade in for the bigger trucks.
The F-150 will tow the boat fine, ride better, be less noisy, easier to drive around town and is way more compfortable. The new F150's have 6'"longer cabs which allows for a full size back seat and tons of leg room. Also, the interior amenities are insane. However, if you are towing a lot or are a guy who needs to have a big loud deisel to feel better , than go with it.
Keep it 
