I'm sure this subject has been beaten to death but I need a little assistance with the selection of a truck. I am going to be transporting new RVs all over the US and need a good diesel truck (2003 or newer) that will withstand towing a heavy load a good number of miles. The RVs will weigh in around 11,000-12,000 lbs and will be towed using a gooseneck/5th wheel setup. I have found a number of trucks that fall within my budget and they are listed below. Each truck has an automatic tranny and approximately 75,000 to 90,000 miles. Please give me your thoughts on each vehicle and thanks in advance for your advice!

1) 2003-2004 Ram 3500 dually (5.9 HO) - Lots of availability.

2) 2003-2004 F350 dually (6.0 liter) - troubles with the early version of the 6.0 liter? Can't seem to find any 7.3 liters in 03/04.

3) 2003-2004 Chevy 3500 dually (6.6liter) - I'm not finding a lot of Chevy's but when I do, they run about $2000-3000 more. Is it worth it??

PS: I have found a few 2005 models (Ford and Dodge) with SRW in my price range with approximately same mileage but I'm not sure it will handle the weight. Thoughts??

Hi MM ... I can't speak to your truck brand choices. Each has their points.

I would caution you about going with a SRW truck. Even though they say it's a one ton truck, I think different. Since you're going to have to haul any and all RV's, you can't turn down a unit that's too hitch heavy. Otherwise you might get stuck for an empty back-haul. I would get a dually for the weight carrying capacity. The stability of the dual wheels against the usual slab sided RV in windy conditions is a welcome extra.

You've accessed the 3 choices well. That is the problem with GM Duramax with Allison auto, is they cost more. Dodge in the HD class is all new in 03 but did well with new frame, body, more power beafed up 4 speed auto. The 600 torque diesel did well. 04 would be a better choice just because it's the second year of the all new truck. Ford is a gamble, 6.0L inconsistant on reliablility and fuel economy. Ford lead the HD pickup pack a long time and now they are playing catch up. I bought a 06 Ford diesel anyway, dream of owning a GMC diesel, but my logic department would put Dodge diesel at the top of my purchase list if the economy would improve.

Thanks for all the information! I found an 2004 Ram 3500 that seems to be in great shape mechanically and aesthetically.

Good Luck !