[ Outline ] · Standard · Linear+ The Right Truck, Seeking advice for new truck choice

[CAJones]

I currently own a 2008 F350, 4WD, SRW, 6.4L Diesel and Haul a 2015 Arctic Fox 990. I'm an over-the-road truck driver. I spend a month on the road, then come home to my truck/camper for about five days. I only put about 3000 miles on the odometer per year. Other than considering switching from Ford, I'm also wanting to make other equipment changes with my purchase.

I want to go from SRW to DRW because I weigh in at 12,500 lbs (1,100 over 11,400 rated limit). And that was with all three camper tanks empty and no gear. I'm considering buying a 2WD because I never go offroading and I don't see enough snow to ever use 4WD. I'm also considering switching from diesel power to either the 5.7 Hemi, 6.4 Hemi, 6.2 Ford, or 6.0 Vortec. Considering the $8000+ added cost of a diesel engine, the added cost of maintenance, the troublesome exhaust regeneration systems, my low miles, and the fact that I won't be pulling a heavy trailer anytime soon; a gas engine seems to make more sense to me. I'm also intrigued by the auto leveling air ride option that Ram is offering.

Wanting to switch from SRW to DRW is kind of a no-brainer. But I do realize that my desire to go with 2WD and Gas Engine goes against the grain of most opinions.

So I would like to hear from others whether you think Chevy, Ford, or Dodge is the best choice and why. I know there's a lot of rivalry among the big three. I never thought I would ever consider switching away from Ford, but now I am. I still love Fords, but I just don't want to keep buying Fords out of blind loyalty.

Any advice about Make, Gas vs Diesel, 2WD vs 4WD, and Ram's air ride system vs aftermarket suspension air bags. Thank You.

[Freespool]

Hello fellow trucker, with your limited use a gas truck makes more sense. The DRW would serve you much better and your thoughts on drive train also make sense, why pay for 4WD if your sure you will not need it. The truck described above will give you the highest payload number so down the road if you decide you want a bigger camper you will already have a truck that is rated for it. I just bought a new GMC and love it so based on that I would go GMC/Chevy. The articles on the gas Dodge motors that read were very unflattering, as for Ford, I always thought they looked great but I never had one that was worth owning. Based on what you need I would dump the the entire rig and buy a truck/trailer combo. This would allow you to own a smaller truck like a Tundra and go all the way to 27' with a slide and triple the space you have now. Truck/Trailer combos give you the most space and comfort for the the smallest cost. The DMV fee's on a trailer are not to bad and every trailer I ever owned was by far the most dependable RV. What ever you choose remember to try to buy units that have the refrigerator on a fixed wall, not on the slide. One last thought after rereading your post, your 8 year old truck is paid for and the tags have dropped way down plus it only has 24K. Your Fox would bring good money that could go towards a new big trailer that you could get for well under 25K, seems to me this would make the most financial sense. Being a fellow truck driver and coming home after 400 miles a day I look forward to a nice big shower, a comfy recliner and a big flat screen, all this and more could be had in a 30' trailer. Do you have this in your 990?