Towing vehicle Ford vs GMC Dually Super Duty (used)

[jeremyc50]

Let me start by saying I am NOT trying to start a fight. My family an I are converting to the full time RV life and are going to pull a heavy tow hauler across the country. I recently sold my 2014 Gas 350 and am looking for a solid dual rear wheel drive diesel. I'm struggling to find the most reliable truck that will get the job done and have pretty much eliminated Dodge from my wish list.

I'm looking for a used DRW 4x4 in the $35k to $45 range. I've narrowed down my search to three vehicles somewhat in my area. I'm familiar with the Ford issues, EGR, possible glow plug, etc. However I am not familiar with the reliability and common issues to look for on the GMs. Does anyone have experience or feedback on the best truck for the job that should give me the least headaches?

2014 Ford 350 Platinum 104,000 miles $43k
2011 GMC 3500 Denali 79,000 miles $37k
2016 Chevy LTZ 107,000 miles $42k

Thanks guys!

[jeremyc50]

Lantley wrote:

jeremyc50 wrote:

free radical wrote:
Id buy brand new and take good care of it,starting with proper undercoating.

Have 08 Silverado that stil runs like a dream,but then I dont race or let it overheat and change all fluids at recomended intervals.

If that was in my budget. It is not.

I sort of thought the same thing when I was buying. But at $42-$45K I was only 10K away from brand new with zero miles, better financing and 100% warranty.
Look closer at the numbers, consider something less than Denali and platinum packages and new is a viable option.
I purchased new in 2019 and found better new deals than used.
While I like all the bells , whistles and creature comforts AI found a LTZ to be a better value than High Country.
Don't be afraid to travel to a high volume dealer that promotes trucks they are out there!

I completely understand the point and if I could I would, however, my budget is VERY fixed so I'm stuck at my price point or below. I'm also certainly open and looking for a 250 or anything above. I'm also not stuck on a loaded vehicle. However, in the price point I can afford I don't see many standard equipped vehicles with reasonable miles in that range either. I've also notice that some of the higher trim trucks have lower miles or tend to be in better shape (from what I've seen in person so far). I really don't care what brand or trim set it is. I need something that is reliable or that I can but and make reliable for the same price range.

I appreciate all the feedback guys. It's a big adventure and I simply want to spend time adventuring and not stuck with a trailer and major repairs while on the road.

[Cummins12V98]

Me Again wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

hornet28 wrote:

Me Again wrote:
I would not want a Dodge either seeings as they disappeared in 2011.

Dodge=Ram. Just because they put another name on it doesn't change who makes it

Actually 2013 is when it became OFFICIALLY "RAM".

We were both wrong:

2010
In 2009, the Chrysler Group restructured the Dodge brand. Cars and minivans went under the Dodge nameplate, while its trucks, the Dodge Ram and Dodge Dakota, became Ram trucks. Since the 2010 model year, Ram has been a separate part of the same company that focuses solely on trucks.

https://www.nylemaxwellcdjr.com/are-dodge-and-ram-the-same-thing/#:~:text=In%202009%2C%20the%20Chrys...

Went thru this before. My 11 and my Dad’s 12 both said Dodge in the sun glass holder above radio for legal reason it had to say Dodge at least one place.

[Lantley]

Archie Kravitz wrote:
Check on the price to replace GM injectors on the diesel, and they all go bad.

GM injectors are an old issue my 07 had 300K with original injectors.
They don't all go bad.
For the most part the drive trains of all the big 3 are pretty solid at this point.

[Archie_Kravitz]

Check on the price to replace GM injectors on the diesel, and they all go bad.

[Me_Again]

Edd505 wrote:
You will find Ford to be the #1 tow vehicle & top selling heavy duty truck.

That may not be true, as F150's are a big part of Ford's truck sales, and are not HD trucks.

Nov 2019 HD truck sales:

[Bionic_Man]

kirkl wrote:
Look for deals like this on cars.com, can do a huge search, This is only 6k over your top end.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/822989765/overview/

Usually the new designs grow on me. That new Chevy isn't. Especially in the lower level trim levels. I don't know what they were thinking.
:?

[Edd505]

You will find Ford to be the #1 tow vehicle & top selling heavy duty truck. While looking the F350's are only slightly more than the F250. I bought the F350 below for 46K with 40,000 miles. Takes some time but there are some deals around. Bought a class 8 truck truck the same way, took a year to find one I liked enough to buy.

[Grit_dog]

Girls! STFU. Nothing literally nothing to do with the OPs thread.

[Me_Again]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

hornet28 wrote:

Me Again wrote:
I would not want a Dodge either seeings as they disappeared in 2011.

Dodge=Ram. Just because they put another name on it doesn't change who makes it

Actually 2013 is when it became OFFICIALLY "RAM".

We were both wrong:

2010
In 2009, the Chrysler Group restructured the Dodge brand. Cars and minivans went under the Dodge nameplate, while its trucks, the Dodge Ram and Dodge Dakota, became Ram trucks. Since the 2010 model year, Ram has been a separate part of the same company that focuses solely on trucks.

https://www.nylemaxwellcdjr.com/are-dodge-and-ram-the-same-thing/#:~:text=In%202009%2C%20the%20Chrys...

[Cummins12V98]

hornet28 wrote:

Me Again wrote:
I would not want a Dodge either seeings as they disappeared in 2011.

Dodge=Ram. Just because they put another name on it doesn't change who makes it

Actually 2013 is when it became OFFICIALLY "RAM".

[kirkl]

Look for deals like this on cars.com, can do a huge search, This is only 6k over your top end.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/822989765/overview/

[Lantley]

jeremyc50 wrote:

free radical wrote:
Id buy brand new and take good care of it,starting with proper undercoating.

Have 08 Silverado that stil runs like a dream,but then I dont race or let it overheat and change all fluids at recomended intervals.

If that was in my budget. It is not.

I sort of thought the same thing when I was buying. But at $42-$45K I was only 10K away from brand new with zero miles, better financing and 100% warranty.
Look closer at the numbers, consider something less than Denali and platinum packages and new is a viable option.
I purchased new in 2019 and found better new deals than used.
While I like all the bells , whistles and creature comforts AI found a LTZ to be a better value than High Country.
Don't be afraid to travel to a high volume dealer that promotes trucks they are out there!

[jeremyc50]

free radical wrote:
Id buy brand new and take good care of it,starting with proper undercoating.

Have 08 Silverado that stil runs like a dream,but then I dont race or let it overheat and change all fluids at recomended intervals.

If that was in my budget. It is not.

[jeremyc50]

ferndaleflyer wrote:
I don't see the need for a 4X4 but I have owned both the Ford and the Chev DRW diesels and have had no trouble with the Ford I have now with 167,000mi on it. Last Chev blew a head gasket at 120,000mi. Other than that the Ford pulls and rides much better I think.

I'll be traveling across the country. This includes off road boon docking, state parks, very possibly to get caught in snow in the mountains etc.

May I ask what year trucks did owned?