1/2 ton towing ability and reliability

[TheFist]

Can you guys tell me what to expect with the 2005-2008 Dodge half ton 4x4's as far as towing and reliability? I've done a search and can't come up with anything.

I'm thinking of downsizing from an 05 F350 powerstroke to a half ton gasser. Cost of diesel and the required maintenance has made the diesel too expensive for what I do. Not to mention the problems I've had with the 6.0.

I do quite a bit of off roading and I also tow 7000-7500 pounds about 10 times a year. How do these trucks perform with this type of load? Can the suspension handle mud, rocks and ruts? Are there any inherrent problems with these trucks to be aware of?

Thanks.

[Bamataco]

I think that you will be happy. But I also want to caution that my truck is a 2007. Not one of the new ones. I have 3:92 gears also because mine is a Sport. I have one time towed 11,000 pounds with mine. mine is rated for 9100 pounds. I tow my car carrier with my Jeep on it with no problems at all. And I pull the same trailer with construction materials like two pallets of pavers & pallets of 8X8X16 concrete blocks. And as I have said I have no problems towing these things.
I myself have done the same as you are doing my last truck was a Dodge 2500 with the Cummin's diesel. And I got rid of it for the same reasons. But I had no problems what so ever with the motor. It was just the expenses.
I don't off road this truck so I can't tell you any thing there. And as far as I know of there isn't any inherrant problems with these trucks.

[TheFist]

Well, thats good to hear. Appreciate it. I'm looking to get anywhere from a 2005-2008. You wouldn't happen to know if there was a longbed option on these would you?

[Bamataco]

There is one that I know of. It is the Mega Cab model which can be had with a long bed. And that model comes with a 3/4 ton frame to. I'm not sure if the quad cab models came with a long bed. that Mega Cab has a hugh back seat area.