New Toy! I'm Excited! ...and a Poll!

[TurboT]

Hey Forum!

Not many of you will probably care but I'm stoked and want to share with the world!

For a few months now, I've been diligently searching the market for a toy hauler to get the Gio's and my Yamaha around to good riding spots.

I finally pulled the trigger today and have a new(to me) 2005 Dodge Ram in the driveway!

It's a damn hard to find Ram 1500 Quad Cab LONG Box 4x4 with 125000km/77000miles on 'er. HEMI Engine with the gas guzzling 345hp and damn she looks and sounds good!

So if any of you BC'ers out there see the black beauty on the sea-to-sky with the blue and pink Gio's in tandom with the trusty white and blue Yammie in the box give me a honk and a wave! :)

[Reveeen]

Other= Ford Ranger

Only because:
1) in the city a long truck can't get around
2) ANYTHING with 4 doors should be painted yellow and called a school bus
3) gasoline currently $1.10 a liter (and I expect it higher by July)
4) better mileage than my turbo Subaru
5) it was the only "normal" 2 door truck I could find (it seems contractors all lease extended cab trucks, there are very few conventional cab trucks to be had used)
6) the wife can drive it without "shortening" it (or punching a corner)

While I don't "buy in" to the "green BS" that most spout off, I DO believe that the natural resources of this place we live in are limited, and should be used as sparingly as possible. I have no need of, nor do I desire, a full sized truck, your needs may be different (and I respect them, having owned many large work trucks in the past). For occasional "truck use" I find my Ranger perfect.

[yozalo]

Ummmmmm.....Turbo T are you out of your mind. Everyone wants a smaller car and you are thinking of getting a truck. Bad idea, by the time you want to sell it no one would be interested since gas prices would be sooo high. If your getting a truck at least get Japanese, even though they cost more. I have three cars and guess what they are all Honda's. Have you ever seen a brown person without a Japaneese car. :lol:

[Cal25]

I would love to have a big 'ol honkin giant truck. Unfortunately, My average of 35,000 miles a year make it impractical for me. I dont need it for work so I cant justify it that way either. I currently have a Nissan with well over 500,000 miles on it and use it when I need to haul something.
Next truck will be another Nissan or maybe a Chevy Colorado.

congratulations on the new ride. Hope you ejoy many trouble free and comfortable mles in it.

[Weldangrind]

Congratulations TurboT!

I've been struggling with similar issues. The company I work for issues a Grand Caravan, which is powerful enough to haul a light utility trailer and our two GIO quads along with two dirt bikes. The issue is that I want to be able to camp at Nickelmine (Hope, BC) and not have to use a tent. I've certainly camped alot in tents over the years, but Nickelmine is bear country, and I'd like to have something more substantial between my family and a bear than some tent fabric. In the end, the decision comes down to a pickup and a giant toy hauler (prohibitively expensive), or a nice old 24' class C motorhome. The motorhome would allow us to haul the machines into the campsite and have some conveniences that Nickelmine doesn't (like toilets). I have a friend who is selling a 1985 Ford E350 based 24' class C for $5000, and it only has 60000km (35000 miles) on it. For me, that's a good answer; I might move forward with it.

Yozalo, I mean no offence when I say that your age, you're not trying to figure out how to get a bunch of machines and a family to a good riding area. TurboT's needs are different than yours or mine.

Show us some pics TurboT!

[yozalo]

You guys a lucky, my family does not like atv's. I usually drive it around the neighborhood or at a school. I personally wish that I could go on a trip like you guys do, but my parent never ever went camping before. The cosest thing to camping was a cabin. :lol:

[Weldangrind]

You guys a lucky, my family does not like atv's. I usually drive it around the neighborhood or at a school. I personally wish that I could go on a trip like you guys do, but my parent never ever went camping before. The cosest thing to camping was a cabin. :lol:

A cabin would be great; if we had a cabin to go to that had a good riding area, my challenges would be behind me. Since we don't, I need to figure out how to get all of our machines to Nickelmine and have a place to sleep. :?

[yozalo]

I think maybe you should get a huge trailer but then you will have to sleep in a camp.

[TurboT]

Yes I'm sure there are those out there that would think I am crazy for the big truck....but as Weldandgrind pointed out, there are other issues.

I am 6'6, 280lbs. My 7 year old is almost as tall a lot of teenagers or short women. I have another 5 year old, a 5'10 wife, and two medium to large sized dogs. A Ford Ranger just won't cut it. Quad cab was essential.

I have two quads and a full size mx Yamaha YZ. I could trailer them, but then I need to store the trailer some where. I my as well get the long box to try to fit everything in it and avoid having a trailer taking up my driveway 90% of the time when I'm not hauling toys.

I couldn't afford a Diesel! Fuel economy in the Cummins is much better, but they come with a 14,000 higher pricetag, that's a lot of fuel!

I don't drive a lot, and I have a mini van to go get grocery's and take the kids to school.

..and damn it's going to be nice to clean this place up, throw some crap we've been holding on to because no way to get it out to the dump. 6.5 years in a house, two kids, piles up a lot of stuff. I can't wait for the first weekend sunny day to just de-clutter!

[katoranger]

Be prepared for the gas consumption with the hemi, otherwise a nice truck and good choice.

I am not big on imports. Cost alot more in the used market and I have seen a lot of bad reviews with those also.

I would like a cummins diesel in a ford truck.

Allen

[TurboT]

Congratulations TurboT!

I've been struggling with similar issues. The company I work for issues a Grand Caravan, which is powerful enough to haul a light utility trailer and our two GIO quads along with two dirt bikes. The issue is that I want to be able to camp at Nickelmine (Hope, BC) and not have to use a tent. I've certainly camped alot in tents over the years, but Nickelmine is bear country, and I'd like to have something more substantial between my family and a bear than some tent fabric. In the end, the decision comes down to a pickup and a giant toy hauler (prohibitively expensive), or a nice old 24' class C motorhome. The motorhome would allow us to haul the machines into the campsite and have some conveniences that Nickelmine doesn't (like toilets). I have a friend who is selling a 1985 Ford E350 based 24' class C for $5000, and it only has 60000km (35000 miles) on it. For me, that's a good answer; I might move forward with it.

Yozalo, I mean no offence when I say that your age, you're not trying to figure out how to get a bunch of machines and a family to a good riding area. TurboT's needs are different than yours or mine.

Show us some pics TurboT!

A motorhome is a cool idea if you have place to store it/park it when you're not using it. Neighbours can get quite bitchy about those things on the street! Can't really go wrong with $5000 for something like that! As long as you can keep it running.

I would agree you want to be out of tent with snooping bears around. They are usually scared of people and run away, but a brave one getting a whiff of something yummy will certainly investigate!

I will get some pics up soon. Raining today so won't take the best shot I'm sure.

[TeamCheap]

I dont want a smaller car
I need something that can tug a 6 x 14 enclosed trailer with all our goodies loaded inside of it without being a menace on the road swaying back and forth trying to tow it with a small vehicle.

Our TB works great for that.... ohh sure gas mileage stinks but atleast it gets the job done.

I cant bring myself to buy a pickup as long as I have a decent utility trailer around here to use and a vehicle to tow it with.

It is nice going to the free landfill days every spring to offload the clutter. :D

[katoranger]

Well you all know what I drive. I really wanted a full-size diesel truck, but for my needs the ranger fits.

I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee also that can pull trailers at 12mpg. It is old and paid for so it stays in the fleet. Doesn't cost much to tag or insure.

Wife has a minivan that carries us all in comfort with reasonable gas mileage.

A little car really is not practical for families with small kids since you have to have car seats and baby gear. I can barely get 3 car seats into the back seat of the Jeep. They have to be basic ones with no cupholders etc. That is why parents with 3 or more kids have minivans and large SUVs. They need the large seats to fit the safety gear the liberals have pushed on us. So therefore you can blame big SUVS on treehuggers. :lol: Well maybe.

Allen

[TurboT]

Be prepared for the gas consumption with the hemi, otherwise a nice truck and good choice.

I am not big on imports. Cost alot more in the used market and I have seen a lot of bad reviews with those also.

I would like a cummins diesel in a ford truck.

Allen

Yes I ran around looking for a good price on a diesel for 2 months. Just couldn't find one in reasonable shape for reasonable money. The gas guzzling is a concern, however I don't put a lot of miles on cars, use public transit to get to work in the city so I'm probably okay with the gas for what I will be using it for.

I'm with you on the import. I find their used value a bit rediculous. There really is no reason for them to be that high in price as they are usually expensive to repair, and will break down just as much as anything "American" Plus, hard to find a long box in anything import. More like 4 ft waste of time boxes.

[TurboT]

Well you all know what I drive. I really wanted a full-size diesel truck, but for my needs the ranger fits.

I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee also that can pull trailers at 12mpg. It is old and paid for so it stays in the fleet. Doesn't cost much to tag or insure.

Wife has a minivan that carries us all in comfort with reasonable gas mileage.

A little car really is not practical for families with small kids since you have to have car seats and baby gear. I can barely get 3 car seats into the back seat of the Jeep. They have to be basic ones with no cupholders etc. That is why parents with 3 or more kids have minivans and large SUVs. They need the large seats to fit the safety gear the liberals have pushed on us. So therefore you can blame big SUVS on treehuggers. :lol: Well maybe.

Allen

This is a very good point. Car and booster seat, strollers, bags, books for the ride.. it all takes up space and most cars won't cut it. Blame the safety lobby for big gas consumption! :)
I had a Jeep Cherokee once and I had a bugger of a time getting car seats into it!

[katoranger]

I tried with an escort. It was okay with two seats, but no way a 3rd would fit. Liked the car though. 40mpg.

I don't put lots of miles on my cars either. The van gets used the most. The Jeep hasn't moved in over a week. The ranger will see about 5-6K a year maybe.

Allen

[TurboT]

My wife runs the kids back and forth to school and goes grocery shopping with the van. We've had it 3.5 years and only put 40,000KM(24000miles) on it..and that is with a number of long trips. Most of the time it just putters around town. It's a pile of crap though, I don't like it. (Pontiac Montana SV6)

I have a Geo Tracker we've had since new, 15 years old now I'm trying to sell it, been sitting in the driveway for 6 months. I just put a new battery in and adjusted the clutch. 206000km's hope it sells soon.

[TeamCheap]

I had a grand caravan that was a bit rough but it was a great vehicle and decent on gas for the size.

I would like to get another van just because they come in very handy our SUV is ok but not nearly as much space as the mini van but the mini van could only tow 1000lbs, same as the tracker :roll: .

I have been driving my little 02 tracker lately and it is fun to drive but has next to nothing for cargo space and only gets around 20MPG (it is loaded with auto trans, 4wd)

[smithyUK]

[quote="Reveeen"]Other= Ford Ranger

3) gasoline currently $1.10 a liter (and I expect it higher by July)

lol were sittin at 90p a litre due to hit a pound again lol

[Qingdao]

I am not aposed to large trucks, in fact I think turbo disels are cool to listen to. I just don't ever haul anything more than one motorcycle at a time. So a Datsun 610 would be as big a truck as I could ever need.

[Reveeen]

lol were sittin at 90p a litre due to hit a pound again lol

We have a bit different "thing" going on here. The price of oil drops here in the winter? I figure it is the oil companies dodging a government inquiry over the cost of heating in the winter, so we are "fair game" in the summer. Of course the tourist industry takes a LARGE hit (there haven't been the bumper to bumper trailers and motorhomes on our highways for 3 years now) maybe not a "bad" thing, unless you work in that industry! By July the usual here is $1.50 a liter ($6.75 a gallon).

[TurboT]

YEs we hit 1.50/l here last year too. It's back up to a 1.10 probably go up more through the summer months.

Just will have to drive the truck sparingly for when hauling needed. Drive the van all the other time.

[smithyUK]

fuel would cost 40 pence here if not for the goverment :evil:

[yozalo]

Yep, Canada has been hard hit by the gas prices. I used to see so many pick up trucks but not any more. In Toronto it's mostly mini compact cars including civic's and corrolla's. The gas prices are probably gonna go up in the summer. Ooooo....man too bad these Chinese atv's are not fuel efficient. I wonder how much gas millage our Giovanni gives.

[TurboT]

Hi Guys,

I got up to Pemberton and snapped off a shot of the Dodge Ram. This is out the back of the house we stay at, beyond it is a big 'meadow' of grass that goes up to the base of the mountain. Great place to ride for the kids.

Sorry for the bad quality, it is from my cell phone. I plan to have the wife take some more shots of the toys and the kids riding them through the week. Will post the photos.

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss108/GioBikePhoto/jpg043.jpg (http://s566.photobucket.com/albums/ss108/GioBikePhoto/?action=view&current=jpg043.jpg)

[DesertDog]

this is my ride turbo
and i am very much lovin it , the upgrades you can do are cheaper than the other leading brands and sometimes cost more also for dodge
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj213/DesertDog_12/P1020072-1.jpg
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj213/DesertDog_12/rammega-cab-1.jpg
its 1500 4x4 with 35" toyo's wheel to wheel nurf bars , i've got the Hemi too, but cummins would've been the better

and you can get the long box now , in megacab but only 2500 and 3500 not 1500, the reason for dumping the short box wut i was told is to many 5th wheel accidents are happening in the short box, ? alot a different stories out there about it.

good luck , i dont know wut the foreign models are that would cause the poll to be so high,
my dodge has pulled semi's out of a ditch to up the street to the highway dont see no tundra doing that.........HA

mark

[TurboT]

It's a nice rig you've got there DD.

Yeah, when I put 'import' I didn't mean Honda Civics or Toyota Corolla's... and I'm sorry, the North American made trucks are where it's at. I haven't towed anything with the Hemi, but 9000lbs capacity in a half ton is pretty out of this world. Mine has the class 4 hitch on the back with a trailer brake inside, don't see that much in a half ton.

As for accessories, I would like to get some stock Dodge 20" Chrome rims for it, to raise it up a bit more and give it a cooler look. Right now they are the 17" Chromes..and I will look into a cold air intake and maybe some flowmaster exhausts. All in due time though have to make some more money first!

I did see a mega cab, short box dually on the road the other day. Frankly it look odd with the short box and dually. Dealer told me they didn't make mega cab's in long box, but perhaps that has changed. I would think the 5th wheelers would need a longer box for clearance on turns, and general wheel base stability. I'm no towing expert though!

[katoranger]

I would think the 5th wheelers would need a longer box for clearance on turns, and general wheel base stability. I'm no towing expert though!

The long boxes are preferred for 5th wheels. Unless they have a slider hitch the 5th will contact the cab on tight manuevers.

People also shouldn't be towing a 5th wheel with a 1500 series truck. I always use the "rated" tow amount as a guide the take about 2/3rds of that for a realistic rating.

My Jeep is rated for 5000lbs. It will do it, but stopping it and maintaning speed is not easy. 3000lbs it can handle reasonably.

That Ram 1500 should have no problems with a normal size trailer.

I used a 2500 CTD ram to pull a gooseneck with my GMC safari minivan plus a small trailer with 3 motorcycles on it. Total weight about 12000lbs. The Ram has no toubles with that. Except it needed a diesel break every few hours. 12-13 loaded.

Allen

[Reveeen]

9000lbs capacity in a half ton is pretty out of this world.

I had an old International 1/2 ton that I used to scale @11.990, if I remember correctly, I think I paid $200 for that one. If someone was to offer me one today (a pre-'73 International pick-up) I would buy it in a minute. They were hot, ugly, and burn any fuel you got near them, but they were tough. I owned a fleet of them, and the employees couldn't kill them, my favorite being a '69, but it didn't matter, mechanically they were all the same from 1962 to 1973. Made me nothing but money.

[katoranger]

9000lbs capacity in a half ton is pretty out of this world.

I had an old International 1/2 ton that I used to scale @11.990, if I remember correctly, I think I paid $200 for that one. If someone was to offer me one today (a pre-'73 International pick-up) I would buy it in a minute. They were hot, ugly, and burn any fuel you got near them, but they were tough. I owned a fleet of them, and the employees couldn't kill them, my favorite being a '69, but it didn't matter, mechanically they were all the same from 1962 to 1973. Made me nothing but money.

That was when trucks were trucks.

Allen

[TurboT]

Did they make 1/2, 3/4 or 1 tons back then, or was it just a truck? :)

Not too long ago the Ford 150's were rated really low for towing, but that has changed since the towing and horsepower wars were back on for a while.

[dsrt4]

Heres My new Ride. 2009 Dodge Ram Hemi 4x4.

I Traded My 1997 Power stroke Diesel 4x4 3/4 ton on it. I pretty Much Got tired of having such a Huge truck and decided now was the time to buy.

I just need to tow my Jeep once in a while and thats it.

It Listed for 42k and I walked out of the dealer paying 28k for it.
I had a Chrysler friends discount which helped alot but they still gave me a great deal.


I miss the tourqe of the Diesel but it sure is nice having something new and not nickel and dime-ing me to death.

It gets the same HWY MPG as my Diesel did as well which is outstanding at 18-20mpg!!

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd238/Deezildennis/Jun072009002.jpg

[DesertDog]

i love the look of yur rear bumper on that dodge and how the exhaust is with it pretty cool ,
i was eyeballing one the other day seein if it would be kosher with the lifted style of mine.....

i'll have to go over to ramforumz.com see if i can dig up that link it shows the 2010 2500 and 1ton megacab long box, all windows were taped(covered) and it was sitting infront of an office ?where ever the office was ?

looked like a freaken monster longbox truck,,,,,hehe

lets see what else oh yeh . when i went to have the lift (4") put on les scwabb had a hard time finding the proper fit for mine then they ran a frame vin# that was on it and it appeers to have an factory installed special ordered 2500 chases under the cab, once they figured that out they ordered the lift for a 2500 short box and i also have the straight front axel, so no drinking coffee on the inside driving on cemented highways , its harder than.....uhhhh...stiffer than.....uhhh the front end rides hard ....uhhh is that clean enough to put it...lol

another thing from 1999 to present you dont have to wire the truck for a brake control its already togo , just mount and plug it in..... 8O

yes here is a pic of me pulling the truck out of the ditch

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj213/DesertDog_12/P1020405-1.jpg

it did take some diggin the snow some but i eventually pulled him out

[TurboT]

Heres My new Ride. 2009 Dodge Ram Hemi 4x4.

I Traded My 1997 Power stroke Diesel 4x4 3/4 ton on it. I pretty Much Got tired of having such a Huge truck and decided now was the time to buy.

I just need to tow my Jeep once in a while and thats it.

It Listed for 42k and I walked out of the dealer paying 28k for it.
I had a Chrysler friends discount which helped alot but they still gave me a great deal.


I miss the tourqe of the Diesel but it sure is nice having something new and not nickel and dime-ing me to death.

It gets the same HWY MPG as my Diesel did as well which is outstanding at 18-20mpg!!

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd238/Deezildennis/Jun072009002.jpg

Nice ride!! I do like the dual exhaust as well, will have to look into that for mine... perhaps some flowmasters!

[TurboT]

yes here is a pic of me pulling the truck out of the ditch

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj213/DesertDog_12/P1020405-1.jpg

it did take some diggin the snow some but i eventually pulled him out


DD, that is cool and should be in Dodge Forums everywhere! :)