For those interested in a comparison test on trucks, here's a link to canadian driver's 2008 truck challenge.
http://www.canadiandriver.com/truckking/2008/index.htm
Planning a trip down to either UP Michigan or upper minnesota in the next bit to get a truck. Still undecided on what to get though.........all depends on price. Anyone know of any good dealers in these areas?
For those interested in a comparison test on trucks, here's a link to canadian driver's 2008 truck challenge.
http://www.canadiandriver.com/truckking/2008/index.htm
Also get a diesel! The gas engines are not really up to long hauls with a trailer. I tried to tell my father in law his 1/2 ton wasnt up for the trips out here (lots of hills) towing his trailer. Sure enough he burned up his automatic tranny. He then spen thousands on a new tranny and had his rear diffs changed to a lower gear ratio. Not long after that his engine started to give him problems over heating. He finally got rid of it and the trailer a bought a used Dodge 2500 Diesel 4x4 Yr. 98.5 with the 24 valve cummins. He also bought a new trailer which comes in at 9K fully loaded. He has had ZERO problems with this truck that now has 178,000+ miles on it. Also his older 1/2 ton went through two sets of brakes in about 2 years. All they did was tow a trailer and travelled the country. He also had excellent maintenance but the truck was just to light of a duty for constant towing even though it was rated to tow what he had on the back! Get a 3/4 ton diesel!
I've just been informed of a real life comparison test between a 2004 Dodge 1500 with 5.7hemi and a Chev 1500 with 5.3.
A buddy of mine and his in-laws each have the exact same camper. They went on a trip out to the west coast a couple of years ago each hauling their campers. According to my buddy, they were travelling together at the same speed and filling up at the same time. Each time they filled up, his dodge would cost around $10 more than the Chev. Both truck were spec't out pretty much the same. Both were extended cabs, both 4x4, same campers, same speed. But the dodge would always cost more in fuel. Just thought I'd share this with you guys.