BajaNomad - 4x4 : diesel vs gas, mid vs full size...

4x4 : diesel vs gas, mid vs full size...

carlosg - 4-4-2015 at 07:11 PM

...need some (a lot) of help.... We have a '06 Tacoma 2wd, Pre Runner, 4dr, long bed, before we had an '04 TRD, xcab, 2wd... We started camping at BoLA and then went down to Punta Chivato and Bahia Concepcion; two years ago I tried to go the north road down from San Ignacio to San Juanico but couldn't because of the 2wd limitation, thus I would like to upgrade to a 4x4, 4dr truck that can get us off the pavement and do some mission exploration or just go out in the boonies; have the the ability of pulling a 16' boat (when possible) and the comfort of a slide-in camper (in the future)... I have done some research and started with the option of gas, the first choice was a GMC but learned of the better mpg of the Ford, then looked into diesel: the F250 vs Ram 2500, it seems like the Ram is a better option. I think that for the camper a 2500 SRW would be good. I'm hoping of buying a used vehicle with probably less than 150k... Any thoughts on the subject are greatly appreciated. I found the thread on Baja Rigs and saw some really nice examples:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=74859&pag...

(clic on beller)

Quote: Originally posted by beller

[Edited on 4-5-2015 by carlosg]

[Edited on 4-6-2015 by carlosg]

carlosg - 4-4-2015 at 07:29 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

well you're not gonna put much of a slide-in camper on a ranger?

...thanks willard for the observation, instead of upgrading I just went the other way... I meant the "F" series not the Ranger...

My choice

bajaguy - 4-4-2015 at 07:39 PM

I have a 2011 Ram 2500 4x4, 4 door diesel (short bed).

Great ride, will pull anything. I have a 26ft travel trailer and don't even know it it there when we are on the road. Good ground clearance, decent mileage.

Wife even likes to drive it, she likes that it is a "quiet" diesel.

[Edited on 4-5-2015 by bajaguy]

carlosg - 4-4-2015 at 07:57 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy

I have a 2011 Ram 2500 4x4, 4 door diesel (short bed).

Great ride, will pull anything. I have a 26ft travel trailer and don't even know it it there when we are on the road. Good ground clearance, decent mileage.

Wife even likes to drive it, she likes that it is a "quiet" diesel.

[Edited on 4-5-2015 by bajaguy]

Right now this is my first choice: Ram2500 seems like some "luxuries" or comforts in the interior are not like in the Ford but overall it's a better truck with a Cummins engine...

bajaguy - 4-4-2015 at 08:19 PM

Quote: Originally posted by carlosg

Right now this is my first choice: Ram2500 seems like some "luxuries" or comforts in the interior are not like in the Ford but overall it's a better truck with a Cummins engine...

We have the Laramie model and it has all the bells and whistles........including seat heaters. Keeps your pizza warm on the ride home!!

Picked the Ram specifically for the Cummins engine

rts551 - 4-4-2015 at 08:35 PM

depends on what you plan to do. For 25 years we had f-250 diesels because we had a 10 ft Lance camper. Last one was the last of the 7.3ltrs (2002 crew cab 4x4). Great trucks...lots of power, comfortable, diesel runs forever...but heavy trucks. Very heavy.

I decided to down size in 2013. RAM 1500 5.7 ltr quad cab 4x4, gas. because I either pull a 14 ft trailer with 2 quads or a 15 ft boat. no more camper.

I am happy down sizing and obviously willing to change brands.

By the way...wife likes the Ford better because it had a little more room.

carlosg - 4-4-2015 at 09:29 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rts551

depends on what you plan to do. For 25 years we had f-250 diesels because we had a 10 ft Lance camper. Last one was the last of the 7.3ltrs (2002 crew cab 4x4). Great trucks...lots of power, comfortable, diesel runs forever...but heavy trucks. Very heavy.

I decided to down size in 2013. RAM 1500 5.7 ltr quad cab 4x4, gas. because I either pull a 14 ft trailer with 2 quads or a 15 ft boat. no more camper.

I am happy down sizing and obviously willing to change brands.

By the way...wife likes the Ford better because it had a little more room.

Do you mean going back to the Ford? Why? How about reliance or maintenance, which brand you think needs more "attention"?

aguachico - 4-4-2015 at 09:54 PM

I have owned and used many trucks in Baja. I have travel buddies with TOYotas.

The cummins diesel is the best on the market and I own a Ford Powerstroke.

The new small truck diesels are to hit the marlket, but the EPA has made those things unusable in California. With particulate and heat control, why bother.

The new gas 1/2 tons are priced way too high fully loaded.

I would look for a pre-tree hugger Ram 2500 4x4 diesel. The trannies are not as good as Ford or Chevy. Scour the diesel forums and make the necessary upgrades. Stay away from over-size tires and race tunes.

There nothing like blowing past all the gas trucks fully loaded on Mex1 while getting 13MPG.

chuckie - 4-4-2015 at 11:41 PM

Dodge Cummins....Ol Smokey has almost 350,000 miles on him, carries a Lance camper or pulls a 26 foot 5th wheel while getting 13-15 MPG. Came up from Baja (2200 miles) this year with neither and got over 20 MPG....My 3rd one, started with a 1990....Fords ride better....Dodges work....

rts551 - 4-5-2015 at 07:18 AM

Quote: Originally posted by carlosg

Quote: Originally posted by rts551

Do you mean going back to the Ford? Why? How about reliance or maintenance, which brand you think needs more "attention"?

No... She liked the older Ford better because it had more seat room. Maintenance is about the same I think. Oil changes were more for the diesel because it held 14 quarts and the expensive fuel filter was more critical. The Ford got 18 mpg unloaded and 15 loaded. The Ram gets 18-20 unloaded (depending on how fast I am going) and about 15 loaded, pulling the trailer, and about 10 if you constantly put your foot into it using all the 400 HP.

Bought the RAM because it was better equipped, the reviews are a lot better now (10 years ago I would not have touched one), and the RAM dealer gave a great price on one where Ford would not deal. The rRAM has been a god truck for the first 35,000 miles.

one last note...All new vehicles are totally computer controlled. They are not your mom and dads 57 cheby.

rts551 - 4-5-2015 at 08:03 AM

Quote: Originally posted by soulpatch

No mentions of the F150 aluminum truck?
I've been watching this waiting to see if it pops up.
Seems like a decent family option.

New make over entirely. Probably too new yet. If I was in the market I would surely look at it.

aluminum f 150

akshadow - 4-5-2015 at 09:30 AM

One of the auto sites did a comparison of the cost to fix dented panel on the bed body of aluminum vs old style. You should read it before you buy. May have been Edmonds?

Quote: Originally posted by soulpatch

No mentions of the F150 aluminum truck?
I've been watching this waiting to see if it pops up.
Seems like a decent family option.

bajamedic - 4-5-2015 at 09:42 AM

For what it is worth, I currently have a 2013 Ram with the Cummins and all of the goodies, I love my truck. Seating is more comfortable than my Lazy Boy plus the heated and cooled seats, ahhhh.

My mileage; 20-21 empty on the highway, I live in a very rugged, steep mountainous area and get 16 to 17 MPG, towing my 10,000+ toy hauler or equipment trailer, 10.5 almost everywhere I go.

After driving and loving my 2001 Ram with the Cummins and an automatic transmission 135,000 trouble free miles, I was convinced to stick with what was working for me.

As a side note, when my wife and I pulled into our driveway with both the old and new Ram's, a local Fireman stopped in front of my house, walked over and said I want to buy your truck if it is for sale. He bought it that day and is still happily pulling his trailer and driving around town with it today. JH

[Edited on 4-5-2015 by bajamedic]

Sweetwater - 4-5-2015 at 12:18 PM

If you're considering a 3/4 ton to 1 ton truck, my recommendation is to attempt to track down the General Motors/Chevrolet diesel of the '05 to '07 vintages. The superior tuning of the LBZ version of that turbo diesel Duramax in combination with the 6 speed Allison transmission makes them superior to any of the other trucks of that age. They are available as standard, extended and full cabs with a medium 6' bed or a longer 8' bed. I've got one friend with the 1 ton, 4 door, 8' bed version who has a goose neck 36' fifth wheel and an 11' slide in camper. The truck runs with either at full freeway speeds. It doesn't need any supplemental fluids and has a ton of aftermarket add-ons for performance, lift or any other customization even though the stock version is fully qualified. There is an earlier version of that motor/trans combination known as the LLY, years are '04-'05 which can be tuned to the LBZ performance, might be even more affordable.
As far as the newer trucks go, technology is outstanding but be prepared to pay a house payment to get one......

chuckie - 4-5-2015 at 12:42 PM

My daughter has TWO Duramax diesels....Nice trucks but both stickered close to 50K....A "performance chip" was added to one, which voided the warranty and caused a transmission failure...The Allison replacement was on the North end of 12K....I'll keep my Dodges, Thank you...The 1990 which was my first Cummins Dodge, I gave to my son and last time I checked had over 900,000 miles on it...1 ton Dually, 2 WD....Rattles and rust but still farmin....

Sweetwater - 4-5-2015 at 03:00 PM

Ya, I know plenty of Dodge nightmares which is why I was so specific with my info. I wouldn't touch some of the newer trucks that have to meet some pretty ugly regs to burn diesel fuel. One of the shorter but balanced reviews I've read is here: http://www.btdaa.com/blog/what-is-the-best-diesel-out-there/

I forget that BN gets over run by emotions rather than data. Hope your Dodges keep running well.

chuckie - 4-5-2015 at 03:19 PM

Actually, My son took a 2012 Cummins to Baja this year, pumped Mexican Diesel into it for 2 months, never burped..So? Unless you have an ACTUAL incident...I think "Caballo Ca-Ca"....NOW that's "data"

Sweetwater - 4-5-2015 at 03:29 PM

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Dodge/Ram_2500/2006/

Data...happy easter......chuck

Sweetwater - 4-5-2015 at 03:31 PM

BTW, comparative data...chuck...if you can still read....

http://www.carcomplaints.com/GMC/Sierra_2500/2006/

chuckie - 4-5-2015 at 03:42 PM

Some people read...Other people do....You categorized your self.....

wessongroup - 4-5-2015 at 03:59 PM

They're just trucks ... guys ..

Got over 400,000 out of any old Peugeot 504 D .. and thought that was good ... 900,000 is just plain outstanding

That is what I call using a piece of equipment :biggrin:

Haven't closely followed the "air regs" for this in a long time

they must be getting pretty tough for diesel's ... might be why some of the feet dragging from Toyota ... just saying

Had an old 74 Doge 3/4 that I "used" for cutting wood ... replaced the 504 D in wood cutting work

[Edited on 4-6-2015 by wessongroup]

Trucks

captkw - 4-5-2015 at 04:02 PM

2000 dodge Ram2500 (3/4 ton) w/360 (gas) 19/20 miles a gal. and the good trans....1977 dodge 1 ton carbed 360 w 400k miles..trans never been removed and the heads have never been off..8 miles a gallon up hill or down....but, my towing is around 3,800 lbs so I don't need a diesel and the cost of fuel is modest...the cummins is a Great motor if your towing BIG stuff..

rts551 - 4-5-2015 at 04:56 PM

As you can see, everyone has the favorite. Determine you need/requirement first. How heavy duty? then fuel...diesel is more expensive but the motor pulls better and lasts longer. Then new or older (More technical vs possible repairs). Then its price, research on repair history and what you like.

trucks

captkw - 4-5-2015 at 05:31 PM

I would stay from the fords that have to have the cab removed for all kinds of repair....Yikes !! that's crazy IMO.....cant get my small brain around that....

rts551 - 4-5-2015 at 06:27 PM

Cab removal is for the 2008's if they require head or engine removal.

Cap..its to give the Dodge/Ram guys something to talk about.

My parents had a 93 3/4 ton 2wd diesel. After 2 years of Baja DIRT roads and on the way into Punta Abreojos before the road was paved, the front bumper came off and wrapped itself around the driveshaft...response at the dealer :truck was not meant to go off-road. 1 year later the drivers door came off. Repaired by third party. Nice motor but the rest of the truck was falling apart all around it.

baja and trucks

captkw - 4-5-2015 at 07:31 PM

I have yet to see a truck that given the wrong/right Baja drive that always beat the Baja !! Baja is gosh darnn tough !! and can break even the toughest.....As your post said earlier its all about choice.........Does a unimug count as a truck ??

[Edited on 4-6-2015 by captkw]

Russ - 4-6-2015 at 07:23 AM

I have a 1996 F250 7.3 xcab 4x4 I should sell because it's just sitting unused and needs a good home and some miles put on it. Click the below URL and make an offer. only 120k, needs love and has been serviced and repaired when due.
http://www.kbb.com/ford/f250-super-cab/1996-ford-f250-super-...

[Edited on 4-6-2015 by Russ]

[Edited on 4-6-2015 by Russ]

rts551 - 4-6-2015 at 07:51 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Russ

I have a 1996 F250 7.3 xcab 4x4 I should sell because it's just sitting unused and needs a good home and some miles put on it. Click the below URL and make an offer. only 120k, needs love and has been serviced and repaired when due.
http://www.kbb.com/ford/f250-super-cab/1996-ford-f250-super-...

[Edited on 4-6-2015 by Russ]

[Edited on 4-6-2015 by Russ]

Russ. link goes to Kelly Blue Book. Do you have a photo of the actual truck?

Russ - 4-6-2015 at 07:55 AM

It should show the value and option on that link. Sorry about the size

carlosg - 4-6-2015 at 08:36 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Russ

It should show the value and option on that link. Sorry about the size

Thanks for the offer Russ, but I'm looking to get something a little more recent and definitely a four door, 8' bed, probably starting '03. Looks like you took that pic at Palo Verde...

carlosg - 4-6-2015 at 08:45 AM

thanks for all your input, I receive it with great appreciation and respect, your comments will really help selecting a good truck for my family travels up and down the peninsula...

[Edited on 4-8-2015 by carlosg]

aguachico - 4-6-2015 at 09:18 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Russ

I have a 1996 F250 7.3 xcab 4x4 I should sell because it's just sitting unused and needs a good home and some miles put on it. Click the below URL and make an offer. only 120k, needs love and has been serviced and repaired when due.
http://www.kbb.com/ford/f250-super-cab/1996-ford-f250-super-...

That is a great truck. 7.3

[Edited on 4-6-2015 by Russ]

[Edited on 4-6-2015 by Russ]