NEW TRUCK SHOPPING

JOHN EVANS · 10-14-2013, 06:55 PM

question ,is anyone towing with a 2013 or 2014 Chevy or Gmc 3500 dually? Did you have any trouble with the new frame heights on these trucks? If you did what was your fix? We are looking at a 2013 Chevy and the bed height is close to 4 inches higher then our 01. Any break control issues between truck and trailer? John and Marlene
38 ft rl3
2001 GMC 3500
DURA MAX

JOHN EVANS · 10-15-2013, 11:10 AM

Guess who aint buying a new truck, if the rv needs a lot of stuff done to it just to tow it level 60 k for the truck plus trailer updates. I will shoot for 400 k on my present truck

Joezilla · 10-15-2013, 07:02 PM

ha, yep those new trucks are getting up there in $$$$$.

Joe

Gemstone · 10-15-2013, 09:53 PM

Sorry....I can't help myself....ya know you could buy 2, maybe 3 HDT's (used of course) for that money....and you don't have to worry about smashing your bed rails.

Regards
Gemstone

Motor31 · 10-16-2013, 11:34 AM

Been using the same HDT since 04.

netjam · 10-16-2013, 03:08 PM

John...surprized no GM owner has responded. I have a Ford so I'll tell you what I found last year. I was trading in my 08 F-450 for a 2012 model. I looked at Dodge, Chev & Ford and decided that Dodge was my preference. I measured the box height on all 3500 series and found that the Dodge was 58-59" off the ground, Chev was 57 and the Ford was 54". My trailer rides level at about 52". The Dodge dealer gave me a song and dance about the box settling when loaded but I really didn't believe it would settle 6+". A trailer suspension place quoted $3000 to raise my trailer (properly) so considering everything. I went with the Ford and no modifications. I looked a cab & chassis but they didn't make financial sense and I wasn't into HDTs (but they made sense $ wise) I know people tow suites with new Dodges and Chevies so it must work, but it seemed just too tall for me.

**wingnut60** · 10-16-2013, 03:48 PM

netmam,
Why did you go to a 350 from the 450--I would have not liked to lose the shorter turning radius?
Joe

netjam · 10-16-2013, 03:57 PM

Liked the turning radius of the F-450 for sure but the towing capacity of the F-350 in 2012 was better than in 08 and suited my needs for a 15000# trailer. I looked at F-450s in 2012 as well but they were all more money. The 350 just made sense in 2012 whereas the 350 in 08 when towing my 20,000# suite was under capacity. You are right about the turning radius of the 450....I sure miss it.

JOHN EVANS · 10-16-2013, 04:05 PM

netjam I also looked at a new Ford awesome looking engine.Draw back on Ford is the expense to maintain 2 hrs labor to replace a serptine belt. If a injector or turbo goes the whole nose has to come off to repair $$$$$. The new Doge has increased its towing cap to 30 I understand. Cab and chassie
option on a 3500 is about 7 k for a light weight bed.

netjam · 10-16-2013, 04:17 PM

Maintenance can be an issue. That's why I got rid of my 08. An engine rebuild requires that the whole cab comes off. Had 3 rebuilds but all were warranty. It was in the shop for almost a week each time and in 2012 I was beyond warranty so I traded it off. Loved the truck but was afraid of what it might cost me. The 2012 has a different (hopefully less troublesome) motor and way better mileage too.

Motor31 · 10-17-2013, 10:20 AM

Three engine rebuilds in 4 years??????

anijet · 10-17-2013, 10:58 AM

2012 GMC here. Very happy with it. Trailer suspension is set to lowest position for highest trailer height. Installed longer shackles that lowered the rear of the truck 1 inch so truck and trailer ride level. Did the trailer adjustment myself for no cost and the shackles were not expensive.

Full disclosure, Later I installed air bags so I could remove the overload springs as an experiment. I like them but they were not necessary.
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GlennWest · 10-17-2013, 03:37 PM

Had no issues getting my coach level with my Silverado. Originally had the dealer install the hitch in lowest position due to what I have read on forums. It was too low. Had to raise it up to next position. The springs are not the standard springs on older trucks. It has more drop than my 05 did but it is due to the springs being progressive. Mine rides level and so does truck. The new trucks ride is superior to the older trucks due to the new springs also. A towing beast I'll add too.

JOHN EVANS · 10-17-2013, 04:44 PM

Thank you Glenn that's some of the info I have been looking for. Keep welding that pipe!!!

Hunter11 · 10-18-2013, 07:54 AM

I have a 2012 Chevy 3500 4X4 DRW CC LWB and we are looking to order a new MS after the first of the year. I am still up in the air about ordering the Mor/Ryde IS suspension as our trailer will be sitting more than traveling. I do intend to order the 2" lift from the factory for the higher bed rails on my truck.

Gemstone · 10-18-2013, 08:32 AM

"our trailer will be sitting more than traveling"....but you will be traveling. The air suspension is designed to mitigate the jarring on rough roads....we rarely have anything out of place when we arrive at our destination, not so with regular suspension on another brand...even the chairs were strapped to the floor. Even with the air suspension, I do take an extra step and secure the magnetic latch on the medicine cabinet doors...too many times we ended up with a washbowl full of fallout.
I consider the running gear the most important equipment/system on the rig. Remember these rigs may look nice, but they are still assembly line produced, using screws and staples, and IMO, anything that can be done to lessen the road impact will benefit your pocketbook in the long run.

Regards
Gemstone

Hunter11 · 10-18-2013, 10:48 AM

Gemstone, I do agree with you and will probably go ahead and get one of the upgraded suspensions offered by DRV. I am leaning towards the Mor/Ryde IS suspension only because to me it looks to be a more simple setup then the air bag system.

hitchup · 10-18-2013, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hunter11

I have a 2012 Chevy 3500 4X4 DRW CC LWB and we are looking to order a new MS after the first of the year. I am still up in the air about ordering the Mor/Ryde IS suspension as our trailer will be sitting more than traveling. I do intend to order the 2" lift from the factory for the higher bed rails on my truck.

We ordered our 2014 with the M/R IS to see if there's an improvement. Our 36' ES and 38' MS both had TrailAire. We only move a few times a year, but there are some places that just wear us out because of the bad roads.

From what I understand all new Mobile Suites will have the M/R LRE standard and the IS or T-A would be an option, the Elites will have M/R IS as standard.

http://rollingretreats.com/20145productchanges.html

GlennWest · 10-18-2013, 05:19 PM

You can but unless you have raise the truck or installed taller tires not necessary. I have over 8" clearance.

Hunter11 · 10-18-2013, 06:47 PM

Glenn, that would be great if I don't have to get the 2" risers I had just read about some of the folks on the other DRV forum getting them for the newer trucks. I don't want to hijack this truck post so I will make a different one on the two different suspension options on the MS and which one people prefer.