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Re: [RC] diesel trucks-set up your priorities for now and in the next 5 yrs - Mike LewisIt is a Dodge Truck thing. I backed into my gooseneck hitch 2 weeks after buying my new '06 Ram 3500. It was dark, and I wasn't paying attention. Had the tailgate off the truck. Took it to a body shop and the truck is now good as new. A friend bought a new Ram 1500 and dented the front bumper within 3 days of ownership. Pulled it out, good as new. I'm coming from a '91 Ford F-350 diesel that couldn't get out of its own way. I love Ford trucks but just couldn't risk their current diesel engine, now could I stomach the price when my dealer wouldn't go less than 3% above invoice. I paid nearly $11k less than stick for my Dodge. It'll spin the tires taking off in 2nd gear with the gooseneck horse trailer on it (no horses aboard!!) At any rate, good luck with your truck. I have the Jake (not a true Jake) brake on my truck and love it... haven't noted any decrease in fuel mileage with it turned on. If you want a truly awesome brake controller, try the Dr. Performance "Brakesmart" controller--it is like your trailer isn't even back there... That, your jake, and the manual transmission will make towing so much easier and more fun. --- Mary Ann Spencer <maryann.spencer@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: I just bought my first diesel truck. Went almost all the way: 2007 4x4 duelly, crew cab, 8 ft bed, CANDY APPLE Red Dodge cuz Ford won't make that color in the super duty. I will be towing a 28 ft 2 horse with living quarters that is older model steel, not aluminum. I had a jake brake installed before I bought it along with at the disappearing gooseneck connection. A friend towed the horse trailer down from IA with a Dodge 3/4 ton diesel crew cab with 8 ft bed.. It towed fine but braking was slow and the headlights tilted so bad he had to drive in daylight only. I towed it from his place to mine with my new 3500 and had NO problems with braking. Granted Central TX doesn't have great mountains but there are a good amount of rolling hills. It towed just fine and the braking was no problem. I put on the jake brake just to try it. Seems the jake brake really cuts down on fuel economy. When the brake was first on I drove around with it in town and did not have to use regular brake except to come to a complete stop. These diesel trucks are quite expensive but the engine lasts much longer than a gas one. That is why you need to plan ahead. HOWEVER: I could not decide which 'brush guard' to put over the grill etc. Bad news is I hit a ^&*( deer about day ten of having my new truck. Now have some repairs to get done. IF YOU HAVE TO HIT A DEER AT 60 MPH YOU NEED TO DO IT IN A ONE TON DUELLY. Only felt like a bump in the road. Just what is it that makes those damn deer go suicidal anyway!!!! There is a place that makes replacement grills for Ford and Dodge that has horses in it. I am checking out that option for the repairs. When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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