Chev 8,1 GAS or Dodge 5,9 Cummins diesel
 

Hi guys!! I need a new tow truck as I work with boats. I am looking at many different truck right now. Following is of interest:

2002 Chevrolet crew cab non-dually short bed with 340 hp 8,1 l gas engine converted to run on LPG (cheapest to run)
or
2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad cab non-dually with 5,9 Cummins in-line 6. 305 hp.

I need to tow boats up to 42 ft Fountains. What should I go for? I am a little tempted to go with gas as this is the big block. What is your opinion? I have tried the Dodge and I think that engine is superb with LOTS of power and is quiet and has a great and precise steering. Great for everyday driving without a trailer.

Also is a Dodge Ram 1500 2003 suitable for bigger trailers? What is the difference?

I have driven a 47 Fountain in USA with a trailer with a regular 2" 5/16 hitch and electric over hydraulic brakes. Is this safe with a F-550 Dually? What about a F-350?


THANK you!

Erik,
Norway

Uff da. To tow a 47 Beak you need something far more serious than a dually. A dually can tow 15.000lbs at best.

Kim

The Norwegian!

dodge cummins....no other way around it. The gas BB will be ok for large boats, but will not pull like the the diesel. Nothing short of a 3/4 ton will do.

8.1.
not even more thursty than the 5.9 but lots more power. I pulled a 12000lbs fifth wheel while someone followed with the dodge pulling 6-7000 lbs. same road, same day, same speed, except going up hill, I was faster. Ended the day with 115$ of fuel while dodge was 112$ but with half load and could not follow... simple and clear for me!

Yor boat, Fountain 47, with trailer will weight uppward of 16000lbs. No 1-ton (350/3500) can tow that on the hitch.

8.1 chevy is a gas hog and a slug. I would do the dodge diesel and I would never own a mopar. That should tell you how great the 8.1 is.

I highly doubt that that 8.1 out pulled a 5.9 cummins. It couldn't have half of the torque of that diesel.

GO WITH THE DIESEL, unless you want to stop every 50 miles to fill up the 8.1!

I tow a 47 fountain with an f450 with no problem

for dodge trucks check out www.cumminsforum.com classifieds/forum will get you all the info you need.

I have an 2003 8.1 Yukon XL 2500 and a 2003 Dodge 2500 CTD 2500. The 8.1 is not a slug at all. I never towed the boat with the Dodge but I can say that everything about the truck except the engine is a complete piece of ****t. If you tow for a living, a diesel is probably the best choice, but I could never recommend a Mopar.