How big of a truck do I need?
 

Ok right now i have a 1500 Z71, 5.3, 4x4, extended cab.

the 35's are not hellping me i am sure. haha


I am pulling a baja 252, its 7000 total weight with the trailer.

it works, but It sure stops better with my friends 2500 Duramax.


so i am going to sell my truck and move up, that way in a year or so i can go a head and get a bigger boat. BUT i do not want to have to swap trucks again.

the next boat will most likly be a 302, 342 baja twins and maybe a genset.

the begest i would EVER end up with is a 38 special.

SO would a 2500 handel both the bigger boats fine? or should i just get a dualy 3500?


OK discuss...

I'd say keep the current truck till you are ready all the way around for the switch. Do what i did on my 98 Tahoe and install the hydraulic brake system from a 2500 or 3500 truck. And then switch the brake lines to stainless braided and it will be a world of difference! :D Its a bolt on system...just nbeed to replace the brake booster with the hydraulic unit and swap the power steering pump along with it all...

A 302 or 342 would likely be OK with a 2500 but a 38 really should be behind a dually. I went from a 2500 to a dually and couldn't believe the stability difference the extra set of wheels gives you. If I end up in an "oh chit" moment those extra wheels are going to give me a huge advantage.....btw: I don't drive the dually as a daily driver and would hate it if I had too!

You better get yourself a 4x4 Diesel Dually. If you plan on getting a heavy boat like a older 38 foot Cigarette Top Gun, you are going to be towing over 15000lbs. That is maxing out a dually. Also, I personally would get a standard transmission. My first purchase was a 2000 4x4 dodge Daully. I destroyed my transmission every 250 miles of towing. I had to get my tranmsission rebuilt 4 times in one summer. I sold it, purchased a brand new 2007 Dodge Diesel 4x4 Mega Cab STANDARD. I have had no problems since I purchased it. I now have 98000 miles on the truck.

You will NEVER regret purchasing a dually.

Agreed - I love mine.

I don't KNOW, but a 38 Special on trailer, loaded with fuel, liquor and Mardi Gras beads could probably creep up on the 13-14k range on an ALUMINUM trailer. That is dually range, and truth be told - on the edge of a 350/3500 series range.

Oh - and I agree Urban Dist - I LOVE my manual transmission and had to look high and low to find the 6-speed manual, with Lariat package and push button 4X4, but when I am sitting at the ramp I just drop it in L, let off the clutch and it rips right out.....

I fugured with the 38 i need a 3500, but with just a 302-342. the 2500 would work and it will be a while before i move up to a 38 Speacial.

thanks for the imput, still looking at both.

If you are not planning on towing all over the country, then a 2500 would be fine for a 302. I don't know about the 342. You will not regret a dually.

[Fixed your spelling, hope you don't mind.]

Get the 3/4 ton for now and swap axles when you buy the bigger boat. If you do that you'll have the truck a LONG time so make sure the interior is set up the way you want it(although it can be fun to do those upgrades). My favorite option is the radio controls on the steering wheel. If you don't get that right up front it's almost impossible to refit the controls into the wheel. Every other upgrade(leather, electronics) is pretty straightforward. Another great upgrade is Dynamat sound deadening in the cab.

go with a dually, you wont go back to a SRW after towing with a dually. I have a 2006 Dmax 4x4 dually. LOVE IT. Have pulled triple axle toy haulers and up to 42ft fountains with no problems and very stable. Im not getting into brand loyalty because its all personal preferance to me.