Towing with a Kodiak
#1
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Corona, CA
How do the Kodiak's tow, I have been contemplating purchasing one and am looking for opinions on them good and bad. The big appeal to the kodiak for me is just the fact that it's something a little different and not crazy expensive. I just sold my LMM duramax which towed my boat well but now just looking for something different or would I just be better off replacing my truck with a LML duramax?
Last edited by Racerngr1; 12-11-2010 at 05:19 PM.
#2
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 218
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From: Syracuse NY
How do the Kodiak's tow, I have been contemplating purchasing one and am looking for opinions on them good and bad. The big appeal to the kodiak for me is just the fact that it's something a little different and not crazy expensive. I just sold my LMM duramax which towed my boat well but now just looking for something different or would I just be better off replacing my truck with a LML duramax?
#3
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 350
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From: Connecticut
FWIW A pro boat hauler told me that he prefers the Ford F550 because when he puts an F350 bed on it there is less attention from the DOT. His problem with the Kodiak is that it looks like a commercial vehicle, thus attracting unwanted attention.
The Ford dealer that sold me an F350 DRW said it HAS to be registered commercial because of the GVRW
A DMV (Connecticut) inspector told me that as long as my tow was private non commercial I could tow anything I wanted. He said it was federal law. I ask because my drivers license clearly states max trailer weight is 8000#. My Formula 382 & steel trailer are nearly twice that.
The Ford dealer that sold me an F350 DRW said it HAS to be registered commercial because of the GVRW
A DMV (Connecticut) inspector told me that as long as my tow was private non commercial I could tow anything I wanted. He said it was federal law. I ask because my drivers license clearly states max trailer weight is 8000#. My Formula 382 & steel trailer are nearly twice that.
#4
FWIW A pro boat hauler told me that he prefers the Ford F550 because when he puts an F350 bed on it there is less attention from the DOT. His problem with the Kodiak is that it looks like a commercial vehicle, thus attracting unwanted attention.
The Ford dealer that sold me an F350 DRW said it HAS to be registered commercial because of the GVRW
A DMV (Connecticut) inspector told me that as long as my tow was private non commercial I could tow anything I wanted. He said it was federal law. I ask because my drivers license clearly states max trailer weight is 8000#. My Formula 382 & steel trailer are nearly twice that.
The Ford dealer that sold me an F350 DRW said it HAS to be registered commercial because of the GVRW
A DMV (Connecticut) inspector told me that as long as my tow was private non commercial I could tow anything I wanted. He said it was federal law. I ask because my drivers license clearly states max trailer weight is 8000#. My Formula 382 & steel trailer are nearly twice that.
I tow with a F550. Never checked with my insurance company b-4 I bought it, well being concidered a commercial my company would not cover it, along with many others that I checked with (In my state). Had to get a farm policy to get around that. I am sure the Kodiak would fall under the same ruling. The 550 rides pretty rough just tooling around. But the load capacity and brakes are what I went for when purchasing. My 2 cents...
#6
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 9,373
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From: Arlington Tx
Coming from your class 3 or 4 truck you will NOT like the ride of the Kodiak. Your boat will not be heavy enough to make it ride any smoother either. Any 3/4 ton diesel will tow your boat with ease and get much better fuel mileage to boot.
#8
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Posts: 350
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From: Connecticut
I drive a BMW 540 when the weather is nice. It's tires do not like rain or snow so I drive my F350 DRW when its snotty out. I put about 10K a year on it as a daily driver. Parking is the worst problem. Over 65 MPH it gets pretty bouncy if empty. Not a vehicle I would recommend as a commuter but you can't tow with a car and I need a truck for work. So the dually works.
#9
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 9,373
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From: Arlington Tx
The biggest surprise I got when I bought my 2006 Ram quad cab dually was the turning radius was almost as small as my Ford Ranger SC. Making a U turn was easy. Aside from needing two spaces(or four lol) to park in, the truck was a breeze to maneuver in a parking lot.
#10
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,252
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From: Fort Lauderdale,Florida
I had a '95 Top Kick Monroe pickup conversion with a Cat 3116 in front of a six speed. air-bagged and had NO PROBLEM with ride or turning. Called it the PICKUP ON STEROIDS. THIS WAS BEFORE THE F-650. Buy it, you'll enjoy it.




