Originally Posted by ls1mike
Originally Posted by ToadU
Just finalized a PO for (5) new medium duty Fords w the 7.3.
(2) F600s rollbacks w Jerrdan Beds
(3)F550s w Jerrdan self loader wheel lifts.
Excited for delivery. Currently my entire wrecker fleet is 6.8 V10s. Mostly 550s and have (4) 650s. All w/ 6 speed autos. Looking forward to seeing how the new big block and 10 Speed ATs hold up.
I am interested too. Over on the RV board that is all anyone talks about. I have not seen a towing test yet. I like to watch them because they give you an idea of capabilities even though I sometimes don't like listening to the guys at Fast truck.
I assume you like the gassers because of ease and cost of maintenance? Never mind I read the whole thing. LOL
There are other reasons too. Gas is silent. Easy to work on. Any bubba can wrench on gas. Parts easy to get from RockAuto and supply houses. The only thing diesel has going for it is I have my own fuel tanks. Diesel isn't explosive. Employees have no incentive to steal diesel. Gas is more dangerous to keep and employees want to steal it. Have my own above ground tanks so that's a lot of gas. Yes I have the spark arresters and all the venting ect but it's still gas. And makes me a little nervous especially w all of the bomb threats I've had over the years.
There simply isn't any way to justify a diesel in a medium duty truck. IMO. I have heard every argument and I can shoot every argument down. Do yourself a favor and buy a gas rig. You will thank me later. Gas has plenty of power. Ignore HP and torque specs. Red herrings and mind games. Just drive the thing. Tows very well.
If I was buying a toe rig I'd probably buy a Ram 5500 with the 6.4 Hemi. I like the look of the truck best, the interior is best IMO and it rides the nicest. Doesn't work for me as a wrecker but as a daily driver and tow rig probably my buy.
Call Laura at Akins Ford in Widner, GA. She's there commercial rep. Larry her boss. They are a Ram and a Ford dealer. They will shoot your the best price w no BS. I used to buy wreckers from them but they only sell Miller Tow Bodies and I switched to JerrDan so don't do any biz w them anymore. Tell them the big roam towing guy from Fl sent you. Hahah. They will know who I am.
Also if you are looking at 1 tons that's one thing but stepping up to a 450/4500 step right past these and buy a 550/5500. Same size cab, stance ect ect. Identical trucks except for the differential and ratings. It's a lot heavier duty and the cost is about $900 more. In perceptible. Don't worry both are going to drive equally hard and rattle the fillings out of your teeth empty. When not towing.....Buy a nice water tank, paint, put in bed and fill up. 8.6 or whatever lbs per gallon. Ballast. Smooths our the ride. Drain tank to remove easily. Hahah. Works. Trust me.