[AT] Semi-OT - Looking at Hemi hauler

[Larry Goss]

I don't have that truck, Dave, but I did buy a 2005 Dakota 4X4 Crew Cab with all the "bells and whistles" as a tractor hauler.  It came from the factory with all the hauling options on it and it rides like a sedan with or without a trailer and with or without a load.  It has a stange sized bed (short) but it fits in my garage and hauls six people with ease.  I don't have the Hemi- but I do have the littler V-8.  13 MPG when towing loaded, 14 MPG towing empty, 16.5 MPG on the Interstates with no trailer. I put a tool box in it when Rural King put them on sale.  They only had one that was the right size, and they wanted to get rid of it because it hadn't moved for a couple of years.  When opportunity knocks...

What really grabbed my attention was your mention of brand new Michelin tires.  I have been pricing a set of those for my Dakota in the last week and am primed to have a set of them installed.  IMHO the best deal I have for them is $889 for a set of four, installed, balanced, new valve stems, all taxes paid, recycle fee paid on old tires, 80,000 mile warrantee, and free rotation for the life of the tires.  There are other shops that will do a bare bones job for less, but....

>From what I find on the Internet, the Michelin tires for that truck (17-inch) have the best ride, best mileage, best pavement grip, and least road noise of the ones that will fit it.

YMMV, literally.  :-)

Larry

----- Original Message -----
From: Dave Merchant <kosh at ncweb.com>
Date: Sunday, July 27, 2008 2:37
Subject: Re: [AT] Semi-OT - Looking at Hemi hauler
To: Antique tractor email discussion group <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>

> That's the info I was wondering about.
> 
> We are friends with the father-son mechanics that do all our
> work, have it scheduled in for an inspection Monday afternoon.
> I expect the yes/no decision will be made underneath the truck.
> 
> It shore is purty though...!
> 
> One thing I've wondered about, being 2 wheel drive, would we
> get stuck towing, such as the hill up to National Pike or a boat
> launch ramp. I've never had any problems with my 1 ton dually,
> or the dually motor home that we haven't used recently, and
> the tires on the pickup are rather large and brand new,
> but it's something to wonder about..
> 
> One interesting aspect is that the long frame is all between
> the axles, so it has a relatively short rear overhang.
> I'd hope that would help the ride with a trailer.
> 
> I'm getting the feeling I'll take my time in getting rid of the
> old 1 ton, it's not costing much but insurance.
> 
> I've got to say, this question has turned up an awful lot of
> really good info + opinions. Not directly tractor related,
> but it's hard to do much with old iron without a full size pickup.
> 
> So far, no one has actually said "run away from it!", although
> there were some good honest negatives to consider.
> 
> Thanks!
> Dave
> 
> 
> At 05:29 PM 7/26/2008, you wrote:
> >Dave,
> >There should be a tag attached to one of the bolts holding the cover
> >on the center section (aka pumpkin) of the rear axle. Will have the
> >ratio there. I would think it would be either a 3.73 or 4.10, 
> but it could
> >be as tall as a 3.55. If it is a 3.55, there may be a trans 
> problem, just
> >make sure the dealer will warranty it. In any case, I would 
> have an
> >independent shop that I trust give it the once over and service 
> it too,
> >just to be sure.
> >
> >Phil
> >
> >
> >At 10:10 AM 7/26/2008, you wrote:
> > >The combination of the crew cab + full length bed is fairly rare,
> > >and we have 3 people, 2 of which are tall.
> > >We tried 3 across in the front seat, doesn't work
> > >even in a full size pickup, so we need the real crew cab.
> > >
> > ><Snip>
> > >Just a bit worried that the drivetrain may be worn from towing.
> > >Is there a tag giving the rear end ratio somewhere on the 
> rear axle,
> > >or do you need to count turns?
> > >
> > >Dave
> >
> >_______________________________________________
> >AT mailing list
> >http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at
> 
> Dave Merchant
> kosh at nesys.com
> nesys_com at ameritech.net
> dmerchant at layerzero.com
> 
> http://www.nesys.com
> http://www.nesys.org
> YouTube: SteamCrane
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> AT mailing list
> http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at
>