[AT] Semi-OT - Looking at Hemi hauler

[Dave Merchant]

This one has brand new Michelin LTX A/S, Tubeless M+S.

LT285/70 R17.

Load Range E, rated 3195 Lbs single @ 80 psi cold.

Very similar to what I have on the 1 ton + old motorhome, really run nice.

Could be worse, I guess...

KOSH


At 09:20 PM 7/27/2008, you wrote:
>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
> >
> >
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> >
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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