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Is this a deal or what???
Greg,
Could be the answer for you! Fun set up. 🙂
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We had talked to a company in Canada that did retro fit on the HDT. We had a RAM picked out and had found an HDT. So we were comparing side by side. We ended up with the RAM. But the right HDT would be a nice choice. Some of the things that tipped the scale for us...
The HDT is much harder to get into than the RAM. They were going to install steps to make it easier for Lisa; however, steps would not be permanent so they would need to be set up with every stop. It isn't hard to climb up and down to the HDT in nice weather at the beginning of the day, but at the end of the day... it could be too much.
Insurance in Colorado is about the same RAM vs HDT, however license tags were more expensive on HDT.
Our RAM came with a good warranty and the HDT had none. If we had a repair, it was going to be much easier for us to find someone to work on the RAM than on an HDT.
We primarily stay in private campgrounds. We made some inquiries with campgrounds that we regularly visit; they were all hesitant about the weight of the HDT on their internal roads. We have stayed in a lot of campgrounds that the HDT would not have fit on the site. Many sites would not fit at all without unhooking, so we would still have to get out to set up.
That being said, we loved the power and loved the 2nd sleeping option. Just wasn't a good fit for a wife on the "shorter side". The campgrounds and their set up was a major part of our decision as well.
As others have said HDT owners and website are a great resource; however, most would not even concede that a dually truck is a good option.
It comes down to personal preference and the campgrounds you want to stay in.
With the increased capacity of the current breed of 350/3500 Series Duallies there are some re-thinking their HDT and some are switching back to a 1 Ton TV.
Yes you can find an HDT for well less than a new 1 Ton Dually, but that HDT is going to be 10 to 15 years old. I was doing some research into them and to get one that is a little newer and has been refurb'd or rebuilt will run you more than a New Top of the Line Ford, Chevy, GMC, or Ram. At least that's what I was finding.
I find the HDT idea interesting and it has many pro's and con's but in the end it is not for us.
We love our new RAM 3500, no issues so far and a very capable tow vehicle.
Out the door cost in the upper 50s, tow capacity in the 30,000 range and just a better fit for us.
Same for us. I've looked very hard at a HDT. I. Maryland, like most other states, you technically need a Class A license once you're over 26000 lbs combined. Virtually all Redwood combinations are over or if not, very close. I've got a non commercial Class A when I let my CDL go many years ago.
Fuel mileage, real world ina HDT will be bout the sakes a Diesel Pusher MH. , about 7-9 mpg. Nice part is that the typical truck carries at least 200 gallons and most of the Volvos have long range tanks and carry 300.
Licensing can be a huge hassle depending on what state you're in. Not all states allow them to be registered as an RV.
Another very real consideration is that you must run a good, cushioned hitch. The HDT is designed to have a very heavy pin weight and the fifth wheels we pull don't have that heavy pin. So factor in $3-3.5k for a good hitch like a 30k Comfort Ride and don't skimp or you will trash the frame on the Redwood. A good body, if not already on the truck, will be in the $18-20k range at a minimum.
And last - you WILL be over 65'. I can tell you that so far this winter after being in every East Coast state from New York to Florida no now in Alabama and headed west that being long and double towing has been a non-issue. We've lost count of how many officers have passed us. No second glances but did get a thumbs up out the window today from a FHP officer !
I'll stick with my F350 Dually with the Max tow option and double tow. Love having the Focus to run around with. New Orleans in 2 weeks and couldn't even imagine taking the Dually in there. Lol
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Greg, if you're seriously considering HDT or just want to do more research , there are a couple of groups you should join. I Escapees there is an HDT forum that is quite active and the other one that should be a must join is HDT's on Facebooki. The name of the group is exactly as I wrote it including the apostrophe. Very large, very knowledgeable bunch and more than willing to share setups and ideas. Would be my "go to " group to pick out a truck and ask for advice.
Plus it would be a MUST to have another vehicle, that's an awfully big grocery getter.
Vaughn you're absolutely correct that a dually & New Orleans DO NOT work well together especially in the French Quarters, we had to drive about a block wrong way on a one way street to get out of there. But been there, got the T shirt, no need to return!
Travelin' Texans
Former '13 FB owner
Currently rvless!!
Oh you guys are no fun, I drove my dually through downtown Manhattan NY and Hoboken NJ, New Orleans would be a breeze !!!
Greg, your post provided quite an exchange between me and my wife. First off, yes it seems like deal of the century. Then she immediately says, “you wouldn’t want to drive anything that big, would you?” My response: “Only since I was about 8 years old!”
I love the combo and would highly consider it with our lifestyle. Trouble is I’m in love with my F350 King Ranch and don’t plan on trading for at least 10 years.
But thanks for planting the seed!
There ya go, have to start somewhere :cheer:
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