weighing options between 2004 Dodge 3500 and a 2005 Chevy 3500 to pull my 5th wheel - which has less mechanical issues?
Asked by Debbie Jan 06, 2017 at 12:54 PM about the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 LT Crew Cab LB DRW 4WD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
My husband is not a mechanic! He bought my car without even driving it!!
He traded my beautiful 2011 Ram Laramie Longhorn baby in on it. NOW I need a truck to pull my 40' ft 5th wheel. Drove an '04 Dodge dually 3500 that was loaded but a bit stinky - it had a lot of power and great mpg. He is taking me to look at an '05 Chevy Silverado 3500 tomorrow. 1GCJC33285F896739 VIN - I don't know what the transmission is or what problems it might have but I hesitate on a Chevy. Any input?? What type of Tranny is in the Silverado?
14 Answers
https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/silverado-3500/2005/safety/
I know, not sure why it went away. I was bugging the hell out of me...
Mine is back also Bob! But what is weird is I cannot see yours. I see joemom's tho.
Gotta drive a few hours to check it out tomorrow... But it has a lot of what I'm looking for - just wasn't sure of the transmission power and stability for pulling
I have not heard of any complaints on the Chevy Duramax.
I'd look for an older Ford 7.3 with low miles. There are a few still out there and the 7.3, if you can find one, is hard to beat.
7.3 Powerstroke was made up to the 2003 model year. The 6.0 replaced it, but had all kinds of issues. The 7.3 was one of the best diesel engines ever made and installed in a pickup. The older 12 valve 5.9 Cummins in the Dodges were good also.
looking for '96-'02 Ford 7.3's now
Also, I personally would avoid any diesel truck that has had a tuner on it to increase power or has had any modifications to the engine or exhaust. Tuners and abuse has probably ruined more diesel engines and transmissions than you could ever count.
