I run a biodiesel business and have been using a 1993 3500 dually for the last couple of years. It's done pretty well up until a few weeks ago when we started to notice a real loss of power. It's been in and out of the shop, first thinking it was the injector pump (of course, let's blame the biodiesel!), and now they are thinking turbo.

As this has made it hard to keep up with our business obligations, I've decided that we cannot be dependent on a single 15 year old vehicle. I am now seeking a newer truck to run our business with.

Here's what we do:

Daily towing of a bumper-pull utility trailer with 4000 pounds of fuel. City and highway.
Weekly towing of a bumper-pull utility trailer with 6000 pounds of fuel. City and highway.
Weekly towing of a gooseneck trailer with 8000 pounds of fuel. Highway.
Occasional hauling of 2500 pounds of fuel in a plastic tank in the truck bed. City and Highway.

Seeking a truck with less than 100k miles (ideally 60-80k) around $15,000 - $20,000 (definitely no more than $20k).

We will be running 100% biodiesel, 100% of the time.

No need for extended cab, but would prefer extended bed.

Also, is a standard or automatic recommended? We have a standard now, and I think we will go that way again, but open to input.

Thanks!

Jason Burroughs
DieselGreen Fuels, Austin TX
http://www.dieselgreenfuels.com

 

a 2500 would meet your needs, but a dually will offer an added measure of stability, especially with that gooseneck. Also anything before 2003, I would stick with a manual trans. Just my 2cents, hope it helps, good luck

 

I wound up choosing a 2001 3500 dually with 82,000 miles, standard 5 speed transmission, for $13,500. It's a one owner vehicle that appears to be very well maintained, with all service records, driven by a professional truck driver who rarely uses the clutch (shifts very smoothly by rev matching - any comments??), and a really nice exterior and interior.

One last question - I always think of trucks in terms of 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, and 1 ton. Someone told me that those numbers are outdated and that modern 1500/2500/3500 can handle more than that in the payload. Is there a chart that lists those numbers for all dodge trucks?

thanks!

 

As far as I had always heard, shifting without the clutch in a synchronized transmission was bad for the syncros.


Wheres the pics?

 

Brand new batteries
new front pads
oil changed every 5k miles
fuel filter changed every 10k miles
serpentine belt replaced
front and rear lights with switch under dash
brake controller
gooseneck hitch and receiver hitch
rarely used to tow, if at all
running boards

 

Neurot, the 01 has the vp44 pump which your 93 didnt. Th vp44 is the weak link of Dodge from 98.5 to 02. If the lift pump has been changed recently to the Dodge in-tank kit or any of the aftermarket pumps your vp44 will last longer. I think running bio will hepl it even further because of the lubrication. The vp44 will eventualy go out weather you are running bio or dino, its just the nature of the beast for that pump. Dodge should have junked it long before 03 instead of putting a bandade on it and calling it cure.
I run a 99 QC 2500 with 183,000 miles on iton bio I make, about the last 9,000 or soon bio. Replaced the first pump at 100,000 on dino,2nd pump at 170,00 on dino, 3rd pump at 172,000 at dealers expense ( they scewed up the timming on the previous punp).I also run it in my International Eagle 9600 with a 12.7 Detroit. I'm not 100%, but I mix B-90, so I'm close. I do this as a thinner.
If you make a good bio, your pump on the 93 didn't go out because of it !!!!!
I', also getting about 1.5 to 2.5 better MPG depending on how hard i'm driving or pulling, I seem to have a little more power,quiter and smother runig, less RPMs, and you gotta love the smell of french fries in the morning
Take Care
Troy

By the way, nice looking truk, gotta love the stacks

 

i have a 2001 3500 but whit a 6spd and i love my truck
good catch

 

Hi Jason,

Nice looking rig...

How is Governor Perry (TCEQ) treating you and your bio-diesel business? Is there any update on any Texas regulations?