New toy but what options?

[GreatWhitehunter]

Well, I picked up a new toy, it's an 09 Chevy 2500hd ltz Dmax crewcab. I finally had enough of the 6.0 PSD bs and no support from Ford or my dealer.
So far I'm super happy with the Dmax an have just over 12k on it. But now I've got to customize any I'm really torn. Last year I bought a new 25' PJ gooseneck to haul my tractor. Well long story short, I wasn't able to keep it at my home due to a steep driveway. So I now store it at a rental spot for $53 a month.

This trailer is costing me alot and I'm not using it too much. Plus it's hassle to go pick it up when I do need it. So I'm thinking of selling it so I won't need to put a hole in the truck bed. I should be able to get a standard equipment trailer up my drive so I'm leaning towards a PJ 20' unit BP. This will save me $400 for the hitch and the storage fee's.

My second need is a spray on bed liner. I've had Rhino liner in the past and it was ok. I'm thinking of trying linex this time. Any thoughts or others I should look into? I'll try and post a few pics later today.

Matt

 

[WH401]

Congrats on the new truck. As for a bedliner, I don't think you can beat Line-X. I had it sprayed in the bed of my 06 and it's held up great.

 

[LoneCowboy]

Dmax fuel filters are small.
12 to 15k miles max. (I've had them clog up at 15k, and the mechanic tells me that's common, I now do them every other oil change (12k miles)).

change the spin on filter on the Allison now, get those break in metal particles out of there. (relatively affordable, much better than changing the entire transmission fluid).

Line-X

I've got a 20' PJ bumper pull. it's an 03, i bought it new, it's easily got 20k miles on it (probably more than that)
the paint is still relatively on there, I haven't busted anything that wasn't my own fault (you can't hit the fenders with a skid steer ) and I've been pleased.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I'm thinking the PJ bp makes the most sense for me. I really like how the GN tows but overall it's a PITA to go get it. I really didn't use the 5' of dovetail anyways. I really like the tilt beds but hear alot of pro's an cons. LC, I'll look into replacing the tranny filter. Where is it located? On my Ford it was inside the tranny fluid housing so you needed to drain it to get at it. Am I crazy to get away from the gn?

Off hand what does the line X cost? I think I paid about $550 for my short bed ford(rhino). If I do keep the GN I'd like to install the B&W and then get it sprayed.

Matt

 

[Diamondpilot]

The tranny Filter is on the tranny itself down on the pan. It should have been changed by 3,000 miles to keep your warranty. It cost $20. Does not sound like its been changed so get it done. Your dealer should have told you. There is a magnet that sits on the top of the filter. When you take it off its sitting right there by the threads. Clean it and put it on the new filter before installing. Also the rear axle if equipped with a locker should have also been changed very early on.

I owned a 2005 and still maintain 2 and they require a lot of maintenance compared to the Ford. I change the fuel filters on them every other oil change also and its salty @ $40 a pop. Keep a piece of 1/4" fuel hose in the truck along with a filter plus the necessary tools or you will get stranded sooner or later.

We just did a full service on on we take care of yesterday. Took 2 guys 4 hours. It has 50K on the clock now. We changed the tranny plus filter, transfer case, front axle, rear axle, coolant, engine oil, serviced the air filter, and the fuel filter. Cost $300 in supplies and we used all Mobil 1 Synthetic products in the gear boxes, Fram Filters, and Rotella Synthetic oil. We do 7,500 mile oil changes on them.

Here is a document I use on the 2 Dmax I take care of. Its set a 5,000 mile service intervals but we go 7,500 miles since we are using synthetics.

Chris

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I just checked my first service record the tranny filter was replaced then. I usually replaced the fuel filter's on the ford every other oil change so this will be nothing new. I ran mobil one turbo diesel truck oil in the ford also and plan to in the near future on this one too. I'm still looking on input on switching back to BP from GN.

Matt

 

[Diamondpilot]

I like BP much better. I had a 25' 25,000# GN that I used with my 7.3L 4x4 F-350. When I got my later trucks I opted not to install a GN hitch because it seemed I needed the bed every time I used the truck. I have a BP trailer now and do not see me going back. If you have enough truck the difference will be very unnoticeable.

Chris

 

[MikePA]

I'm still looking on input on switching back to BP from GN.

Sounds like you don't really have a choice unless you find some way to park it on your property. Since you're looking at a 20' BP, can you get a 20' GN up your driveway? All the usual benefits of a GN apply to this situation.

 

[RobertN]

Can you explain why the GN trailer is an issue to park?

I have always had smaller bumper pull type trailer's(ie like my 16' 7000lb flatbed right now). This summer though, we got a 27' 5th wheel. So far, we only have a few trips in, so I am no expert at parking it. But, it does seem easier than the bumper pull.

I would have thought the GN/5th wheel would be easier to park, maneuver, and hook up to.

Just curious; like I mention, I do not have a lot of experience with the 5th wheel yet.

I do, though, understand loss of storage in the bed when trailering, or just when I have not pulled the hitch out.

Last year I bought a new 25' PJ gooseneck to haul my tractor. Well long story short, I wasn't able to keep it at my home due to a steep driveway. So I now store it at a rental spot for $53 a month.

 

[MikePA]

Can you explain why the GN trailer is an issue to park?

GWh didn't say it's an issue to park, he said the problem is his steep driveway. My guess is with the truck on the driveway and the trailer still on the road, the angle is too severe. Either the hitch hits its limit in the bed or the tail of the trailer hits the road, or both. Although the length of the trailer (25') could be contributing to this problem, too. A GN is easier to hook up, but it does react slower (which can be good and bad) than a BP and you have to make wider turns, particularly right hand ones, since it doesn't follow the tracks of the tow vehicle as close as a BP.

Regardless of what trailer I'd buy, I'd make it a condition of sale that I can get it up my driveway. Frankly, I bet a 20' GN could get up the driveway. If it can't, I don't see why a BP wouldn't have the same problem.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

Mike hit the nail on the head. The dovetail of the GN is massive and the main beams of the trailer run all the way to the back. So the frame of the gn hits the pavement before the rear wheels. I'm not sure there's enough play in the hitch either. The bp is 5' shorter and only a 2" dovetail (18'+2") so I'm 99.9% sure it would make it. I can always keep the GN and just keep it at the storage place( it's been there a year already). I knew it might not fit when I bought it but was thinking the GN benny's were worth the storage fee's. But now I really can't see buying the hitch. I had planned on buy vacation property so I'd be towing alot. I was also planning on getting a large tractor(Deere 110 TLB) so I thought the GN made the most sense. I think for the next few years I'll be sticking with the 3320. Any input on the Line X cost? All the dealers are over and hr away. But I'll be calling in the AM.

Matt

 

[MikePA]

Any input on the Line X cost? All the dealers are over and hr away. But I'll be calling in the AM.

It depends on what you use the bed of your truck for. I checked into Line-X and I thought it was expensive for how I use my truck. My last truck had a plastic bed liner, also had a GN hitch. It protected OK, but it was too slippery. I haul hay and other horse supplies so the floor of the bed takes the beating, not so much the sides and front, so I decided to simply get a bed mat and a folding tonneau cover. The tonneau cover keeps the rain and snow out, the mat protects the floor. No GN hitch on the new truck.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Can you explain why the GN trailer is an issue to park?

I have always had smaller bumper pull type trailer's(ie like my 16' 7000lb flatbed right now). This summer though, we got a 27' 5th wheel. So far, we only have a few trips in, so I am no expert at parking it. But, it does seem easier than the bumper pull.

I would have thought the GN/5th wheel would be easier to park, maneuver, and hook up to.

Just curious; like I mention, I do not have a lot of experience with the 5th wheel yet.

I do, though, understand loss of storage in the bed when trailering, or just when I have not pulled the hitch out.

GN's/5th Wheels can be a issue if you have a break over at a hill. Have you ever seen a GN/5th Wheel boat trailer? I have seen a few but not many. The issue is when go from the flat parking lot to the 30 deg boat ramp it will get into your bed sides. There are other issues but I am pretty sure that his GWH's issue since he said it was with his drive.

Another issue is maneuverability. While a GN/5th Wheel can turn at greater angels to the truck than a BP it is not as responsive. This can make parking in tight areas tougher. BP is much easier to back up in my experience over all.

Chris

 

[RobertN]

Ok. There is a steep sharp turn transitioning to our road from the main access road in the neighborhood. I do have to watch it on that turn with the 5th wheel. I make it ok, but the front of the 5th wheel does come close to the top of the bed rails; I have a couple inches.

I have towed a Bobcat in to the wrong barely a one lane road because of bad directions from the boss. Have had to back it out about 1/2 mile, towing with a 16' BP flatbed. It was so long ago that I do not remember to compare to the 5th wheel.

That is what I like about TBN. I have been here since it was the Kubota site(12 years or so). I'm always learning something new here

GN's/5th Wheels can be a issue if you have a break over at a hill. Have you ever seen a GN/5th Wheel boat trailer? I have seen a few but not many. The issue is when go from the flat parking lot to the 30 deg boat ramp it will get into your bed sides. There are other issues but I am pretty sure that his GWH's issue since he said it was with his drive.

 

[buck12]

Off hand what does the line X cost? I think I paid about $550 for my short bed ford(rhino). If I do keep the GN I'd like to install the B&W and then get it sprayed.

Matt

I paid $375.00 for linex in August. So far I'm happy.

 

[RollingsFarms]

I have a Rhino liner in the bed of my truck and have no complaints with it so far after 2 years of farm use. I paid $425 for over the rail(not the overlapping kind, but running along the top of the bedrail) and UV coating and he sprayed it really thick. the guy was a local fella and the closest Linex dealer was/is 45 min away compared to 15 min for the Rhino liner. My Rhino liner hasn't faded like most i've seen, and has never had any tears or holes put in it yet. the guy did tell me if it ever did, to bring it back to him and he would fix it for no charge, it has a lifetime warranty on it. i think Linex has a similar deal and honestly I think the Linex is a little tougher compared to the softer Rhino. like i said though, I'm happy with my Rhino lining and will never have another drop in liner or rubber floor mat ever again. you can't go wrong with Rhino or Linex but i personally would keep away from the do it yourself spray ins. never seen one that didnt look like absolute crap after about 3 years.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

The bed gets used for lots of different stuff. Mostly things from like home depot or lowes. Occasionally my quad or tractor implement. You guys are getting good prices on the bed liners. I think I paid close to $550 for my last truck. The rhino did fade and had some small chips. So I think I'll try the Line X since both dealers are about the same distance from me. I've already got a bed mat and I just ordered some black diamond plate bedrail protectors.

My driveway is a steep hill up from the road. So I can't back the trailer up it without the frame of the trailer hitting. The trailer is over 30' with the gn so it's to be expected. I've also got to decide on which truck box to get. I've got a weatherguard 127 saddle box now but I really want a black weatherguard in the lo profile style(model 120 I think). There just so darn expensive compared to the TSC unit's. I've also got to order a new Back rack since it turns out they're model specific. (So if anyone lives close and is interested in tool box and back rack off a superduty PM me)

Matt:confused2:

 

[WH401]

Off hand what does the line X cost? I think I paid about $550 for my short bed ford(rhino). If I do keep the GN I'd like to install the B&W and then get it sprayed.

Matt

I've been quoted about $450 - $500 to Line-X a full size 8'ft bed here.

About the Dmax fuel filters, I believe they have a 2 micron rating, so yeah they can plug easier, but there a much better filter offering a higher amount of protection.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I've been quoted about $450 - $500 to Line-X a full size 8'ft bed here.

About the Dmax fuel filters, I believe they have a 2 micron rating, so yeah they can plug easier, but there a much better filter offering a higher amount of protection.

That's still really good pricing, I paid $550 for Rhino and a 6'6" bed a few years back. As for the fuel filter's I've heard this before and like the added protection. I know someone who blead blue would try an rain on my parade.
It's all good though.

Matt

 

[Diamondpilot]

I am not bleeding blue and not trying to rain on your parade but I am telling you to carry a extra one in the truck, a 4' piece of 1/4" fuel hose, and a filter wrench. It will strand you sooner or later if you stumble on some bad fuel. I have owned 4 diesel trucks and the only one that stranded me with a plugged filter is the Dmax. Not the trucks problem, just bad fuel I am sure, but it did strand me.

Also get familiar with how to change it on the road. Its not hard but can take a little to learn.

As for the bed liners the only sprayed in one I have had is the factory applied one in my Titan. All my others have had drop in plastic. The Titans all come with them factory applied to the bed and a plastic piece on the tailgate. I am not sure who does them but they are tough. Mine is a year old and still looks like new with zero fading. The truck is actually 2 years old and set on the dealers lot for a year.

Chris