Cardinal RV Club

We’re ordering a 2008, 2500 Chevy Duramax extended cab with a long box to pull a 2008 30TS Cardinal. The GVWR is 14080 and the hitch weight is 2080. My wife had polio when she was younger and it comes back in what is called post polio. Because of this we need to find the smoothest ride I can for her plus when traveling we make frequent stops. If need be I will add air ride to the 2500 to support the hitch weight. That way we can let the air out when we are not pulling and have a better ride.

I am limited in what will fit into the garage so that is the reason for the extended cab verse the crew cab. We have driven the short box and the long and there is a difference in the ride. My dealer is trying to tell me that the re-sale on the long box is not very good, that people prefer the short box and crew cab. It doesn’t matter to us; these options will work out the best. But I am wondering about his comments, what are your thoughts?

I don't think you will find that much difference in resale, your most important option to bring up the resale is the diesel. I would believe the difference would be there for gas powered 1/2 tons long vs short box, but most who want that diesel will know the advantage of the long box and many will want it.

I have the Long bed, crew cab Silverado Duramax 3500 Dually (one Ton) to tow my 34QS, and am very happy with the longbed. With the longbed there are no clearance issues while making sharp turns with the 5er behind...no need for a "slider" hitch, etc. Just please make sure that the 3/4 ton 2500 is enough truck for your heavy Cardinal . I'm glad that I have the dually.........rides like a dream, roomy...powerful, stable and gives me peace of mind that I have a truck that can do the job safely.....including stopping.....just do your homework BEFORE ordering.

We had the Ford F250 Long bed to tow our 30TS. We had to add air bags because the truck squatted when loaded. Since we planned on going full time we decided to trade up to a 1 ton. IMHO I think the Chevrolet rides better than Ford or Dodge loaded or unloaded. The long bed vs short bed shouldn’t make a difference in ride but Chevrolet doesn’t offer 1 3500 in the short bed (so I’ve been told). But like Mike said, the long bed does away with clearance issues. As far as resale, I don’t think a long bed will make or break a deal.

I was faced with similar concerns when buying my truck. Needed the long wheel base because my aging body is not as forgiving as it once was, and didn't want the hassle of a sliding hitch in a short bed. My parking space is limited so the Crew Cab long bed was not an option even though I know it would have a little better resale value. Finally settled on a Super Cab F250 long bed and am extremely happy with it. The important thing is to buy whatever fits your needs and enjoy it.

Future Fulltimers wrote: The long bed vs short bed shouldn’t make a difference in ride .

I really must disagree having owned both (both were dodge), the extra wheelbase helps considerably in ride comfort, I find long beds much more comfortable. But then again its just my opinion. I must agree the Chevy rode best during my test drives in late 2006.

GO LONG We have a short never had a problem till last nite. I was hooking up I had the Bird in the back of the property . I backed in on an angle and didn't slide the hitch , hooked-up and got out I thought Boy That was Stupid !!! You could not fit a finger between the cab and the trailer I was Lucky no damage !!!! I didn't think I was on a sharp angle

But on a lighter side We go Camping in the Morning

Good Luck with your choices
Wayne

I think you will be cutting it too close with the 2500HD. The GVWR of the 30TS is not a problem but the hitch weight of 2080 is a dry weight and only an estimate. The GVWR for your truck is 9200 so once you add the options and the driver and passenger and the hitch, fire wood, tools, any cargo, etc. you'll be well over 7000. That will only leave a little over 2000 and once you load the 5er with clothes in the front closet, cargo in the underneath front and other storage areas (all of which are forward of the axles) your pin weight suddenly increases to well ove 2000.
I've ordered basically the same truck as you are considering but after doing the math realized I would be cutting it way too close with the 31RKLE which has a dry hitch weight of 1980. Fortunately the dealer told me I don't have to take it when it comes in. I also have the garageproblem like you. As much as I don't like the idea of a dually for the $500 more difference I feel the piece of mind it will give is worth putting up with trying to manuever that wide thing into my garage and parking spots.
A lot of folks are doing exactly what you are considering but you will be jeoparodizing your truck warranty and if you have an accident your insurance may not cover it. This is a quote from the 2007 Guide to Towing from TrailerLIfe "The GVWR figures are neither guidelines nor estimates; they are limits....... . If you think these figures are close enough or have a fudge-factor percentage built in, think again. Your warranty coverage--and your safety--may be at risk." Anyway it made me stop and think, better safe than sorry. LOL

Another vote for the Long bed no matter what truck you decide to buy.

I think it is a given the long bed rides better. I have a long bed 4X4, a stiffer ride than non 4X4.

The Chevy vs. Ford ride is also probably true. All head to head shoot-out comparisons say the Chevy rides softer and the diesel option is quicker than Ford's is. But the Ford has a stiffer suspension, giving the feeling of better control of the load you are pulling.

That may not mean anything to you if you don't operate the truck in certain conditions. I'll tell you, California's freeways/interstates are a true pain in the --- to negotiate with a stiff suspension.

I love my long bed for the turning capabilities. You can't go wrong with whatever brand you choose.

We have the crew cab with the short bed and we love it but!!!! If I was to do it over it would be a 3500 dually and not a 2500. for the simple reason the tires on the 2500 get more side load wear from side winds and meeting large trucks.