Diappointing Towing Numbers for 2006 Dodge

[glav]

I just received the "2006 Guide to Towing" booklet from Trailer Life. I am diappointed in Dodge's towing weights. I am full time RVer and truck weights are a concern for this lifestyle. I compared all three trucks for 1 ton dually, 4 doors, transmissions, rear ends and 2WD only.

Chevy is 14900 lbs with manual tranny and 3.73 rear end and 16400 lbs with automatic tranny and 3.73. No listing for a 4.10 rear end.

Ford is 16100 lbs with automatic or manual and with either 3.73 or 4.10. Ford offers 18600 lbs with special towing packages, not sure just exactly what it, but the tow numbers are impressive.

Dodge is 15850 lbs with manual tranny and 3.73, and 13900 with automatic tranny and 3.73. Then with automatice tranny and 4.10 rear end they rate at 15900 lbs. Then they don't even list the manual tranny with 4.10 rear end. Went to the local Dodge dealer and got a book and checked it out and Dodge don't even list the 6 sp tranny with 4.10 in their product offering. I sure hope Dodge dosen't drop this combination.

I know that there a lot of Dodges pulling 36' 5er out there. They are overweight by the "Numbers", but these trucks are working so well and handling the weight nicely.

I will probably need to replace my truck in a few years from now, I sure hope that Dodge will come out with a "F-450/F-550" equilevant. Or beef up the 3500 ? I kinda wished that Ford would offer a Cummins in a F450 or F550. I know it is available in F650, but now you are talking some serious money.

I would wish too that Dodge's decision makers for new trucks would read these posts.
Have a Happy New Year and Travel Safely