[Michael Beard]

'89 Ramcharger 5.9L was cheap ($5K) which made up for the so-so mileage, but it was reliable, except for needing the front rotors turned every other year. Cons: When Billy Nees borrowed it to pick up a car in Jersey, "OK, Michael, what do I need to know about towing with this thing?" Two things: It doesn't go and it doesn't stop. Other than that, it's great! Okay, I guess it wasn't that good, but it was cheap, and it made it's own payments on occassion, as I won several races with it. Ran mid 18's usually.

'00 Dakota Quad Cab 4.7L - probably needed a little more support in the back, but overall, an exceptional vehicle. Touched 15mpg towing once! Worst mileage was 11-12 mpg, hammer down in the mountains. Owned it for 11 days before I won a race with it, so it made some of its own payments, too. When not towing, drives like a car. Still my all-time favorite vehicle. Ran a 15.99 with K&N air intake system, but otherwise bone stock, and single exhaust. Ran 16.40's in 'bracket mode'.

Current '04 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4.7L - Has the extra chassis that the Dakota didn't. Typically get 13 mpg towing. This one has the 20" wheels, and less gear. Ran 10.80's in the 1/8th.

Cost on the last two were roughly the same $18K range. I tow with an open trailer that I won in a shootout race years ago (so, basically free), so I figure I'm already somewhere between $30K - $60K ahead of the game. ;-)


Terry Knott has one of the best 'next step up' setups... '05 Ram 2500 turbo Cummins with 28' alum enclosed. That thing will go anywhere!