Dodge Lorry

[Taffieboy1]

Hi

Been offered a Renault Dodge, F reg so older one.
It's a 5T
Does anyone have one ? What are they like.
Expensive to run & maintain, easy to get parts for etc if needed.
Has 6 months t&t on it at the mo.
Any information, greatly appreciated.

 

[lamlyn2012]

Don't know alot about the dodge but I have a Renault midlum and Renault parts are expensive. However I can usually get away with using Leyland daf parts which are cheaper. I don't know if daf have an equivalent to the dodge or not.
Also as lorrys get older it does become harder to get parts.
Perhaps worth doing a bit more research before you buy.

 

[gunnergundog]

I had a D regd Dodge 56 for over 20 years. They are very basic....as in Perkins tractor engine......so not much to go wrong. They are the sort of lorry that the old mechanics love to work on. Parts I found were fine; there's a great Dodge 50 forum on line with some really knowledgeable people who will help you source parts and generally troubleshoot. Here's a link to it: http://forum1.aimoo.com/Dodge50

I don't think it was any more expensive to run than the newer Iveco that I've now got.....same tax and similar insurance. Main reason I upgraded was that mine didn't have power assisted steering. An F regd one will.

 

[Snozzo]

Ive got a "H" reg Dodge 55 6.5 tonne. I love mine. Ive had it for around 8 years now. Its been very easy to maintain as the engine is excellent, always starts first time, even when its been stood and the mechanics are basic. Parts are getting more difficult to source now, but I have obtained spare lights, shock absorbers etc, through adverts on the dodge website. Its economical to run - can get around 30/35 miles per gallon, tax is £165 and insurance around £160. You will develop good lungs through shouting at your passenger, as the engine is noisy ... and the suspension is a bit lacking ... though all the horses I have travelled in it have travelled extremely well. It also goes about 55 downhill with the wind behind it ... but thats never been a problem as I wouldnt probably do more than that with the horses in personally. I would say if you want a cheap, basic, economical lorry go for it.

 

[Taffieboy1]

Great all seems v positive on them, it's a Renault Dodge, is that different to a regular Dodge ?
Guess as 5.6T weight be plating not reg mot ?
That an expensive process, do yourself or take it to someone to prep it an put it through plate for you.
Thank you all very much again.

 

[Snozzo]

Hi again, I think dodge is renault dodge ... mine has a renault badge on the front. Anything over 3.5 tonnes needs plating. That is £99 and needs to be done at a vosa centre. I usually take mine myself, just get my mechanic to check it over then book an appointment direct on the vosa website. However if there are no vosa stations near you (some have closed down) it may be easier to get it prepped and taken as some places who test lorries will only do it for trade. I have also done this and its usually around £200 plus whatever work is needed - and that includes the test fee.

Hope this helps.

 

[Taffieboy1]

OK
Been to see it, v nice, the living area is much bigger than horse area, rather it was other way around.
The floor is 100% excellent, solid as rock, yet the cab area, under all the arches & floor is v v rotten & corroded, won't be long b4 you see daylight !!
Yet the garage claim VOSA are only interested in the chassis etc not cab part.
However I think to get cab done be £1000 welding work, an so not going to take that one, ran like a dream thou.