Diesel Bombers - Thinking about going diesel!?!?

Hey All,

I don't own a diesel, at least not yet. I'm in the market, but getting a bit nervous as there is lots to know about what motors to avoid, what are okay, what are okay with some mods, what to RUN away from, etc... A bit overwhelming coming from no diesel background! I've been hitting various forums, joining up and reading/asking questions when I should be working.. :w2:

Current truck is '05 Ram 1500 Hemi powered. I LOVE the truck, but need more of it! I used to only pull my 22' Glastron ski boat, other than driving around for daily stuff. Last winter I bought a new 27' 5th wheel with 1 super slide. Loaded it weighs in just under 8k lbs. With about 1140 pin weight. I've had the whole rig on the scale with my truck and have not much wiggle room. I'm under the GAWR.. anyway. My little truck does fine with it in the flats of Kansas, but in the foot hills in Arkansas or Missouri, I feel those hills! I've got a oil and tranny cooler, but just know I'm going to burn that tranny up if keep pulling the 5er. Plus, I want to take the family to Colorado and Georgia, and lots of places, and need a truck to handle long hauls in the spring and summer. I may also consider tandem towing my boat occasionally.

Anyway, that's more than intro. I'll go post something in general questions.. :)

- nibs