Thinking about new Ecodiesel

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Troutman561

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So, I currently have a 2017 Laramie with the 5.7 that I put a lot of highway miles towing. I am being tempted by the new 2020 with the Ecodiesel since I put about 30k highway miles a year on the truck. I know this engine has been hit or miss in the past, so I am not sure I wanna take the chance. Not really sure what im looking for here. Perhaps either talked off the ledge or encouraged to do it, not sure. I know it is like 5 seconds into 2020, but has anyone drive the newer ecodiesel?
 

crash68

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If he is towing several thousand pounds or more, I doubt any of the gasser will come close to the Gen3 EcoD. Even with Gen2 EcoD I get in the 14-15 mpg range with 8K lbs behind me, Hemis are flirting with single digits with that kind of load.
I haven't had a chance to drive the new Gen3 EcoD yet but probably the same advice applies. If you like the fun pedal of the Hemi, probably best to stick with it. If your looking for more efficiency then go for with the EcoD. Initial mpg reports of mixed city/highway driving are 24-26 mpg, not many have taken a trip and reported back yet.
 

Mchurch52

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I’ve had my 2020 Laramie Ecodiesel for a week now, love everything about it. I’m averaging 24 MPG on the lie-o-meter in around town driving. The engine is very quiet and has plenty of pick up off the line and when merging in traffic. I wish I could comment on longevity/reliability, but keeping my fingers crossed that Ram got it right this time.
 

Firebird

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My buddy just bought one, and he loves it! I drove it, and it is noticeably stronger than my 2014 EcoDiesel
 

mikeru

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It could take you a couple of years to make up the $5000 price difference (over the v6 gasser) for the ED with what you'll save in fuel cost, so it depends on how long you plan to keep it if you do buy one. The fact that you're thinking about trading in a 3 year old truck tells me you're more like me and don't keep a vehicle more than 2 or 3 years. If that's the case you might just break even. If I was more concerned about fuel economy, and didn't really enjoy the go pedal as much as I do, I'd probably just opt for the v6 gas engine and save some $ up front as well as at the pump (compared to the Hemi).
 
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Troutman561

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It could take you a couple of years to make up the $5000 price difference (over the v6 gasser) for the ED with what you'll save in fuel cost, so it depends on how long you plan to keep it if you do buy one. The fact that you're thinking about trading in a 3 year old truck tells me you're more like me and don't keep a vehicle more than 2 or 3 years. If that's the case you might just break even. If I was more concerned about fuel economy, and didn't really enjoy the go pedal as much as I do, I'd probably just opt for the v6 gas engine and save some $ up front as well as at the pump (compared to the Hemi).

I actually had my last truck for 13 years. But there are some decent deals to be had right now. My worry is the longevity. I have them working numbers on a 5.7 and the ecodiesel. Surprisingly, at least around here, there is really no price difference between the 2.
 

oe542bob

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So, I currently have a 2017 Laramie with the 5.7 that I put a lot of highway miles towing. I am being tempted by the new 2020 with the Ecodiesel since I put about 30k highway miles a year on the truck. I know this engine has been hit or miss in the past, so I am not sure I wanna take the chance. Not really sure what im looking for here. Perhaps either talked off the ledge or encouraged to do it, not sure. I know it is like 5 seconds into 2020, but has anyone drive the newer ecodiesel?
I’m right with you in the thinking. Wanted a EcoDiesel ever since they came out. Very hard to find back when they first came out. By the time I could find one, I already was reading up on the problems. I need reliability ( as we all do ) and loved the mpgs the Eco was doing. Just couldn’t ever buy one. Came close quite a few times, but always just bought the 5.7 Hemi.
After 3 Hemis, I’m now driving a 2500 with the Cummins.
And here we are again, now I’m looking at the Gen3 Eco. Still on the fence. Hemis range from 17 to 21 mpgs and I ran regular gas. My Cummins is very close in mileage as the Hemi, but here in PA, diesel fuel averages about 50¢ more per gallon than regular gas. Currently driving about 1,000 miles a week, so that starts to add up pretty quick.
 

MMothersell

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I've been into my 2020 V-6 for about 3 weeks, after putting 176,377 miles on my 2015 Eco D. I just could not justify the $5000 upcharge and .50/gal difference in pricing from Regular to Diesel. I only tow about 3000 lbs 4 times a year. I'm very happy with my decision so far. I've already have just shy of 3000 miles on my new 2020.
 

LouM

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eco diesel old / now Hemi missing the eco's mileage
I don't tow that often, when I do it's either a light utility with under a ton on it,
or I'm using my nephews with 6 to 10,000 pounds on it. My little eco diesel has just
under 80,000 miles on it. My average mileage is 22-24 mpg, I also idle quite a bit
I happened to look at the hours the other day and I was about 25% idling on 4500 hours.
Yes, diesel is 40 to 60 cents per gallon more, but the seat feel of this little diesel
just torquing out on hills and on startups is just pure pleasure to my driving style.
I'm past the days when I liked rpms and screaming power plants, the low end torque
of this little diesel suits me more then any of these high winding gassers do.
This little motor runs and pulls like an old big block gas motor used to.
 

Elkman

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I have had several diesel heavy duty trucks and I am well aware of their benefits for towing loads over 10,000 lbs., especially in the mountains where the low RPM torque helps going up a grade and the exhaust brake helps to maintain a safe speed on a long downgrade. I also know that an injector overhaul will cost over $4,000 and it can happen in less than 100,000 miles of driving with today's high pressure fuel injection systems. I have to spend twice as miuch on oil changes and I have to change the fuel filters 3 times as often.

The added cost of a diesel engine makes sense for frequent heavy towing on mountainous terrain but for less than 10,000 lbs a gas engine is much cheaper in terms of the total cost of ownership.

The truck companies like to see people diesel engines as it helps with their fleet fuel economy numbers and they can charge more for the engine and transmission package and the customer gets to pay for the higher fuel and maintenance and repair costs. It's a win win for the manufacturers.
 
R

Rogues Gambit

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??? Why

If you were getting a 6.7 Cummins with a Stick, be like go for it, but doesn't make sense otherwise.

Most of the time, 89 is cheaper and you don't have DEF fluid and other emissions crap to deal with.

I'm certain the 5.7 will last a long time
 

CJSRAM

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You're asking folks to make a decision for you however you did not tell us what your end goal is ... Do you want to save money? Tow more? Or get more longevity?

Saving money - Eco diesel a great concept when it came out however the upcost for the engine and the price of diesel today makes it cost prohibitive. Years ago when diesel was cheaper and less refined (more energy per unit) the choice was a no brainer however considering diesel pricing and lower efficiency you would need to drive about 150K miles to get your ROI for the diesel (throw in cost of DIF too). I was a diesel guy and I wanted to get the ED and ended up with the hemi (2017), never looked back.

Towing - Go with Hemi with 3.92 gears

Longevity - unpredictiable. Too many variables - manufacturing quality control, life events (accidents) etc. It would appear based on all info posted the ED is less reliable than the Hemi. Plus how long will you actually keep the truck to begin with? Back in the day we all kept cars longer now with auto technology advancing 3 fold every year we can't help ourselves but to be lured by all these new technological wonders ...

My reco - Hemi
 

attkrbbt

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I agree with CJSRAM... I have a 2015 ed and had to have the engine replaced at 11,600 miles. Last year, on the way back from Butte, MT to Portland, OR, I had to leave the truck in Spokane, WA
with an ETC and engine check light at 30k miles. At least it didn't happen in the mountains, or the more remote stretches... Am just waiting to get closer to the warranty expiration to get
rid of it. Nice concept , but absolutely no confidence driving it distances or more remote areas. Problems with the motor, then constance problems with the DPF/emissions control. Not worth the cost and the
the hassle... Not sure if the Cummins, or the Duramax have the same as far as the emissions problems, but most likely go with a gasser this summer.
 

JohnnyMac

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I actually had my last truck for 13 years. But there are some decent deals to be had right now. My worry is the longevity. I have them working numbers on a 5.7 and the ecodiesel. Surprisingly, at least around here, there is really no price difference between the 2.

And all the hoopla about the $5k upcharge is not as bad as people make it out to be as seen in your pricing. Like I've stated before, I got a $3500 EcoD deduction through FCA when I bought mine and right now it books out for about $2500 more than a Hemi with exactly the same options. So in addition to the better MPG's you'll get some of that upcharge back later when you sell or trade it in.
 

Gary Chytil

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I have a ‘15 ED. Many issues covering emissions check engine light. What bugs me most is the turbo lag. Step on it & I sit there for a second or two, then need to lift to settle it dn. Just back from Texas, 1800 miles rd trip. Averaged 26.2 mpg, included some city driving. To break even, diesel fuel needs to be within 35 cents of reg gas. I have 82,*** miles on it, do not tow. Looking at trading it off.
 

RAMMED129

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I have a 2018 ED. CEL been on 6x's already just started lemon law on it with only 7500 miles. Hopefully next gen is better. I have had 4 hemis and never a problem. Save yourself some aggravation and stick with the hemi.
 

Douglas Hough

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Just bought a 2019 eco diesel and will keep all posted as to the “real” mpg. So far the lie o meter is within 5% up or down, so not too far off. Best was 33mpg (winter and long trip) per imperial gallon. May work out to 38 in the summer
 

caozman

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Have a 2018 EcoDiesel and absolutely love it. Around town the torque is fantastic and it has (so far) been problem free. Bought it primarily for towing classic cars to shows on a car hauler (5k pounds or so) and it has performed flawlessly. None of that gasser screaming going up hills. Did I mention it is one fantastic long-haul road warrior? Incredibly confortable, quiet, and smooth.
 

2WDGranite

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Something often overlooked when people talk about the upcharge for a more fuel-efficient vehicle is the corresponding increase in the resale value of that vehicle. If it costs 5k more now, depreciates the same as a 5.7 and then is worth 5k more at resale, the "upcharge" is a different story.
 
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