Newbie 2500 Questions

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Aelwulf

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Sep 21, 2016
Posts
149
Reaction score
45
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Ram Year
2021
Engine
Hemi 6.4L
I have a 2500 with the 5.7. I can’t wait to get out of it. Gas is insane. And lack of power is becoming annoying as well. I can’t speak to a 6.4 I have never drove one. Yeah diesel will cost more but you’ll also have more back when it comes time to ever trade it in. I’m at $700 a month in gas. Can’t wait to get a Cummins. My buddy in nm traded his power stroke in for a 6.4. Had it one month and he’s now in a Cummins. You said camper. How often towing and stuff?

I'd agree with this personally on the power side. For a 1500 I test drove the 5.7L felt strong and fun. In the 2500 I drove with one it moved it but felt lacking. The difference in truck around the engine was noticeable. In the 6.4L it's a much better drive for the 2500 IMO. If the 5.7L meets someone's needs it makes sense for them to get it instead, otherwise I couldn't recommend under 6.4L or diesel for the HDs.
 

Jungle Jim

Junior Member
Joined
Apr 26, 2018
Posts
5
Reaction score
1
Location
Woodway,Tx
Ram Year
2016
Engine
Diesel 6.7
I currently have a 17 1500 Bighorn 4x4 with 35k. I purchased it certified pre owned with 11k. I purchased this truck because I went to a car allowance instead of a company vehicle which was always a Ford F-150. My car allowance is not bad and it covers the complete cost of my 1500. I average around 25k to 30k per year almost all highway miles unloaded in FL and the Panhandle. I can keep my company vehicle as long as I want. I chose a 4x4 because I do spend a lot of time on large job sites and plants occasionally I will pick up some heavy product and return it or deliver it if it’s an emergency situation.

My thought process was I would like to have a larger truck for future needs (possible camper) and was looking at the Desiel due to possible longevity. Once the vehicle is paid for, it would have close to 160,000 to 170,000 but they would be all highway miles. I was dead set on a used 16 Big Horn MC 4x4 with 17k on it. But desiel price per gallon seem to be going up in the South and so shifted my thinking to the Hemi. In the end I will end up with a truck that has high miles but something I could still drive for a few more years. It will cost me a litle out of pocket to go to the HD. Maybe $200.00 a month but at least I can drive what I want. Any thoughts on choosing the Hemi over the Desiel? Could I get that kind of mileage without a lot of maintenance cost out of either one? Fuel mileage is something to think about as well because I get a flat rate plus a % per mile. Sorry for the long post just looking for some guidance on my dilemma.
I have had both and liked both but I have to say my preference is the diesel as is stronger and mileage is better when towing.
 

Aelwulf

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Sep 21, 2016
Posts
149
Reaction score
45
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Ram Year
2021
Engine
Hemi 6.4L

Truth most likely. Pretty sure the oil changes cost more. Not sure about mileage, haven't heard much about that from the HD trucks with 5.7s. It is interesting this isn't mentioned more.

To be honest, likely least compared to 'the old days', they're getting closer. Gassers run longer and maintain value longer now, but diesels still hold value more in the very long run and will run longer (if the body holds). And with the 4.10 the gassers are only off the diesel's rated towing by about 500 pounds (although it won't do it as easily). Only questions that really matter are:

Do you need the extra torque/towing from a diesel?
Does the payload difference (if any) matter?
Do you have the extra scratch to cover the diesel up-front (whether for need or want)?
Do you want cheaper maintenance more often, or willing to cover more in maintenance but less often?
Do you mind DEF/other modern bits on the diesel?
Despite buying a truck, does the 3-4MPG difference really bug you enough to worry about?

I just commented on your comparison one because that mileage seems WAY low for the ones these days on highway miles he mentioned doing. It would match up for me on base, but that's a lot of short, very slow, very stop & go driving. In regular town I usually get closer to 13-14. So not sure where the folks on Fuelly are driving, but most on here so far seem to line up more or less with my experiences.
 

22hemi13

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Mar 20, 2013
Posts
3,805
Reaction score
5,795
Location
Tucson AZ
Ram Year
2014 2500 4x4
Engine
5.7
Truth most likely. Pretty sure the oil changes cost more. Not sure about mileage, haven't heard much about that from the HD trucks with 5.7s. It is interesting this isn't mentioned more.

To be honest, likely least compared to 'the old days', they're getting closer. Gassers run longer and maintain value longer now, but diesels still hold value more in the very long run and will run longer (if the body holds). And with the 4.10 the gassers are only off the diesel's rated towing by about 500 pounds (although it won't do it as easily). Only questions that really matter are:

Do you need the extra torque/towing from a diesel?
Does the payload difference (if any) matter?
Do you have the extra scratch to cover the diesel up-front (whether for need or want)?
Do you want cheaper maintenance more often, or willing to cover more in maintenance but less often?
Do you mind DEF/other modern bits on the diesel?
Despite buying a truck, does the 3-4MPG difference really bug you enough to worry about?

I just commented on your comparison one because that mileage seems WAY low for the ones these days on highway miles he mentioned doing. It would match up for me on base, but that's a lot of short, very slow, very stop & go driving. In regular town I usually get closer to 13-14. So not sure where the folks on Fuelly are driving, but most on here so far seem to line up more or less with my experiences.
My 5.7 2500 gets maybe 11 in town. Lucky if it gets 13.8 on hwy and towing empty 9 loaded 8ish. I don’t live anywhere flat all my driving is through Texas hill country.
 

Aelwulf

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Sep 21, 2016
Posts
149
Reaction score
45
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Ram Year
2021
Engine
Hemi 6.4L
My 5.7 2500 gets maybe 11 in town. Lucky if it gets 13.8 on hwy and towing empty 9 loaded 8ish. I don’t live anywhere flat all my driving is through Texas hill country.

Wow yeah, that'd suck. The 5.7L I tested was the nice gunmetal blue type color, but I wasn't sure I'd trust it to get out of its own way if I had to hit the pedal. Did once crossing a 4-lane road in town and had a minor worry about it. That mileage wouldn't help.

I still couldn't fault someone for getting one if they didn't mind that, it fit their budget, and was a safer tow than a 1500. But same as the diesel folks over the gassers I'd recommend a 6.4L over a 5.7L. Difference seems to be a lot of the diesel folks *but not all* do fault someone for buying a 6.4L, and I think that's where the tension comes into play.
 

22hemi13

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Mar 20, 2013
Posts
3,805
Reaction score
5,795
Location
Tucson AZ
Ram Year
2014 2500 4x4
Engine
5.7
Wow yeah, that'd suck. The 5.7L I tested was the nice gunmetal blue type color, but I wasn't sure I'd trust it to get out of its own way if I had to hit the pedal. Did once crossing a 4-lane road in town and had a minor worry about it. That mileage wouldn't help.

I still couldn't fault someone for getting one if they didn't mind that, it fit their budget, and was a safer tow than a 1500. But same as the diesel folks over the gassers I'd recommend a 6.4L over a 5.7L. Difference seems to be a lot of the diesel folks *but not all* do fault someone for buying a 6.4L, and I think that's where the tension comes into play.
Yeah. I came from a half ton ford. Needed the capacity. Which it does have. Empty the truck will move if I need it to. It just lacks in other areas. I underestimated the hill country. She will fly down the highway I just gotta push her. If I never towed I might keep it. But towing is not fun. 8mpg with an empty 24’ stock trailer hurts my feelings lol. Love rams though sure nice to drive
 

SouthTexan

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2015
Posts
2,149
Reaction score
1,303
Ram Year
2014
Engine
408 CTD
Truth most likely. Pretty sure the oil changes cost more. Not sure about mileage, haven't heard much about that from the HD trucks with 5.7s. It is interesting this isn't mentioned more.

To be honest, likely least compared to 'the old days', they're getting closer. Gassers run longer and maintain value longer now, but diesels still hold value more in the very long run and will run longer (if the body holds). And with the 4.10 the gassers are only off the diesel's rated towing by about 500 pounds (although it won't do it as easily). Only questions that really matter are:

Do you need the extra torque/towing from a diesel?
Does the payload difference (if any) matter?
Do you have the extra scratch to cover the diesel up-front (whether for need or want)?
Do you want cheaper maintenance more often, or willing to cover more in maintenance but less often?
Do you mind DEF/other modern bits on the diesel?
Despite buying a truck, does the 3-4MPG difference really bug you enough to worry about?

I just commented on your comparison one because that mileage seems WAY low for the ones these days on highway miles he mentioned doing. It would match up for me on base, but that's a lot of short, very slow, very stop & go driving. In regular town I usually get closer to 13-14. So not sure where the folks on Fuelly are driving, but most on here so far seem to line up more or less with my experiences.


Why does one need to tow to own a diesel? Does a V8 Mustang owner need track it in order to own one over a V6 to justify the added $6k? Does a 4x4 truck owner need to take it off road to justify the added $4k? Does a Laramie truck owner need to use all of it's features to justify the $11k over a Tradesman?

I never understood the logic of someone throwing down $11k on a Laramie option without batting an eye, but question whether they "need" a diesel or not. For me, it would be reverse if I wasn't blessed to have money for both. I would easily throw the money down on an $8k diesel option over an $11k Laramie option. Although, unlike the Laramie and many other options, the diesel option is the only one that actually pays for itself with added towing performance, better fuel economy, and resale. Last I checked, a Laramie option doesn't do anything for fuel economy or towing performance.


As far as using Fuelly, it is the only real world numbers available. Most on here like to quote computer numbers and from my experience the computer is 1-3 mpg optimistic many times. There have also been many people here who have stated that 12 mpg is an accurate average hand calculated number and 13-14 is what the computer shows when their hand calculated shows 12 mpg.
 
Last edited:

Aelwulf

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Sep 21, 2016
Posts
149
Reaction score
45
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Ram Year
2021
Engine
Hemi 6.4L
Why does one need to tow to own a diesel? Does a V8 Mustang owner need track it order to own one over a V6 to justify the added $6k? Does a 4x4 truck owner need to take it off road to justify the added $4k? Does a Laramie truck owner need to use all of it's features to justify the $11k over a Tradesman?

I never understood the logic of someone throwing down $11k on a Laramie option without batting an eye, but question whether they "need" a diesel or not. For me, it would be reverse if I wasn't blessed to have money for both. I would easily throw the money down on an $8k diesel option over an $11k Laramie option. Although, unlike the Laramie and many other options, the diesel option is the only one that actually pays for itself with added towing performance, better fuel economy, and resale. Last I checked, a Laramie option doesn't do anything for fuel economy or towing performance.


As far as using Fuelly, it is the only real world numbers available. Most on here like to quote computer numbers and from my experience the computer is 1-3 mpg optimistic many times. There have also been many people here who have stated that 12 mpg is an accurate average hand calculated number and 13-14 is what the computer shows when their hand calculated shows 12 mpg.

In short I answered applicable to what was asked. You answered as applicable to your personal preference with no answer to the question, because to your personal preference there isn't one. So it likely helped them zero since they were already considering a diesel. Even the mileage comparison wasn't addressing the mentioned highway specifics, instead using a program's over time response.

And then you decided to attack me by bringing up the Laramie topic simply because I have a Laramie (best I can tell since there was no other prompt). Well, that and the 4x4 combined with it. As you stated yourself the option doesn't do anything for economy or performance so why would you be bringing it up aside from trying to belittle me for no reason? And I sure didn't pay $11k for a Laramie package anymore than I paid $64k for the full truck, just like the OP won't necessarily pay an $8k difference in diesel over gas, especially on a used one. There are other considerations as well due to family but apparently you're either too short-sighted to think someone might have reasons, or just feel like being an ass on the computer because you can. Maybe both.

The question was about longevity, mileage, and purpose. If the question had been about comfort or options I would be happy to argue against a Laramie instead of an SLT if the OP had said they don't want leather or other things, same as I've made the arguments for diesels over gassers. Or possibly for it if they said they wanted those highway miles to be more comfortable in all temps and didn't like their hands freezing on the steering wheel, or needed the additional options if kids would be in the back. Just because you're short-sighted or don't think something is worth considering doesn't mean no one else would have a necessary use for any of it.

The question was also specifically as to any reason why the Hemi over the diesel. Not why the diesel over the Hemi. OP is already looking at a diesel, and sounds like probably going to get one. So good on 'em. But they asked about possible benefits in comparison. You being an obvious diesel-pusher selling the diesel doesn't answer the question.

I'm not going to argue the benefit of something if it has no considerable benefit over another when that's not the question. Since the OP is not towing, let alone towing heavy things up a hill, it takes almost all of that considerable benefit out. It's been shown the maintenance/mileage/DEF/cost/etc. arguments essentially zero each other out, or are at least negligible either way. So I answered the question with my experience relating to what was asked. And I've claimed nothing more, and I haven't said they can't buy a diesel if they want even if not towing anything. Anything left after that is opinion, and lands squarely in the realm of "buy what you want" - in which case almost any input we give is irrelevant. Hence why I listed those questions as what would 'matter' in a comparison, because if it's just because you want one as you're going on & on about none of that would matter in the end.

I've already pointed out the computer on mine quotes 1MPG over actual, and it's rather common knowledge. So you're going to use a computer number to refute another computer number, because the computer's inaccurate, even though your computer is inaccurate regarding the question. If I used that Fuelly thing it'd probably say mine is 11.5-12. And I've stated to that effect for my daily driving. But it wouldn't be an accurate representation of highway mileage anymore than the truck's is (actually worse). Yes I've seen some listing the 12-14 numbers so far. I've also seen a few have said 19-22, although very few. But reading through this thread and several of the others so far lands it more in the 16-18 highway range on average from personal experience. However those you discard and only mentioned the 12 because it fits your purpose. Everyone else saying that is wrong and you're right. Suuurrrrre.

If your feelings get hurt that easy over someone answering the OP's question you might want to go back to the school yard. There was no need to try and make it a personal attack. I was even agreeing with your post in the quote. I'll try to remember not to make that mistake again.
 

AFMoulton

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Apr 1, 2016
Posts
3,178
Reaction score
5,194
Location
Nuevo Mexico
Ram Year
2018
Engine
6.4 Hemi
In short I answered applicable to what was asked. You answered as applicable to your personal preference with no answer to the question

All very well said sir. (I cut out most of what you said as to keep the quote shorter). I completely agree with all of it. I went with a 6.4 because of one price, and two I don’t tow all the time. My personal reasons. I needed a truck with more capacity over a 1500, but since it’s mostly a daily driver with shorter trips, I didn’t want the hassle of diesels.

I noticed he didn’t mention anything about fuel filters every 10k needing to be changed and costing $100, or the fuel additives for winter and cold temps needing to be added. But that’s ok.

I average 15-17 in daily driving (hand calculated). And I’ve done as well as 20.2 on the highway (hand calculated). Now is that typical for everyone probably not, but when I did the math, I can put 50,000 miles on my truck with what the diesel option would cost me. So that was a good deal.


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper Stt MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 5W-30
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30
 
OP
OP
T

Trtlvr

Member
Joined
Oct 10, 2018
Posts
54
Reaction score
19
Location
St. Pete Beach
Ram Year
2017
Engine
Hemi 5.7
I am not really that concerned with regular maintenance. That is going to be part of any vehicle. I take care of all my equipment. I realize about the fuel filters but I average 30k a year so and I can change those myself I am mechanically inclined so if I change them myself then that’s $200.00 per year plus 2 oil changes that doesn’t sound bad to me all the other stuff will have to be done anyway differentials, etc. I feel like in my 1500 I am changing the oil all the time. They say 6k so that’s 5 times a year. What I want is something dependable that drives nice and will be worth something after 200k. That’s why I started this thread wanted real life experiences. It sounds like it’s about 50-50 either way yo go there are pros and cons. By what I am hearing is that if you drive the diesel frequently and long distances it’s pretty reliable. But I guess anything can have problems. I owned a LTZ Suburban that was a freaking nightmare. Anything that could go wrong did at 50k. My buddy had the same one his has 300k and is still going. It’s always a gamble I guess. But a lot of good info for sure.
 

SouthTexan

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2015
Posts
2,149
Reaction score
1,303
Ram Year
2014
Engine
408 CTD
In short I answered applicable to what was asked. You answered as applicable to your personal preference with no answer to the question, because to your personal preference there isn't one. So it likely helped them zero since they were already considering a diesel. Even the mileage comparison wasn't addressing the mentioned highway specifics, instead using a program's over time response.

And then you decided to attack me by bringing up the Laramie topic simply because I have a Laramie (best I can tell since there was no other prompt). Well, that and the 4x4 combined with it. As you stated yourself the option doesn't do anything for economy or performance so why would you be bringing it up aside from trying to belittle me for no reason? And I sure didn't pay $11k for a Laramie package anymore than I paid $64k for the full truck, just like the OP won't necessarily pay an $8k difference in diesel over gas, especially on a used one. There are other considerations as well due to family but apparently you're either too short-sighted to think someone might have reasons, or just feel like being an ass on the computer because you can. Maybe both.

The question was about longevity, mileage, and purpose. If the question had been about comfort or options I would be happy to argue against a Laramie instead of an SLT if the OP had said they don't want leather or other things, same as I've made the arguments for diesels over gassers. Or possibly for it if they said they wanted those highway miles to be more comfortable in all temps and didn't like their hands freezing on the steering wheel, or needed the additional options if kids would be in the back. Just because you're short-sighted or don't think something is worth considering doesn't mean no one else would have a necessary use for any of it.

The question was also specifically as to any reason why the Hemi over the diesel. Not why the diesel over the Hemi. OP is already looking at a diesel, and sounds like probably going to get one. So good on 'em. But they asked about possible benefits in comparison. You being an obvious diesel-pusher selling the diesel doesn't answer the question.

I'm not going to argue the benefit of something if it has no considerable benefit over another when that's not the question. Since the OP is not towing, let alone towing heavy things up a hill, it takes almost all of that considerable benefit out. It's been shown the maintenance/mileage/DEF/cost/etc. arguments essentially zero each other out, or are at least negligible either way. So I answered the question with my experience relating to what was asked. And I've claimed nothing more, and I haven't said they can't buy a diesel if they want even if not towing anything. Anything left after that is opinion, and lands squarely in the realm of "buy what you want" - in which case almost any input we give is irrelevant. Hence why I listed those questions as what would 'matter' in a comparison, because if it's just because you want one as you're going on & on about none of that would matter in the end.

I've already pointed out the computer on mine quotes 1MPG over actual, and it's rather common knowledge. So you're going to use a computer number to refute another computer number, because the computer's inaccurate, even though your computer is inaccurate regarding the question. If I used that Fuelly thing it'd probably say mine is 11.5-12. And I've stated to that effect for my daily driving. But it wouldn't be an accurate representation of highway mileage anymore than the truck's is (actually worse). Yes I've seen some listing the 12-14 numbers so far. I've also seen a few have said 19-22, although very few. But reading through this thread and several of the others so far lands it more in the 16-18 highway range on average from personal experience. However those you discard and only mentioned the 12 because it fits your purpose. Everyone else saying that is wrong and you're right. Suuurrrrre.

If your feelings get hurt that easy over someone answering the OP's question you might want to go back to the school yard. There was no need to try and make it a personal attack. I was even agreeing with your post in the quote. I'll try to remember not to make that mistake again.


In short.....:confused:? If that post is your short, then I would hate to see your long version.

I "attacked" you because I used the Laramie option(which I have as well) as an example? What?o_O

I used the Laramie option(along with multiple vehicle options) as a point that a diesel option is no different than any other option on your truck and how many would lay the money down for those options without even considering if they "need" it or not, but for some odd reason people have "need" a diesel to own one. You think that is me attacking you? Wow!!

It wasn't an "attack". You were quoting my post so I responded to what was said. Sorry if that hurt your feelings.
 
Last edited:

SouthTexan

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2015
Posts
2,149
Reaction score
1,303
Ram Year
2014
Engine
408 CTD
All very well said sir. (I cut out most of what you said as to keep the quote shorter). I completely agree with all of it. I went with a 6.4 because of one price, and two I don’t tow all the time. My personal reasons. I needed a truck with more capacity over a 1500, but since it’s mostly a daily driver with shorter trips, I didn’t want the hassle of diesels.

I noticed he didn’t mention anything about fuel filters every 10k needing to be changed and costing $100, or the fuel additives for winter and cold temps needing to be added. But that’s ok.

I average 15-17 in daily driving (hand calculated). And I’ve done as well as 20.2 on the highway (hand calculated). Now is that typical for everyone probably not, but when I did the math, I can put 50,000 miles on my truck with what the diesel option would cost me. So that was a good deal.


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper Stt MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 5W-30
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

Fuel filters(and oil) on the Cummins is 15k miles, not 10k. Cummins also states no additives.
 

AFMoulton

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Apr 1, 2016
Posts
3,178
Reaction score
5,194
Location
Nuevo Mexico
Ram Year
2018
Engine
6.4 Hemi
Fuel filters(and oil) on the Cummins is 15k miles, not 10k. Cummins also states no additives.

I stand corrected on the fuel filters, still a cost not accounted for in your chart. Also, the manual does recommend an anti-gel additive if certain fuel isn’t available.

“Commercially available fuel additives are not neces- sary for the proper operation of your Cummins[emoji768] diesel engine. However, if seasonably adjusted fuel is not available and you are operating below 20°F (-6°C), Mopar[emoji768] Premium Diesel Fuel Treatment (or equiva- lent) may be beneficial to avoid fuel gelling.”



2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper Stt MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 5W-30
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30
 
Last edited:

mtnrider

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2014
Posts
3,163
Reaction score
3,406
Location
Georgia
Ram Year
2016
Engine
6.7 Cummins
Fuel filters(and oil) on the Cummins is 15k miles, not 10k. Cummins also states no additives.

Now don't go bringing facts to the table. That does not go along with their narrative. Lol. Getting pretty comical.
.


.
 

SouthTexan

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2015
Posts
2,149
Reaction score
1,303
Ram Year
2014
Engine
408 CTD
I stand corrected on the fuel filters, still a cost not accounted for in your chart.

Yes it is. That chart was my costs when I made it a few years ago. I work for a medium and heavy duty dealership group and I can purchase all of my filters and diesel oil at 10% over cost. We carry the filters for the 6.7L Cummins engines since they are in medium duty applications.

So that $130 was for the oil/fuel filters and oil. Unfortunately we do not carry any filters for the 6.4L or gasoline oil so I had to pay full retail on that. Again, the chart was my cost comparison as I stated and told the OP to do the math for himself since his costs for everything will be different.

I can buy both fuel filters online for $90 shipped, the oil filter for $14, and the oil for $35 if I did not get them from work.
 
Last edited:

ronheater70

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2017
Posts
463
Reaction score
259
Ram Year
2018
Engine
6.7
I feel like I researched this topic to death, AND talked too owners I personally know, and I just couldn't find a negative to going with the CTD over the Hemi. I researched the supposed issues with short trips, the supposed emissions nightmares, the supposed higher cost to maintain etc and Most (not all) I spoke too on forums and in real world scenarios seem to say it's hyperbole. Obviously every ones personal experiences vary.
 

SouthTexan

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2015
Posts
2,149
Reaction score
1,303
Ram Year
2014
Engine
408 CTD
I feel like I researched this topic to death, AND talked too owners I personally know, and I just couldn't find a negative to going with the CTD over the Hemi. I researched the supposed issues with short trips, the supposed emissions nightmares, the supposed higher cost to maintain etc and Most (not all) I spoke too on forums and in real world scenarios seem to say it's hyperbole. Obviously every ones personal experiences vary.


I will add to this that many times when I hear these horror stories, the diesel in question is not a Cummins. Most of the time it is a Powerstroke. Not all diesels are the same just like not all gas engines are the same. Some are more reliable and cost less to maintain than others while others are not. Heck, even with the same engine you may have some bad years(especially when new), but generally get more reliable as time goes on and all the bugs are fixed.
 

22hemi13

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Mar 20, 2013
Posts
3,805
Reaction score
5,795
Location
Tucson AZ
Ram Year
2014 2500 4x4
Engine
5.7
I will add to this that many times when I hear these horror stories, the diesel in question is not a Cummins. Most of the time it is a Powerstroke. Not all diesels are the same just like not all gas engines are the same. Some are more reliable and cost less to maintain than others while others are not. Heck, even with the same engine you may have some bad years(especially when new), but generally get more reliable as time goes on and all the bugs are fixed.
Honestly I think I’m some cases. The 6.0 from ford caused a lot of bad reputation for diesels. They hear horror stories and assume it’s all diesels. Let’s be honest all these trucks work. Even my 5.7 does what I need it to. Just not efficiently. But to some that would be sufficient. As said a million times before. Buy whatever you want. Buy what you feel you need. If you’re like me buy the gasser and then realize yeah shoulda gone with a Cummins lol.
 

Aelwulf

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Sep 21, 2016
Posts
149
Reaction score
45
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Ram Year
2021
Engine
Hemi 6.4L
Yeah the filters are more but the mileage is generally lower on the gas. So equals out more or less. Similar with oil changes. DEF is an added cost but again factored into the mileage difference and generally negates each other. I mention 'em sometimes to be sure the bases are covered but the only real difference typically comes down to capability, and the purchaser's up-front budget since almost no vehicle purchase is an easy expense compared to maintenance/gas over time.

Sounds like OP is headed for the diesel. Good luck with it, sounds like you've found a couple good options. Let us know of your experience down the road, good or bad.
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
194,902
Posts
2,863,860
Members
155,252
Latest member
radikio
Top