3500 V10 questions

[DBR]

I am contemplating the purchase of a '96 Dodge 3500 V10,auto/4. 11/4x4 to replace our current 1500. I intend on using the vehicle for towing both our horse trailer (gooseneck) and TT locally, but still plan on using the diesel for cross-country travels. I was curious what we can expect driving a V10, such as gas milage, power and overall towing abilities. Any information or suggestions would be very appreciated. DON'T WORRY... I'M NOT SELLING THE DIESEL! Just need a capable tow truck that is automatic and gets warm quickly so that I can keep my better half!

 

[illflem]

I've known two people with V-10s,neither was happy with them. In fact one guy is a contractor in Anacortes. Both have since gotten rid of them,one for a PSD,the other for a CTD.
If you get one plan on a auxiliary fuel tank also,the 35 gallon tank will seem like 12.
Contractor buddy said he got around 12 mpg empty,down to 5 mpg loaded. The V-10 will out tow a stock Cummins though. You better be loaded($)for that kind of mileage. Might want to consider plugging in the block heater more on a Cummins,it will warm up faster and probibly cost less in the long run.

 

[BCFAST]

Pulled into the paddock at the races last spring and parked across from a V10 dually. I went over to admire some add-ons, and got to talkin' with the driver... the truck had 18,000 miles and the motor was knocking pretty good already! said he got about 5 towing, and 10-11 empty... then he asked me what kind of mileage I got with the Cummins... I didnt want to tell him!

------------------
97 2500 CC 4x4 3. 54 5spd, Green, #12 plate slid all the way forward, 4inch open exhaust, 235/85 Michelins, RS 9000's, PrimeLoc, Red Tops, TDR cloisonae grill badge!

 

[SLVRBLT]

A guy that I used to work with and now owns a mobile home park bought a V10, 2WD, auto, 4:11's a couple of years ago. He gets 11 mpg at best and 6-7 loaded. He is pretty dissatisfied with it because of the mileage. Says it has plenty of power, but the fuel costs are killing him. He knows a few people that have Cummins and he is now sorry he bought the V10. I know you are in colder climate than I, but I regularly plug mine in even in mild weather to offset the warm up period. My 2 cents worth.

------------------
2001 2500 HO 6spd QC LB 4x4 SLTPLUS All options except Snow Plow and Clearance Lights - Rhino Liner and Straight Exhaust

 

[Koa Man]

When I bought my truck I was going to get the V-10 on the lot instead of the CTD. My wife told me to get the CTD because the V-10 would eat too much gas. Yeah, but the V-10 has 300hp and the CTD only 180. Now my CTD has more than 350hp and after reading this thread I'm sure glad I listened to her. She is smarter than me anyway.

------------------
1996 3500 Clubcab SLT, auto, 4. 10 limited-slip, TST #5, 370s, AFC spring kit, Psychotty, Dunrite converter, Trans-Go, Walker 21471, DiPricol EGT, boost & trans temp. gauges, 9 ft. aluminum flatbed and tool boxes with Venco dump. Custom front bumper, Hadley air horn, PowerVision mirrors.

 

[Scrmbld4X4]

Had a 95 same as you describe. Good truck. I feel it out performed my 99 CTD in the mountains towing. But alot of differences. 95 was 4. 10 auto, 99's 3. 54 5spd. had to un the motor pretty hard (4200 rpm, 2nd gear) to climb the same pass I can pull in fourth now. I guess the difference I'm speaking of was in passing power or acceleration. Mileage figures were 12 empty. Got 14 down in Texa once, other wise 12. That's cruise at 75. In town depended on how much stop light to stop light, and how heavy your foot is. Loaded slide in and jeep 7-8 at 65. I liked it, other than the fuel consumption. If the deals right would probably make a good second rig. But why? Get something fuel efficient and just use the diesel when you need to tow.

 

[Barry]

A friend of mine has a 99 V-10 4X4 Auto 3:54s. He thinks it is the greatest thing since zippers on pants. I have ridden in it many times and it is gutless. I was riding with him in Colo. this past summer. We were just east of Southfork on flat ground at 8,000 elev. He tried to pass a pick-up and he had what I thought was plenty of room. He ended up running the truck he was passing and the on-coming traffic off the road because he did not have the power to safely pass. I spent the next 10 minutes trying to get his seat cover out of my butt. I do not know your elevation but keep density altitude in mind. Mi dos centavos... ... ... ...

------------------
2001 2500 QC, ETH/DEE,4:10s, LSD, EZ with elbow(25PSI) Boost/Pyro Guages, 4" Turbo back, BD Brake,Mag-Hytec Cover, Kleen Wheels, Energy Release, 70 gal. fuel, 20K Reese. 22,000 miles on 12/19/00 (RV Dealer)

 

[JPM]

I have a different perspective than most as I have owned a 1991 Cummins and a 2000 Ford Power Stroke. I now drive a 1999 2500 4x4 Dodge with a V10. So I have gotten away from the diesel scene. The V10 is great ,I have a blast with it. I hav'nt towed anything yet but my old Cummins was only rated at 400ft. lb. s and this V10 is rated higher so I can guess it will do a little better as far as running up hills and having enough power. The fuel consumption is bad @ 11mpg unloaded combination driving, it will do better when it gets warmer out. It has dual exhaust , it makes good sounds so I don't miss the diesel as bad. The Ford did real well pulling but it did not get as good fuel mileage as the old Dodge. About 8-9mpg through the mountians.

 

[dmurdock]

Don't hate me, but if I was going big-block gas I'd buy a chevy/gmc (parts are a lot cheaper for a 454 than a v-10). I mean, they sell rebuild kits for small-block chevy's at the grocery store #ad


------------------
'01 Eth 3500 dually, no mods planned except maybe an amsoil filter & guages. See My Truck and also be sure to read What tools & methods to use for an easy 1st oil change!!!
"Be happy you don't get all the government you pay for. " -W. C. Fields

 

[DBR]

Okay all you turbo diesel gurus, I personally appreciate the overwhelming and emphatic responses to DBR's post. During his short period of semi-consciousness (while contemplating the purchase of a V10 something or another), he experienced an epiphany! Electric seat warmers! To make a long story short, he purchased a new 3500 cummins with all the bells and whistles (including the electric bun warmers). He came to my compromise... he gets another toy, er uh, diesel and I get an automatic (woohoo, no shifting!!!!) and warm buns... not to mention, a very classy ride. Now DBR can continue to participate on this forum without the hidden shame of owning a gasser. Please forgive his questions about the V10, he was merely trying to appease me... don't pick on him too much (a little is okay). The one exception... waiting the 36,000 miles before he can break the "VOID" sticker. Kinda like a kid waiting for next Christmas -- on December 26th. I don't think he'll make it (Know anyone who makes reproduction void stickers?). And to think that he thought I was serious about the V10... he's so naive. WARNING: Piers, STAY AWAY! #ad
I know you diesel guys like to talk horsepower and watch gauges, but Dyno Days just is not the same for me. I know what it means when I'm told, "I'll be right back," yeah, okay, I won't hold my breath... I'd be dead! Besides, he's bought enough performance parts to make another turbo diesel from hell (Canada, eh?)--turbos, cam plates, injectors... see I'm learning! Especially coming from a person who believes that the best version of horsepower is the real thing (4 hooves and nothing but heart). If we want to bench race in that field... bring it on, I can hang! We can talk superficial digital flexors and slider plates. Thanks all, Doc Krissy (the former "better half" once he discovers that I have his password!) #ad


[This message has been edited by DBR (edited 01-27-2001). ]

 

[BCFAST]

Krissy Rules!! Come back anytime, especially if you're needin' birthday ideas! #ad


------------------
97 2500 CC 4x4 3. 54 5spd, Green, #12 plate slid all the way forward, 4inch open exhaust, 235/85 Michelins, RS 9000's, PrimeLoc, Red Tops, TDR cloisonae grill badge!

 

[Deezal Man]

Besides,its a safety issue. .

Nobody would notice your truck if it has a V10.
As for a Diesel, everyone stops and turns their head when your truck Cummins around the corner #ad


------------------
98. 5' 24v 2500 Auto/3. 54 4x4 SB QC 285-75-16's on Alcoa's. Everything but leather. PIAA 1200's, AMSOIL dual filter relocation system, Smittybuilt Stainless Steel Nerfs, Rhino Liner(Junk), K&N air filter(For Sale)15 year AMSOIL dealer. Time permitting, Soon to include Ultra-lite Pyro,0-50lbs boost, Trans temp in the pillar. Rancho 9000's with in cab adjustment.

 

[My 6 Eats V8's Old File]

Krissy I wish there were more mrs. like you. #ad

You crack me up #ad
LOL

 

[Garlic]

I sort of resent the way the Gassers are talked about. I currently still own a 96 V-10 Gasser and in stock trim with 170,000 on it, it will still out pull most of the CTD out there. How ever on the other hand I did grow up and bought a 07. 5 3500 6. 7 though. I really do like the way that I can pass a fuel station instead of sweating bullets at 150 miles. I have logged 100,000 miles towing with the gasser and have only 1 issue, 'how much will the fuel cost this trip?'

Besides it still turns heads even as a dinosuar.

 

[Grizzly]

I am contemplating the purchase of a '96 Dodge 3500 V10,auto/4. 11/4x4 to replace our current 1500. I intend on using the vehicle for towing both our horse trailer (gooseneck) and TT locally, but still plan on using the diesel for cross-country travels. I was curious what we can expect driving a V10, such as gas milage, power and overall towing abilities. Any information or suggestions would be very appreciated. DON'T WORRY... I'M NOT SELLING THE DIESEL! Just need a capable tow truck that is automatic and gets warm quickly so that I can keep my better half!

You'd be making a big mistake. Get a CTD.

 

[icman95]

Nothing wrong with gassers. Just that my wife's 99 Durango 360cid with towing gears gets worse mileage that the 1970 Chrysler Newport Convertible 383 4bbl (yes, that's right, someone is writing about a 4 bbl carb on a diesel website!) I used to have. And the Newport was bigger!

 

[CSnyder]

Check the date on this thread! LOL

 

[Garlic]

You can blame me for that one. I do have a soft spot in wy heart for the Gassers. Besides if you haven't driven one for the long term you may never know. Diesel has been running through my veins for 30 some odd years and it was not by chance that I bought a Gasser, Being in the business of making every thing go faster, I had to have the biggest baddest on on the block. Truley I have not been dissapointed with the truck, The dealers yes but truck no. Any way I did grow up and Bought 'A real truck'

 

[icman95]

You know, that's the second time that's happened to me recently. Actually this thread was originally posted about the time I was starting to shop around for my truck. I'll have to be more careful to check dates. Still, the info isn't any less relavant or interesting.

 

[Grizzly]

You know, that's the second time that's happened to me recently. Actually this thread was originally posted about the time I was starting to shop around for my truck. I'll have to be more careful to check dates. Still, the info isn't any less relavant or interesting.

Me too, I didn't see it either!