Considering a new truck

[MRoberts]

I've had a Cummins since 2002 and currently have a 2015 with 103k on it. I love it and have it set up about as perfect as can be. I had planned on losing some parts and have new ones ready to go, but have decided not to go that route with the EPA doing there thing. This has got me thinking about getting out of diesels and going to a gasser. I don't tow or carry heavy loads, I just like having a very capable truck and as a recently retired firefighter, one of the many lessons I learned is that mass wins in MVA's. I'm a Dodge/RAM guy all the way, so I'd like your thoughts, 2500 with a 6.4 Hemi or a 1500 with the 5.7 Hemi? The most likely scenario is that I keep my current truck that I own free and clear!

 

[Ltngdrvr]

Just drive them both and see which trips your trigger.
The 1500 will ride much better, has a nicer cab and interior, and with the electric booster motor you can get on the 5.7, it'll be quicker and get better mileage than the 2500.

 

[nukegm]

comrade roberts - i would wait until the " chip shortage " is over before you buy a new one. here in colorado, many dealers lots are almost empty. cars/truck out front turned sideways to make the lots look full, when in fact they are empty behind the first row...i read an article about a kia dealer making people who wanted a test drive for a telleride model sign papers saying they would agree to 18k over list price if they test drove one and ended up buying one. this is insanity. i would wait until more inventory comes - more for you to chose from....hope the shortage will be over soon. cheers and good luck!

 

[wyosteve]

I have my '18 Cummins for heavy towing, but have a '19 Power Wagon as my daily driver/light tow vehicle and love it. Beginning in '19 they went to the 8 speed transmission which seems perfect for the 4:10 gears. The 6.4 is great so far. At 70 mph, I get around 16 mpg. And for a 2500 it rides very well.

 

[Topzide]

I'm with the crowd on choose what fits you better. Sorry to see that you don't want to stay with a diesel, BUT very happy that you'll stay with the brand! I read that there is one mod that you can do to the diesels to give better performance is to inject propane into the air intake system. They've been doing this to tractors for quite some time now. This process allows a better burn of fuel so it produce more power, less emissions and better fuel mileage! Not cheap, but might be a fit for some of the group out there. JM2C.

 

[Wiredawg]

We picked my wife's 2019 Ram 1500 4x4 with automatic steps for easy access in and out, and the 5.7L is a bottle rocket. As we get older and less mobile, it will likely be the last vehicle in the fleet. For now, we have the 5500 for heavy hauling and towing, and finding it's fun to drive since we traded off our 21KLb 5th wheel.

 

[MRoberts]

I'm with the crowd on choose what fits you better. Sorry to see that you don't want to stay with a diesel, BUT very happy that you'll stay with the brand! I read that there is one mod that you can do to the diesels to give better performance is to inject propane into the air intake system. They've been doing this to tractors for quite some time now. This process allows a better burn of fuel so it produce more power, less emissions and better fuel mileage! Not cheap, but might be a fit for some of the group out there. JM2C.

It's not that I don't want to stay with the Cummins, it's all of the emissions stuff and the EPA that are ruining it. I know there are some that have not had any emission equipment issues, I'm one of them and there are many that have. With the direction the EPA is going, we will be locked in to replacing very expensive components to remain legal. I can see FCA licking their chops on this, as the sole supplier of this equipment, I'll bet they are already adjusting prices!

MY plan was to keep my truck long term and as components failed, replace them with aftermarket parts. Well the EPA is killing that idea and a lot of businesses while they are at it.

 

[endoscott]

Look at the bright side, pretty soon it will be all electric and self-driving. Then the kids will have to give you back your keys....

 

[bcbender]

Look at the bright side, pretty soon it will be all electric and self-driving.

Not likely, but then the EPA will have a whole different set of problems to focus on... ( power generation, capability, where to put all the un-recyclable Li batteries).... Ima keep my truck till the warranty is up and in 8yrs then we'll see what things look like

 

[Randomrunner12]

BcBender,

I'm there with you on this one. I'm keeping my 2012 until the very end or someone offers me the right price. Electric vehicles are great and an awesome thing but there just as bad as our diesels because when the battery's quit working they just end up in a yard somewhere waiting for someone to figure out how to dispose of them. Hybrids are worse on fuel economy then they actually led on.

 

[Jdorfmeyer]

I drove a Cummins for 12 years and went to a 2014 1500 Hemi with 3.92 gears and the 6'4" bed in 2014. Have had 70,000+ of trouble free miles and really like the Hemi, 9900 pounds tow capacity is plenty for my needs and you just need to get used to the RPM's if you really need to tow something heavy. The eight speed transmission is a game changer and really makes the Hemi a great drivetrain. Get around 15 mpg in town and 18 to 21 mpg going 80 on the interstate. Good Luck in your shopping!

 

[bcbender]

yeah,,, My new truck is still not broken in according to the manual, but towing 16K I was around 8 mpg and getting 15~16 with mixed use not towing. My 04 was maybe 10% better with 1/2 the power and no emissions so cant complain. I may change my mind and go back to a 1500 when I quit pulling big trailers but until then I will stay with the diesel. Good luck on the hunt tho!