How many miles?

[EONeal]

Hey everyone. I've read posts about Dodge Cummins trucks running 400 to 500 thousand miles pretty often. However, most of these seem to be trucks that run a lot of highway miles. I drive about 10 or 15 miles each way to work during the week (depending on which way I go) and rarely get above 50 mph on these short trips, meaning the truck doesn't really warm up. My weekend use varies between long highway trips, towing, and short trips around town. Based on this use, how many miles do you guys see me getting out of this diesel? I bought this truck based on it's reputation as lasting forever, decent fuel mileage (had a Chevy 6. 0 = drank fuel), and of course because there's nothing cooler than a Cummins diesel. By the way, I service it every 3000 to 3500 miles and run Power Service in it to keep the fuel system happy. Also, thanks to everyone on this site for their knowledge. It has already helped me many times.

 

[AlK]

I purchased my first CTD in 1992 and drove it to work (4 miles each way) every day for over 7 years. Just sold it and it had only 135000 km on the odometer. The truck still ran as well as the day I purchased it. Got good mileage and never had to add oil between changes, and other than the regular maintenance it cost me next to nothing in the 14 years that I owned it. I only replaced it because I wanted an auto and a bigger cab.



Sure started better and got better mileage than my 2006.



Clean fuel, clean oil and clean air is very important.

 

[Grizzly]

I'm betting it will go 300K min, 500K max. You can also extend your oil changes to 5K, maybe 6K, without hurting the engine.

 

[EONeal]

Thanks for the replies. If I get 300k out of it I will be pretty happy.

 

[Posm]

At the rate you are going, it will take you over 27 years to get to 300K. I bet you will want something different to drive long before then.

I will turn 180K this week on my 04 if the good Lord is willing and the creeks don't rise.



Bryan

 

[Grizzly]

At the rate you are going, it will take you over 27 years to get to 300K. I bet you will want something different to drive long before then.

I will turn 180K this week on my 04 if the good Lord is willing and the creeks don't rise.



Bryan

And if he gets 500K miles out of it he'll have it for 42 years. Maybe he should go home for lunch everyday so he can wear it out faster! :-laf

 

[jelag]

I sold a 93 or 94 with over 500K, couldn't keep a ring and pinion gear in it... . the rear end was too small..... my 01 had 300 K when we got rid of it... . it was hit at a stop light, and was totaled... ... it was standing still... my 04 now has 230K 04. 5 has 65K and my 05 has 42K... we are on the second clutch, transmission and brakes on the 04 everything on the the rest of the fleet is stock... .



I'm guessing that with low mileage you'll wear out starters, alternators, and waterpumps first... ...



Hope this helps...

 

[DWeiler]

At the rate on my second genner,i'll be long gone before i reach 300k,mine now has 19k on it and next month is 5 year anniversary of ownership. atlease we know the'll last or out live ya!!! DW--- PS i would like to pass it down to the next generation in the family some day.

 

[EONeal]

Yep, it will take quite a while to reach 300k. However, these 3rd gen trucks are pretty easy to work on compared to the Chevy's and Ford's of the same year. If trucks keep getting more and more complicated, which I'm sure they will, I'd like to keep this one around as long as possible. I kind of like being able to see the valve cover without a bazillion hoses and wires running everywhere. Thanks again for the replies.



Eric

 

[DWeiler]

Yes i know what you mean about working on them,i drive 01 Ford 7. 3 cubevan for a living(company vehicle-about 200k on it),nightmare to service as the Ford teck says. Just last week i lost the idler arm bearing at 2600rpm,it took out the whole assembly,belt,upper and lower rad hoses,power sterring lines,fan,fan clutch and a bit of rad damage but no leaks(yet)---1230. 00 $$$ later and it back on the road. At least i can see my Cummins. DW

 

[Grizzly]

Yep, it will take quite a while to reach 300k. However, these 3rd gen trucks are pretty easy to work on compared to the Chevy's and Ford's of the same year. If trucks keep getting more and more complicated, which I'm sure they will, I'd like to keep this one around as long as possible. I kind of like being able to see the valve cover without a bazillion hoses and wires running everywhere. Thanks again for the replies.



Eric

Welcome to TDR Eric, as you can see it's fun place to be. It's also very informative and a good bunch of people, well, some of us.

 

[CBrahs]

At my current rate of driving, it will take me 40 years to get that many miles on my new truck. Well if the programming was correct for my tire size it wouldn't. 13mph off!! had it for 2 months already and only have 1450 miles on it!!

 

[Bernie]

A few more miles

I have 25k miles on my 06 that I picked up in July. At this rate, I will have 500k miles in about 8. 5 years.



I double I will make it that long. Probably 300k in the time it takes me to pay it off.