New 2014 2500

[RVTRKN]

I just got the word tonight, that I'm getting a 2014 2500 Tradesman 6.7 2WD service truck. So I get to add one more vehicle to my signature. As much as I have pushed the Ram with the 6.7, it better not have any issues, or I'm never going to hear the end of it. But after several Rams and two CTD's, I'm not too worried though.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Woohoo! Enjoy

 

[RVTRKN]

The big question is, will I like it better than my 07 C&C? Even though its a company truck, it is mine to drive and keep as long as I work for the Company. Its going to be so nice to get rid of the POS GMC Van I have been driving for the last three years. My commute can be horrendous, just yesterday I responded to an emergency service call at a surgery center in Long Beach Ca., after I got their AC back up and running, it took me three hours to get home, LA traffic is a ***** on Friday nights. The 2014 Tradesman CTD is basically equiped like an SLT, so it will be comfortable as well as enjoyable to drive, and those long commutes will be a little easier.

I will post some pics when its completed with the service bed installed.

 

[sluper]

Enjoy the ride. I do not envy you having to deal with the traffic every day. I have been blessed for the last 30+ years of not having to deal with traffic congestion on a daily basis. Lots of miles on the ground and in the air just not every day.

 

[RVTRKN]

If it gets better MPG than their 7.3 Powerjokes, they will start to replace them with CTD's. They are Ford fans but the 6.0 and newer Powerjokes have caused them to hold off replacing them. So if the Truck I'm getting is as reliable as my CTD's has been (except for the G56 W/DMF I had) then they will consider going over to the Rams. Currently they have two Fords with the 7.3 and one GMC Sierra gasser, and two service Vans that are on the last of their lives.

 

[RVTRKN]

Question on the option for 18" wheels vrs the 17" wheel, at 3" taller tires and less revolutions per mile (627 RPM) will the truck get better MPG and less tire wear?
LT275/70R18 = 33.2" dia. 627 revolutions per mile
LT245/70R17 = 30.6" dia. 681 revolutions per mile

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The 6.7 is happy at lower rpm than the 5.9 so I would suggest the 18" wheels. Will it have the popular equipment group with carpets and cloth seats?

 

[RVTRKN]

Maybe, I've found a tradesman that is nicely equipped, but the powers that be, are looking for price rather than nicely equipped. If it is still available I think they will get it. I'll know more on Monday, the reason I asked is they have found one slightly cheaper but doesn't have the appearance group, and has the 17" tires. I need to have a creditable argument for the bigger tire.

 

[photowrite]

Question on the option for 18" wheels vrs the 17" wheel, at 3" taller tires and less revolutions per mile (627 RPM) will the truck get better MPG and less tire wear?
LT275/70R18 = 33.2" dia. 627 revolutions per mile
LT245/70R17 = 30.6" dia. 681 revolutions per mile

That's a pretty big difference in diameter.

The 2500 will be A/T trans, right?

Will/can the truck ever run a different size tire?

I'm a fan of smaller wheels and taller tires, but that's more important (for me) on a 4WD, airing down for off-highway travel, etc. I have 18" on my 2500 Tradesman, and I like them okay, particularly some of the taller, relatively-narrow sizes including the OE 275s. I'm surprised how happy the engine seems with the 3.42:1 gears with the 33" tires (G56 trans).

One advantage to the 17" wheel is you could run the tall (32" +/-) narrow size, 235/80R17, which might help fuel economy over either of those OE tires.

 

[RVTRKN]

It wil be the 68rfe, but my company wants the auto trans, however if I were to purchace a new 3500, I would go with the Aison auto. I don't like the G56 and have near in the future, plans to replace it with a NV5600.

 

[photowrite]

What about the tires?

 

[RVTRKN]

That will depend on what tire the truck comes equipped with. The truck that I hope to get has the 18" wheels with the taller tires. I test drove it today, what a difference between the 68rfe and the G56 concerning torque management.

 

[photowrite]

That will depend on what tire the truck comes equipped with. The truck that I hope to get has the 18" wheels with the taller tires. I test drove it today, what a difference between the 68rfe and the G56 concerning torque management.

Meaning the torque management the 68rfe has and the G56 does not?

 

[RVTRKN]

Yes, as I stepped on the throttle to feel the power, there was a slight hesitation and then it quickly excellerated catching up to the throttle position sensor. My 305HP C&C responds instantly when I step on the throttle. If I was purchasing the truck for myself, I would still go with the 68rfe, but if the truck was still available with a NV5600, that's what I would purchase. But this is a company purchase, and they want an auto.

 

[photowrite]

I prefer changing my own gears, I know you do too, but I've not had enough time to dislike my G56, hope I never do. Very interested in your NV5600 swap.

Before buying my '14 I was told by an owner of G56 trucks that they don't drive like a de-rated, lower power engine. Likely this is because of the lack of torque management and/or lag, and the direct hookup of the manual transmission.

 

[RVTRKN]

I can only compare it to my 04.5 and 07 C&C, but I would have to agree with that statement. But my C&C has a separate issue which I believe is a clitch when my ECM was reflashed in 09 that causes surging when in regen, accelerating and hitting 2000 RPM that gives you a feel of the throttle sticking. It took out my clutch and I converted it to a South Bend SMF with a DD3250 clutch.

 

[RVTRKN]

Can a OEM trailer brake controller be installed by the dealer?

 

[photowrite]

It took out my clutch and I converted it to a South Bend SMF with a DD3250 clutch.

I've read some of your posts mentioning the surging regen and that it took out your clutch. I'm sure I would not like the surging nor the clutch failure. From what little I've read about the regen on a '14, hopefully I have no such issues.

Looking forward to your reports on the '14 2500 A/T work truck of that's what you get.

 

[RVTRKN]

Yup it ran great, no complaints, UNTIL, the update/reflash in 09 changed my truck to a nightmare, and $4K later and still counting to rectify the problem. Thought about changing the ECM but that would be a disaster if it did the same. There is a phenomenon when in regen, the marbles in the trans below 1500 RPM all but disappear when the engine is in regen.

 

[photowrite]

I'm aware of the danger of unwanted changes and updates...

With few miles on a new G56 truck that seems to drive and run well, unless necessary I'd like to keep it away from dealerships to prevent unwelcome updates. Fingers crossed.

I’ve not let Toyota screw-up the accelerator pedal on a 2006 Toyota 4Runner either, they will ruin the car, which has one of the best drive-by-wire pedals I've ever used.