Thinking about a 6.7L, ... am I nutz?

[RJOL]

Actually, the 2WD SWB has about 3400 lbs of useful load, so it should be able to handle pin weights up to about 2500 lbs or so. I would not go that high, but the GVWR is there. I realize that GVWR does not make up for the capacity of a DRW, but still pretty respectable.

That's the most favorable setup for maximum useful load. However, my 2006 32' Hitchhiker says it has a pin weight of 1900lbs. I'm not full timing, so I don't have this trailer loaded to the gills, but the actual (by scale) kingpin weight is 2800lbs. The trailer weighs in at just over 13K lbs loaded for a trip, with 20 gallons of fresh water and all other tanks empty. It's published empty weight is just under 10K lbs. Just food for thought...

 

[LesStallings]

Been toying with the same thoughts lately... but after seeing my rig in the new TDR issue that arrived today (page 120) and it doesn't do anything stupid on this OKC turn I'm leaving on here in 5 hours, I might just have to keep it a bit longer!

I'm holding out for the 4G that is rumored to be out in early 08 as a 2009 model.

 

[Grizzly]

Actually, the 2WD SWB has about 3400 lbs of useful load, so it should be able to handle pin weights up to about 2500 lbs or so. I would not go that high, but the GVWR is there. I realize that GVWR does not make up for the capacity of a DRW, but still pretty respectable.

Okay, so the SWB has a larger payload, but will the ride and handling qualities be as good as the LWB?

 

[Caveman]

I have 9700 lbs on the trailer according to the scales and the truck is barely working. I'm getting 11 MPG over a couple thousand miles. I get abot 13. 5 unloaded. I can tow this thing over 80 MPH or whatever speed if I want. We are actually looking for more in the way of a 5'er now. Sure, the last truck was a SRW, but the extra cab space with the Megacab, DRW and this new engine and trans are just night and day from my last truck.

 

[ChrisG]

No you are not Nutzz or Crazyyyy

We had a 2003 3500 HO 48re 2WD short box before we got our new 6. 7 a couple of months ago. Someone stole our 2003 and we were sick. We looked hi and low to find a replacement but could not find another one that suited us. So we decided to buy a new 6. 7. We tow a 15,000K fiver and I can tell you first hand it is a pleasure is to tow with the 6. 7. I was always nervous about driving the 2003 loaded in the mountains. I had only driven it a few miles with the 6. 7 and I knew the truck was a keeper. It was the best towing experience I have ever had. I had a ball the truck shifted and apply the E brake when needed. I almost was too relaxed and felt like the truck was on auto pilot. This truck went up and down 6-8% slopes like it was nobody's business. The transmission shifts smooth and applies the E brake when you let off the throttle. Instead of applying the brakes down the mountain through curves you have to get back on the throttle because the E brake will slow you down without applying the breaks. It will hold speed at 45-50mph down 7% slopes in 3rd gear at around 3K rpm.

We got 8. 4 towing on our first trip. The truck only had 1,540 miles on it. I am anxious to see the mileage improve. With the emissions problem is solved this is better than I ever expected.



My friend said "this is one hell of a towing machine, very comfortable, and hands down much stronger than either my old 03 or his 06 he has towed with. ” One safety concern we have. Since we only used the brakes only a few times at stops and on 8% curves we think Dodge should provide bumper stickers and possibly a brake light switch to operate when the E brake is functioning to let Ford and Chevy drivers know the rig may slow without warning!



You will not need the 4. 10s pulling at max GCW with the CTD. Second through fourth gear are well matched and she has a wide power band. Fifth and sixth will let her fly

You truly have to tow heavy with this truck to appreciate it.

We want to thank the AH that stole our 2003

 

[BEllis]

hi

just bought a07. 5 with the 6. 7 in june. first diesel truck an love it,lots of power and pretty good milage compared to my gmc with a 454in it. drove from las vegas to denver an back and averaged 16mpg. only problem so far is ckeck engine light came on [few times] took it to dealer they said it needed to be reflashed.



07. 5 flame red 6. 7 6spd auto big horn edition

 

[RWPor]

I don't understand, why don't they reflash before they let you take deliveryfrom the dealer ?It seems people them home drive a while and the CEL goes on. back to the dealer for reflash, why.

 

[Wolfy]

Build/TSB/Delivery dates

I don't understand, why don't they reflash before they let you take deliveryfrom the dealer ?It seems people them home drive a while and the CEL goes on. back to the dealer for reflash, why.

hi

just bought a 07. 5 with the 6. 7 in june. ... . only problem so far is ckeck engine light came on [few times] took it to dealer they said it needed to be reflashed.

Hello RWPor,



In some cases at least, this happens because the truck is purchased before a TSB (technical service bullletin) which notes the problem(s) to be corrected is made available to the service department at the dealer.



In BEllis' case, there was a TSB (18 033 07 Rev. A) which was issued to cover trucks built on/before June 11, '07. The TSB issue-date was June 12, and if he picked up his truck before this, the dealer would not have had the opportunity to take care of it.



In my own case, I was aware of the TSB because of discussion in this forum, and while speaking with my dealership, was able to be sure that they were aware of its existence, and saw to it that my truck was "done". Had I picked my truck up one or two days earlier(which could easily have happened), it would not have been, and I would have had to return for the flash.



This TSB has since been superceded by "Rev B" (the latest at this date so far as I know, ... I could be mistaken).



In cases where the TSB is issued to the dealers before the truck is delivered, the required flash SHOULD be done before delivery, ... but in some cases service departments do not stay right on top of things, and might fail to do so before delivery.



This is a good reason to monitor TDR, where such things are often made known to members, so you can be sure that your salesmen/service departments are savvy. Even a good service department can be very busy, and sometimes it takes them awhile to get all their people up-to-speed on the latest developments.



HTH,

 

[BEllis]

hi

just a short update,took ownership on the 2nd of june,called dealershipon the7th abouit check engine light,was told as long as it wasn't flashing not to worry just bring in when i had the time was there in 15 minutes they put it on there computor,said a code had been stored but everything was ok,since then the truck has been back to the dealership 4 times its there as i write this to be flashed again for the 3rd time. maybe i should of read more about the new engine and emissions on the truck,being this is my first diesel pickup.

 

[Wolfy]

hi

just a short update,took ownership on the 2nd of june,called dealershipon the7th abouit check engine light,was told as long as it wasn't flashing not to worry just bring in when i had the time was there in 15 minutes they put it on there computor,said a code had been stored but everything was ok,since then the truck has been back to the dealership 4 times its there as i write this to be flashed again for the 3rd time. maybe i should of read more about the new engine and emissions on the truck,being this is my first diesel pickup.

Things to determine:



Exactly WHICH flashes were done?



Were they done CORRECTLY?



AFAIK, "TSB 18-033-07 Rev. B" is the pertinent flash at this time (anyone know different?), ... and the "B" revision was issued partly to make the process clearer to the technicians. The procedure was somewhat complex, and not all service departments are staffed by rocket scientists.



If disappointments and repeated flash "attempts" are the rule where you are going, I would consider a trip to a different dealer.



There are threads in this forum which offer more discussion on the flashes, ... a search should help.

 

[MStrain]

Hold out a few months and get an 08 model, they most likely have improved some of the issues that people are experiencing with their 07. 5's. The 68 rfe and the ebrake is awesome.

 

[Wolfy]

thinking about ordering a 2008 6. 7L with the 68RE.

Am I nutz?



Is the risk with the 6. 7L regen issues worth it to get the 68RE?

Good luck with the busted body-parts





As to the basic question:



Been close to two weeks now, and 3 pages of discussion, so maybe your decision is made, but here's another opinion.



You don't have to be "nutz" to buy the 6. 7, just a bit bold, and somewhat willing to gamble.



I am one of those with zero problems on my admittedly low-mileage (1500+/-) 6. 7/68RFE.



I have been following these threads with regularity, and it seems to me that a significant number of the engine-related "problems" have turned out to be largely due to service-department/owner ignorance of the latest info, as it develops re. these new systems ( the greatest responsibility here falling upon the S-D's whose JOB is to "know", and to gladly, not reluctantly, render service as required!).



In other words, if, in every case, both the owner and the service departments were fully aware-of and capable of proper/careful implementation of the appropriate "fix", I believe the number of reported "issues", and the number of less-than-happy new-owners would drop considerably [. . especially the cases of repeated visits to a service department to attempt to deal with the same or re-occuring problems].



To me the significant point seems to be that the new systems ARE being learned-about, with on-the-road experience, and refinements are being made.



This is all I would expect from any company, and whether or not my own luck holds, I feel sure that when the smoke clears, these will be magnificent rigs.



The "early-adopter risk" is unavoidable, when at the front of advancing technology. It is important to monitor what is being learned, and to see that the latest "tweaks" are applied ASAP when they are developed. This requires getting/keeping owners and servicers up-to-speed, ... any "Duh!" element at this level of technical advancement will be a stick in the bicycle spokes.



Bottom line: It is a fact that you can never drive "the latest" without accepting some risk.



Deciding whether something is "worth it" is entirely subjective, of course, but re. the 68RFE, I believe that nearly all of those reporting in this forum are absolutely delighted with this transmission. (This includes a number of posters with previous experience with other rigs, who are thus qualified to make real comparisons. ) The engine is quiet, smooth, strong, and smoke-free and the EB is really making for happy-faces!



In my own case (and I am not a young pup), this is the first vehicle In many years which I "itch" to drive, simply for the pleasure of it, ... and my lady is the same way. We are happy when some excuse comes along for us to "take the big truck" somewhere.



Fat hips and all (3500 DRW 4X4 / 3. 73), this thing is just FUN!



Good luck!

 

[klenger]

Thanks for all the input so far. My arm/elbow is healing quite nicely, and I am now driving the truck in my sig again. I never realized how much pressure it took to get that mad boy in reverse. I have been putting in in reverse using both hands for the last week, but was able to do it with my right hand only yesterday.



As to the 6. 7, I keep talking to the wife about the new truck I'm not going to buy. I don't want to do anything till my 04. 5 is paid off in March 08. I'd like to see what the future holds for the 09 model. One of the things that I'd like to hold out for in the 09 models is the really cool radio. I guess in was available in some Chrysler models in 2007, a few more in 2008, and in the Rams in 2009. See Jeep Grand Cherokee WK - RER Navigation Radio for details.

 

[Boondocker]

Ken,

I'm glad you're getting better, and thanks in general for your awesome web site!

Knowing how you keep your stuff, the only Nutz person is the one who wouldn't buy your "old" stuff

Hope you get back on the Beemer soon too.

Cheers,
Neil

 

[klenger]

Back in the saddle again. Took my new bike out for a 5 mile test spin today.



-

 

[BEllis]

hello every1

justed wanted to say that the 68rfe worked great along with the EB,on the trip to denver pulled a trailer with household things and the bed of the truck was loaded,don't think i even had to use the brakes going down vail pass in colorado.

the service dept. told me they do the reflash and then have to drive the truck for about 50 miles for the reflash to work right.

i knew there was a possibility of problems with the emissions,and im sure they will get them worked out.

i enjoy driving the truck and have gotten lots of compliments on it.

klenger hopeyou get feeling better soon.

wolfy thanks for the write ups,ive have been reading everything on tdr1





BEllis

 

[RWPor]

Yup your are nutz, did you hit your head when you fell off the bike. Just kidding but I just got an 07 5. 9l and love it. Have you read the post by the vet. nearly all replies say get a 5. 9l. If I can believe the computer I am getting 22. 9 mpg on the freeway and 15. 9 combined highway city. not bad.

 

[klenger]

Actually, I did hit my head and have been having problems with vertigo ever since the accident. Had a CT scan last Thur, and waiting for the results. Took my truck and trailer up to Flagstaff area this weekend. About 540 miles towing, and the truck (04. 5) performed flaslessly, except I think I have a leak in my exhaust brake gasket. Still thinking about a 6. 7 auto, but so far have managed to maintain control.

 

[RWPor]

I think you should get the NUWA first, sorry to hear about your head, hope all is well. PS thanks for the advice on lowering the rear end. Do you do that on your truck? Notice any diffferance ? Other than it is lower.

 

[klenger]

Yes, I did lower my truck. I have not had any negative experiences since I did it over 3 years ago. It also made it easier to load stuff into the truck bed. Thanks for the concern.