Thinking of a new truck

[KKaiser]

I’ve had a 2001.5 since new. Now at 340,000 miles and was considering a fresh Cummins.
There’s SO much different about the new models that they scare me.
Thinking about an ‘23 2500, probably a Laramie. How are these trucks treating everyone? I’d love to get another 340K miles out of a new one but they’re so complex these days, I don’t know if it’s possible. Are there any serious trouble spots? I went through three warranted lift pumps before Dodge finally put one in the tank 250K miles ago. How do the 68RE trannys hold up nowadays? I got 245K out of my old 47RE, but I’m fairly religious about maintenance.

What are the must have options? I don’t tow much anymore but would like the option of a moderately sized bumper pull/fifth wheel.

 

[Turbo Terry]

My 99 and 2022 are night and day different trucks . It bothered me also. Keep the old one or buy new. After 2 years and 20 k miles I think I made the right decision.This will be my last truck . Getting old but this thing is a beast . Smooth powerful quiet. It’s everything we wanted back then , But will it hold up time will tell I guess. But it’s just a really awesome truck. If you were here I would let you drive mine. You would buy a new one I think?

 

[NIsaacs]

I went from an '01 to '21 2500. I tow commercial, they are a beast. I would not go back. A Laramie probably has way more standard options than my Tradesman, so I can't help there. I recommend the tow group, limited slip, Mopar spray in bed liner, Mopar floor mats and t-case skid plate. I assume you know about the differences between the 2500/3500. Also, the coils or air ride on the 2500's.

I only have 33k on mine, so I am learning about weak points too. Nothing so far, just some simple recalls. I went from a '91 to an '01, night and day. '01 to 21 is light years.

 

[Topzide]

Don't wait our you'll be kicking yourself for all the miles you missed not driving a new one! Price out what you want, find the deal and add the MAX Care to help with the what if's that may happen. I've the 68RFE and the newer version is much more refined! I've 174K on the clock and have had the truck since 130K and know truck history since 53K. One oil leak from rear seals on the engine that MAX Care took care of. Turbo actuator failed this past Dec at 160K+ and just over 4k hours which is the components lifetime compared to the City Diesel unit I put in. Then there was the failed DEF pump this past spring at around 170K. It must've been leaking and then the level gauge gave out which caused the de-rate and trip to dealer. Not complaining about the truck at all with the service it has provided! Just being honest about it. These things can happen and was prepared for them. Was glad at the transfer of the MAX Care that was left from purchase from my FIL. Get the longest coverage that you can and suggest a $200 dollar deductible to help with the cost of plan as there is a lot of tech is these trucks! Don't wait! You'll miss out. Order it now over the winter months to have for the spring. (especially with current strike issues)

 

[KKaiser]

I’ve heard of issues with the variable geometry turbos. Is this an overblown issue, or real concern? Is that the turbo actuator mentioned above?
Is there any real difference between a ‘23 and a ‘24?

 

[Topzide]

Turbos aren't the issue, just the actuator as I described and wasn't a bad repair to do. Just wish I had a garage to work in with the time of year it happened!
Not really much of a difference. If you can find what works for you on a lot, go for it! If I was looking to go new, I'd order what I want with the prices!
Which ever way you go, enjoy it! The newer trucks are quieter and have so much power from stock! Don't let the DEF fluid worry you. You can use jugs are bulk if convenient for you. I've used mainly Walmart DEF do to price. DEF is DEF no matter where you get it. Just get from where it moves quickly to make sure you have fresh! Heat and time are DEF enemies!! Only keep what you'll need if in hotter climate. I'll buy 2 jugs, 1 in truck other in basement away from sunlight! That's the other thing, try to avoid buying DEF that's being kept in the sunlight!
Hope this helps.

 

[Ozymandias]

Actuator is more a thing of the past. Of course they worked on that problem through the last 10 years too.

 

[Cummins12V98]

3500, AISIN, long bed, towing prep, rear air ride in any model you chose.
You WILL thank me.

 

[Turbo Terry]

DEF is only a temporary problem. Once you get used to it it’s not a problem

 

[Turbo Terry]

Yes get the ho aisin. More power is always good.

 

[GSP7]

Keep your old truck. Dont sell it if you get a newer one

.

 

[CJ8Rockcrawler]

3500, AISIN, long bed, towing prep, rear air ride in any model you chose.
You WILL thank me.

And the 50 gallon tank.

 

[slowmover]

HPCR is the only real change from old to new.

6-speed Auto (4+2) and 4-whl disc brakes are nice additions.

Big trucks it’s the same thing. HPCR, then auto-shift 12 plus disc.

The rest is profitable add-on for manufacturers.

Trucks are still stuck in 1947. A real pickup truck would be HMMV-type design (fifty years old itself), and exhibit stability plus work capability improvements commensurate with use potential in light duty vehicles (which these are).

Go far enough back in archives to see same accolades about “newest”. 1999 versus 1989, etc.

Same basic design. Then, or now. Complexity of systems over lifespan is all that’s changed significantly past HPCR. Software, not hardware.

I lost a turbo on a t680 a couple of years ago. MHC air shipped a replacement. The earlier version (same engine) would have been $1,600. Now — due to greater complexity— it was $9,000.

Both trucks did same job. Newer one got better fuel mileage. How long to recoup that repair?

A 4WD version of my pickup listed at $35k when new in 2003. Inflation calculations says that’s $58k today. But the pickup today is $92k.

“New” is a crapshoot for him who has no IRS deductible miles (depreciation schedule). The Joe Sixpack Diesel disappeared after diesel became more expensive than gasoline circa 2007.

An under-15k RV trailer used occasionally doesn’t justify a diesel pickup.

Start with the camper. Aero, all-aluminum beats hell out of dragging a box around. Find one with depreciation gone. Then the DD cost becomes reasonable in spec. A pickup is undesirable in stability towing or solo, so why not examine from a clean sheet of paper?

The long distance travelers from the golden age didn’t use pickups. Why would they?

It’s like today’s MoHo owners dragging a car behind them (Huh? Never heard of rentals?).

Start from scratch.

.

 

[KKaiser]

HPCR is the only real change from old to new.

6-speed Auto (4+2) and 4-whl disc brakes are nice additions.

Big trucks it’s the same thing. HPCR, then auto-shift 12 plus disc.

The rest is profitable add-on for manufacturers.

Go far enough back in archives to see same accolades about “newest”. 1999 versus 1989, etc.

Same basic design. Then, or now. Complexity of systems over lifespan is all that’s changed significantly past HPCR. Software, not hardware.

I lost a turbo on a t680 a couple of years ago. MHC air shipped a replacement. The earlier version (same engine) would have been $1,600. Now — due to greater complexity— it was $9,000

A 4WD version of my pickup listed at $35k when new in 2003. Inflation calculations says that’s $58k today. But the pickup today is $92k.

“New” is a crapshoot for him who has no IRS deductible miles (depreciation schedule). The Joe Sixpack Diesel disappeared after diesel became more expensive than gasoline circa 2007.

An under-15k RV trailer used occasionally doesn’t justify a diesel pickup.


Start from scratch.

.

Slowmover,
You’ve pretty much addressed my concerns.
The new trannys are for sure better than my old four speed. I do have 4 wheel discs on the ‘01.5

HPCR is for sure better than my VP44
I hate having to offset EV losses with my purchase, but…….
All the electronics worry me. How long does the average desktop computer live?
Turbo is similar with the complexity of systems issue
Again, the trucks far exceeding inflation makes me hate EVs even more!
I do have the advantage of IRS deductibility, hence why I’m buying it.
Actually considering a GM gasser for these very reasons

 

[Ozymandias]

The point is more - do you need a Diesel Truck or would a Gasser do the job as good with way less tech on it that can possibly fail?
Because it is especially the exhaust after treatment that can ruin you, not the comfort add ons.
A Diesel is now more then ever before a Truck that wants to be worked to keep in shape. Use it as a Grocery getter und you ask for trouble.
Electronics? My twenty year old electronics work just fine, why should a new truck not also work just fine in 2043?

 

[Cummins12V98]

And the 50 gallon tank.

YES!!!!!!!! I keep thinking about adding the 55 gallon TITAN replacement tank.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Strong second on keeping your old truck! I have a 01 Sport that is my Summer rig towing my boat nearly every day while the 15 DRW waits until the Winter trek South hauling the 5er.

 

[Lordsman]

Agree with Ozy. These newer diesel trucks aren't made for short drives here and there. Buy the right truck for what you're going to use it for.

 

[Diesel85]

If you want diesel, I'd suggest looking at finding a 2020-2023 Gen 3 EcoD or a GM mini-duramax before those are gone.

You can work a smaller diesel enough to keep it happy by driving it empty by some spirited driving.

 

[Turbo Terry]

Truth is not many folks really need a diesel pickup. Those that do and pull big 5 th wheeler trailers etc would be much better with a semi truck good used etc. I certainly never really needed a diesel but I did need a 1 ton truck to haul my load .But once the diesel monster bites it’s hard to go back. I did really consider buying a 1 ton gasser this time but my love of the Cummins won over again. But I must admit the power train transmission exhaust brake set up the whole power train is pretty awesome. Oh and no exhaust brake on a gasser,once you have one it’s hard to go back