Thoughts on purchasing a new Ram 2500 CTD

[BillWDX]

I have had several Cummins powered trucks over the years (1993 and 2001). I have been looking at the new 2500 Cummins powered trucks. I would appreciate any readers thoughts on likes, dislikes and problems that they have had with these new trucks. Any perticular options to stear clear of and what kind of service they have had out of the truck. What kind of fuel mileage I can expect and any service issues etc. Basically, any tips-thoughts that will help me in the purchase and ownership.

Thank you,
BillWDX

 

[nukegm]

comrade - i bought a 2018 2500 g56 in january. like the truck a lot. still have a 02 2500 manual also. big difference in old v new. rides great. drives great. only one problem i have had in 10k miles - the hydraulics on the clutch died. in shop for 29 days. ( national backorder on clutch part ) my only slight complaint other than the clutch issue is the torque management of the new truck. you can mash the pedal and let out the clutch in a variety of ways and the truck just has a delay...until it takes off. im not in a big hurry, but have found this a problem when merging and such. f y i ram made it right and paid for my 2 tow bills and a months truck payment. while it was in the shop. i find that to also be worth something. cheers!

 

[KPear]

DEF, 2 fuel filters will be the biggest changes from the older Cummins Dodge trucks. DEF adds a little bit more expense, especially if you're towing a lot, but it enables much better fuel efficiency with these emissions-laden trucks, so there is a benefit. Otherwise comparable oil changes, though the intervals are a bit longer. Maintenance-wise, you shouldn't see too big a leap in costs or complexity.

As for everything else, I think these 4th gen's are much better built than the previous generations: better build quality of the chassis and body; better interior; better transmission options; more upfitter options (switches, alternators, ect.).

Some people will complain about torque management (some notice it more than others) and vibrations on the highway. All things considered, I think these newer trucks handle much better, even if there are a few having issues. Death wobble certainly seems common than it was with the older trucks.

Fuel efficiency: depends on your truck's configuration and driving style. DRW's with lower gearing engaged in heavy towing will often see mid to low teens. SRW's will see higher teens; many have reported +20 mpg during highway drives. I don't think the mpg will change all that much from what the 3rd gen saw. And keep in mind, this truck is heavier and the engine is more powerful.

 

[FrozenDEF]

I bought a 2018 2500 ctd this January. I am still thrilled with it after nearly 12,000 miles, lots of that towing or hauling. I've had over 16,000 lbs behind it, but my typical trailer weight is 4500 (enclosed trailer with a side by side) or gravel in the dump trailer, around 12-14k.
My empty mileage commuting is low to mid teens. With the dump trailer behind me I get high single digits.
Overall avg since new, 14.0mpg, best tank 17.6mpg. All this is tracked on fuelly.com, the dash readout is usually almost 2mpg optimistic.

While I watch mileage, I bought the truck to work and enjoy, and it excels at those.

I love the ventilated seats. Favorite option.
Least favorite feature is the non progeammable TPMS. I run the tires as the tire manufacturer recommends, not Ram's 65/80psi recommendation.

Maybe I should have got a 3500, but I have 10 years of commuting left, then I'll retire and get a 3500 long bed and a bigger camper. Until then I like the coil springs and shorter wheelbase.

 

[garyp285]

I went from a 03 to a 18, and could not be happier with it.

 

[Dieselnut59]

I have only put 200 miles on my new 4500 but love it! It is my first automatic and i gotta say I love that too. The transmission is well matched to the engine and the exhaust brake. If you go automatic, be SURE to get the Aisin.

 

[m37]

You will love the exhaust brake. Look close at the optional air ride - You can lower the truck when you want and no matter how heavy the load, it will ride the same height (won't look overloaded to the DOT). Get the 5th wheel prep package if you plan on a goose neck or 5th wheel trailer. Factory spray in bed liner. Its a great truck with the best engine made, how can you beat that???

 

[StephenFiedler]

I bought a 2018 2500 ctd this January. I am still thrilled with it after nearly 12,000 miles, lots of that towing or hauling. I've had over 16,000 lbs behind it, but my typical trailer weight is 4500 (enclosed trailer with a side by side) or gravel in the dump trailer, around 12-14k.
My empty mileage commuting is low to mid teens. With the dump trailer behind me I get high single digits.
Overall avg since new, 14.0mpg, best tank 17.6mpg. All this is tracked on fuelly.com, the dash readout is usually almost 2mpg optimistic.

While I watch mileage, I bought the truck to work and enjoy, and it excels at those.

I love the ventilated seats. Favorite option.
Least favorite feature is the non progeammable TPMS. I run the tires as the tire manufacturer recommends, not Ram's 65/80psi recommendation.

Maybe I should have got a 3500, but I have 10 years of commuting left, then I'll retire and get a 3500 long bed and a bigger camper. Until then I like the coil springs and shorter wheelbase.

I'm getting a 2018 2500 . I choose to get the 3:42 gears with 18" tires for my trailer is not that heavy. I keep thinking I should have got the 3:73 gears. I did get the air ride with this truck. Can't wait to get it. Trading in my Ecodiesel it has 78000 miles never had a problem and always got good fuel economy And it has 3:93 gears. the only thing I don't like is the turbo lag and the dealers can not adjust it out. Anyone with commits on gears ,tire size oil that you prefer jump in. Never made a post before and I'm think I could be running out of time, at 73 I look at the bottom foot for an expiration date. S Fiedler

 

[lpennock]

3.73 or 4.10 are better for towing but not an option with SRW.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

3.73 or 4.10 are better for towing but not an option with SRW.

Yep. SRW can only get 3:42's from the factory

 

[m37]

Just take into consideration that the 68RE auto trans has 2 overdrives. I feel the factory engineers make the best choice for a general use truck. Unless your driving is predominantly towing with heavy trailers, I would go with stock ratios. Also note that if the air ride is still too rough, change the rear shocks to spring suspension type (less heavy duty).

 

[Flinty]

I bought a tradesman 2500 a month ago with the G56. Driving this manual trans is a bit different than any other one I've owned. It seems like the computer can't keep up with my throttle foot (torque management everyone is mentioning?). For example I'll run the truck up to about 2200 rpm then shift. When I lift my foot off the throttle the engine doesn't decelerate immediately and the transmission/clutch ends up resetting the rpm or I have to wait for it to catch up. Seems like that's hard on the clutch. So I have to lift my foot first then shift to give the engine a chance to catch up to the next gear. I'm in the habit of it now but when I switch back and forth between trucks it's a little weird to amend my driving style. Drive by wire is not all it's cracked up to be I guess. Also when I need to execute a quick pass I'll grab a lower gear, hit the throttle, then when I shift up to the next gear and mash it the engine kind of has a lag before it'll hook. Again it seems like the computer can't keep up with what the throttle is asking for. Totally dumb. The manual trans was a deal breaker due to the places I find myself on the job site in mud, snow, etc. Automatics still can't regulate the power to the ground like a clutch can with really heavy loads. Other than that I'm seeing 20mpg on the highway, gobs of power, everything works. I'm happy. If you buy the truck go to the ram website and download the full owners manual and the diesel supplement. The one that comes in the jockey box is like a cliffs notes of what the truck is really capable of. That's where the good stuff is.

Also, the traction control is actually worth a damn on these trucks. Used to be it was just a pain in the ass but now with it on the truck actually hooks better in wet conditions than with out it on. Jump on the throttle on a slick surface with out it on and be prepared to deal with the ass end coming around. That was a pleasant surprise. At some point I will delete the emission stuff; I think it will increase the longevity of the engine.

Hope this helps.

 

[ksh]

I've had my 2018 since Sept of last year. Almost a year, over 10k miles. I came from an ecodiesel. Tows great, i even took its 8k+ lbs off roading without any problems. I've probably filled the def 4 times. It doesn't add much cost since i fill at the truck stops.
Rides great, empty on the highway i avg about 20mpg. Towing 8klbs avg around 12.5mpg

 

[BarryG]

I had my 01 for 17 years and 350k miles and sold it to my BIL who is using it as his daily driver. I bought a 2017 3500 and have over 60k miles on it so far. The difference between the trucks is quite a bit. Fuel mileage is less. My 01 consistently got for my driving 18-20mpg. The new one is 1-4mpg less. It seems to be much more sensitive to driving habits. Ride is equal or better (01 was 2500 new 3500). It is significantly quieter. I went from the 01 quad cab to the new being a crew cab rear seat room is not even close in comparison. Fold flat floor is nice as as well. New truck sits higher at least at the bed rails which did pose an issue for my fifth wheel that I had to address. Interior is nicer on teh 17 for sure but I had no issues with teh 01 interior. The 17 is significantly more computer controlled than the 01. I have had zero issues so far outside of the two recalls that were performed (water pump and ignition interlock). The fuel tank is a bit smaller which sucks but it is not that much smaller 3 or 4 gallons. Oil and filter changes at 15k I think the 01 was still at 3k or 5k changes for oil and 10k for fuel filter. New truck fuel filters are a lot more expensive than the 01 $20 VS $85-90 for the pair. Oil filters same filter same price. Transmission is quite a bit better and I have the 68rfe and so far it has been totally fine for my needs. Old truck had 354 gearing new one 342 would prefer a 373. The newer one definitely motors around at a lower rpm but it has actually never been a problem even towing our fifth wheel which is only about 10k lbs. The exhaust brake and the tow haul mode are a nice addition compared to the 01. The radio is way more advanced as it is way more than just a radio and will probably pose a problem down the road as it is so integrated with the truck computers but time will tell on that I suppose. Love the new one but dont have the bond with it that I had on my 01.

 

[Jrsweet16]

i have 2016 cummins 4x4 crew limited, the truck is beautiful i will say, but its expensive mine is a toy so i use it on weekends or anything else, its not a daily driver, so i just bought mopar fuel filters on ebay cuz it takes 2 of them, if u find the combo water seperator n the fuel filter for 90 or less get it, i bout them seperate 2 water sepers for like 65$ mopar of corse, n 2 filters 50$, n that will b 1 time a year for, not including oil filter wali has it for 7$ autozone 13$, n oil at advanced auto 15 gal, but i do my own services, those dam dealers r gonna rape u for 3-450 hundred buck to do that, so good luck.
trucks are worth it, for mpgs u gotta baby it, which kills me but oh well im satisfied. if ur is a daily drive it will b a little expensive, good luck let us know

 

[4x4x4door]

Least favorite feature is the non programmable TPMS. I run the tires as the tire manufacturer recommends, not Ram's 65/80psi recommendation.

Although not programmable, the TPMS settings can be adjusted just not by the dealer. I've helped 100's across the U.S. change their threshold values. You don't need to be local to me either because I'll mail it to you with complete instructions. Feel free to shoot me a PM for details.