Would like to buy a used 2500 Diesel

[DieselDevilDog]

We just got a 30' travel trailer. Our 2016 ram 5.7 hemi pulls it but up and down the mountains here in Georgia are a little bit hard. The trailer is around 7000lbs and we are at the limit. So........I was thinking about a 2012 or 2013 2500 and the main question is the DEF fluid. I don't think the 2012 had to use it, but the 2013 does. Any comments/advise would be greatly appreciated.................................................

thanks a lot for the invite to the forum......................


Diesel

 

[Killer223]

get the 13. the MPG on the 12's suck unless tuned.

 

[TMyers]

You are correct, the 2012 does not use DEF and the 2013 does. The 6.7 Cummins will be night and day different from the Hemi. I don't know if it's standard for the Diesel Rams but get one with the integrated brake controller. Also, the exhaust brake is a big plus for towing in the mountains.

Only down side is maintenance cost of the diesel.

 

[Newsa]

You are correct, the 2012 does not use DEF and the 2013 does. The 6.7 Cummins will be night and day different from the Hemi. I don't know if it's standard for the Diesel Rams but get one with the integrated brake controller. Also, the exhaust brake is a big plus for towing in the mountains.

Only down side is maintenance cost of the diesel.

Integrated brake controller is a must.
Cost of a new one will be astronmical with the steel tariffs. Get a used one. The value of all our used trucks will go up as soon as steel tariffs are implemented

 

[nukegm]

Integrated brake controller is a must.
Cost of a new one will be astronmical with the steel tariffs. Get a used one. The value of all our used trucks will go up as soon as steel tariffs are implemented

from what i read, the cost of a new truck with the tarriffs would be 100 dollars more. i am not a fan of tarriffs, but its nice to see the usa take a stand. we send vehicles to europe and they tax them 25 percent. they send vehicles here and we tax them 2 percent. cheers comrade!

 

[KenHwy61]

We just got a 30' travel trailer. Our 2016 ram 5.7 hemi pulls it but up and down the mountains here in Georgia are a little bit hard. The trailer is around 7000lbs and we are at the limit. So........I was thinking about a 2012 or 2013 2500 and the main question is the DEF fluid. I don't think the 2012 had to use it, but the 2013 does. Any comments/advise would be greatly appreciated.................................................

thanks a lot for the invite to the forum......................


Diesel

I have a 2012. You are correct that the 12 does not need DEF. For most owners, adding DEF seems to be a non issue. Although not too likely, be aware a DEF system malfunction could you into limp mode per EPA mandates. Mileage will be worse and routine maintenance more on a 12 than a 2013 unless you disable the emissions. This could be as simple as unplugging the EGR or go all out and buy a tuner and delete pipe. Mine 2012 has been very reliable and gets about 10.5-12.5 MPG towing a 10K travel trailer. I have the EGR unplugged. In any case, you will really like the diesel low rpm power and its engine brake for towing.

 

[CMB]

I also own a 2012. I just wanted to emphasize the integrated brake controller and exhaust brake. The brake controller is as you would expect, the exhaust brake is nothing short of amazing and will save you in pads. When the EB is used in conjunction with tow/haul mode it will almost stop the truck. Not sure what part of the country you are in but there have been a few horror stories regarding DEF system malfunction as Kenhyw61 states especially in colder weather. Again, either way you will be happy with the diesel and the amazing ability to DO WORK.

Just my 2 cents

 

[6V92TA]

how much towing do you do compared to how much do you need to switch from a newer truck to an older model?

 

[Newsa]

from what i read, the cost of a new truck with the tarriffs would be 100 dollars more. i am not a fan of tarriffs, but its nice to see the usa take a stand. we send vehicles to europe and they tax them 25 percent. they send vehicles here and we tax them 2 percent. cheers comrade!

I hope you are right about the $100.

Polaris says that metal tariffs could increase their costs 1%. If the coat of producing a HD truck went up only 1%, A 70k truck would increase in cost at least $700.

1% Might be accurate for a snowmobile, jetski, or TAB that is either chain or belt driven. Or maybe a tiny drive shaft?

Most cars these days are unibody construction and have front wheel drive which reduces the steel/iron/aluminum in their construction. An HD frame, and drive train will have a higher % of steel/iron/aluminum. So in addition to any other price hikes needed for the big three to stay competitive, I predict a $1500-$2500 increase in cost of materials to construct an HD truck.

 

[6V92TA]

you gotta figure out the cost of the steel used in a vehicle inorder to get a rough guesss what the increase would be, not the total cost of the vehicle.

 

[Bob4x4]

After working on every model Dodge/Ram Ctd ever built,I would have to say I would go with the 13 over the 12 also.
Semper Fi Devel Dog 72–76

 

[DieselDevilDog]

After working on every model Dodge/Ram Ctd ever built,I would have to say I would go with the 13 over the 12 also.
Semper Fi Devel Dog 72–76

Thanks for that Bob, Semper Fi brother. 65' - 74'

 

[DieselDevilDog]

I have a 2012. You are correct that the 12 does not need DEF. For most owners, adding DEF seems to be a non issue. Although not too likely, be aware a DEF system malfunction could you into limp mode per EPA mandates. Mileage will be worse and routine maintenance more on a 12 than a 2013 unless you disable the emissions. This could be as simple as unplugging the EGR or go all out and buy a tuner and delete pipe. Mine 2012 has been very reliable and gets about 10.5-12.5 MPG towing a 10K travel trailer. I have the EGR unplugged. In any case, you will really like the diesel low rpm power and its engine brake for towing.

So if I were looking at a 13, could I unplug the EGR?

 

[DieselDevilDog]

I just want to say, thanks for all the great advice....this forum will help me out a lot................




Diesel

 

[DieselDevilDog]

Wanted to reply with quote

 

[DieselDevilDog]

how much towing do you do compared to how much do you need to switch from a newer truck to an older model?

We would like to go out west and do a little traveling. The 2016 Hemi pulls fine but it is at the limit of being safe. Our trailer is 7000#. Our truck has the 3.21 axle and that's not to good for pulling. We would do more traveling if we had a Diesel.....I would feel better about the truck pulling our trailer. And the main reason for thinking about a 2013 is the cost. The old Marine is on a fixed income and can't afford a new one.

 

[DieselDevilDog]

Integrated brake controller is a must.
Cost of a new one will be astronmical with the steel tariffs. Get a used one. The value of all our used trucks will go up as soon as steel tariffs are implemented

So does the 2013 2500 come with an Integrated Brake Controller?

 

[Bob4x4]

So does the 2013 2500 come with an Integrated Brake Controller?

It is an option,it can be added on but must be turned on by a dealer to function

 

[DieselDevilDog]

It is an option,it can be added on but must be turned on by a dealer to function

So i should be looking for a 13 with the controller already on it. It seems like if you were ordering a 13 new, you would want a brake controller.
Thanks for that Bob.......................................


Diesel

 

[Newsa]

So i should be looking for a 13 with the controller already on it. It seems like if you were ordering a 13 new, you would want a brake controller.
Thanks for that Bob.......................................


Diesel

Just so you know the importance of a brake controller, I am posting an excerpt from my owners manual. Depending on the brakes installed on what you are pulling, I think a brake controller is required by law for all electronic brakes and for some hydraulic brakes. I think the OEM one works fine for most uses. Not heard any complaints. It is possible to install an aftermarket brake controller, but it is harder to install than it was when these trucks were electronically simpler.