Ram1500 EcoDiesel V6 revealed!

[3930dave]

my concern on a new diesel is "will it hold up over the long haul"?
The speaker mentioned a 3 year payback, but if there is many repairs (we all have heard or had the invoices on repairs of new designed diesels) those paybacks can disappear quickly.

I too want to hear more details about the engine itself. Given the equity that Cummins has built up for Chrysler in their p/u's, it would be foolish to run with a shakey (pun intended) diesel. I suspect this engine probably has been out in Europe for some time. If I was signing on the dotted line for this, I'd be taking a very close look at the emission warranty - but I'd say the same about any modern diesel, as many manufacturers can now get away with a surprisingly short warranty.

Rgds, D.

 

[DT86]

I too want to hear more details about the engine itself.

I read it is the Italian built VM Motori, the same engine as the Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel.

 

[3930dave]

I read it is the Italian built VM Motori, the same engine as the Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel.

That makes sense. Same as any diesel, I'd be checking around my area for an independent specialist - somebody I'd want to do service outside of warranty, and also for a opinion/sanity check on a particular engine.

One of my concerns in the market is educating consumers (and in some cases, dealers) about using the correct spec diesel oil, as it really matters with most of these new diesel engines.

Personally, I'd be changing the oil myself, even if I had just won a lottery.

Rgds, D.

 

[CHDinCT]

I'll be interested in how this truck is received in the market and what the reliability is. I do hope this works out for Ram since if so, it will spur Ford and GM, and maybe Toyota, to bring a small block diesel to market. Could be the start of half ton diesels in the US. And where's Dmace - 14 posts already and no word from him??

 

[handirifle]

The problem I have with these new releases is the cost. The prices are going through the roof. I mean come on 35K for a 1/2T pickup? It's the way dealer package these things that ticks me off. They won't let you get the diesel on the Grand Cherokee, unless you have the top level option pkg. They claim that's how they are making their money, since the engine is going basically for cost. I don't buy it. If you want it out there, consider all the work trucks that could benefit from this diesel. I do not remember seeing many service trucks with leather seats, and top end stereo systems, and probably NAV systems.

Offer it at all levels of the truck, and THEN you'll see some real sales numbers. My Tundra is an SR5, and that would be a great option for that level truck (I have considered looking inot a Cummins 4BT swap for my truck).

When I used to do AC and refigeration work, I lives in the SoCal desert, and our trucks didn't even HAVE AC, so did anyone think this guy is going to go diesel when he has to buy 10K worth of options FIRST?

No wonder Americans never get widespread diesel engine options.

That's another thing, why not take a PROVEN diesel that has been in the US for YEARS, the 3.9L Cummins 4BT, and upgrade it to current emission standards. We all know the rep Cummins has, and that little engine is a real work horse with a LOT of power upgrade potential.

 

[dodge man]

35k for a 1/2 ton pickup? You kidding right? I'm not trying to minimize that amount of money, but you can spend 40k for one and not have a diesel. I think 3k above the hemi seems like a pretty decent price.

 

[oldnslo]

With the cost of diesel fuel Vs gas and DEF how long is the payback? Around here Diesel is around $4.00 a gallon and regular unleaded is $3.50. Factor in the Diesel fuel in this area sucks for winter time use and you have some real nightmares.

 

[3930dave]

The problem I have with these new releases is the cost. The prices are going through the roof. I mean come on 35K for a 1/2T pickup? It's the way dealer package these things that ticks me off. They won't let you get the diesel on the Grand Cherokee, unless you have the top level option pkg. They claim that's how they are making their money, since the engine is going basically for cost. I don't buy it. If you want it out there, consider all the work trucks that could benefit from this diesel. I do not remember seeing many service trucks with leather seats, and top end stereo systems, and probably NAV systems.

Offer it at all levels of the truck, and THEN you'll see some real sales numbers. My Tundra is an SR5, and that would be a great option for that level truck (I have considered looking inot a Cummins 4BT swap for my truck).

When I used to do AC and refigeration work, I lives in the SoCal desert, and our trucks didn't even HAVE AC, so did anyone think this guy is going to go diesel when he has to buy 10K worth of options FIRST?

No wonder Americans never get widespread diesel engine options.

That's another thing, why not take a PROVEN diesel that has been in the US for YEARS, the 3.9L Cummins 4BT, and upgrade it to current emission standards. We all know the rep Cummins has, and that little engine is a real work horse with a LOT of power upgrade potential.

With you there handirifle - I've ranted in at least one other thread about wanting to see diesel options across all platforms, including cars - won't go back there today, as you said it well.

There are regional pricing differences, typically the same vehicle is higher priced in Canada, even once currency/tax variations are considered. What does a Jetta wagon tdi go for around your area, new ? Given the limited choices, that is often what I compare to price wise in light duty diesels.

Until there is a significant critical mass of choices in the North American market, I expect few/any manufacturers will be offering stripped down diesel platforms - they don't have to, because they'd sooner restrict the supply and make high margins on loaded models. My guess, we'll see stripped down diesels first (if we ever do) in the light cargo van market, as Pickups are regarded more as personal use vehicles.

I wish it weren't so, but I'm glad to see that we are sssssllloooowwwllllllyyyyyy getting some more options into the market.

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

With the cost of diesel fuel Vs gas and DEF how long is the payback? Around here Diesel is around $4.00 a gallon and regular unleaded is $3.50. Factor in the Diesel fuel in this area sucks for winter time use and you have some real nightmares.

In Canada, diesel is presently cheaper than gasoline, but both are still above what you folks pay south of the 49'th. I do like that the energy content is higher in diesel, than gasoline - you get more energy/work out of a gallon of diesel.

Like any vehicle, you do have to run the #'s, and review your intended use. Drive a p/u (not saying you, but applies to lots of folks) to the grocery store once a week, and church on Sunday, then a diesel probably doesn't make sense. Low miles can be hard on any engine, but esp. diesels, IMO.

Tow a trailer, throw a small camper in the bed (these new monster slide in campers scare the **** out of me), and now a diesel may start to make some more sense, even once fuel/DEF is considered.

Load a bed of a 1/2 ton with tools and contracting supplies, and spend a day driving in big city stop/go traffic - now a diesel starts to look pretty good for commercial applications.

You do raise valid points oldnslo, for the amount of money going into a new truck one should assess all the costs carefully. I like diesels, but I drive an old one - looking at new, I'd also consider Ford's propane options - I started a thread here today on the Roush options in trucks.

Rgds, D.

 

[jejeosborne]

In Canada, diesel is presently cheaper than gasoline, but both are still above what you folks pay south of the 49'th. I do like that the energy content is higher in diesel, than gasoline - you get more energy/work out of a gallon of diesel.

Like any vehicle, you do have to run the #'s, and review your intended use. Drive a p/u (not saying you, but applies to lots of folks) to the grocery store once a week, and church on Sunday, then a diesel probably doesn't make sense. Low miles can be hard on any engine, but esp. diesels, IMO.

Tow a trailer, throw a small camper in the bed (these new monster slide in campers scare the **** out of me), and now a diesel may start to make some more sense, even once fuel/DEF is considered.

Load a bed of a 1/2 ton with tools and contracting supplies, and spend a day driving in big city stop/go traffic - now a diesel starts to look pretty good for commercial applications.

You do raise valid points oldnslo, for the amount of money going into a new truck one should assess all the costs carefully. I like diesels, but I drive an old one - looking at new, I'd also consider Ford's propane options - I started a thread here today on the Roush options in trucks.

Rgds, D.

Unfortunately the reasons you mention a diesel making sense doesn't apply to the Ram 1500. Payload numbers are poor for this vehicle compared to the competition. Most are rolling off the line around 1000 lbs from what I have seen.

Fuel saving is about the only advantage I see with this offering. Taking advantage of the diesels beautiful torque curve will not be utilized with the low payload capacities.