Ram 2500 4x4 Cummins-opinions
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deserteagle71
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Well we got the numbers right. Should be picking it up tomorrow, unless they pull some last second trick
Remember, once you get the truck pics on here are mandatory - as is a review of the truck once you have a few miles on her.
OP
deerefan
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Oh definitely. Well aware of that rule!!
coobie
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You will like it.Post a pic.Here is my 2016 ram 2500 and our challenger.Well we got the numbers right. Should be picking it up tomorrow, unless they pull some last second trick
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Raspy
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The newer Ram Cummins trucks from 2013 on are the best of the best. The only real drawbacks are the complicated emission system, with it's required very slow throttle response and the extra complication around the front of the engine that makes water pump and belt changes very difficult. In 2013 they redesigned the frame and the entire front end suspension and it is very beefy. These trucks steer very well even with oversized tires and they have a center axle disconnect for a bit less rolling friction.
The 2500 has coil rear springs and the 68RFE tranny which are very nice. They also have a tire pressure monitoring system that can be annoying. For towing of varying weights, you might consider the self leveling air suspension.
The infotainment system with it's optional 8.2 screen is great, as is the backup camera.
If you step up to the 3500 you get a harsher suspension, but you get a better tire pressure monitoring system and you can get the HO engine with the Aisin tranny. You will not break that trans.
The 3.42 gear ratio is a bit high for hard work and will make you lock out 6th when towing. I've pulled many miles in 4th and even 5th will downshift on hills because of the emission tuning.
If you think you might tune it later and delete the emissions stuff, the 68RFE tranny might be better, even though it is lighter duty, because it can be programmed. If you go with the stick, you can't tune it unless you install a new clutch too.
I'm on my third Cummins and they are a no BS, hard working and reliable engine. You can actually work on them without pulling the cab off too, if needed. When riding along on the highway they sound so relaxed it's hard to believe they are working. Imagine the engine at 1500 RPM and only firing three times per revolution. It's a very calm sound. But they will still pass slower vehicles on grades while towing. Nice.
My DEF system went out at just over 100,000 miles and they are not only hard to fix, but expensive. When they have a problem the trucks go into limp mode in 125 miles or less and will only go 5 MPH. Be sure to carry a code reader that will reset the code! This gives another 100 miles before limp. There was a recall on the water pump that I ignored and it failed suddenly at 135,000 miles and threw the belt off as part of the fun. Normally I would slip a new pump on in a hour and be on my way, but not with this new one. It is a very difficult fix on the new ones. $1,500 later and after a tow, I was on my way.
Then there is the oil change procedure. You'll love that.
The built in factory 5th wheel hitch is a thing of beauty. It is incredibly massive and really stiffens the frame. If you need a hitch, get the factory hitch. Also get the limited slip rear diff. Another very nice piece. All the new trucks have electric transfer case engagement unless you get the Tradesman. I wanted the manual lever, but settled for the electric and it is a good system. You will never find any vehicle that has better brakes, and the engine brake is another marvel. It can put out about 200 HP in retarding force. Leave it on all the time unless you are on a slippery surface.
I love the truck and I love Cummins engines, but if I was to get another new truck, it would be a 1500 HEMI for the simplicity and much lower cost. I think the Cummins is about an $8,000. option now. As a truck primarily used as a commuter, you might really weigh the differences. The Cummins is much heavier, more expensive to service, costs a lot more initially, has very slow throttle response, has very expensive and complicated emissions equipment. And when commuting, you can only expect to average about 16 to 18 miles per gallon, tank over tank. You'll never wear it out and it tows exceptionally well, but you'll likely have to rebuild the emissions system at some point and that won't be cheap. Finally, diesel is more expensive than gas and likely to stay that way. So the actual real world cost can easily be more than a gasser. I'm a diesel guy and willing to pay the price, but the fun of the simpler design of my earlier Cummins trucks is gone. If you need the heavier duty truck, you could consider the 2500 with the 6.4 HEMI, but they are serious gas hogs.
If you are out in the country and see deer once in a while, you might consider a heavy duty grill guard bumper. I did. The plastic grill offers no protection for the AC condenser, radiator, tranny cooler and intercooler all stacked up in front of the engine. Hitting a deer will cost thousands and strand you. There is no room for anything to get pushed back without damage.
Good luck with your decision.
The 2500 has coil rear springs and the 68RFE tranny which are very nice. They also have a tire pressure monitoring system that can be annoying. For towing of varying weights, you might consider the self leveling air suspension.
The infotainment system with it's optional 8.2 screen is great, as is the backup camera.
If you step up to the 3500 you get a harsher suspension, but you get a better tire pressure monitoring system and you can get the HO engine with the Aisin tranny. You will not break that trans.
The 3.42 gear ratio is a bit high for hard work and will make you lock out 6th when towing. I've pulled many miles in 4th and even 5th will downshift on hills because of the emission tuning.
If you think you might tune it later and delete the emissions stuff, the 68RFE tranny might be better, even though it is lighter duty, because it can be programmed. If you go with the stick, you can't tune it unless you install a new clutch too.
I'm on my third Cummins and they are a no BS, hard working and reliable engine. You can actually work on them without pulling the cab off too, if needed. When riding along on the highway they sound so relaxed it's hard to believe they are working. Imagine the engine at 1500 RPM and only firing three times per revolution. It's a very calm sound. But they will still pass slower vehicles on grades while towing. Nice.
My DEF system went out at just over 100,000 miles and they are not only hard to fix, but expensive. When they have a problem the trucks go into limp mode in 125 miles or less and will only go 5 MPH. Be sure to carry a code reader that will reset the code! This gives another 100 miles before limp. There was a recall on the water pump that I ignored and it failed suddenly at 135,000 miles and threw the belt off as part of the fun. Normally I would slip a new pump on in a hour and be on my way, but not with this new one. It is a very difficult fix on the new ones. $1,500 later and after a tow, I was on my way.
Then there is the oil change procedure. You'll love that.
The built in factory 5th wheel hitch is a thing of beauty. It is incredibly massive and really stiffens the frame. If you need a hitch, get the factory hitch. Also get the limited slip rear diff. Another very nice piece. All the new trucks have electric transfer case engagement unless you get the Tradesman. I wanted the manual lever, but settled for the electric and it is a good system. You will never find any vehicle that has better brakes, and the engine brake is another marvel. It can put out about 200 HP in retarding force. Leave it on all the time unless you are on a slippery surface.
I love the truck and I love Cummins engines, but if I was to get another new truck, it would be a 1500 HEMI for the simplicity and much lower cost. I think the Cummins is about an $8,000. option now. As a truck primarily used as a commuter, you might really weigh the differences. The Cummins is much heavier, more expensive to service, costs a lot more initially, has very slow throttle response, has very expensive and complicated emissions equipment. And when commuting, you can only expect to average about 16 to 18 miles per gallon, tank over tank. You'll never wear it out and it tows exceptionally well, but you'll likely have to rebuild the emissions system at some point and that won't be cheap. Finally, diesel is more expensive than gas and likely to stay that way. So the actual real world cost can easily be more than a gasser. I'm a diesel guy and willing to pay the price, but the fun of the simpler design of my earlier Cummins trucks is gone. If you need the heavier duty truck, you could consider the 2500 with the 6.4 HEMI, but they are serious gas hogs.
If you are out in the country and see deer once in a while, you might consider a heavy duty grill guard bumper. I did. The plastic grill offers no protection for the AC condenser, radiator, tranny cooler and intercooler all stacked up in front of the engine. Hitting a deer will cost thousands and strand you. There is no room for anything to get pushed back without damage.
Good luck with your decision.
dodge man
Super Star Member
Congrats on the up coming purchase, hope it works out.
Coobie, stop posting pics of your **** Challenger. It scares me since it kind of turns me on, must be a sign I’m getting old. It just makes me want another one.
Coobie, stop posting pics of your **** Challenger. It scares me since it kind of turns me on, must be a sign I’m getting old. It just makes me want another one.
BigBlue1
Veteran Member
This is the engine my 2017 2500 has in it. Yes, it uses fuel, but is actually better on MPG than my 2010 5.7L Hemi was. I had a Superchips tune on that one that required 92 octane so it was quite a bit more expensive to fill up also. I'm sure the gasser doesn't compare to the Cummins but it isn't too bad - well, until you tow something big.
Rob
coobie
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Funny stuff.
OP
deerefan
Veteran Member
The deal is done. Truly will miss the Tundra, but interested to see how the Ram/Cummins hold up. Here are some pics
