I'm confused about trucks???

jinman · Oct 21, 2005

Re: I\'m confused about trucks???

RaT, I have a 1996 Dodge Ram 12-valve Cummins turbo-diesel 2wd auto and towing package with 305k miles. It's the extended cab with a long bed. I can't tell you about those other trucks because this is all I've had for the last 10 years. If I were to have an accident or the truck was to let go, I'd first look for another similar truck up to the 2001 year model. I hate the gawdiness and horsepower/torque wars of the later Dodge trucks, but that's just my own day-to-day conservative nature.

My truck consistently gets 22 mpg in an 80/20 mix of highway/city driving. On long trips I get 23 or 24 mpg. Actually, if gas goes to $5 per gallon, I may be forced to go to a VW Diesel commuter car because I drive 70 mile one way to work each day. Seven gallons at $35 per day would make me look at another vehicle, but for now I just love the reliability and ride of this big ol' truck that gets good gas mileage. It also has enough power that I'm never a slouch in traffic. When I'm not towing, the truck will scoot.

In my opinion, the Cummins diesel is one heckuva piece of work. Everything else about the truck is pretty ho-hum. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

RedRocker · Oct 21, 2005

Re: I\'m confused about trucks???

I'm in the same boat with you FWJ, I'd like to park my 97 1 ton Dodge Cummins and commute with something else, but it's just too expensive to keep up another set of wheels. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif What to do, what to do?

jwstewar · Oct 21, 2005

Re: I\'m confused about trucks???

I've got a '99 Silverado 1500 ext. cab shortbed w/ 5.3 V8, 4 sp. auto, 3.73 gears, 4wd w/ rear locker. I've also installed a Pace Edwards locking roll-up tonneau cover. While our Honda was in the body shop last week for the hundredth time, I had to drive the drive back and forth to work. Gave me a chance to recalculate the gas mileage. Hadn't done that in a long time on it. Even w/ 90k on it, it is getting around 19.5 MPG on my 104 mile round trip daily compute that was probably an 80/20 split driving. I've only had a couple of minor repairs to it, would've had a few less if I wouldn't have been doing some things that I shouldn't have. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

PhilNH5 · Oct 21, 2005

Re: I\'m confused about trucks???

Rat,
I have a 2003 Dodge Dakota Quad cab 4x4. I do not need a full size PU and the Dakota was a good size. I was only getting 15 mpg and I do mostly highway miles. I put a bed cap on to haul my dogs and thought mileage would improve but it did not.

Since Katrina and $3 plus for gas I have reduced my driving speed. Before I went AFAP (as fast as possible). Now I never go above 70 mph. My mileage went from the 15 mpg to 18.5 mpg. quite an improvement. But as you noted I could be in a full size PU and get similar or better MPG.

Phil

KentT · Oct 21, 2005

Re: I\'m confused about trucks???

( Oh, I'd so let that Common Rail Diesel get its day in court before jumping down there with a fat wad of Franklins...but thats just my opinion. I know it sounds impressive on paper but.....)

TractorLegend -- I have no idea why you're so negative toward something NEITHER of us have any experience with -- but at least you're consistent....

If you'll notice, I said "and the bugs worked out"... But, if I were trusting someone to bring to market a new, smaller diesel engine -- I'll just say that I wouldn't necessarily put my trust in the "good ole boys" from Detroit ...

BTW, these are proven engines in Europe -- where smaller diesels are common, and there's a much higher percentage of diesel engines because of high fuel costs for years. The injection system is Bosch -- IMO, the best in the business. And FYI -- Detroit Diesel invested heaviliy in the company that makes these -- so they can bring this technology back to the states.

"History" of the Common Rail Diesel

BTW, these reports do sound good -- if the reliability is as good..

Full review

 EDIT Removed copywrited material - please see link Thanks

meledward23 · Oct 21, 2005

Re: I\'m confused about trucks???

Hmmm, just a thought,

A Truck isnt a truck till you put a diesel into it. Until then it is merely a pick'em up....

_RaT_ · Oct 21, 2005

Re: I\'m confused about trucks???

 Why is it that you have to go to a foreign country to get that Toyota crew cab 4x4 pickup with a 4 cylinder diesel that gets fantastic mileage? It is out there and has been for decades, just not in the US. 

The EPA and here in California, the California Air Resources Board or CARB.

CTyler · Oct 21, 2005

Re: I\'m confused about trucks???

My 99 4wd Silverado 5.3 extended cab, auto, programmed, headers, KN w/4:10's gets mid 17mpg on average. Mid 18 straight hwy, 19 on a good day doing the speed limit.

My FIL has a late 90's turbo cummings duelly extended cab 2wd 1 ton and gets 21-22.

My Stepson has a 2001 4wd Ford 1 ton extended cab powerstroke gets 18-19 and he is heavy on the pedal.

jcmseven · Oct 22, 2005

Re: I\'m confused about trucks???

Well, it seems the posters overall are suggesting going with a diesel full size truck (including me). A couple comments I thought about since my last post: first, there is a huge difference between the full size diesels now out and the one that you have owned with regard to daily drivability and manuverabilty. While no one would confuse a big pickup with a sports car, most steer and handle (and ride) better than ever. Second, I suppose making a list of the most important traits would be important. For example, my business partner has a farm with many narrow horse trails and tight spaces on it. He uses his 4wd S10 to run over his property. If I were to ask HIM whether a Ford, Dodge or Chevy 3/4 ton or dually diesel would work for him, he of course would say, "No!!!" They simply are too big. This illustrates an important point to me, that being meeting the need you have. If that need is to have the best overall truck, the new diesels are tough to beat, and they generally resale great. Also, the "big three" now seem to have their act together making super high quality powerful machines that are pretty nice to drive too. I think many of the foreign compacts and mid sizes are good machines too, but having myself spent no money on unscheduled maintenence for my nearly four year old truck, I do not feel I could have done better going with another brand, so choose based on these facts and the features offered by each vehicle. Best of luck.

John M

_RaT_ · Oct 22, 2005

Re: I\'m confused about trucks???

You are correct John. While I still want a pickup, a compact would suffice for most of my work but of course, there are times when a full size would be more handy and of course able to tow rental equipment that requires a 3/4 ton or better to rent. For example a Bobcat skidsteer or Ditch Witch ride on trencher. I do appreciate the responses. I have driven a 04 Dodge 1 ton 2WD with a manual from Reno to Las Vegas pulling a 36' trailer. Mileage was about 14 mpg at best. Thanks, Mark