New pickup

[Turbys_1700]

That's a great truck oosik. I've got a friend that runs a 4500 ram wrecker truck. Bought it new couple years ago. He repossesses cars for a living. The last Ram he put over 450K miles on it. Puts about 50K per year running a Cummins. I know the 6.4 is a gasser but those heavy duty's hold up well for him. He's made me a believer. He runs both Rams and Fords.

 

[oosik]

Like tractors - - the easy answer, the dealer had no Power Wagons with diesel. I could be wrong on this, but I don't think the Power Wagon will have a diesel option until the 2019 version comes out in mid-summer 2019. And, NO, I would not have chosen the diesel if it were available. This gasser is expensive enough - the diesel would have been considerably more money. And I really don't want any vehicle that MIGHT have the Tier 4 associated problems.

Look at a new vehicle - it's a computer(s) with an engine and four wheels. I'm now typing on the most complex and powerful computer that Apple has EVER manufactured. It's sitting here quietly in a temperature, humidity & vibration controlled environment. It will randomly experience problems that require my attention.

Now, put this system into a vehicle that has no temperature, humidity, vibration control what-so-ever. This environment will also experience - voltage spikes/surges, brown out like conditions and the potential for wild power fluctuations. It's a problem looking for a reason to happen. Add to this the complexity of Tier 4 emission control. I'm continually amazed that this amalgamation even functions.

NO - I do not want a diesel pickup. I'm truly blessed that my Kubota is one of the last Tier 3 units.

JMHO - the government really put a load on the consumer with these emission control regulations. Particularly - off-highway diesel vehicles.

 

[Garandman]

Oosik, we had two Chevrolet Cruze turbodiesels and all the problems we had with them were emissions control related.

In the PRM* this is known as the Automotive Right To Repair law passed in by voter referendum in 2012.

Then the manufacturers did an end-run, stating some of the software used in their vehicles was a right To Use license only, and that the user agreement prohibits modification of the software. That is their story: most software allows for user customization. Now another law is proposed known as the Digital Right To Repair Act, As it applies generally to all types of products. Bill S.96

Not all manufacturers are on board with this stunt. Subaru actually prevents dealer software from determining if the ECU has been flashed back to stock. They want to encourage the tuner community to work on the WRX and STI and have bent over backwards to honor warranty claims. Chevrolet and Ford are selling ECU upgrades for select vehicles and Honda is considering it.

Repair is good for the environment, good for small business, good for consumers. 12 states have passed legislation. Washington isn’t on the list.

The Repair Association

* People’s Republic of Massachusetts.

 

[Like Tractors]

Like tractors - - the easy answer, the dealer had no Power Wagons with diesel. I could be wrong on this, but I don't think the Power Wagon will have a diesel option until the 2019 version comes out in mid-summer 2019. And, NO, I would not have chosen the diesel if it were available. This gasser is expensive enough - the diesel would have been considerably more money. And I really don't want any vehicle that MIGHT have the Tier 4 associated problems.

Look at a new vehicle - it's a computer(s) with an engine and four wheels. I'm now typing on the most complex and powerful computer that Apple has EVER manufactured. It's sitting here quietly in a temperature, humidity & vibration controlled environment. It will randomly experience problems that require my attention.

Now, put this system into a vehicle that has no temperature, humidity, vibration control what-so-ever. This environment will also experience - voltage spikes/surges, brown out like conditions and the potential for wild power fluctuations. It's a problem looking for a reason to happen. Add to this the complexity of Tier 4 emission control. I'm continually amazed that this amalgamation even functions.

NO - I do not want a diesel pickup. I'm truly blessed that my Kubota is one of the last Tier 3 units.

JMHO - the government really put a load on the consumer with these emission control regulations. Particularly - off-highway diesel vehicles.

I am not familiar with the current Ram offerings, I thought since it was a 2500 that the diesel option was available, I just am not familiar with their offerings. I understand the complexity of the electronic diesel engines, my business is testing/troubleshooting diesel pick ups. My L6060 and my M7060 are Tier 4 Final, I will see how that works out. Technology is great as long as there is reliability included. Computer controlled fuel injection has been pretty reliable, the first computer controlled diesel engine was the Detroit Diesel Series 60, back in 1987, complete drive by wire and it proved that it could be done, but the add on emission controls have sucked the reliability right clean out of the current diesels.

 

[Langanobob]

Oosik, congratulations on your new truck! I am a Registered Tightwad and all my life I bought used trucks and I have done my own maintenance and repairs for so long I think I am now hardwired to do it and no changing even if I had to. The older I get the less fun it is, actually not fun at all. I can sure understand why you decided to buy that new Powerwagon!

About computers and modern vehicles, not sure they are up to speed on the latest vehicle years, but there are companies like AutoEnginuity that have hacked or otherwise figured out most all of the manufacturers software. You can plug one of their devices into the vehicles diagnostic port and see exactly what each system is doing or not doing. You can also get smartphone aps for dirt cheap that will do almost the same thing. I think that the computers actually make it fairly easy to troubleshoot. Hope it is many years before you have to think about troubleshooting anything.

 

[oosik]

Langanobob - I've not heard of that company. Well, for the first seven years I won't be doing any maintenance on the vehicle. I won't be doing any AFTER that time either. It's all I can do to stay up with the software, programs, downloads on this computer here.

There is a product - 911 - that will do diagnostics, etc, etc for motorcycles. Maybe even cars. So I buy one these 911 diagnostic units. It tells me that my motorcycle has a 2123 error code. What do I do then? I take it in to the dealer - he checks - yes, it's a 2123 error code - he will fix it.

Hey, I KNOW there is something wrong with my motorcycle - I hit the throttle - it runs in reverse. I take it to the dealer - he checks - it's a 2123 error code - he will fix it.

Just because I have the ability to diagnose doesn't mean I have the ability, equipment, tools, knowledge to repair.

 

[ericm979]

The Magnusson-Moss act says that the car manufacturer or dealer can't require you to use their service or their parts (i.e. oil) to keep the warranty. You do need to use the specified parts (i.e. oil weight and type) and maintain to the schedule (usually the extreme duty one).

Emissions laws require an OBD-II connector and that certain parameters and trouble codes are readable. You should be able to get a code reader and get a lot of data from it, should you need to diagnose a problem. I've used it a number of times, it's handy. I don't know about FCA but many manufacturers also have proprietary data that is also accessable through the OBD-II port and can get you even more information, plus the ability to modify things. On some of my turbo cars I've bought programmers that let me entirely change the engine programming. If you do that wrong you can blow up the motor. But even if you don't reprogram the ECU for more power the extended capability can be useful.

The dealer will have the dealer software that lets them access the stuff beyond OBD-II. They also will have the software updates that are often issued for the many computers in the vehicle. An independent won't have those. But if the problem is a mechanical one like say ball joints an independent can fix that just as well as the dealer. I do my own regular service and most mechanical work. I use independents for stuff that I don't want to deal with. I rarely take vehicles back to the dealer. Most dealer service departments suck. Hopefully yours is one of the good ones. The salesman's statements would give me concern, but sales people often say things that are wrong.

 

[ericm979]

Langanobob - I've not heard of that company. Well, for the first seven years I won't be doing any maintenance on the vehicle. I won't be doing any AFTER that time either. It's all I can do to stay up with the software, programs, downloads on this computer here.

There is a product - 911 - that will do diagnostics, etc, etc for motorcycles. Maybe even cars. So I buy one these 911 diagnostic units. It tells me that my motorcycle has a 2123 error code. What do I do then? I take it in to the dealer - he checks - yes, it's a 2123 error code - he will fix it.

Hey, I KNOW there is something wrong with my motorcycle - I hit the throttle - it runs in reverse. I take it to the dealer - he checks - it's a 2123 error code - he will fix it.

Just because I have the ability to diagnose doesn't mean I have the ability, equipment, tools, knowledge to repair.

OBD codes are standardized. A P0301 is a cylinder #1 misfire on all OBD vehicles (and usually means that the stick coil on that cylinder has gone bad). The GS911 for BMW motorcycles reads OBD-II codes. There are also manufacturer-specific OBD codes (or in the case of some like VW/Audi a whole additional set of codes and programming). But the basic standard set is pretty useful.

There are many apps and sites where you can look up OBD codes.

 

[GSVette]

The last vehicle I actually was able to work on - 1975 Jeep CJ. After that - a complete and total lost cause for the homeowner type. While doing the yard of paperwork for my PW - I looked in the engine compartment of a new Jeep TJ. I've NEVER had a nightmare that bad. I could completely replumb my house. I can honestly say - I sure wouldn't want to be a mechanic on these new vehicles. No problems with mice in the engine compartment any more - not enough spare room for even a field mouse. Well, now - it says "window sticker is an invalid file". This will be a real test of my typing talents. George is correct - its a Ram.
Model year - 2018
Ram 2500 Power Wagon Crew Cab 4X4
Exterior color - Blue Streak Pearl
Interior - black
Engine - 6.4 liter Heavy Duty V8 Hemi with MDS
Transmission - 6 speed Automatic 66RFE transmission
its got air bags everywhere
ParkView Rear backup camera
4.10 axle ratio
front disconnecting stabilizer bar
Warn 12,000 pound capacity wench
Ram Articulink suspension
Skid plates - fuel tank, transfer case
Manual shift-on-the-fly transfer case
Hill descent control
Tru-Lock front & rear axles
Electronic stability control
Trailer brake control
Tire pressure monitoring display
Automatic headlamps
Anti-lock 4-wheel disk brakes
Remote keyless entry
Sentry Key theft deterrent system
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Flat black Hemi 6.4 badge
custom foam cushion seats - WaHOO
115 volt auxiliary outlet
Premium Alpine 9-speakers with multiple sub-woofers
A/C with multiple control zones
Apple Car play ???
Exterior mirrors with expanded memory
Front & rear door Accent lighting
Google Android Auto
Heated front seat and steering wheel
Leather trim
Media hub ( 2 USB, Aux )
Overhead consul with programable garage door opener
Park Sense Front/rear park-assist system
Black fold-away mirrors
Power 10-way drivers seat with memory power 6-way passenger seat with memory
Memory for drivers seat, radio and mirrors
Security Alarm
1-year Sirius XM Guardian Service
Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors
Connect 4C with 8.4 inch display
Ventilated front seats
Automatic high beam head lamps
Rain sensitive windshield wipers
220 Amp alternator
Rear window defogger
Power Sun roof
Keyless Go
Center High-mount Stop lamp with cargo view camera
Engine block heater
5-year Sirius XM Traffic Service
SiriusXM Traffic Plus
SiriusXM Travel Link 5-year Travel Link Sub
Power adjustable pedals with memory
Remote-Start System
RamBox Cargo management system
4 adjustable cargo tie down hooks
Bed cargo divider/extender
LED bed lighting
Spray in bed liner
Life time oil changes
Seven year extended maintenance/service package
Towing capacity 10,000 pound - I think
Payload capacity - not a whole lot with all this crap on board. Actually - no idea yet

DONE - DONE - DONE

Oosik,

That’s a nice pick’em up truck you got yourself there!! I know who I’m texting next time I get my regular ol’Ram stuck four wheeling!! You are not too far away!!

 

[deserteagle71]

The Powerwagon has not been, nor is it, available with a diesel engine. Gas only.

People who have wanted a diesel-powered Powerwagon have bought the regular 2500 with the diesel and then added aftermarket options to get the extra off-road goodies that come standard with the Powerwagon.