coobie
Super Member
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2004
- Messages
- 6,302
- Location
- S.Michigan
- Tractor
- Kubota RTV 1100c, JD 740,Kioti DK 40 with KL401 loader .
VERY NICE...You are gonna love it.
Ram 2500 4x4 Cummins-opinions
- Thread starter deerefan
- Start date
- Views: 29407
showcattle
Gold Member
I have a 2005 Dodge Ram Cummins, automatic. Only thing I've done engine wise is put 2 water pumps in it. The transmission had to have some kind of shift solenoid replaced. It now has just shy of 160,000 miles on it. I tow a 30' camper, a stock trailer, and a 25' tandem dualled flat bed with 14- 4x5 round bales. I don't tow a lot, but each of those 3-5x a year.
The bad: Rust. Bed rusted out. I've since replaced the bed, rockers, cab corners, and one fender. I then found a guy that melts grease into engine oil, and he under coated it. It's been three years, and no rust. I need to get him to touch up the frame.
The front ends wear out the unit bearings and axle u-joints regularly. I don't think the new trucks are as bad at this. It's been a good truck with an awesome engine.
The bad: Rust. Bed rusted out. I've since replaced the bed, rockers, cab corners, and one fender. I then found a guy that melts grease into engine oil, and he under coated it. It's been three years, and no rust. I need to get him to touch up the frame.
The front ends wear out the unit bearings and axle u-joints regularly. I don't think the new trucks are as bad at this. It's been a good truck with an awesome engine.
strantor
Platinum Member
Congrats! That's a handsome truck. I'm envious.
some zilch
Gold Member
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2008
- Messages
- 468
unless you have convinced yourself you absolutely need a diesel to constantly tow loads too heavy for the gas engines; i think anyone is crazy to venture into these emissionized diesel engines. i manage a fleet of 6.7 cummins powered delivery trucks; problems, problems, problems. i am a big cummins fanboy, but the emissions garbage takes the engine down. if everything isnt working right, the electronics/computer shut you down. most diesel pickups these days are just commuter vehicles treated as status symbols. a person is free to spend their money anyway they choose, but no way would i buy that truck for what you think you need it for
a newer gas f250 will do anything you want, and since you dont pay for gas, who cares if it gets a bit less mileage
a newer gas f250 will do anything you want, and since you dont pay for gas, who cares if it gets a bit less mileage
OP
deerefan
Veteran Member
I appreciate your opinion. Items I will be towing-10klb tractor, skidsteer, mini ex, small dozer Deere 450. This truck allows me to move these items from job to job without hiring out. I have a small side business and this truck will serve it perfectly. A gas truck may have worked for some of the items, but the dozer and future dump trailer exceeded capacities. I can also now haul the skidsteer and mini ex at the same time. If the truck become problematic, it will be replaced. In doing my research, the Cummins had the least amount of issues.
Overall, GM, Ford nor Chrysler vehicles can match Toyota reliability, especially in the light truck market. And Toyota Tundra can't match performance of 3/4 ton trucks; different animals.
I am not brand specific and really like my 2015 Ram 2500 diesel crew cab, 4x4, ~ 25k miles, purchased new. Great tow vehicle for my needs with similar fuel mileage to a HD, gas powered 1/2 ton truck- all things else being equal- with a lot more weight capacity, ruggedness and power. But have had four or five recalls so far for non critical items.
I was forced to test the truck's 4WD system when after a prolonged rainy period I sank the left front wheel up to the frame with the truck leaning to the left and the other three wheels sitting in mud at compound angles. When opening the driver door to get out gravity slid me right on out into the mud
. I swore at myself for awhile about forgetting about this relatively new trench a mini-x had made and subsequently filled in. There was no anchor point for the winch handy and no one else available for tractor help. So I just put the truck in 4wd low locked and to my surprise it backed itself out with no wheel spin I could detect.
crashz
Veteran Member
My father had a 2004.5 with the high power 5.9 and it was pretty good. Had some electrical issues (dash, multi function, etc) and fuel pump problems. U joints, ball joints and brakes seemed to wear fast, but could have been the driver/conditions.
Otherwise, that truck pushed a 9ft plow with possibly the most abusive driver in Massachusetts without a hiccup. And it was a towing fool. Not to mention, pretty fun to drive. I'd love to have a new one, but just can't justify the cost.
Otherwise, that truck pushed a 9ft plow with possibly the most abusive driver in Massachusetts without a hiccup. And it was a towing fool. Not to mention, pretty fun to drive. I'd love to have a new one, but just can't justify the cost.
BigBlue1
Veteran Member
Overall, GM, Ford nor Chrysler vehicles can match Toyota reliability, especially in the light truck market. And Toyota Tundra can't match performance of 3/4 ton trucks; different animals.
I am not brand specific and really like my 2015 Ram 2500 diesel crew cab, 4x4, ~ 25k miles, purchased new. Great tow vehicle for my needs with similar fuel mileage to a HD, gas powered 1/2 ton truck- all things else being equal- with a lot more weight capacity, ruggedness and power. But have had four or five recalls so far for non critical items.
I was forced to test the truck's 4WD system when after a prolonged rainy period I sank the left front wheel up to the frame with the truck leaning to the left and the other three wheels sitting in mud at compound angles. When opening the driver door to get out gravity slid me right on out into the mud
No doubt that Toyota has earned the quality reputation. But other brands aren't that far off these days. I've had several Rams with almost no actual issues (yes, a few minor recalls for stupid things). Only actual problem was a broken exhaust stud on the 1500's 5.7L Hemi fixed under warranty. Also have had several Toyota vehicles (and one Lexus) and they have their share of random minor recalls too. All in all, my experience has been a wash with both of them. Now Jeeps from the early 2000's, don't get me started... But with 2010+ models they are pretty much all good.
I'm really surprised that Toyota hasn't made a 3/4 or 1-ton truck yet. That's a big market share to try for.
Rob