Say what you want about Dodge...errrr "Ram" trucks, but they are catching a few eyes.

[deerefan]

?
I can legally tow 11,300 pounds with my f150.

The discussion is about technology not improving power vs mpg. I am stating that the ecoboost is more comparable to the 6.2 liter gm motor rather than the 5.3. It gets better mpg than an equal HP/torque motor from any truck lineup.

I dont disagree the mpgs are slightly better with the eb. I just dont think a 1-2 mpg gain is real big for the amount of tech that went into that engine. I have heard mostly good reviews about it so far, not knocking it by any means. If i can get roughly the same mpg with older tech (pushrod naturally aspirated V8) i will take it over the eb.

 

[jejeosborne]

I dont disagree the mpgs are slightly better with the eb. I just dont think a 1-2 mpg gain is real big for the amount of tech that went into that engine. I have heard mostly good reviews about it so far, not knocking it by any means. If i can get roughly the same mpg with older tech (pushrod naturally aspirated V8) i will take it over the eb.

I am not knocking the 5.3 either. It is a very reliable engine. My dad has one in his gmc truck and I have driven it often. I am just pointing out that the EB is putting out much more power and it isn't a fair comparison. You obviously are not needing more power for what you do so the 5.3 gets your job done. Would an ecoboost type motor with the exact same HP and torque of your 5.3 liter that gets say 4-5 mpg better temp you?

I am getting 21 mpg at 60-65 mph and a solid 17 in town without babying it. That is 15-20% better than any other gas engine currently in that power range. I don't consider that slightly. 20% may not sound like much until you think about it being equivalent to buying $3.20 gas vs $4.00 gas.

This dodge truck could give it a run if they set it up right. Most people are looking for fuel savings any way they can get it.

 

[lamarbur]

Re: Say what you want about Dodge...errrr "Ram" trucks, but they are catching a few e

Sterling trucks, the old Ford Louiville line, folded up and closed the doors three and a half years ago , thus they quit buying the Dodge pickup and rebadging them.

 

[Dmace]

Re: Say what you want about Dodge...errrr "Ram" trucks, but they are catching a few e

Why did they do this? Was this because of profitability with the trucks versus the cars? Also, what ever happened to the Sterling line of trucks made by Dodge?

Primarily, they split the two lines (Dodge cars and Dodge trucks) so that each could focus on their own line and each have separate CEO's. Kind of like GM's GMC line which only focuses on trucks, vans, and suv's. No cars.
Officially Official: Dodge splits off Ram brand with new exec appointments

As for Sterling, they stopped manufacturing trucks so no more re-badged RAM's either. I kind of preferred the Sterling grill, they were nice looking.
Sterling Trucks - Custom-Built Medium and Heavy-Duty Vocational Trucks and Tractors

 

[danceswithdirt]

Re: Say what you want about Dodge...errrr "Ram" trucks, but they are catching a few e

I'v always liked the dodge products. Before purchasing my 08 f350 I looked at a new 2500 ram diesel. At the time I was not impressed with bang for the buck. The truck had enough go but the interior styling was poor and all around seemed dated and cheap for the price, got the ford. Just out of curiousity I stopped at Ram dealer last week just to look. Wow.. I really liked the trucks. I spend more time in my truck than home and get a nice truck. The laramie I looked at was sweet. Lot of new small details. Loved the Ram box. Interior styling was right. Test drive went well and the engine brake really got my attention. This was with the 6.7 diesel. Under the hood you could see a far simpler engine with some room. With Ford its so packed a quarter wouldnt fall thru to the ground. Not buying a new truck and love my 6.4 with dpf delete, its a beast and zero problems but if I wrecked it Ram would have me looking. Cons of the truck, Mirrors totally sucked compared two my electric folding ones that I use almost daily. Miss my man step. The factory 265 tires, mine came 275. Dont know how the cummins tows would be my biggest concern. My .02 worth for Ram:thumbsup:

 

[deerefan]

I am not knocking the 5.3 either. It is a very reliable engine. My dad has one in his gmc truck and I have driven it often. I am just pointing out that the EB is putting out much more power and it isn't a fair comparison. You obviously are not needing more power for what you do so the 5.3 gets your job done. Would an ecoboost type motor with the exact same HP and torque of your 5.3 liter that gets say 4-5 mpg better temp you?

I am getting 21 mpg at 60-65 mph and a solid 17 in town without babying it. That is 15-20% better than any other gas engine currently in that power range. I don't consider that slightly. 20% may not sound like much until you think about it being equivalent to buying $3.20 gas vs $4.00 gas.

This dodge truck could give it a run if they set it up right. Most people are looking for fuel savings any way they can get it.

That is pretty good mpg. What is your setup? I honestly hope the eb is highly succesful and so far seems to be. Ford has been very innovative lately, especially with this new motor. I have owned 3 fords, a 97 f150, 2 f250s, an 04 & 06. I still have the 97. All good trucks. I have never owned a dodge. Their trucks just didnt do it for me but are looking better. Now the Challenger, that is one sweet car.

 

[jejeosborne]

That is pretty good mpg. What is your setup? I honestly hope the eb is highly succesful and so far seems to be. Ford has been very innovative lately, especially with this new motor. I have owned 3 fords, a 97 f150, 2 f250s, an 04 & 06. I still have the 97. All good trucks. I have never owned a dodge. Their trucks just didnt do it for me but are looking better. Now the Challenger, that is one sweet car.

First of all I am with you about not being brand loyal. I purchase what I feel fits my needs best on the day I need it. My last truck was a Dodge which served me very well and I have owned something from most manufacturers out there. My current setup is a 2wd super crew EB with a 3:73 rear end (max tow package). I have owned turbo cars in the past and had always told myself "if someone ever makes a turbo charged gas full sized pickup, I am getting one". Well I told my wife that my internal voice NEEDS to keep its promise and the rest is history.

My interior voice has since been silent but this 8 speed transmission has me curious.

 

[Renze]

Re: Say what you want about Dodge...errrr "Ram" trucks, but they are catching a few e

It seems that with the EPS, you're moving the engine load from the belt driven PS pump to the alternator. There's no free lunch here. (Maybe a 1/2 priced one)
How much bigger does the alt/battery need to be to handle the extra load on the system?
It's the same for all newer vehicles with more electrical load than just a few years ago. I read a few years ago that the mfgs were looking into going to 36 or 42 volt systems just to be able to handle the extra load required by all the electrical extras being added to cars.

At my former employer we built a light duty (say 3.5 ton axle load) trailer steering system around such an electric PS pump... worked great, but another detail in the concept wasnt allowed by the Dutch DOT, which rendered the steering system useless too...

 

[Renze]

Re: Say what you want about Dodge...errrr "Ram" trucks, but they are catching a few e

Volkswagon has had a t/c less auto since '06
it is basically an automated manual without a clutch pedal. and they shift lightning fast (as in .06sec gear changes)
the computer modulates the clutch for starting moving and shifting gears

You say "the clutch" but it actually has two. VW calls it the DSG, Doppel Schalt Getriebe, or double clutch transmission. it uses one clutch and countershaft for the odd numbers and one clutch+countershaft for the even gears. The computer preselects the sychromesh couplings, then enganges the other clutch.

John Deere copied this VW concept in the new 7R series, with 8 gears. It has a lot less drag losses than a powershift (only 1 clutch pack at a time that slips, while the other is engaged) and no hydrostatic losses like their IVT powersplit variable transmission.

I am sure the DSG concept will find more applications, its very usefull in mixed application dumptrucks where little drag loss is required on the highway, and faster shifting is required to keep rolling in rough terrain... Lets see which OEM picks up the glove...

 

[scrappy isb67]

Re: Say what you want about Dodge...errrr "Ram" trucks, but they are catching a few e

You say "the clutch" but it actually has two. VW calls it the DSG, Doppel Schalt Getriebe, or double clutch transmission. it uses one clutch and countershaft for the odd numbers and one clutch+countershaft for the even gears. The computer preselects the sychromesh couplings, then enganges the other clutch.

John Deere copied this VW concept in the new 7R series, with 8 gears. It has a lot less drag losses than a powershift (only 1 clutch pack at a time that slips, while the other is engaged) and no hydrostatic losses like their IVT powersplit variable transmission.

I am sure the DSG concept will find more applications, its very usefull in mixed application dumptrucks where little drag loss is required on the highway, and faster shifting is required to keep rolling in rough terrain... Lets see which OEM picks up the glove...

Yup, I knew all of that about the VW trans, I just didn't want to bore with the details. I didn't know that JD was using something similar though.