Hi,Question: If I'm buying a used diesel truck for towing our travel trailer then what should I look for when choosing the truck?Any warning signs:Is it a good idea to get a vehicle inspected and if so any recommendations. We live in San Diego but will look locally and up in the LA area.With regards to Ford and Chevy/GM.. anything like DO not buy older than xyz?It's my understanding that a Diesel will go on and on and on and 100K is just about run in. Is this true?What tends to break first so we can checkAny Advise is welcomeThanks!

I'd be looking at a 2006-07 GM Duramax or a 2004-07 Ram with the Cummins engine, both pre emission trucks. Other brand had a few problems from 2003-2007 with the PSD 6.0 engine. With the change in emission in 2007.5 they all had learning curves and for the most part, had problems till 2011. GM and Ford went to DEF type emissions and it was a game changer. All three now use DEF and have very good ratings.

How new of a used diesel are you looking? None are perfect, but there are those to steer clear of.The Ford 6.0 and 6.4 are to be looked over VERY CAREFULLY. unless you can turn your own wrench. If not best to steer clear. Duramax had some minor issues in the early years, but the 07 LBZ is the holy grail of the Dmaxes.Ram the Cummins 5.9 is one of the most reliable diesels in a HD pickup. the early 12 valve had a issue with the Killer dowel pin, I would place a bet most have been fixed.The Gen 2 24 valves had issues with the Bosch VP44 injection pump, corrected with a larger after market lift pump. 3rd gen had some early injector issues.My signature has what I drive , and would buy another in a heart beat, they seem to be going up in price lately. Good hunting.

45Ricochet wrote:I'd be looking at a 2006-07 GM Duramax or a 2004-07 Ram with the Cummins engine, both pre emission trucks... Kinda curious why you left out the 03 Ram since it's pretty much identical to the 04?

ScottG wrote:45Ricochet wrote:I'd be looking at a 2006-07 GM Duramax or a 2004-07 Ram with the Cummins engine, both pre emission trucks... Kinda curious why you left out the 03 Ram since it's pretty much identical to the 04?Would the 48RE be enough of a difference? Also, wasn't there a pretty good power bump on the HO?

BillyW wrote:ScottG wrote:45Ricochet wrote:I'd be looking at a 2006-07 GM Duramax or a 2004-07 Ram with the Cummins engine, both pre emission trucks... Kinda curious why you left out the 03 Ram since it's pretty much identical to the 04?Would the 48RE be enough of a difference? Also, wasn't there a pretty good power bump on the HO?03's had the HO with 48re - same exact setup as 04.Even better is that we have the NV5600 6 speed! :B

Buying a Used Diesel Truck | Good Sam Community

brirene
Explorer
Feb 21, 2014
mtofell1 wrote:

I'm not sure of the Ford but I'm sure they are out there.

http://www.powerstroke.org/
rhagfo
Explorer III
Feb 21, 2014
brirene wrote:
mtofell1 wrote:

I'm not sure of the Ford but I'm sure they are out there.

http://www.powerstroke.org/

The location for Ram Cummins Forum
Me_Again
Explorer III
Feb 21, 2014
Is there a problem bringing an out of state 2013 RAM left over into California? Here is a smoking deal on a left over 2013 RAM 3500 SRW. Offer them 48K and have it delivery across the border.

http://www.kingmandodge.com/New-2013-RAM-3500-Laramie-Kingman-AZ/vd/14765373

Has the sought after Aisin HD 6sp auto.

As someone pointed out a left over new one is a better deal than a used truck.

Chris
rhagfo
Explorer III
Feb 21, 2014
Me Again wrote:
Is there a problem bringing an out of state 2013 RAM left over into California? Here is a smoking deal on a left over 2013 RAM 3500 SRW. Offer them 48K and have it delivery across the border.

http://www.kingmandodge.com/New-2013-RAM-3500-Laramie-Kingman-AZ/vd/14765373

Has the sought after Aisin HD 6sp auto.

As someone pointed out a left over new one is a better deal than a used truck.

Chris

Why yes I did about three post back, but thank you very much for pointing out a real world deal. :)

I chuckle at all the nay sayers that a Diesel cost $10,000 more than a gas. Have you looked at used diesel prices lately, 90% of the 99 to 01's in my area are priced at $14,000 to $20,000+ these are trucks 14 years old.
Me_Again
Explorer III
Feb 21, 2014
rhagfo wrote:
Me Again wrote:
Is there a problem bringing an out of state 2013 RAM left over into California? Here is a smoking deal on a left over 2013 RAM 3500 SRW. Offer them 48K and have it delivery across the border.

http://www.kingmandodge.com/New-2013-RAM-3500-Laramie-Kingman-AZ/vd/14765373

Has the sought after Aisin HD 6sp auto.

As someone pointed out a left over new one is a better deal than a used truck.

Chris

Why yes I did about three post back, but thank you very much for pointing out a real world deal. :)

I chuckle at all the nay sayers that a Diesel cost $10,000 more than a gas. Have you looked at used diesel prices lately, 90% of the 99 to 01's in my area are priced at $14,000 to $20,000+ these are trucks 14 years old.

Russ, if I had the money I would be jumping all over this RAM in the link. But my lotto tickets keep coming up "sorry not a winner".

The thing I struggle with is that I can do pretty much anything on my old 2001 except tranny work.

Set of injectors! 500 and two hours on my time. Failed VP44 injection pump 1046 and 4 hours of my time. Better fuel lift pump 150 and a couple hours to mount it down on the frame rail vs on the engine. Time to swap in spare old OEM fuel lift pump, about 10 minutes. Adjusted the valves the other day! 2 hours, and I had the baring tool from the Cummins in the boat!

I have never owned a vehicle that was tethered to the dealers service department, so buying a new diesel from anyone of the big three would be a major adjustment for me.

And!!! My old 2001 gets better towing mileage than anyone of the three new trucks would get. 12-12.5 average towing, 15 around town, 19 to 20 on the highway.

The thing is we have not had a car payment in the last 20 or 25 years and many vehicles! With the cost of these new trucks I will have to squirrel money away for a couple years to buy one. So DRATS!

Chris
smcrea
Explorer II
Feb 21, 2014
Me Again wrote:
Is there a problem bringing an out of state 2013 RAM left over into California? Here is a smoking deal on a left over 2013 RAM 3500 SRW. Offer them 48K and have it delivery across the border.

http://www.kingmandodge.com/New-2013-RAM-3500-Laramie-Kingman-AZ/vd/14765373

Has the sought after Aisin HD 6sp auto.

As someone pointed out a left over new one is a better deal than a used truck.

Chris

I've investigated in depth the possibility of bringing a new truck over the border into Kalifornia.

Is it Possible?.. Yes

Is it worth the absolute grief? probably not

With the KA emissions requirements, DMV, tax implications etc etc we found that it's better to buy a truck inside Kalifornia. And a gun rack option would be out of the question!! :E
JamesBr
Explorer
Feb 21, 2014
Every truck has its issues no matter what the brand. My recommendation is find a mechanic that is familiar with the truck brand/engine/model you are leaning to buy and have them do a pre puchase inspection. Not all diesel guys know each engine well, so you need to narrow it down to what ones you like and one like and then go from there.

I was more flexible and used the overnall internet distaste for the 6.0 to my advantage and walked out with a 23k dollar truck for 16k which left lots of room in the budget to do all the 6.0 proofing work.
Me_Again
Explorer III
Feb 21, 2014
smcrea wrote:
Me Again wrote:
Is there a problem bringing an out of state 2013 RAM left over into California? Here is a smoking deal on a left over 2013 RAM 3500 SRW. Offer them 48K and have it delivery across the border.

http://www.kingmandodge.com/New-2013-RAM-3500-Laramie-Kingman-AZ/vd/14765373

Has the sought after Aisin HD 6sp auto.

As someone pointed out a left over new one is a better deal than a used truck.

Chris

I've investigated in depth the possibility of bringing a new truck over the border into Kalifornia.

Is it Possible?.. Yes

Is it worth the absolute grief? probably not

With the KA emissions requirements, DMV, tax implications etc etc we found that it's better to buy a truck inside Kalifornia. And a gun rack option would be out of the question!! :E

I just talked "Bacon" at the dealership and he said it is a 50 state certified vehicle. Give him a call, he said it is not a problem selling it into California. It was a special order and then the person did not take it. I am sure they want to sell it. Someone test drove it yesterday but she could have qualify for the payment!

Chris
rhagfo
Explorer III
Feb 21, 2014
Me Again wrote:
rhagfo wrote:
Me Again wrote:
Is there a problem bringing an out of state 2013 RAM left over into California? Here is a smoking deal on a left over 2013 RAM 3500 SRW. Offer them 48K and have it delivery across the border.

http://www.kingmandodge.com/New-2013-RAM-3500-Laramie-Kingman-AZ/vd/14765373

Has the sought after Aisin HD 6sp auto.

As someone pointed out a left over new one is a better deal than a used truck.

Chris

Why yes I did about three post back, but thank you very much for pointing out a real world deal. :)

I chuckle at all the nay sayers that a Diesel cost $10,000 more than a gas. Have you looked at used diesel prices lately, 90% of the 99 to 01's in my area are priced at $14,000 to $20,000+ these are trucks 14 years old.

Russ, if I had the money I would be jumping all over this RAM in the link. But my lotto tickets keep coming up "sorry not a winner".

The thing I struggle with is that I can do pretty much anything on my old 2001 except tranny work.

Set of injectors! 500 and two hours on my time. Failed VP44 injection pump 1046 and 4 hours of my time. Better fuel lift pump 150 and a couple hours to mount it down on the frame rail vs on the engine. Time to swap in spare old OEM fuel lift pump, about 10 minutes. Adjusted the valves the other day! 2 hours, and I had the baring tool from the Cummins in the boat!

I have never owned a vehicle that was tethered to the dealers service department, so buying a new diesel from anyone of the big three would be a major adjustment for me.

And!!! My old 2001 gets better towing mileage than anyone of the three new trucks would get. 12-12.5 average towing, 15 around town, 19 to 20 on the highway.

The thing is we have not had a car payment in the last 20 or 25 years and many vehicles! With the cost of these new trucks I will have to squirrel money away for a couple years to buy one. So DRATS!

Chris

Ditto!

I really enjoy our 01, still strong at 269,000. Turn my own wrenches also. Last project was Pacbrake. I do have a set of RV275's sitting on the shelf, soon to be installed.
That 2013 looks to be VERY NICE package as should be able to get for a few thousand less than asking.
brirene
Explorer
Feb 21, 2014
JamesBr wrote:

I was more flexible and used the overnall internet distaste for the 6.0 to my advantage and walked out with a 23k dollar truck for 16k which left lots of room in the budget to do all the 6.0 proofing work.

A "bullet proofed" 6.0 is close to being just that. All of the problems with this engine have been identified, and after market equipment addresses them. You could potentially end up with a great tv if you're willing to research and take the appropriate measures. Even with that, lots of folks aren't interested, so you'll see some great deals out there.

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