Dodge cummins 5.9 or 6.7 ?
I'm looking to buy a newer truck for hauling a 5th wheel. For those who have had both 5.9 & 6.7 engines, which do you think is better and why? Right now I'm leaning towards the 5.9, because it has a l...
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OP, I would strongly encourage you to look at a newer Ram. Even if you have to stretch payments for another year, you are getting a LOT more truck.
Given the choice of a 5.9 or an early model 6.7, I would stick with the 5.9 Cummins. The early 6.7's had poor mileage and need to be worked to keep the emissions clean. The 5.9 will have an old interior, likely worn out, likely high miles, less power (may not be an issue) and the old frame and front steering issues.
A 2014 or 2015 Ram will have a higher GVWR, stronger frame, exhaust brake, DEF system, respectable fuel mileage, new interior, will handle daily driver better, etc.
I found a used 2015 with the Cummins and love it. I get 21-22 mpg empty on the highway at 70-74 mph. I get about 12-14 towing an 8500 lbs bumper pull at 60-64. The new 6.7 is rated to 15K mile oil change intervals. I've used 2.5 gallons of DEF (half tank) in 3000 miles, a lot of those towing. Towing gets the temps high enough for a passive regen, and I've only had 2 active regens (monitored by an Edge JWA controller) in that 3000 miles (they have both been very short regen cycles). A 2500 gets coil suspension in the back for a very smooth ride, yet still strong enough to hold a decent amount of weight.
I know you didn't ask about a newer truck... but I would encourage you to run the numbers and see what it would cost. You get a LOT of upgrades for a relatively small cost. When you consider that you can get a new truck with no miles as opposed to a 10 year old truck with a couple hundred thousand miles, it makes sense to at least consider it.
Good luck!
Given the choice of a 5.9 or an early model 6.7, I would stick with the 5.9 Cummins. The early 6.7's had poor mileage and need to be worked to keep the emissions clean. The 5.9 will have an old interior, likely worn out, likely high miles, less power (may not be an issue) and the old frame and front steering issues.
A 2014 or 2015 Ram will have a higher GVWR, stronger frame, exhaust brake, DEF system, respectable fuel mileage, new interior, will handle daily driver better, etc.
I found a used 2015 with the Cummins and love it. I get 21-22 mpg empty on the highway at 70-74 mph. I get about 12-14 towing an 8500 lbs bumper pull at 60-64. The new 6.7 is rated to 15K mile oil change intervals. I've used 2.5 gallons of DEF (half tank) in 3000 miles, a lot of those towing. Towing gets the temps high enough for a passive regen, and I've only had 2 active regens (monitored by an Edge JWA controller) in that 3000 miles (they have both been very short regen cycles). A 2500 gets coil suspension in the back for a very smooth ride, yet still strong enough to hold a decent amount of weight.
I know you didn't ask about a newer truck... but I would encourage you to run the numbers and see what it would cost. You get a LOT of upgrades for a relatively small cost. When you consider that you can get a new truck with no miles as opposed to a 10 year old truck with a couple hundred thousand miles, it makes sense to at least consider it.
Good luck!
