For the gas RV Fifth Wheel Hauler's out here.

jus2shy wrote:

FishOnOne wrote:

jus2shy wrote:


But because diesels typically have fewer components, they tend to just not break down as often.

Just trying to give you the full story here and have you go in eyes wide open.

jus2shy,
In general I agree with your comments most of the time, but the above statement I don't agree with. The exhaust system alone on a diesel is way more complex which includes several moving parts (DEF pump, DEF injector). A diesel is simply way more complicated than a gas engine. Case in point todays Cummins trucks have way more CEL's than the Hemi trucks because of the complexity.

Yeah, for the post 2007 diesels they are more complex and the emissions have been a cause for fits (I even had a recall from my SCR catalyst done). But in particular she is looking at a 6.0 diesel. In that comment, I was speaking more to just the pre 07 engines in general (I shoulda clarified that). No ignition system to worry about. No throttle plate needed to maintain that stoichiometric air fuel blend (pre 07 anyways). And most anything on those motors should remain sealed up until about 250k or 300k miles once bullet proofed.

OP, glad you found powerstroke help. I find that guy pretty honest in what he talks about in his videos and shows quite a bit of experience with the motors. But there are many vendors out there that can perform the same services to bulletproof a diesel and make them solid trucks for the long haul.

Also, seeing that you looked at an older RAM (assuming pre 07), the issue with those trucks is you don't want to let them idle a lot in Park. The transmissions are known to chew up clutch packs because those transmissions don't circulate ATF when in Park, only when in gear or neutral (I think, it's been a while). So those rides could possibly need transmission work. The engine is pretty solid on RAMs from 2003 to 2007 where they use the common rail CP3 pump from Bosch (I think that's the range for pre 5.9 motors, someone will correct me if I'm wrong). The Cummins motor to look out for are ones powered by the VP44 injection pump, as they need a little more care (like better filters and fuel lift pumps) to ensure the VP44 was always fed enough fuel at all times. I think this was something like 1999 to 2002.

I have a pre 2007 RAM 1 ton dually with the 5.9 and 3.73 rear end. GCVWR is 21k# and the truck weighs 8k# with two occupants and hitch. Max tow rating is 13,500#. Bottom line is my truck is not suitable for a 17k fifth wheel. I think with the 4.10 axle it is rated 2k# higher but still not the right TV for a 17k trailer.